Tranny fluid change

[blackRTS]

Hey guys,

I am at 16 k miles i wonder when am i supposed to replace the tranny fluid, i was at the dealer last saturday i have my vtm fluid changed done at 15915, i have told that i was supposed to change the tranny fluid at 15k? is that true? i wanna hear from you guys before i go on.. thanks

[csimo]

No you don't change the transmission fluid at 15k. You wait for a Maintenace Minder sub item 3 to be displayed except under the following conditions (from the Owner's Manual):

"Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or

trailer towing results in higher transmission and transfer
temperatures or frequently fully loaded. This requires
transmission and transfer fluid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder.
If you regulary drive your vehicle under these conditions, have
the transmission and transfer fluid changed every 30,000 miles

(48,000 km)."

[blackRTS]

i only drove my ridge up the mountain once when i went to big bear california no trailer at all or any load in bed, so i just have to wait for maintenace minder for my tranny fluid change? is there any exact mileage when do i have to change the fluid in normal driving condition(no trailer,offroading)

[csimo]

Originally Posted by blackRTS

i only drove my ridge up the mountain once when i went to big bear california no trailer at all or any load in bed, so i just have to wait for maintenace minder for my tranny fluid change? is there any exact mileage when do i have to change the fluid in normal driving condition(no trailer,offroading)

That's just normal driving... wait for the Maintenance Minder.

[blackRTS]

Thanks for the info, i guess i'll just have to wait. Thanks

[just4fun]

Originally Posted by blackRTS

Thanks for the info, i guess i'll just have to wait. Thanks

You certainly don't have to wait, you can choose to maintain your vehicle at any frequency you desire. But Honda is telling you, unless the vehicle is operated under "severe conditions" there is no requirement or advantage to performing a transmission service until the maintenance minder prompts you to do so.

There is probably no reason to take on the expense any sooner than necessary.

My dealership has suggested I service the tranny at the 48K km (30K miles) marker, but there seems to a real tendency by all dealerships around here to recommend a maintenance frequency based on severe service.

I will get mine done because the truck is used daily for work in the oil patch, and although I'm not sure the use is actually severe, the truck definately gets more of a work out than the average commuter vehicle.

Kevin

[honridgeline]

I checked my trans fluid last week with 27000 miles on it and it is very dirty. I have had cars with 60,000 miles with cleaner fluid. I bought it used but it doesnot have a hitch or a single scratch in the bed so I do not see any signs of heavy use. This is my wifes truck and all it hauls is groceries.

[arteegee]

Dealer declined to change my transfer case or tranny fluid at 34k miles. Said it was "nowhere near time..." All it takes is one overheat to ruin the tranny fluid. Thankfully I haven't had any.