I have at 2023 RTL with about 17k. My B16 reminder came on, which is the rear differential. Going in tomorrow AM for my change. $209 at dealer OTD.

 

from my research, your mileage is normal. Less than 6k miles on a new truck seems- excessive or there’s an issue.

 

If you can change oil you can change the rear diff. Actually the rear diff is easier than changing your oil. It uses about 2.2 quarts of Dual pump 2 fluid at about 8 bucks a quart add 2 washers for 40 cents and 20 minutes and its done. Tons of vids on youtube. Super easy.

 

Correct and appreciate the reply. However, it’s not the actual task, it’s that it shouldnt be this soon (again less than 6K miles on the truck).

 

@CarolinaBrowser, that is quite a bit lower than the typical mileage for a first-time Code 6, from what I've read here, over the years.

Maybe there is some condition where the algorithm will prompt for an earlier rear diff fluid change. Since you mentioned your "lead foot", it may be possible that regular harsh accelerations may result in greater clutch wear that may substantiate an earlier Code 6 generation, but I'm just hypothesizing. However, this even seems unlikely, as the computer controls acceleration, based on its program and throttle input.

I'm sure it would not be beneficial to ask your Dealer's service department, as this is one maintenance item they typically try to upsell to generate more revenue. They probably do not have a clue, anyway.

My neighbor just purchased a 2024 BE. I'll ask him to let me know when his first Code 6 appears.

@zroger73, any thoughts? Have you seen and Code 6's this early?

 

@zroger73, any thoughts? Have you seen and Code 6's this early?

2023-current Pilot with prompts for the first rear differential fluid change at half the previous interval.

 

I have seen posted by Honda engineers (thought it was on this forum?) that the first Diff change is considered a break in one. Based on what Zroger is saying about the newest Pilot, it seems that Honda has decided that the VTM unit should have an early fluid swap out. . . . Vehicle is under warranty and the MM is calling for a rear diff fluid. Time to change your fluid.

 

The Pilot differential is not the same as the RL at least in terms of capability (not sure mechanically) so I'm not convinced the early change prompt is related.

 

I have a 2022 BE with just over 22000 miles. The maintenance minder has yet to show an A16 code, I can't imagine getting one at 6000 miles is right, but then again I don't know what algorithm it uses to trip the A16 code.

KH

I have a 2022 BE with just over 22000 miles. The maintenance minder has yet to show an A16 code, I can't imagine getting one at 6000 miles is right, but then again I don't know what algorithm it uses to trip the A16 code.

KH

I am glad that this maintenance code has not popped up for somebody else with higher mileage. I am at 39,000 miles and still have not seen it on my maintenance minder.

 

Have you always let the MM hit the 15% mark before you changed the oil, or did you reset the MM earlier than that? If so, it may have skipped the proper interval for the rear differential.

 

16k and 27 months and I've not seen it.

 

Bought a 2023 in December. Door code says built 11/23. Got A 1 in April around 8,800 miles.

 

I swapped my rear diff fluid at about 25k kms, about 15.5k freedom units. I never got a maintenance minder about it. Also on the oil, I go about 40-50% on oil life before I change. I get free oil changes and am not running this thing more than 10k kms on an oil change.

 

That's the point @Sparkland is making. If you perform oil changes before the MM prompts you at 15%, AND you reset the MM, other maintenance tasks will never appear.

It's ok to perform maintenance early, especially if you drive fewer miles and perform oil changes annually, but you should not reset the MM until it displays required maintenance items at 15%.

 

I don't go by the MM but IIRC it came on early with either a 17 RL or 20 Passport. I know that the brake fluid reminder in the Passport came on at 18 months which was strange.

 

I guess I need a tongue-in-cheek emoji! I think it's either an error in the MM programming or Honda decided decrease the rear diff maintenance interval for the TrailSport variant and the MM software can't handle a parameter for a TS vs reg AWD vehicle. So everyone gets a decreased interval. Since the RL's new gauge cluster is based on the 3G Pilot, the RL gets the Pilot's MM intervals. Note that the 2024 RL's MM gets a 7 code for brake fluid too.

 

Buy 3 qts of Honda DPF as others have said, and DIY..... Don't even have to jack the truck up. Will need a fluid transfer pump to get fluid from QT jugs into the rear diff. Its cheap insurance ! I do tow, and in the mountains at times, my truck with 45k miles on it has had this done- by me, 3X.

 

While I appreciate all of the “it’s cheap and you can do it yourself” comments, I believe most are failing to see the point of my post - that is to ask why so early in the life of the vehicle.

 

I think this reply is going to be your best answer.

We're just speculating. No one is really going to know for sure, but it appears in 2023, Honda decided to shorten the time for the first Differential fluid change.

Originally, the first change was prompted around 15k, with subsequent changes every approx 30k afterwards.

Since Honda recommends following the MM, I suggest you perform the maintenance, reset the MM, and expect your next differential service in 30k miles.

 

Maybe MM is estimating that by the time the second oil change is due it will be too long to go without changing the diff fluid so it gives the notification early. The goal of the MM is to have the necessary services done at the time of the oil change. I don't think the MM ever throws a code without a code for an oil change.

 

2020 here.

First came on for my 2nd oil change around 10k miles.

Just recently did rear diff again at 41,000 mi.

Maybe it's your lead foot? These NARTs are FWD biased, but flooring it, will definitely make the rears kick in.

In any case, if you're DIY inclined, it's really easy to change the fluid. If not dealer will probably charge $100+ for the service.

 

I'm at 15,000 miles now on my '22 and no MM indicators; I would question that MM code..

 

In the past I would save the receipt of the materials purchase(s) and write the mileage and what was done by me on it, then put into a file along with other service records performed elsewhere. Would that be sufficient? Admittedly I never had to use these records, all for previous vehicles before my RTLs.

 

As long as you have your paper work, I don't see why not. Also you can upload DIY service records with receipts on Carfax for your VIN.

 

That is a valid point. I used to know a mechanic who would use customer provided parts, including of course oil/filter, but also suspension, exhaust, etc. ASE certified shop.

 

I agree that many of us could do it ourselves......and/or could go to an outside shop....I also wonder if "certified" means ASE certified or Honda certified.

Does ASE certified require Master status or just certified in the appropriate area that covers the work that has been done?

......and three years after work was done....and you need to provide certified proof....what if the tech has moved on or the shop is no longer in business or it moved?

Heck!......what if I have moved?

I am not willing to take a chance on my +/- 45k high tech truck.

I don't want to have any cloudy issues in the event my truck has problem down the road.

I am already not thrilled with the extra maintenance a RL requires compared to a conventional truck with a timing chain, hydraulic components in the valvetrain, and conventional diffs........but I accepted these extra things in exchange for a capable and roomy truck that was in the $40's and not the $60's.

 

The warranty @silkiechicken was referring, was the "Limited Lifetime", third-party warranty many dealers advertise along with their local commercials.

I always assumed they would require all maintenance be performed at the dealers service department, which would certainly be a consistent revenue stream for them. However, the contract FAQ's she provided in this post required all maintenance to be performed by a "licensed repair facility". As @zroger73 stated above, I'm sure this is one of many requirements included to prevent paying claims.

 

The survey at the end of that post says 24% of the people do their own maint. Higher than I'd have thought.

 

That’s because, “Maintenance? What maintenance”? Wasn’t an option. 😀

 

@spredvan is correct about the Limited Lifetime Warranty that came with my truck. It was a dealer add-on that I didn't pay anything for, and luckily for me, it didn't even factor into why I bought the truck where I did. I figured I'd never be able to use it, much like I never bothered with the "free" oil changes. When it came to one item of actual Honda Warranty work, the blower fan getting squeaky under 36k miles, they replaced it (although with a bit of a nudge) no questions asked.

 

My 2023 Gave me a B16 around 15k and one year driving. My local dealership service department tried to convince me that it's a "bug" and they've talked to Honda America and have been assured at 15k miles only the oil and filter need to be changed.

They just don't want to be on the hook to pay for the diff fluid/labor time under the 24mo/24k mile free maintenance.

I loth dealerships.

 

They just don't want to be on the hook to pay for the diff fluid/labor time under the 24mo/24k mile free maintenance.

"Plan includes standard oil and filter changes, tire rotation and multi-point inspections."

No other maintenance, such as rear differential fluid, is included.

 

The wording is tricky, it speaks of factory scheduled maintenance per the maintenance minder but then seems to exclude anything outside of oil changes and tire rotations. Better to say "free oil changes and tire rotations for 24,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first".

Same kind of wording used by other vehicle manufacturers too.

 

I replaced the differential fluid at 30k in a 2021 RTL-E I used to have.