[14v6]

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.

 

[Cbayman]

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

The 2024 Pilot and RL owner's manuals continue state to change the rear differential fluid at 7500 mi. and every 15K for severe service as has been the case since this platform was introduced for the 2016 Pilot. Apparently Honda programmed in "severe service" so owners no longer have to guess if their use constitutes severe service.

 

[longboat]

The 2024 Pilot and RL owner's manuals continue state to change the rear differential fluid at 7500 mi. and every 15K for severe service as has been the case since this platform was introduced for the 2016 Pilot. Apparently Honda programmed in "severe service" so owners no longer have to guess if their use constitutes severe service.

That will make the dealers happy, too, but could eventually alienate some folks to the "reliable" Honda brand. Look at how many people come here from their SUVs or trucks with standard diffs and can't figure out why they have to service the Honda rear diff so much...

 

[Cbayman]

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.

 

[geezee60]

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.

 

[Sparkland]

I run the oil down to 5% or lower before changing it. If I don’t get the MM by 45k miles I will just do it anyway.

If the rear differential fluid has never been changed, you are way overdue. It should have done the first time at around 15K miles.

 

[CarolinaBrowser]

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.

 

[14v6]

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.

 

[spredvan]

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.

 

[JBreeze]

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.

 

[fdeno]

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

 

[KH111]

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

Don't know what I was thinking but I was mistaken when I said my maintenance minder code "6" had not showed up yet. I rechecked my records and I had that code at 17000 miles back in October and the differential fluid change was done at that time. Sorry about that.

KH

 

[CarolinaBrowser]

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

I think this is the likely answer. Thank you!

 

[Steve Jordan]

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.

I'd want to make sure the warranty proof was satisfied.

 

[gkreamer]

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.

 

[JBreeze]

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.

 

[Steve Jordan]

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.

I know Silkie Chicken had proof of maintenance done and her transmission warranty was denied on a warranty claim for not being done by a 'certified technician'. I would be cautious on something this new especially.

 

[gkreamer]

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.

 

[Ergo Sum]

I know Silkie Chicken had proof of maintenance done and her transmission warranty was denied on a warranty claim for not being done by a 'certified technician'. I would be cautious on something this new especially.

I don't see why it should be for fluid changes, but...

Does the 'certified technician' required to be Honda certified technician?

 

[ATL RL]

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.