Transfer case fluid

ddywz · Nov 20, 2023

Hello there. I have 11K now on my Passport and love the car. Drives excellent with no issues whatsoever.

Question;
I see these videos on youtube and other sites where they recommend to change the Transfer Case Fluid at 15K intervals. I also saw a video for a RIdegline that the first differential oil should be changed at 7K miles? Really? That soon? and 15K after that.

I got all the oils, crush washers and tools needed for this job but wanted to hear from others on this matter.

I do not follow the rule of the oil life on the settings of the car. I do change the engine oil and its filter at 50% of its life. The oil is quite dark and I'm not sure how it can resist another 50%. When it reaches 5%, then I go to dealer to get the free oil change (while this deal lasts) and reset the stupid "Oil Life" Yes, the car has 11K and has had 3 engine oil changes so far. I use Castrol 0w-20 and original Honda OEM oil filters. Anyway, let's get back to original question.

When is the right mileage for Transfer Case fluid change? The car does not tow or driven under hard driving conditions. If the Transfer Case Fluid need to change at 15K does the differential fluid need to be changed too?

Thanks,

jasonpp · Nov 20, 2023

Follow what the reminder tells you.
Mine reminded me to change the rear diff around 15k give or take and then every 30k after that.
The transfer case is usually done with the transmission fluid around 60k give or take.
The darkness of the oil has nothing to do with the condition of the oil. The only way to determine is to do an UOA.

ddywz · Nov 20, 2023

Thanks for replying, I see a B16 on the reminder on display. Does that mean they will do Engine oil+ oil filter + Tire rotation + Differential fluid? Looking at the manual that is what B16 stands for. It does not mention anything for Tranfer case fluid.

jasonpp · Nov 20, 2023

FYI, the code shows up doesn't mean you have to do it right away. You can wait until the percentage to go below 15% before you change what needs to be done. No need to constantly checking the codes.

ddywz · Nov 20, 2023

Yes, I understand that. That's why I said by the time I treat code B16 I will be over 15K and code3 is not shown yet. Ok, not sure then why these videos on youtube ask for 15K on Trans case fluid. I'll see and I may do it with my next Engine Oil change just to be safe.

jasonpp · Nov 21, 2023

It's okay to go a little over. You car is not gonna magically blow up if you go a little over.

Steveg203 · Nov 21, 2023

I took my Passport in at 15k the dealer said the rear diff was due to be changed, I had it done and it wasn’t very expensive.

ddywz · Nov 21, 2023

In my case getting the B16 done should be free of charge, including the diff oil and labor. When I bought it in April 2023, they said the car maintenance is covered for first 2 years from the dealer. I guess that's how they trick you into buying the car for for money initially.

jasonpp · Nov 21, 2023

I mean it's not that much of a work to do it but if you are under a maintenance program then sure. Make sure they use the correct fluid tho. Some dealers would try to substitute OEM fluids with something else and it can cause issues.

ddywz · Nov 21, 2023

Bummer, so for a sick guy like me, I cannot even enjoy now the two year FREE maintenance? This is bad. I never thought a dealer would do that.

jasonpp · Nov 21, 2023

It's fine. The V6 in the Passport is not particularly picky on engine oil. People use Walmart Super Tech oil and these engines still last over 200k miles without any issues. It's not a Ferrari.

BlackCarsOnly · Nov 21, 2023

I hate to be that guy; but it's a very easy DIY. Waaay easier than a LOF imo.

Check this vid on YT.

ddywz · Nov 21, 2023

I agree with you 100% and I always do things DIY, that's why I got everything ready everthing, even the crush washers are OEM honda, but I thought to do so after my maintenance free program ends. Now it looks like I won't even enjoy those FREE changes, bummer.

Transfer case fluid

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