[DudeCS]

Thank you for this post, as always you have given anyone interested a real world guide to get another important service done without drama.

Thanks. These DIYs are helpful and reminder for me with the time lapse between service.

 

[DudeCS]

Another comment and will update to the instructions. After the ATF change, the delay between gear selection (park, reverse, drive) is less/better. Optional, reset the transmission control module to re-learn.

To reset the transmission control module:

1. start with the vehicle OFF
2. press START twice to enable ACCESSORY mode (without starting the vehicle)
3. depress and hold accelerator/gas pedal
4. wait for the "Check Engine Light" indicator to turn OFF (approximately 20 to 30 seconds)
5. release accelerator/gas pedal and press START to turn the vehicle OFF

 

[fx_chip]

CASE STUDY... How much ATF fluid is too much? When I drained the ATF, there was about 5 quarts vs the recommended 3.5 quarts for a fluid change.

With almost 50% extra fluid in the transmission the dealer tech certainly did not check the ATF level after installing the ATF cooler.

 

[fx_chip]

Another comment and will update to the instructions. After the ATF change, the delay between gear selection (park, reverse, drive) is less/better. Optional, reset the transmission control module to re-learn.

To reset the transmission control module:

1. start with the vehicle OFF
2. press START twice to enable ACCESSORY mode (without starting the vehicle)
3. depress and hold accelerator/gas pedal
4. wait for the "Check Engine Light" indicator to turn OFF (approximately 20 to 30 seconds)
5. release accelerator/gas pedal and press START to turn the vehicle OFF

Please what is the implication of resetting the TCM to re-learn? The reset makes it learn your driving pattern anew, it downloads data from Honda or it just returns to factory setting?

 

[14v6]

Thanks @DudeCS for sharing your experience and supplying instructions. If it's true that the dealer didn't check your fluid level with the installation of the trans cooler, I always had a concern that the procedure wouldn't be followed. I'm going to assume that if DIY with the spill and fill route, it's important to not spill and measure what comes out and add slightly more.

 

[DudeCS]

Please what is the implication of resetting the TCM to re-learn? The reset makes it learn your driving pattern anew, it downloads data from Honda or it just returns to factory setting?

It is to re-learn your driving patterns anew.

 

[DudeCS]

Thanks @DudeCS for sharing your experience and supplying instructions. If it's true that the dealer didn't check your fluid level with the installation of the trans cooler, I always had a concern that the procedure wouldn't be followed. I'm going to assume that if DIY with the spill and fill route, it's important to not spill and measure what comes out and add slightly more.

Yes for DIY, best to add slightly more better than to be too low. The fluid was more than dribbling when I checked. The recommended 3.5 quarts is a good reference point.

If I am able to DIY, I do it for the learning experience, the challenge and hopefully being done correctly. It was great when Honda factory maintenance manuals (paperback form) could be purchased vs today's subscription model.

 

[Bosetsu]

Yes for DIY, best to add slightly more better than to be too low. The fluid was more than dribbling when I checked. The recommended 3.5 quarts is a good reference point.

If I am able to DIY, I do it for the learning experience, the challenge and hopefully being done correctly. It was great when Honda factory maintenance manuals (paperback form) could be purchased vs today's subscription model.

Appreciate the real life view into all the maintenance! To clarify for the fill, did you have the check plug open when pouring in the 3.5 quarts?

I remember seeing somewhere about the Chrysler ZF9 transmissions have/had a dipstick for the transmission and someone tried it on the Honda ZF9. It ended up showing that Chrysler filled their ZF9s more than the Honda counterpart.

 

[DudeCS]

Appreciate the real life view into all the maintenance! To clarify for the fill, did you have the check plug open when pouring in the 3.5 quarts?

I remember seeing somewhere about the Chrysler ZF9 transmissions have/had a dipstick for the transmission and someone tried it on the Honda ZF9. It ended up showing that Chrysler filled their ZF9s more than the Honda counterpart.

I had the level check plug installed, finger tight, when filling the 3.5 quarts. I quickly checked the level before and after exercising the transmission, before torquing to spec. In both cases, fluid was flowing out the level check hole. I left the level slightly on the high side.

Yes, I saw the video about Chrysler ZF9, dipstick and capacity. I am fortunate that my transmission had not blown after the Honda tech installed my ATF Cooler and overfilled excessively.

 

[wrenchspinner]

so if doing a change, do you have to run the car through it’s gears or just put it in drive and hold the brake? Just curious. I just bought mine and usually drive 60k a year so it’ll be due sooner than I know

 

[DudeCS]

so if doing a change, do you have to run the car through it’s gears or just put it in drive and hold the brake? Just curious. I just bought mine and usually drive 60k a year so it’ll be due sooner than I know

If you apply the brakes, the vehicle's computer will not allow you to upshift if the speed is too low for each gear. You have to run it through the gears, from 1st through 4th for 10 seconds each. Then, idle in Park while revving the engine RPM to 2,000+. The purpose is to send fluid up into the gears and load up the torque converter before checking the fluid level according to factory instructions. If you are on jack stands or lift (all 4 wheels in the air), VSA Maintenance Mode should be enable to allow for the transmission to be operated like this. Else, drive it on the road and exercise the transmission before checking the fluid level. There was a noticeable lag shifting between P-R-N-D before the fluid change. I am at 62K miles, but will definitely change it at a shorter interval for the next service. With an ATF change, you are replacing less than 50% of the total capacity for an AWD.

 

[DudeCS]

so if doing a change, do you have to run the car through it’s gears or just put it in drive and hold the brake? Just curious. I just bought mine and usually drive 60k a year so it’ll be due sooner than I know

BTW, 60K miles per years is huge! Business or pleasure? We have been doing two cross country trips per year which averages to 20K miles per year.

 

[wrenchspinner]

BTW, 60K miles per years is huge! Business or pleasure? We have been doing two cross country trips per year which averages to 20K miles per year.

It’s all business. I cover 5 states so I’m on the road constantly. I think I’ll probably just drive it around the block a few times to exercise it. Easier than messing with jacks

 

[Api]

Thanks to everyone who's posted the steps and tips. This is the hardest transmission fluid change I've done on a Honda. No easy way to check the level and the hole to fill it is way down there. The transmission fluid smells terrible.

I was concerned about the level because I spilled a little when filling. After emptying my old fluid into a gallon container, I realized that my concern about the level is maybe more than that of the person in Alabama who added the fluid because there was over 4 qts of fluid that drained out. Doesn't seem like using the level fluid opening was easy for them either and they just skipped that step unless there is a reason to put that much in initially? Has anyone else had the same experience with over 4 qts draining?

I adjusted my filling and think I got 3.5. I drove it and it seemed good. I would like to use the level check but even turning the front wheel doesn't seem to give enough room to reach. I'm not putting it up and taking off the wheel. Having driven it overfilled for 3 years, I guess I shouldn't be too concerned.

My advice for anyone doing this is to have a funnel hose combo for the filling and to be prepared for the terrible smell. I often use a respirator when working with chemicals and wasn't concerned so I didn't have it out but the smell is horrible. Also, this stuff is green and not pink.

Also, with talk about the right to self repair in the tech industry, it's frustrating to see how difficult something like this is. I know Honda's engineers have their work cut out for them but it seems like the auto industry should put more thought into it. We on here are people who research how to maintain our cars but many out there don't maintain them properly and the industry's made it too difficult.

 

[pnwPp]

will DIY transmission fluid change void warranty?

 

[Kenny Wiseguy]

Hi,

I have owned and maintained my own Honda fleet for over 10 years now, most are AWD models.

In order to completely change 100% of the transmission fluid and to ensure you get ALL of the old fluid out is to do it THREE times.

I usually buy a case and drain and fill 3 times and drive about 5 miles in between these changes.

It isn't like the motor, transmissions are a system and to correctly change it ALL you must do it multiple times.

I buy a case and tackle this job every 40k miles and hate doing it but it is what it is...

Thanks for all of the above helpful information as this is a new one for me, my previous models had a transmission dipstick.

Kenny Wise

 

[fx_chip]

Hi,

I have owned and maintained my own Honda fleet for over 10 years now, most are AWD models.

In order to completely change 100% of the transmission fluid and to ensure you get ALL of the old fluid out is to do it THREE times.

I usually buy a case and drain and fill 3 times and drive about 5 miles in between these changes.

It isn't like the motor, transmissions are a system and to correctly change it ALL you must do it multiple times.

I buy a case and tackle this job every 40k miles and hate doing it but it is what it is...

Thanks for all of the above helpful information as this is a new one for me, my previous models had a transmission dipstick.

Kenny Wise

I think your suggestion is for a completely different transmission.

 

[Kenny Wiseguy]

Fx chip,

These transmissions don't have torque converters?

I know for a FACT most if not ALL torque converters hold at a minimum 1qt. of oil.

Every transmission I've overhauled had a torque converter on it with the exception of the CVT ones.

With all due respect I wholeheartedly disagree with you.

This is my 3rd AWD Honda and past practices have been to change the fluid 3 times to get it ALL out.

I've got well over 200,000 miles on previous AWD Honda's that I've owned and have followed the same technique for them (change the fluid 3 times).

I guess to each his own but for me I'm doing it 3 times.

If you have a mounted transmission cooler on your Passport or ANY other vehicle how would draining it from the pan get all of the old fluid out?

My research had shown that an ATF cooler will be factory installed on 2022 models with the Trailsport and Elite trims.

I dunno, you might want to reconsider your proper fluid changes methods.

I've been doing this for 30 years now...

 

[fx_chip]

Fx chip,

These transmissions don't have torque converters?

I know for a FACT most if not ALL torque converters hold at a minimum 1qt. of oil.

Every transmission I've overhauled had a torque converter on it with the exception of the CVT ones.

With all due respect I wholeheartedly disagree with you.

This is my 3rd AWD Honda and past practices have been to change the fluid 3 times to get it ALL out.

I've got well over 200,000 miles on previous AWD Honda's that I've owned and have followed the same technique for them (change the fluid 3 times).

I guess to each his own but for me I'm doing it 3 times.

If you have a mounted transmission cooler on your Passport or ANY other vehicle how would draining it from the pan get all of the old fluid out?

My research had shown that an ATF cooler will be factory installed on 2022 models with the Trailsport and Elite trims.

I dunno, you might want to reconsider your proper fluid changes methods.

I've been doing this for 30 years now...

Your contribution ignores two key points:

1. "AWD fleet for 10 years" is not the same thing as - same transmission for 10 years. Honda as used a variety of transmissions for the Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline and CR-V in the last 10 years so what you have been doing for 10 years is only important if those transmission you claim familiarity with are identical to the 9 speed in the present Passport - which I doubt - the 2019-2022 Passport transmission does not have a fluid level dip stick.

2. The manufacturer's suggested service method and interval of any car component is always more important than any personal anecdote and in this case Honda did not require that the Passport's transmission should be essentially flushed by replacing the transmission fluid every 5 miles.

 

[Kenny Wiseguy]

Sounds good, I'll be doing it my way. A transmission is a transmission irregardless of the type.

I still don't know how you're going to get the fluid captured inside the torque converter and transmission cooler changed without doing an actual "flush".

Everyone has their own opinions and method, I have mine and will not deviate from it.