When should the transmission fluid be changed on a Honda Odyssey 2017?
Maintaining your vehicle's transmission fluid is crucial for ensuring smooth gear shifts and prolonging the life of your transmission. If you own a 2017 Honda Odyssey, you might be wondering when the transmission fluid should be changed. In this article, we’ll break down the recommended intervals, signs that it’s time for a change, and why this maintenance step is so important.
Manufacturer's Recommendation for Transmission Fluid Changes
According to Honda's maintenance schedule for the 2017 Odyssey, the transmission fluid should typically be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions. For vehicles driven under severe conditions—such as frequent stop-and-go traffic, towing, or driving in extreme temperatures—Honda recommends changing the transmission fluid closer to the 30,000-mile mark. For normal driving conditions, you can extend this interval to around 60,000 miles.
Signs That Your Transmission Fluid Needs Changing
Even if you’re following the recommended schedule, it’s important to watch for signs that your transmission fluid may need attention sooner. Here are some common indicators:
- Slipping Gears: If your Odyssey struggles to stay in gear or shifts unexpectedly, it could be due to degraded transmission fluid.
- Delayed Shifting: A delay when shifting gears, especially from park to drive or reverse, may indicate old or low transmission fluid.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding or whining noises during gear shifts can be a sign of contaminated or insufficient fluid.
- Burnt Smell: If you notice a burnt odor coming from the transmission, it’s likely the fluid has overheated and needs to be replaced.
- Dark or Dirty Fluid: Transmission fluid should be a bright red or pink color. If it appears dark or murky, it’s time for a change.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your transmission fluid inspected and replaced as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.
Steps to Change the Transmission Fluid
Changing the transmission fluid in your Honda Odyssey is a task that can be performed by a professional mechanic or a skilled DIYer. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Locate the transmission drain plug underneath the vehicle and place a drain pan beneath it.
- Remove the drain plug and allow the old fluid to drain completely.
- Replace the drain plug and tighten it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick or fill port and use a funnel to add the recommended type and amount of transmission fluid (check your owner’s manual for specifics).
- Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes, then shift through all the gears to circulate the new fluid.
- Check the fluid level using the dipstick and add more if necessary.
While this process may seem straightforward, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual or have a trusted mechanic handle the job to ensure it’s done correctly.
Why Regular Transmission Fluid Changes Are Important
Transmission fluid serves several critical functions, including lubricating moving parts, cooling the transmission, and ensuring smooth gear shifts. Over time, the fluid can break down, become contaminated, or lose its effectiveness, leading to increased wear and tear on your transmission. Regular fluid changes help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Conclusion
For a 2017 Honda Odyssey, changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Pay attention to the signs of worn-out fluid and don’t hesitate to schedule a service if needed. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your transmission maintenance needs. Contact us today to keep your Odyssey running like new!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the transmission fluid in my 2017 Honda Odyssey?
every 90,000 miles
The following services will only need to be performed once or twice throughout the life span of your Honda Odyssey: Replace transmission fluid at/every 90,000 miles.
What happens if I never change my transmission fluid?
The fluid's purpose is to provide lubrication and assist in the cooling process. Skipping out of a transmission fluid change will impact your vehicle's operation and lead to expensive repairs eventually.
How do I know if my Honda needs transmission fluid?
Pay Attention to Your Car
- Delayed response. Whether you drive automatic or manual, if you notice a delay in gear shift changes, the issue may be with the transmission fluid.
- Burning smell.
- Noticeable leakage.
- Check engine light.
Should I change transmission fluid after 100k miles?
In the past, the factory-recommended interval for changing the automatic transmission fluid was typically between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, but some newer vehicles have what's referred to as “lifetime fluid.” However, there's some question as to whether never changing the transmission fluid may shorten that “lifetime.” ...
What happens if you never change transmission fluid?
The fluid's purpose is to provide lubrication and assist in the cooling process. Skipping out of a transmission fluid change will impact your vehicle's operation and lead to expensive repairs eventually.
How often does Honda recommend changing transmission fluid?
every 50,000 to 100,000 miles
How Often Should You Get a Honda Transmission Fluid Change? It is recommended that you schedule a Honda transmission fluid change every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The interval will change depending on the model you drive and the type of transmission it is equipped with.
Is it necessary to change transmission fluid in a Honda Odyssey?
Honda Odyssey vans require automatic transmission fluid changes at 30,000 mile (48,000 km) intervals. This helps protect the transmission from failure, and is a simple procedure almost anyone can do.
How much is a transmission fluid change for a Honda Odyssey?
The average cost for a Honda Odyssey Transmission Fluid Change is between $94 and $106. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $56 while parts are typically priced around $50. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
What year Honda Odyssey has bad transmission problems?
Yes, there have been recalls concerning transmission issues in the Honda Odyssey. One significant recall affected around 50,000 Odyssey minivans from the 2018 and 2019 model years.
Does the 2017 Honda Odyssey have transmission problems?
2017 Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems
It's scarce, but leaks could also mean there's an issue with your transmission hose. Strange smells are a sign your transmission fluid is burning inside your elements. An obvious sign would be if your 2017 Honda Odyssey transmission warning light is on.
