2021 Honda Ridgeline ATF Change - ZF 9-speed Transmission - Also for Pilot and Passport

In this video I will change the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in my 2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E AWD. This truck has the 9-speed ZF transmission, also found in the Pilot and Passport. Below you will find parts and tools on amazon, and general notes and specifications that list the fluids, cost, and torque specifications.
My other Ridgeline video links:
How to jack up vehicle and put on jack stands: • 2021 Honda Ridgeline J...
Longer video of entire 30k mile service (ATF, Transfer case assembly fluid, rear differential fluid): • 2021 Honda Ridgeline 3...
My 2021 Ridgeline Playlist: • 2021 Honda Ridgeline R...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting this channel.
2-Quart Pitcher
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Transmission Funnel
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Red Transmission Funnel
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Hex Bit Socket Set (2mm-14mm)
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GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive Hex Bit Metric Socket 8mm - 80429
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3/8" Extensions
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PLASTIC SHEETING to protect driveway
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GLOVES
GREASE MONKEY HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC GLOVES with PADDING
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DISPOSABLE GLOVES
GREASE MONKEY Disposable Nitrile All Purpose Gloves
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Synthetic Nitrile Disposable Gloves Large -100 Pack -Latex Free Medical Gloves
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SHOP TOWELS
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USED FLUID STORAGE
2.5-gallong jug for used fluid storage
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FUNNEL to transfer fluids into 2.5-gallon jug
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JACK STANDS
Torin 3-ton Jack Stands
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GENERAL NOTES & SPECIFICATIONS
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher $30.53/qt
Owner's Manual, pages 506, 575
Capacity 3.7 Quarts
Plugs with built-in gasket (if you want to replace)
Honda 06237-5J4-010, ~$32 each
No crush washer
Need 8mm hex / allen connection for 3/8" socket
Torque: 26 ft-lbs

[@6opekaso221]

Much better detail than most of these 9 speed transmission fluid change videos. Well done!

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you.

[@salishbear633]

Super clear and calm, thank you. In my five decades of wrenching I've never replaced drain plugs as most manufacturers recommend to owners. Never had a leak in any car or motorcycle I've owned. The Honda method is insanely complicated for this job, when it is really just a drain and fill and drive. You can do it 2 or 3 times with short drives in between to flush more of the fluid if you want.

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome and thank you for sharing.

[@djtimd8434]

One of the Best HOW-TO's for any of my Honda's and their repairs. Thanks!!!

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you. Here is a link to my Ridgeline playlist: 2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E AWD kzbin.info/aero/PL0pAqdmfaJaKsyPmo8gb0Mb-X9d3nU2WR

[@alexmoran2460]

Great video. We just bought a 2021 Passport with 80,000 miles so I want to do this for peace of mind. Thanks.👍🏼

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome! Congratulations on your Passport! Check out my channel for our Pilot & Ridgeline playlists. Our Pilot has the 6-speed transmission & our Ridgeline the 9-speed. Both have AWD.

[@8xlaxx]

Dealer just quoted me $419 for this service. Gonna do it myself. Have a '21 RTL same color as yours,...I really like this truck.

[@BenDMart]

Got nearly the same quote today.

[@downeys1]

Nicely done. I used to change my 2008 every 10K miles and never had a problem with it. I just turned over 10K with my new 23 Ridgeline and headed to get the new fluid which looks completely different.

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you.

[@bjvela49]

Great video 👍🏻

[@PaulNaylor3]

@@bjvela49Thank you.

[@Ram14250]

Hey Paul! Good video! Thank you for posting! Fluid still looked fairly clean.

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you. Yeah, I found it kind of hard to tell since it’s got that greenish tint when it’s new and it looks kind of greenish black when I drained it. I agree it’s a good sign that it looked good.

[@Ram14250]

@@PaulNaylor3Just did mine this morning. I'm at 22,500 miles and it was dirty, not horrible. That Honda 3.1 fluid smells like raw meat.

[@echozulualpha]

Well done video with perfect details for drain and refill!

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you.

[@smokinwithskruggs]

I know the plugs are expensive but you really should replace at least the drain one. The plastic washer is a one time crush only washer and you do take a chance at it seeping. Have actually seen it happen when DIY dont change it and bring there car into my shop for other work needed. If you decide not to spend the money i would at least put Hondabond or a silicone type sealer on the threads near the washer. Just a tip. Glad to see you doing it every 30k also. Highly recommended this also. I have done this service for customers at 60k because they don't want to spend the money because of the fluid price and the fluid is black. Nice video

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you. My plug might be a little different than what you are referring to. There was no crush washer, just a built-in gasket.

[@smokinwithskruggs]

@@PaulNaylor3 that is correct it is a one time silicone / plastic type and its made for one time use (per the dealer)

[@larryjohns8823]

I have good luck just putting a little liquid Teflon sealer on the rubber gasket. Way cheaper that the $30 plug!😊

[@brianm8052]

Thank you so much for this video. You saved me a few hundred bucks. Very informative and thank you for the links. I will be changing out my fluid this weekend.

[@PaulNaylor3]

You are welcome and I’m glad you found the video and the links helpful. If you think about it, comment to let us know how everything goes for you this weekend.

[@brianm8052]

@@PaulNaylor3 Thanks again! i was able to change the fluid with no issue. Saved me a lot of money doing it myself. So easy because of your video!

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome! Glad to hear everything went smoothly.

[@dfjeansonnejr]

Excellent video! Simple and well informed. Thank you!

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome!

[@wookster789]

Looks like you did add 4 full quarts on the fill step...or dud i miss something? Great video, btw! 🎉

[@PaulNaylor3]

3.7 quarts.

[@sladdster]

great share on transmission fluid procedure

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you

[@davidwelty9763]

This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome!

[@ctbale1]

Nice video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome!

[@ernestomendizabal3721]

Great job sir I learned a lot with your videos

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you.

[@danjoe22]

Nice video, you really know what you are doing. If I'm not mistaken you drained more out than you put in. Did you have to top it off after driving the truck around for a while?

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you. I drained out about 3.8 quarts and I put in 3.7 because that’s what the owners manual recommended. So, no, I did not add any additional fluid after adding the 3.7 quarts.

[@anjelstube09]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome!

[@johnrhance]

Paul, it’s been a few months since you did this. Any problems doing the simple drain and fill vs. Honda’s more complicated VSA method? I’ve been putting this off for a bit because it sounds like a hassle.

[@PaulNaylor3]

It’s been 14,000 miles so far. No problems.

[@mburlingame9747]

What is the “VSA Method”?

[@DIYBIGMAN]

Great video! Thanks for posting!

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome

[@Visage74]

My understanding is Mopar ATF 8,9 is the exact same product as Honda ATF since it’s the same transmission.

[@djpunisha29]

I think so too

[@davidwolkowicz3368]

Paul, did you exercise the transmission through the gears after you changed the fluid or just drive right off? Outstanding video bud!!

[@PaulNaylor3]

Good question. If I were using the check bolt on the side of the transmission to fill the fluid until it started leaking out, I would have cycled it through the gears and then added more fluid until it started to leak out of the check bolt. The reason I did not do that is because I felt comfortable through research and the owners manual to just add a specific amount of fluid and it also closely matched the amount of fluid that was drained out.

[@davidwolkowicz3368]

@@PaulNaylor3 Thank you, going to tackle this job tomorrow!!

[@jasoncharles6980]

I’m seeing that Valvoline Max Life is the equivalent to the Honda 3.1. The 3.1 is just so ridiculously expensive, and I want to do a double change to get all the old stuff out. 2021 Honda Pilot. Your thoughts?

[@PaulNaylor3]

I researched your question and you are correct that the back of the bottle lists Honda 3.1 as compatible. This could save you about $100 per service. Compatible does not mean identical but I believe it is safe to substitute. Since the ATF service is not done frequently I will probably stick with the Honda 3.1 but I couldn’t blame anyone for using the Valvoline at the drastic price difference.

[@jasoncharles6980]

@@PaulNaylor3 Thank you for getting back to me. Your content has really helped me. I drive a F150, so my wife’s Pilot is foreign to me. I still haven’t decided what ATF to go with, but it’s at 39,000 miles so Its due. Up to now I’ve changed the oil every 3000 miles with Penzoil Ultra Platinum and purealtor boss oil filters and have done the differential. Transmission is up next.

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thanks for the encouraging comment and I am glad the videos are helping.

[@mr_mcgoo2632]

Excellent video !

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you!

[@larryharris4313]

The dealership wanted over $400.00 to change the trans fluid

[@PaulNaylor3]

Hopefully you can save some money & I hope the video helps you do that.

[@patrikbrown4171]

Great video !!!

[@PaulNaylor3]

Thank you.

[@djpunisha29]

Is this the same transmission as in Jeep compass 2020? ZF 9 HP48 ?

[@PaulNaylor3]

I’m not sure. Maybe someone else will see your comment and answer.

[@audithisworld24]

Does your truck have a transmission cooler, by chance?

[@PaulNaylor3]

Although I am not familiar with it, your question prompted me to do some quick research. Yes, it appears that it does come standard with a transmission cooler.

[@oscarg31477]

You didn’t have to do the whole VSA maintenance mode? I seen videos that say that you gotta do that

[@PaulNaylor3]

No, I didn’t do it that way. I’m not very familiar with that.

[@JJDuval]

That’s the official Honda procedure is to drain it and pump a few quarts into the side fill port put the cap on put it in the vsa service mode and start the car put it in drive and cycle thru the gears get it to a certain temp range then get back under it take the side fill cap back off and put more fluid in until you get a small trickle and then install a new side plug. What he is doing is just draining and measuring what he drained out and putting in what the owners manual says which was close to what came out, so in theory should be ok just not the “official Honda method “ which I would think could cause an warranty issues maybe

[@kevinwalls5857]

What about the transmission filter?

[@PaulNaylor3]

I do not believe this model has a serviceable filter.

[@ctbale1]

The manual says to replace the plug, nobody does.

[@PaulNaylor3]

You are right about the manual saying to replace the plugs. They were $32 each when I checked and when I called my local Honda store to ask about them the parts manager looked up the part number for me and said that they have never sold one and their service department has never replaced one. When considering the cost of the plug, and you see how well they are made, I think it’s a safe approach to reuse them unless you’re leaking fluid.

[@ctbale1]

@@PaulNaylor3 I wouldn't replace them either. Probably 5 oil changes and it will still be fine. Especially the top and side ones. They sell non Honda ones on Amazon for 2 for $10. But the Honda ones are good several uses. Thanks again for doing the video. I was going to put 4 qts in and pull the side plug with the engine running with the tranny Luke warm but after seeing that 3.7 qts in the manual I like your method better!

[@jaypeetee26]

What torque wrench did you use?

[@PaulNaylor3]

I have a Pittsburgh brand from Harbor freight as well as a Tekton: amzn.to/3QuQDsx

[@bokchoylochoy3857]

Is there an atf filter on this model,

[@PaulNaylor3]

My understanding is that there is a filter but it is not one that is accessible or that is changed.

[@sterlingayu]

@@PaulNaylor3 i've dug into that and from what i read, the filter is embedded inside the assembly, which means it's not replaceable unless you're rebuilding it.

[@PaulNaylor3]

@@sterlingayuThank you for the information.

[@Curb-N-Sign]

Please everyone make sure you use the correct jacks when jacking up and down your vehicle. I finished all my fluid changes and lowered the car in the front and the jack additional extender piece I had slipped and my jack went through the oil pan. Now I have to have my 2021 Honda Pilot Elite AWD towed and have a new oil pan installed. All because I tried to save a buck and do it myself which these videos were great by the way

[@PaulNaylor3]

So sorry to hear that! I’m glad you were not hurt.

[@Curb-N-Sign]

thanks Honda wants 1k for the labor and $200.00 for the part so not going there. @@PaulNaylor3

[@colehicks4993]

thanks for the video 🙏🙏🙏

[@PaulNaylor3]

You’re welcome!