Truth about OVERHEATED HONDAS!??(Passport, Ridgeline, Pilot)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It's true, a midsized Honda does not have a low gear transfer case. But check out these specifications: 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma 1st gear 4Hi: 13.1:1

[@owequitit]

The Honda 6speed is not a dual clutch with a torque converter. That was the 8-speed only offered in certain 4 cylinder car models. It is more like a clutch pack operated manual transmission, and is ultimately a derivative technology of Honda’s old “Hondamatic” motorcycle transmissions, as every Honda auto before it was. They worked great and were largely trouble free until buyers started demanding “smooth shifting,” which is something the Hondamatic design was not particularly good at. Honda got creative with ways to smooth it out, and this lead to durability issues. With the 6AT, I think it just doesn’t have enough cooling capacity or flow volume to keep it cool. Some have reported great results with a bigger cooler, some have not. In either case, the 9AT and 10AT are much more suitable for this type of use. The rest I agree with, but I thought the Tacoma in 4LO was actually 28:1 since 1st is 14:1 and it has a 2:1 transfer case, but I could definitely be wrong. What’s important is that the newer Honda gearing is much more capable than people think.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@owequitit Thanks for clearing that up. I remember it being described in some automotive journalist articles as being a dual clutch with a torque converter, so I was just regurgitating.

[@robbergstrom943]

Nice cooling upgrade. After I saw 215+ on our ‘23 Death Valley trip I added a Hayden cooler and switched to bud built skids that have a ton of cooling vents in them and my transmission runs 15F cooler now on the highway and I never see over 205F, even when towing a small trailer on big grades in Central Valley heat.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That’s awesome Rob! So adjusting my skid plate had a similar effect as your new skid plates. That’s good to know! I did some further trimming of the skid plate, but I do have to say that the 2 other Ridgelines in this video have the skid plate extension and didn’t notice any increased heat. The extensions were cool to the touch where as I’d be able to cook on egg on my extension. I’ll explain more in the future videos.

[@ltsalamence]

Awesome video Jon. Unfortunately shortly after getting my traxda 3” lift done on my 16’ Pilot the 2nd transmission started going out again (ZF9) at ~90k miles, so I ended up trading that in for a 4runner. Also, no I don’t think the lift and the trans going out are related, this particular vehicle had trans problems since the day I bought it, I just had a lemon. I only had the factory cooler and added a standalone fan routed to a switch panel much like you did with the air pulling out of the front of the vehicle, but I found that it actually didn’t do anything at all and in fact seems like it was better at cooling with no fan there blocking the fins. Maybe Honda knew what they were doing with that factory cooler, go figure lol. I don’t think NoLo skids add anything for heat retention I didn’t notice any notable temp changes with or without skids. Still have a ton of respect for the Honda Lite-Truck platform. Excited to see what you get rigged up with the supercharger cooling setup.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Oh no, that sounds rough. Who knows what the actual issues were. Prior to 2019, the issues with the ZF9 being assembled wrong, having weaker components, and electrical wiring issues could have caused issues. I had a really good first hand example from a month ago. A loose negative battery connector will make a “transmission problem” message pop up. There’s no doubt 1 single faulty wiring issue someone else in the vehicle can cause a big issue. Ugh!

[@k20z3allmotorFTW]

16-17 pilots had tons of problems with the zf9 it was a programing issue mainly that has since been solved. Now they are very reliable

[@Drunken_Pil0t]

Awesome video, Jon! 🙌. Very informative. So far I've been super super lucky. The transmission warning ⚠️ never came on for me. but I've hit 240, 252, and recently 260'F on my last trip. However I do smell the burnt ATF , I'd get scared and pull over to cool down. But I've never had any warning lights, check engine, or pending DTC. I just installed a 2nd cooler with a fan today. I now run dual cooler + dual fan. I'll test it out in 2 weeks when I head to Overland Expo CO . Looking forward to your next video 🙌😃

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Awesome to hear from you Duy! Some of these trails were pretty darn demanding. Take care out there, and have fun at Overland expo!

[@Ram14250]

Passport has 160K on her now! Nice! Love videos like this, where you explain and help us understand the warnings and such. Love it when you have a "Manny" video! What a great guy!

[@univisiontech1]

Great video, lots of information. Looking forward to seeing this wacky cooling setup you got going for keeping transmission temps down. I've got a Honda with the 6AT and I've been trying to keep her temps below 100C during cross country road trips through the mountain passes, wtf lol

[@kathleen1621]

I have a 2017 6 speed Ridgeline and definitely have had transmission issues. And I’ve also, multiple times, had the issue where stopping won’t bring temps down. Somewhat counterintuitively, I’ve found that the only way to avoid/ fix overheating transmission in warm weather is to drive it harder so that you get the faster speeds that provides the cooling air. E.g., I was towing in traffic in Colorado up a mountain pass, on highway, in 90 degree weather (up to Eisenhower tunnel). I hit 240 and was fortunately able to pull over at that point - very fortunate bc for the first part of the traffic, there was no movement, and I wouldn’t have been able to pull over. I then waited for the traffic to let up and sped onto the highway, bc sitting there does nothing for temps. Also had same situation on Old Fall River Rd in Rocky Mtn National Park - got stuck behind tour vehicles and truck wouldn’t cool down until I could get around them and drive at a higher speed. I love my Ridgeline for around town truck duties, but I’m getting the new Land Cruiser, just makes more sense for doing some of the things I want to do now. Also very good to know about the AWD warning signal - I’ve definitely had that flash in snow and wondered what that was all about.

[@jasonsong86]

The consensus is that if you are gong to offroad, add a transmission cooler and change the fluid more often.

[@stefanbendevis1970]

Switched to 90% QDTE and 10% FIAT because of you calling a BTC crash. Now I’m getting some decent weekly dividends and FIAT paid nicely as well. Thanks O.

[@dorknerd]

Such an interesting niche you fill. Clearly the Passport is capable, and you've hardened it enough. I'd still want low range myself.

[@willb6070]

Glad I found your channel. As the new 4Runners are going to be hella expensive and moving to turbo 4s, I am debating getting a Passport TS or a Frontier Pro4x since they still have V6s. Learning more about the capabilities and can't wait to see more. I'm not planning on going hard core rock crawiling but do want something I am going to stress over. Live in the PNW and am looking forward to going on some cool adventures off-road.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@willb6070 it sounds you’re already on the right track! So, if you watch my previous videos, I’m honest about the capabilities of my Honda Passport. The best way I could describe it is that it sits between the standard AWD and an Actual 4WD. It should be driven more like a 4WD (less momentum). For all the reasons you described above, the Nissan frontier has been becoming more and more popular because of its naturally aspirated V6 engine. For 2025, the Pro4X gets more ground clearance. It’s basically like the old Nissan frontier, with some minor tweaks and the new engine and Jatco 9 speed. I use to drive a FJ cruiser and then a Subaru Forester XT. So I was unhappy with how the FJ drove, and then I was unhappy with the Forester’s capabilities. I’ve been very very happy with the Honda. I just don’t know if it would be enough for you though. They’ll drive very different onroad though. It’s amazing how light the Honda is on its feet for being such a large vehicle. It’s a choice between onroad vs. off-road. It’s a hard decision, so good luck with your choice.

[@willb6070]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Agreed. I do need something that can be used as a DD on-road during the week (I've had trucks in the past so the Frontier most likely will be fine as a DD. Need to confirm). I'm curious as to what the next gen Passport will be like. I've seen some little sneak peaks and have heard rumors of the latest Pilot V6 and TS rear diff coming over. But the question for me is what will that do to the price.

[@ryanroland6426]

I bought a scangauge 3 after hearing about it from you! Definitely saved my transmission on our 03 4.7 4runner

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That’s awesome, now I want to buy one too since I could really use the audible and colored alarms. I’d like to know when I need to turn on my Supercharger cooler.

[@ryanroland6426]

@JonDZ_Adventuring it made me realize I needed to get a larger auxiliary transmission cooler. My wife and I bought a 4300lb travel trailer for our move to Kentucky from Bakersfield, California. We went to visit first, and there were a few sections we had to pull over several times, especially on our way back through AZ. But that scangauge kept us running instead of overheating. There were a few people with larger trucks with bigger trailers or smaller suvs with smaller trailers, and we passed a few of them cause they cooked their trans. I felt bad for them but also glad I was well informed from you, so thank you very much.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@ryanroland6426 this is an awesome story! There’s this cartoon I use to watch as a kid called GI JOE. “Knowing is half the battle”, haha! That’s so fitting!

[@ryanroland6426]

@JonDZ_Adventuring brooo, I'm 24, but I know that exact quote from the cartoon. Very true! Wish you all the best, Jon. I've been watching your videos for about 4 years now and always enjoyed your passion for the outdoors and your love for sharing knowledge.

[@Alex.outbound]

I was in the group with the Lexus that passed you on the way down from Kingston. Cool seeing out on the trails !

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hey Alex 👋, that’s awesome! There were a number of Toyota groups out and about. Especially the FJ cruisers and the Lexus GXs! 😃

[@SomeoneElseonHere]

I drove my 4th-gen Pilot Trailsport down the Owhyee Canyon in Oregon recently, trying to reach Birch Creek Ranch, but I turned around and wondered when the trans warning light would come on when I started my ascent up the long incline back to the top. This explains why I never received one when I was hitting temperatures of mid 230s. It never hit 240+, and i wasn't going to try. I made many stops to cool off in the 103F temps and made it out solo with no problems. 😅. Your video just proves that Hondas warnings could very be mostly false positives or may never come on, which could be good or bad depending on the situation.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@SomeoneElseonHere the new Pilots are the most aggressively geared single speed transmissions on the market right now, 2nd are the ZF9 Hondas. Unless your slipping tires, you’re probably won’t even hit a transmission warning. That Blue Ridgeline was trying really hard to get up the loose rocks in this video. There was no stalling, just spinning tires. He was at that for a while. It really takes a lot of abuse. Sadly, in my 2015 Subaru Forester XT, I never even got a transmission temp warning, the CVT (transmission) just melted. Not sure if you watch the Driving Sports TV channel, but he doesn’t even scientifically monitor transmission temps (or maybe he has tried and determined it was bad for business, since he’s in Subarus pockets). On his channel he abuses vehicles going up snowy hills. He’s the perfect example of what not to be, and what not to do when a trans temp monitor isn’t plugged into the OB2II.

[@SomeoneElseonHere]

@JonDZ_Adventuring I wasn't slipping at all, but I was soloing the trip and did not see any vehicles the whole day except for two USFS Rangers/workers on a utv which got me uneasy since I haven't seen anyone else on the trail. Can't wait to hear more about that supercooling setup, though. Would be helpful for many people who offroad their Hondas or in general any awd.

[@SomeoneElseonHere]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring btw the 10 speed in the 4th gen pilots and most likely future passport and ridgelines uses a heat exchanger and not the typical intercooler setup to cool....

[@owequitit]

@@SomeoneElseonHerethe 9 speed also has one of those exchangers. Honda could probably easily enough add an external cooler and I would be surprised if they hadn’t planned on that possibility when they built it.

[@nunosapunso6239]

I’m a member of a FB group for a local beach (10 mph speed limit) that has very loose, deep, sugary sand which causes a lot of vehicles getting stuck. I’ve suggested to all the members to place the vehicle in 4Lo, if equipped, to keep the temps down. A lot of the older members laugh and tell me 4Lo isn’t necessary. They just keep saying they always use 4Hi and never had a problem but when I asked if they ever monitor the transmission temps while driving in those conditions and not one of them monitor. I just shook my head because they feel because they are much older and more experienced, they are right.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Great story, thanks for sharing! While on the Imogene Pass trail in Colorado, there was a guy in a Jeep Rubicon JK drive up asking for help, he said "I have a transmission temperature light, what do I do?", we asked him if he was in 4Lo. The climb is gradual, and it can be too much for old school 4Hi.

[@zech007]

Ultragauge is better IMO, LCD screen you can monitor up to 8 live data's, set custom alarms parameter on all of them, compact and its $84. I've used them for years, only issue is the LCD screen can fadeout/washout when exposed to high heat.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for the recommendation! At $84 I think I'll give it a try along with the Scangauge III and return the one I don't like as much before the 30 day mark.

[@RobbieHerrera]

So much useful information in this video. Thanks Jon.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Robbie!!! 🙏

[@michaeldietz1223]

Bingo! This is some of the info I was looking for. Sorry for the long comment on a previous video. Just hadn’t made it to this one yet. Have you changed your Timing belt yet ? Thanks for the videos!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Timing belt was changed at 119K. It was new looking, but we changed it for the heck of it. Check out my 100K mile service video.

[@michaeldietz1223]

You mentioned that eco mode puts stress on the tranny. What does that mean and do you recommend a person runs without using eco mode? I’m on the hwy everyday.

[@Baebon6259]

I have a 2021 Tundra which didn't come with trans cooler. I thought I didn't need it until I bought a scangauge and saw that ATF temp hovered around 220-230 on a flat highway and get up to 240-245-ish during 100+ heat without towing anything. After that, I immediately purchased a trans cooler and installed it. ATF temp is now 190-200. Gonna test it out next summer under 100+ heat and at grades.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching even though you drive a completely different platform. There's a common theme in my videos, and I always preach to monitor temperatures no matter what you drive! I had a Subaru that had the CVT (transmission) melt, and I NEVER had a temp warning. The scangauge would have been useful! With my new transmission cooling system, it's completely independent from the radiator cooling system. It takes a very long time to get up to the standard operating temperature of 175F, but on a long drive yesterday in 95F weather, I glanced at my Scangauge II and it was showing 195F (with the stock setup, highway temps were typically 180F). I'm going to have to upgrade to a Scangauge III for the audible / visual warnings.

[@aaronsbraga]

I can't believe toyota did that. My tundra is older and has the cooler. I guess they saved a few bucks. Dicks

[@honda116969]

When you're trying to cool it off you should pop your hood because heat rises you'll be amazed at how much he comes out of there. A good thing about leaving it closed is it directs the fan air a little better but when it's so hot I think you would benefit by, after the fan turns off that's when you pop the hood... I don't know how often you do it but take a power washer & spray out your radiator your AC condenser & whatever is in the front grill not too close obviously & use like the 40° tip it will clean all the dirt debris bugs out of there & cooling will be more efficient

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@honda116969 it was a heat gremlin from lift modifications, bumper cutting, causing heat soak into the skid plate extension. After removing that skid plate extension, vehicle performed like normal.

[@ZZProductionsVA]

That's some sweet drone footage you got there 😉

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@ZZProductionsVA hell yeah! It would be hilarious if you made a commercial promoting you and your business. Make it as funny as possible, I’ll plug them into these upcoming Colorado videos!

[@ZZProductionsVA]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I really need to! Once I'm done with No-Lorado day 1, I might throw something together!

[@finerbiner]

I own an MDX and a 4Runner. The MDX is a better car to go on ski trips in Colorado mountains hands down. If it is deep snow or very rough trail he 4Runner wins. For variable ice ,snow ,slush etc... the MDX is much better/safer. ADW (especially Honda's) beats part time 4wd in most of these situations.

[@RKmndo]

MOST vehicles that rely on TCS to vector torque and to control descents overheat things easier than a vehicle with decent low-range gearing and locking diffs. Subarus have aftermarket lockers and LSDs available, which is better support than most AWDs. Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks have factory rear lockers.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Unfortunately, Subarus have CVT (transmissions). I use to drive one. They are constantly slipping so get hot pretty easily. There’s rear auto lockers available for them, but the Achilles heel is the CVT and lack of aggressive gearing. The wilderness models get as high as 16.7:1, but that’s the same as a standard Rav4. The Honda Platform and Ford Bronco Sport Badlands/Maverick Tremor have rear twin clutch differentials. They’re between a Locker and a LSD. Ford AWDs have standard 17.9:1 gearing, and Honda ZF9 is at 20.4:1 and 2023+ Honda 10AT is at 21.8:1. There’s also gear reduction in the twin clutch differential.

[@michaeldietz1223]

I sure will. Thank you!

[@hukmai]

Please send the ATF to get analyzed! But yeah Honda's H5/H6 transmission isnt quite as robust for larger vehicles as the Zf9. Jon mentioned dual clutch for the H5/H6; while not entirely correct its is the right direction. A dual clutch doesnt typically have a torque converter ( except honda/acuras 8/9 speed DCT ) rather is a parallet shaft gear split transmission. In laymans terms The logic is similar to a DCT but with the shift solenoids and shift fork and the " Clutches " for during shifting accomplished with the idler gear in conjuction with the torque converter. As you can imagine towing or high torque with a DCT is asking for problems so a stepped auto match has better sustained longevity plus it matches honda pedigree with motorcycle slushboxes. So in theory you get the best of bother worlds right? Unfortunately, while the on road feel is more engaging the mild to difficult offroad / tow performance on the H5/H6 leans more toward DCT issue than the traditional planetary gear automatics. The Zf9 is a compact planetary gearset automatic with a set of dog clutches. While the feel is different especially at high gears the result as Jon mention a low gear ratio down low meaning more times in the meat of the powerband. The planetary gears allow for power to be routes within the gear set using the power split of the carrier ring and sun gears. The H5/H6 had to play around the torque converter to smooth shifts for the solenoids and value body for the shift fork to engage. This presents an area where overheating is likely common in hondas H5/H6 as majority of transmission fluid lives in the torque converter, without getting into additives packages there is a lot more "usage" of the fluid in the H5/H6. During conventional driving its fine. My 2017 ridgeline will hit 194°F in a 2-3 hour drive with a blend of 1hr heavy LA traffic, some city, and 65-70mph highway speeds. TLDR, Hondas 5 speed /6 speed relies heavily on Torque converter + Shifting applications meaning the majority of the fluid in circulation will be effected on the conditions. Where as conventional Planetary gearsets dont put as nearly as much strain on the torque converter where most of the automatic fluid is held.

[@k20z3allmotorFTW]

Honda can’t equate math or they are adding in the effective diameter of the gears inside the transmission for that old listed crawl ratio when the 23 plus TS was introduced. It’s 21.8 technically the reverse gear ratio is slightly worst than the ZF9

[@justinstiff5641]

Petcock... you just pronounced it funny that's all. Great video by the way I love these vehicles but the type of off-roading you like to do you should just get a 4Runner and be done with it no more issues whatsoever. The Hondas are amazing in snow and ice and you know mild off-roading fire roads etc. but that slow crawling and rocks and hills and mountains and all that you just need a real transfer case so you can go between 4 Hi and 4 low. They don't ride as good as the Honda's either a little rough like a truck. Thumbs up and I will subscribe 👍

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@justinstiff5641 thanks! yeah, I use to drive a FJ cruiser, which is a short wheel base 4Runner. I had major issues with how it drove onroad. The Honda is actually geared between the FJ’s 1st and 2nd gear in 4Lo. Do you drive a 4Runner? I can’t even consider any of the new Toyotas now that they’re all turbo and having engine and transmission issues.

[@justinstiff5641]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring 2024 4Runner would be the last one I would buy. I bought a 23 TRD off-road Tacoma December of 22 just for that reason. Toyota's quality and reliability are dropping like a Stone. Meanwhile Complexity and pricing are shooting to the Moon, No Thanks LOL. I'm not pleased with my Tacoma's on-road performance either. If I could afford it I would have a Ridgeline for my daily commute and the Tacoma as a weekend warrior. maybe in the future.

[@bambamyong]

Scan gauge needs to sponsor this!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I’ve made so many videos about using a scangauge. I even did my own giveaways spending my own money for the prizes. They don’t seem to be very responsive with their social media. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to reach out to them (again).

[@VideosOffRoad]

OMG, dude: Selecting a vehicle with an actual low range transfer case *ends* all of these concerns. That's what it's FOR (plus having much more control, with far less breakage-inducing momentum needed). As with all things, it goes a LOT better when you use the right tool for the right job. However it IS very responsible of you to know the weak points of your vehicle and keeping a laser sharp eye on it. Kudos for that. But you'd very likely have an easier and more enjoyable time of it on the harder trails with a more capable vehicle. Just saying.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I don’t enjoy hard trails at all. Spoiler alert, I was pissed at Ian from No-Lo designs for taking us on that level 5 difficult 4WD trail called Birds Eye Gulch 🤣. As you know from my previous videos and talking about the subject of why there’s not many 4WD vehicles that would work out for me because of: -mid sized 4WDs are too small -I won’t go back to a turbocharged vehicle -body on frame 4WDs don’t make good daily drivers, and I’d hate life up until I got to the trail. -my modified Honda handles level 4 moderate 4WD trails pretty reliably, and it just seems to be very reliable. I recently drove my friends stock 3rd gen Tacoma TRD off-road, and good lord that was a terrible ride. I hear the newer 4WDs handle much better, but they’re all turbocharged… and that’s a no go for me.

[@chrisconstantino9827]

Lmao you act like he doesn't know that 🤦‍♂️

[@VideosOffRoad]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring If one's rig is overheating, or in danger of overheating, then **by definition** - regardless of the trail's "rating" - those ARE harder trails...for that rig, because one is *clearly* overtaxing that rig. There seems to be an assumption that daily driver rigs are (or should be) very good off road, when by nature, and physics, the better off road a vehicle is, the worse on road it is. It is unreasonable to expect a vehicle to be really comfortable on road, with great MPGs and all the things that make it a great daily driver, but also do great off road without, for example, overheating, or needing a lot of momentum to get past obstacles, or losing traction due to lifting tires in the air, or getting stuck due to the lack of front and rear lockers and a winch. I certainly understand the desire for a Goldilocks vehicle, though. Especially with it's low range transfer case and IFS, the Bronco might be in the neighborhood, but very unfortunately those are all turbocharged. I am also in complete agreement with you about turbocharged vehicles. No way for me either.

[@biggsly5000]

I wish I would have bought a grand Cherokee trailhawk from the last generation because they have the transfer case and on road are great.

[@no-lodesigns]

​​@@JonDZ_Adventuring I think having your super cooler issues that day made it more stressful. I'd say it was a success overall! 😊 Birdseye Glutch is definitely a 4x4 trail and should not be taken lightly by an AWD.

[@Jan07362]

You should put vent slots on those lower grill to increase cooling nothing satisfying than a diy that work its like your own r&d

[@TrailSportPilot]

Great information Jon!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thank you 🙏

[@stevendrake477]

So this is going to be a dumb question. Its one i dont know anything about. Would there be any benefit for the Ridgeline as an example, if you put it in sequential mode to bring it down to first gear for some of the slower harder sections? Or do you need the keep alot of power down for the awd to work as intended? I appreciate the videos! Keep up the good work.

[@tsk1979]

So for a vehicle as equipped as yours, what are the Ouray passes you would recommend? I am thinking black bear and the one with the wall is out. But Engineer, Yankee, Imogine, California etc., are all good?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

We did Cinnamon / California pass. That place is beautiful. If I ever go back, I’m packing my paddle board and I’m going to camp next to a lake and paddle around. Imogene was so congested. I intentionally went on a Thursday, thinking it would be less busy than Friday and Saturday, and there were so many large 10 vehicle groups (we had 5). I don’t recommend Imogene at all, it’s too over crowded. It’s also a little bit more eroded this year, so there’s added challenge. We were told by a local that engineer pass is in really bad shape right now.

[@tsk1979]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks. Have a tundra which is really long and wide. Even though I have 35" tires, don't want to spend time trying to be technical, want to enjoy the views :)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@tsk1979cinnamon/California pass for sure!!! One thing I really like about those roads (in comparison to Imogene) is the roads are wider, and a lot of times they are double wide!

[@no-lodesigns]

Great breakdown and very informative. Now for people to find the this video. Lol For the record mine didn't overheat. Lol

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Ian! Great freakin commercial at the beginning, so cinematic, it was an honor to throw it in at the beginning of the video (thanks Zack!!). Yeah, I actually had an edit where I explained that your skid plate extension wasn’t hot and maybe it’s because of the Manny mod with the subframe drop, but it was an extra 2 minutes of nerd talk no one needed to hear 😂, especially since the issue probably had a lot to do with the cheap Amazon fan I had zip tied to my OEM transcooler 😂 I thought about it tho Ian ☺️

[@michaelptm2269]

Hey great video, quick question while reading the comments…why are you not for the turbos?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@michaelptm2269 I’ve made many videos about the topic, but I had a Nissan juke 1.6 turbo, Subaru WRX 2.5 turbo, and Subaru FXT 2.0 turbo. They were all very unreliable. Is it a coincidence that toyota is having to many issues with their turbos as well? 100,000 engine recalls? Avoid them at all cost!

[@michaelptm2269]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks! When you say unreliable what kind of experiences? I will look for the videos as well.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@michaelptm2269 literally the engine blowing up twice in the WRX. In the FXT, everything from failed sensors. Loose turbo impeller, needed a new turbo. You know how issues I’ve had with the Honda 3.5L V6? None actually, and I can run 87 octane with full power 😃

[@GotterAdventure]

Great video! How do you prevent overcooling in winter weather?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That’s a good question. Manny said he’s not worried about it, but I’m wondering if the Honda is using more fuel when the transmission isn’t up to operating temperatures. What temp does my Honda have to be at to allow the torque converter to fully lock up?

[@GotterAdventure]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring You may need to look into a bypass system or change the configuration annually based on weather. I am looking into a cooling system for my Passport and trying to consider all the variables.

[@yayinternets]

You buy the coolers that have a bypass built into them that won’t flow fluid through the cooler until the fluid is at the proper temperature.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@GotterAdventure I don’t engage the pump until it’s needed. Everything acts on convection until then. There will be more details about how this system works in the upcoming video.

[@GotterAdventure]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Looking forward to it!

[@gamergeek8933]

I am subscribed but have not seen you on my feed for years...

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Dude, I hate KZbin Algorithms 😂 I’m caring less to try to please the Algorithm Gods and it seems to be better! Well, good to hear from you!

[@richadent968]

I was just asking a friend, if you have a car with keyless entry, how do you get into it if the battery is dead?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

To open my rear hatch, I would have to crawl to the hatch door. There’s a little panel that pops off exposing the latch assembly. It’s a pain in the butt, haha!

[@bruceyyyyy]

SEE YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A JEEP. MY JEEP CAN OUT WHEEL YOUR HONDA ANYTIME MY JEEP ISNT IN THE SHOP. RABGBLE RABBLE BLAH. I got a 4.0 Jeep ZJ for a song recently and it has overheating issues. Don't think it's a head gasket which is common in late 4.0 heads. Considering switching from a mechanical to electric fan. Typically just turning AC off and heat on is enough to make it happy. The Honda has such an odd but clever way of temp sensing the AWD unit. I'm not sure if there is an easy solution to cool it. Maybe a larger and or finned reservoir? I like the external pump you tried. "Petcock" is the word you were thinking of. Yes, it's correct. Yes, it's funny. I always appreciate how realistic you are with your expectations and presentations. Need to get some video editing of my own! Barely have enough time to watch videos much less make them. I'm at least filming and have a huge back log at this point!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Haha! Quite honestly, I wouldn’t mind a gladiator , especially now that I’ve lost 50 lbs. and could better fit in one. I drove one for a quick moment and was surprised it didn’t handle like a 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma, but man…. Why does everyone I know that has them have random issues? Eventually, all the kinks will be ironed out, and I would definitely consider one. But Jeep, in case you’re listening, not everyone wants a soft top. Let’s have an option for a fully enclose and insulate the roof? It already has a longer wheel base than a wrangler, can we stretch out the width just a little bit? 4 inches wider would do wonders. That’s all.

[@BuenaPapo]

I did couple trip with my 2004 Honda Pilot AWD and the transmission temp sensor light just goes on once in almost 2 years. Based on waldys off road a famous Puertorrican offroad builder he says following by BG PRODUCT OILS it should be changed every 15k miles for a health trans /diff due to high temp oils tend to get diluted every couple degree temp of high temperature This comment is based on my experience not an advice or anything

[@jimfields9491]

Realistically not many Honda owners are going to put them through this kinda treatment.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That goes for 80-90% of people that purchase a SUV or Truck, period!

[@anonymous..-]

Anybody can go buy a 4 runner or a Jeep. I like tinkering and testing limits. I like the feeling of accomplishment when I go down trails “I shouldn’t.” As long as I’m not interfering with anyone else’s fun, there is no harm. I see geared out “off road” vehicles all over my area and many have zero scratches or pin stripes.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Fluid changes are cheap insurance too often overlooked

[@roadcarver71]

I have scan gauge II, how can I get option for ATF temp?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@roadcarver71 enter the scan gauge X-gauge codes: www.scangauge.com/support/x-gauge-commands/

[@roadcarver71]

@@JonDZ_Adventuringthx. I got my scangauge II back in 2008 for my 07 odyssey. Looks like no support for ATF. Maybe I’ll get another one for my ‘24 passport.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@roadcarver71 update the firmware www.scangauge.com/support/upgrade/ Geez, what would you do without me? 🤣🤣

[@roadcarver71]

@@JonDZ_AdventuringI’m too cheap to send for fw update lol. Thx for the tips

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Did you have snow tires on?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii no, all the Hondas have Toyo Open Country AT3

[@pennmikael]

is that 240 pan or 240 right after TC?

[@UnderTheRadar-cc7we]

Can you make a video of park service new guidance that awd cars found in 4wd trails "may incur a collateral forfeiture, a fine up to $5,000, up to six months imprisonment, and/or other penalties." What will be the impact to this channel? will we finally see jon graduate to a real 4wd 😂😂

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@UnderTheRadar-cc7we I use to drive a FJ cruiser, and I really don’t want to go back to driving something with so many compromises. I’ll just have to fly into places and rent Jeeps 😂, because no way in hell am I driving 15 hours in a FJ cruiser. Restrictions in Canyonlands National Park is nothing new. Even before I started overlanding, I knew about the requirement of 4WD and a low gear transfer case for a trail like the White Rim. That trail is only rated a level 3 moderate, but that can actually be too much for something like a Subaru or RAV4. The Hondas can handle level 3 trails all day long, and with a common 3.5” lift, level 4s can be taken on pretty reliably. Now on that later to the Subaru driver. Most of those trails are rated levels 5 to 6 difficult. Some are rated level 3 to 4, and oddly enough, 1 trail is rated a level 2 easy (the trail where he was caught making the offense). If they start heavily enforcing no AWDs on any trails worth anyone’s while, then you can almost be certain complete trail closures will close to all vehicles. They’re already shutting down trails in Utah. They’ll just divide and conquer and limit all of us to foot travel.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

instagram.com/stories/highlights/18038288654066744/

[@UnderTheRadar-cc7we]

@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks for the detailed response, maybe one day I'll come across you in my 100 series gas guzzling beast 😅 happy trail riding!

[@aaronsbraga]

If you're changing the diff oil when it's Virgin in appearance, you are wasting money. Diffs are not like motors which generate acids during combustion. Motor oil needs to be changed because it acidifies the oil (via TBN consumption). Diffs don't do this and the oil is good for much much much longer. You're gaining nothing and it's not a case of cheapninsurance like motor oil or trans fluid(due to thermal breakdown in the case of atf)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@aaronsbraga now I’m hoping it can be reprogrammed to clamp harder 😈. I think there’s a guy working on that.

[@aaronsbraga]

​@JonDZ_Adventuring what does that have to do with what I said?

[@martincara1931]

I’m using amsoil in my ridgeline zero problems

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@martincara1931 fancy!

[@febrianadji5758]

Pretty uneducated guess here Have you ever thought adding hood holes to vent off heat from engine bay?

[@velocity800]

omg!!!! i will never never buy a Ridgeline after watching this video!! that vehicle is so weak!!!! omg!!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@velocity800 well, you didn’t watch the whole video because there’s 2 versions of the Ridgeline. The only difference is the transmission and it’s night and day.

[@CC_Marauder]

Fail 👎🏼

[@lovelybali61]

Man all you awd owners just buy a legit real 4x4 off road vehicle and you don’t have to deal with most of these issues. Awd vehicles are not designed for this.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

What issues? The thumbnail was click bait

[@Yippynutsmacker]

My power wagon could do that trail in 2wd

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@Yippynutsmacker that’s awesome 👏 I did a search on KZbin “Birds Eye Gluch 2WD” and all I find is a Jeep Rubicon video titled “tire damage on Birds Eye Gulch”. I highly recommend you start a KZbin channel where you do these trails in 2WD, I’m sure it will be entertaining! Good luck!

[@TxJK18]

I dont understand why go through all that trouble. It is easier to just get a proper 4x4 with 2 speed transfer case. 4lo is not only useful to climb. It is also useful on steep and long descends, most of the people tend to forget about that. I think one of your videos a friend of yours lost his brakes coming down one of the trails on Lexus GX because he was using hill descend instead of 4 low

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

So, this video was made to explain that the ZF9 Hondas don’t overheat easily. Towards the end of the video, I was dealing with heat gremlins caused by modifications that I eventually fixed. In future videos, you’ll see the 2 Ridgelines do much better than my Honda with their stock cooling setups, then I’ll eventually fix my Supercooler and it will do substantially better than stock cooling. As mentioned before, I use to drive a FJ cruiser and I’m not going back to a vehicle that drives like that.

[@datoyattic111]

2nd

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

👏👏👏👏 Well done. Some say 2nd is the best!

[@BillyBobTup]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring 2nd what?

[@richb8282]

First comment!

[@robertyoung8289]

And?? 🙄

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

👏👏👏👏 GJ Rich!!!!!

[@richb8282]

@@robertyoung8289 I’m very happy. It’s the small things bud

[@robertyoung8289]

@@richb8282 That's what your wife said. 😃

[@TeeDee-j9u]

It must be a sensor problem, they need to do an update to fix it.