Service Bulletin

23-073

September 7, 2023

Version 1

2016-20 Pilot: Transmission Temp Too Hot Message on the MID
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2016–20

Pilot (with 6 speed A/T)

ALL

ALL

SYMPTOM
Transmission Temperature Too Hot on the MID and no related DTCs.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
ATF deterioration causes high foaming and low viscosity. During extended high load driving ATF will foam and cooler
flow rate is reduced.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the ECU software and flush the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) 3 times.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Drain Plug Washer (18mm)

90471-PX4-000

1

ATF Fill Sealing Washer (24mm)

11107-PWA-300

1

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

ATF DW-1

08200-9008

12

REQUIRED MATERIALS

CUSTOMER INFORMATION:The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
©

2023 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved

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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

1255E4

Update the PGM-FI
software.

0.2 hr

03214

03217

A23073A

37805-RLV-315

A

Flush the ATF 3 times.

1.4 hr

03214

03217

A23073A

37805-RLV-315

SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE: Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the diagnostic and reprogramming software
are not covered under warranty.
Before beginning the repair, make sure all diagnostic and reprogramming software are updated as listed.
i-HDS Software Version

1.008.020 or later

HDS Software Version

3.105.009 or later

Honda ECU Reprogramming

3.6.0.0

J2534 Rewrite Version

1.00.0034

J2534 Rewrite Database Update

20230414_2492

Update only the systems and software listed in this service bulletin.
Do not use the MongoosePRO VCI for this service bulletin as it is not an American Honda-approved device.
For more information about updating vehicle systems, refer to service bulletin 22-100, Updating Control Units/Modules
with the Honda ECU Reprogramming Application.
Year/Model

Vehicle System

Program ID (or later)

2016 Pilot 2WD RES/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-3250

2016 Pilot AWD RES/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-3260

2016 Pilot 2WD Sensing (EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-3270

2016 Pilot AWD Sensing (EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-3280

2017 Pilot 2WD RES/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-C040

2017 Pilot AWD RES/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-C140

2017 Pilot 2WD Sensing (EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-C240

2017 Pilot AWD Sensing (EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-C340

2018 Pilot 2WD RES/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-A120

2018 Pilot AWD RES/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-A520

2018 Pilot 2WD Sensing (EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-C620

2018 Pilot AWD Sensing (EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-C720

2019 Pilot AWD Sensing/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-A740

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Year/Model

Vehicle System

Program ID (or later)

2019 Pilot 2WD Sensing/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-A940

2020 Pilot AWD Sensing/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-B020

2020 Pilot 2WD Sensing/NAVI (LX, EX, EX-L)

PGM-FI

37805-RLV-B120

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Do an All DTC Check.
•

If any DTCs are present, this service bulletin does not apply, continue with normal troubleshooting.

•

If no DTCs are present, go to step 2 and update the PGM-FI software.

2. Update the PGM-FI software, see service bulletin 22-100, Updating Control Units/Modules with the Honda ECU
Reprogramming Application
NOTICE
•

Make sure the 12 volt battery is fully charged before starting an update.

•

Connect a fully charged jumper battery pack, the Midtronics GR8-110P AST in Power Supply Mode or the
Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System in Reflash Mode directly to the vehicle’s 12 volt
battery. Leave it connected during the entire procedure to maintain a steady voltage.

•

If the vehicle’s 12 volt battery drops below 10 volts during the update, the programming status bar may not
present accurately, or the Honda ECU Reprogramming application may display an error message.

•

Control module failure caused by the improper completion of a software update (early key cycle, low battery
voltage, disconnected DLC cable, etc.) is not covered by warranty.

•

If an error occurs during the update or the i-HDS freezes, do not disconnect the battery or turn the ignition to
OFF. Reboot the i-HDS, and start over.

•

To prevent control unit damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C,
power windows, door locks, etc.) during the update.

•

Warranty reimbursement for technician labor is not allowed for routine checking/installation of any available
software update.

3. Do an ALL DTC CHECK and clear any codes that may have set during the update, then go to step 4.
4. Flush the transmission fluid 3 times.
ATF Flush Procedure
NOTE: The term flush refers to repeatedly draining and filling the transmission with Honda Genuine ATF-DW1.
Other after market flush systems are available, but American Honda strongly recommends that you avoid using on
any Honda vehicles.
5. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or Neutral) until the radiator fan comes
on, then let it idle.
6. Position the vehicle on a lift and turn off the engine.
7. Remove the ATF filler bolt and sealing washer.
8. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
9. Remove the drain plug and drain the ATF.
10. Install the drain plug and original washer and torque it to 49 N·m (36 lb-ft).
11. Lower the vehicle and fill the transmission with 3.3 US qt (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1 through the filler hole.
NOTE: Do not use non-Honda ATF because it can affect shift quality
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12. Install the ATF filler bolt and original sealing washer and torque it to 44 N·m (32 lb-ft).
13. Check that the fluid is filled to the proper level.
14. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
15. Start the engine.
16. Press the VSA Off button.
17. Press the brake pedal and shift to Drive.
18. Release the brake pedal. Then press the accelerator pedal until the speedometer is up to 50 mph.
NOTE: Make sure the transmission shifts through the first three lower gears and into fourth gear and the torque
converter is locking up
19. Apply the brakes to stop the front wheels.
20. Shift to Reverse, then Neutral.
21. Repeat the shifting procedure (steps 17 through 20) four more times.
22. Turn off the engine.
23. Repeat the above drain, fill, and shifting procedure (steps 7 through 22) one more time.
24. After the second refill and drive cycle, drain the transmission.
25. Install the drain bolt with a new washer and torque to 49 N·m (36 lb-ft).
26. Fill the transmission with 3.3 US qt (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1. Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity.
AWD: 3.3 US qt (3.1 L) at change.
2WD: 3.3 US qt (3.1 L) at change.
NOTE: Do not use non-Honda ATF because it can affect shift quality.
27. Install the ATF filler bolt with a new sealing washer and torque the bolt to 44 N·m (32 lb-ft).
28. Check the transmission fluid level.
NOTE:
•

Once the flush is complete, advise that ATF level is critical. The level is designed to be checked at 80°C (176°
F).

•

Overfilled transmission level can cause an overheat condition.

•

If the fluid level is checked at a colder temperature, it will read low or on the bottom dot of the dipstick.

•

If the transmission fluid is filled to the top dot when cold, the transmission will be overfilled. This increases
foaming and contributes to the overheating problem.

•

If the Maintenance Minder did not indicate the ATF needed replacement, reset the Maintenance Minder with the
i-HDS. For more information about resetting individual maintenance items, refer to the service information.

•

If the Maintenance Minder indicated the ATF needed replacement and a full service was done, reset the
maintenance minder with the multi-information display.

END

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