Honda and Acura Front and Rear Differential Fluid Change

The 2001 to 2006 Acura MDX, all 4WD Honda Pilots, and the 4WD Honda Ridgeline trucks all require VTM-4 Differential Fluid for the rear differential. Accurate Automotive advises draining and refilling this fluid at least every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Honda's Dual Pump Fluid is the designated rear differential fluid for various light-duty AWD and 4WD Honda and Acura vehicles, including the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Honda 4WD Crosstour, and the 4WD Honda Element. Differentials requiring Dual Pump Fluid are marked with 'DPSF' on the differential case near the fill plug. Accurate Automotive advises draining and refilling this fluid at minimum every three years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The front differential in certain AWD and 4WD Honda and Acura vehicles requires hypoid gear oil, which may differ by model year. When the front differential is distinct from the transmission, Honda advises using 75W90 gear oil with the GL-5 additive. It is our understanding that Honda does not market this specific lubricant under the Acura or Honda brand names. Accurate Automotive suggests replacing the front differential gear oil (where applicable) at minimum every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Some Acura vehicles utilize red automatic transmission fluid in their rear differentials. This specific use is marked on the differential case by the letters 'ATF' near the fill plug. The Acura models equipped with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, including the Acura RL from 2005 onwards, the AWD Acura TL, and the Acura MDX starting in 2007, require this lubricant. It is recommended by Accurate Automotive to replace this fluid at minimum every three years or after 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.