2022 Honda Pilot Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	0W-20, API SP / Honda HFS-4	5.7 quarts (with filter)
Engine Coolant	Honda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2	~2.2 gallons (initial fill)
Transmission Fluid	Honda ATF DW-1	~3.4-3.7 quarts (drain/refill, varies by model)
Transfer Case	Honda DPSF-II	~1.2-1.4 quarts
Front Differential	Honda DPSF-II (shared with transfer case)	Not separately serviceable (integrated)
Rear Differential	Honda DPSF-II	~2.8 quarts
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Honda Genuine Brake Fluid)	As needed
Power Steering	Electric Power Steering (EPS) - No Fluid	N/A
Washer Fluid	Honda Genuine Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent	~0.5 gallon
DEF	Not applicable (gasoline engine)	N/A

Engine Oil

For your 2022 Honda Pilot, the manufacturer specifies 0W-20 viscosity motor oil. It is crucial to use oil that meets or exceeds the American Petroleum Institute (API) classification of API SP (or an earlier compatible specification like API SN Plus or SN). Honda also has its own genuine oil, Honda HFS-4, which is a recommended option.

Capacity: The engine oil capacity for the 2022 Honda Pilot with a filter change is approximately 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters). Always verify the exact capacity in your owner's manual and use the dipstick to ensure the correct fill level after adding oil.

Intervals: Honda's Maintenance Minder system will illuminate a wrench icon and display a code (e.g., A1, B1) in your instrument cluster to indicate when an oil change is due. This system calculates oil life based on driving conditions and mileage. Typically, oil change intervals range from 5,000 to 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Adhering to the Maintenance Minder is highly recommended to ensure optimal engine health and warranty compliance.

Common Pitfalls: Never use an oil viscosity or specification that is not recommended by Honda. Using heavier weight oils can negatively impact fuel economy and cold-starting performance, while lower quality oils may not provide adequate protection. Always look for the API "starburst" symbol on the oil container, indicating it meets the current API SP standard for gasoline engines.

Engine Coolant

The 2022 Honda Pilot requires Honda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This is a silicate-free, pre-mixed, ethylene glycol-based coolant with an extended service life. It is typically blue in color.

Capacity: The total cooling system capacity is approximately 2.2 gallons (8.4 liters) for an initial fill. When performing a drain and refill, you will likely use less as some coolant will remain in the system. Always fill to the "MAX" line on the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold.

Intervals: Honda's Maintenance Minder system will indicate when the coolant needs to be replaced, typically around 120,000 miles for the first replacement, and then every 60,000 miles thereafter. However, it's good practice to inspect the coolant level and condition periodically.

Common Pitfalls: Never mix different types or brands of coolant. Honda Type 2 coolant is formulated specifically for Honda vehicles and is not compatible with all other coolants, such as traditional green or yellow coolants. Mixing coolants can lead to chemical reactions, premature degradation of cooling system components, and reduced cooling effectiveness. Always use distilled water if you need to dilute coolant, although Honda Type 2 is pre-mixed and does not require dilution.

Transmission Fluid

Your 2022 Honda Pilot, depending on the specific transmission (9-speed or 10-speed automatic), requires Honda ATF DW-1 automatic transmission fluid.

Capacity: Transmission fluid drain and refill capacities typically range from 3.4 to 3.7 quarts (3.2 to 3.5 liters), depending on the specific transmission and model. A full flush will require significantly more. Always check your owner's manual for the precise capacity for your vehicle.

Intervals: The Maintenance Minder system will alert you when transmission fluid replacement is due, usually indicated by a "3" sub-item. This can vary significantly based on driving conditions, but often falls in the range of 30,000 to 60,000 miles for the first change, and then more frequently if towing or driving in severe conditions.

Common Pitfalls: Only use genuine Honda ATF DW-1. Using "universal" or non-Honda specific automatic transmission fluids can lead to shifting problems, premature wear of transmission components, and potentially severe transmission damage. The Honda transmissions are very sensitive to fluid type. Never overfill or underfill the transmission fluid.

Transfer Case Fluid

For 4WD/AWD models of the 2022 Honda Pilot, the transfer case (often referred to as the front differential, as it's integrated) requires Honda DPSF-II (Dual Pump System Fluid II).

Capacity: The transfer case typically holds approximately 1.2 to 1.4 quarts (1.1 to 1.3 liters).

Intervals: The Maintenance Minder system will indicate when the transfer case fluid needs to be replaced, usually indicated by a "6" sub-item. This can range from 15,000 to 30,000 miles, especially for the first change or if driving in severe conditions such as towing or off-road use.

Common Pitfalls: Just like with transmission fluid, it is imperative to use only Honda DPSF-II. Do not substitute with generic gear oils or other differential fluids, which can cause significant damage to the transfer case components and affect its operation.

Rear Differential Fluid

For 4WD/AWD models of the 2022 Honda Pilot, the rear differential also requires Honda DPSF-II.

Capacity: The rear differential typically holds approximately 2.8 quarts (2.6 liters).

Intervals: Similar to the transfer case, the Maintenance Minder system will indicate when the rear differential fluid needs to be replaced, often at the same interval as the transfer case (a "6" sub-item).

Common Pitfalls: Again, stick strictly to Honda DPSF-II. Using incorrect fluids can lead to chatter, noise, and premature wear of the differential clutch packs and gears.

Brake Fluid

The 2022 Honda Pilot uses DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Honda Genuine Brake Fluid is a recommended option, but any high-quality DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a reputable manufacturer is acceptable, provided it meets the SAE J1703 or ISO 4925 standards.

Capacity: Brake fluid capacity is "as needed" meaning you simply top off the reservoir to the MAX line. A full flush will require more, typically around 1 liter depending on the bleed procedure.

Intervals: Honda recommends replacing the brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage. This is because brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion in the brake system.

Common Pitfalls: Never mix DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5 brake fluids. DOT 5 is silicone-based and incompatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4, which are glycol-based. Using the wrong fluid can severely damage your braking system. Always keep brake fluid containers sealed to prevent moisture absorption. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint, so wipe up any spills immediately.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2022 Honda Pilot is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. This means there is no hydraulic power steering fluid to check or replace. The system is electronically assisted.

Common Pitfalls: Do not attempt to add power steering fluid to an EPS system, as it does not have a reservoir or pump for traditional hydraulic fluid.

Washer Fluid

For the windshield washer system, use Honda Genuine Windshield Washer Fluid or any commercially available, high-quality washer fluid. Brands that offer freeze protection are recommended in colder climates.

Capacity: The washer fluid reservoir typically holds around 0.5 gallons (2 liters).

Intervals: Replenish as needed based on usage.

Common Pitfalls: Do not use plain water in the washer fluid reservoir, especially in freezing temperatures, as it can freeze and damage the system. Avoid using household detergents, which can leave streaks and damage paint or rubber components.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The 2022 Honda Pilot is powered by a gasoline engine and therefore does not use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is only used in diesel vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

Common Pitfalls: Never attempt to add DEF to a gasoline vehicle, as it is completely unnecessary and can cause damage if mistakenly poured into the fuel tank or wrong reservoir (if one existed).

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