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a16 service

cablemaster11

Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2025
Messages
6
i did about 2k miles on my ridgeline since i got it and now I'm getting a message about a16 service one which includes changing the oil in the diff. i'm no master mechanic but 5-6k for diff fluid seems a bit low so anyone has some explanation for this? are new cars just that more gentle and finicky?
 
if the car has 5-6k miles in total then its the first a16 service and is normal, ask your dealer. the next time you'll need to change the diff oil will probably after 30k or more miles
 
i did about 2k miles on my ridgeline since i got it and now I'm getting a message about a16 service one which includes changing the oil in the diff. i'm no master mechanic but 5-6k for diff fluid seems a bit low so anyone has some explanation for this? are new cars just that more gentle and finicky?
a16 services pop up for low mileage new cars like Ridgelines because the break in period makes parts settle in and the fluid picks up all sorts of tiny debris so while it sounds extreme, it's actually honda making sure nothing gets clogged or worn out prematurely. and yeah, once you hit 30k or more miles like @pillowfighter1 said it'll become way less frequent and you won't have to feel like your wallet is on a diet every time service reminders light up.
 
a16 services pop up for low mileage new cars like Ridgelines because the break in period makes parts settle in and the fluid picks up all sorts of tiny debris so while it sounds extreme, it's actually honda making sure nothing gets clogged or worn out prematurely. and yeah, once you hit 30k or more miles like @pillowfighter1 said it'll become way less frequent and you won't have to feel like your wallet is on a diet every time service reminders light up.
A16 code pops up because the fluid in the diff gets cooked quicker with the i-VTM4 system, especially if you're doing a lot of stop and go or hauling. It's not about babying the car it's about keeping the rear diff from grenading itself. so @cablemaster11 ,skip it and you'll pay more down the line, guaranteed.
 
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