Are Honda Dual Pump Fluid and VTM-4 the Same?

No—Honda Dual Pump Fluid (also labeled DPSF or DPSF-II) is not the same as Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid, and they are not interchangeable. Each is formulated for specific Honda/Acura all-wheel-drive/rear differential systems. Using the wrong fluid can cause chatter, binding in tight turns, premature wear, or differential damage. Here’s how they differ, which vehicles use which, and how to make sure you use the correct fluid for your model and year.

What Each Fluid Is

Honda Dual Pump Fluid (DPSF/DPSF-II)

This fluid is designed for Honda’s “Dual Pump” rear differentials used with Real Time 4WD/AWD (common in CR-V and Element) and for many Acura SH-AWD rear differentials. Newer torque-vectoring systems branded i-VTM4 (on later Pilot/Passport/Ridgeline) also specify DPSF-II. Bottles may be labeled “Dual Pump Fluid II,” “DPSF,” or “Acura DPSF,” and they replace earlier Dual Pump formulations.

Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid

This fluid is uniquely blended for Honda’s earlier Variable Torque Management 4WD system (VTM-4) used on models such as the first-generation Pilot and the first-generation Ridgeline, as well as early Acura MDX. The VTM-4 hardware is different from Dual Pump and SH-AWD units, and it requires its own fluid to operate correctly.

Which Vehicles Use Which Fluid

The following examples show typical applications for VTM-4 fluid. Always confirm with your owner’s manual or dealer by VIN, as fluid specs can vary by model year and market.

• Honda Pilot (approximately 2003–2015) with VTM-4: VTM-4 Differential Fluid
• Honda Ridgeline (approximately 2006–2014, first generation): VTM-4 Differential Fluid
• Acura MDX (approximately 2001–2006, VTM-4 models): VTM-4 Differential Fluid

These vehicles use the VTM-4 mechanical system and must use VTM-4 Differential Fluid for proper clutch engagement, cooling, and durability.

The next examples cover common applications for Dual Pump Fluid (DPSF/DPSF-II). Again, confirm the specification in your owner’s manual for your exact year and trim.

• Honda CR-V (all AWD years; earlier models used Dual Pump Fluid, later models specify DPSF-II): Dual Pump Fluid/DPSF-II
• Honda Element (AWD): Dual Pump Fluid/DPSF-II
• Acura SH-AWD models (e.g., MDX 2007+, RDX, TL SH-AWD, ZDX): DPSF/DPSF-II
• Newer Honda i-VTM4 models (e.g., Pilot 2016+, Ridgeline 2017+, Passport 2019+): DPSF-II

These vehicles use Dual Pump, SH-AWD, or i-VTM4 hardware designed around DPSF/DPSF-II and should not be serviced with VTM-4 fluid.

Are They Interchangeable?

No. VTM-4 Differential Fluid and Dual Pump Fluid (DPSF/DPSF-II) are different chemistries for different clutch-pack, pump, and valve designs. Mixing or substituting can lead to noise, shudder in tight turns, overheating, and accelerated wear. Use only the fluid specified in your owner’s manual or on the differential label.

How to Confirm the Correct Fluid for Your Honda/Acura

Before purchasing or adding fluid, verify the exact specification using one or more of the following methods.

• Owner’s manual: Check the “Rear Differential” or “Driveline” service section for the exact fluid name.
• Service information: Factory service manuals and Honda/Acura service sites list the required fluid by system.
• Dealer verification: Call a Honda/Acura parts counter with your VIN for the exact, current fluid spec.
• Rear differential tag/label: Some units have an identification label noting the fluid type.
• TSP/recall updates: If your vehicle had driveline service bulletins, the dealer can confirm any superseded specs.

Because naming can be confusing (e.g., VTM-4 vs. i-VTM4 vs. SH-AWD), verifying by VIN or manual is the safest route.

What If the Wrong Fluid Was Used?

If you suspect the wrong fluid was added, address it promptly to avoid damage.

1. Avoid heavy loads and tight-turn maneuvers until serviced.
2. Drain and refill with the correct fluid; many shops perform multiple drain-and-fills to purge contamination.
3. Install new crush washers and torque plugs to spec.
4. Road test with figure-eight turns to confirm chatter or binding is resolved.
5. If noise persists, have a qualified technician inspect for internal wear.

Quick correction typically prevents long-term issues; extended use with the wrong fluid raises the risk of clutch and bearing damage.

Service Intervals and Practical Notes

Intervals vary by model, use, and region, so follow your manual. The points below are general guidelines, not a substitute for official specifications.

• Typical rear differential fluid intervals often range from 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000–96,000 km); severe use may require shorter intervals.
• If you experience chatter or moan in tight turns, a fluid change with the correct fluid often resolves it.
• Capacity is usually about 1–2 US quarts/liters; buy extra if multiple drain-and-fills are needed.
• Use new crush washers and torque fill/drain plugs to spec; over-tightening can damage the housing.
• Only use genuine or approved equivalent fluid meeting the exact Honda/Acura specification listed for your system.

Sticking to the specified fluid and service procedures helps maintain smooth operation and prolongs differential life.

Summary

Honda Dual Pump Fluid (DPSF/DPSF-II) and Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid are different products for different AWD/rear differential systems and must not be interchanged. Older VTM-4-equipped models (e.g., early Pilot, Ridgeline, MDX) use VTM-4 fluid; vehicles with Dual Pump, SH-AWD, or newer i-VTM4 systems use DPSF/DPSF-II. Confirm your exact requirement via the owner’s manual or dealer by VIN, and correct any fluid mix-ups promptly to avoid driveline damage.

What is compatible with Honda Dual Pump fluid?

ENEOS Import DPS Fluid is recommended for uses in Honda and Acura vehicles with Dual Pump Systems that require Honda Dual Pump Fluid II and Acura DPSF Genuine Fluid.

What is Honda dual pump fluid?

Honda Dual Pump Fluid, also known as Dual Pump Fluid II or DPSF, is a specialized fluid developed by Honda for their Real Time AWD (all-wheel drive) systems. It serves a dual purpose: lubricating the components of the rear differential and generating the hydraulic pressure needed to engage the rear wheels when needed. 
This video explains the purpose and function of Honda dual pump fluid: 54sENEOSUSAYouTube · Jun 4, 2024
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Lubrication: . Opens in new tabThe fluid acts as a lubricant for the gears and other moving parts within the rear differential, reducing friction and wear. 
• Hydraulic Pressure: . Opens in new tabThe fluid is also used to create the hydraulic pressure that engages the rear wheels when the system detects slippage in the front wheels. 
• Specific to Honda: . Opens in new tabHonda Dual Pump Fluid is specifically designed for Honda’s Real Time AWD system and is not interchangeable with other types of fluids. 
• Part Numbers: . Opens in new tabThe most common part number for this fluid is 08200-9007, according to Bernardi Parts Honda. 
• Acura DPSF: . Opens in new tabAcura vehicles with all-wheel drive also use a similar fluid called DPSF (Dual Pump System Fluid), which is essentially the same as Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, according to some YouTube videos. 

This video discusses the difference between Honda Dual Pump Fluid II and Acura DPSF: 59sBig Dog50001 AutomotiveYouTube · Dec 23, 2022

What can I use in place of Honda Dual Pump fluid?

If it is not, slowly add Genuine Honda Dual Pump Fluid until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely. If the Dual Pump Fluid is not available, you may use Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or a quality DEXRON® III ATF as a temporary replacement.

What is Honda VTM-4 fluid?

VTM-4 fluid is a specially formulated Honda rear differential fluid designed for the active Honda VTM-4 system found in models like the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline. It lubricates and cools the clutch packs within the rear differential, providing the correct friction for proper limited-slip operation and transferring power to the rear wheels for improved traction in low-traction conditions. Using only Honda genuine VTM-4 fluid is crucial, as other differential fluids may lack the necessary characteristics for the VTM-4 system to function correctly.
 
What it does

• Lubricates and cools: The fluid provides essential lubrication for the rear differential’s gears and clutch packs, also helping to dissipate heat. 
• Enables power transfer: It allows for the variable transfer of power to the rear wheels, which is crucial for the VTM-4 system’s function of directing torque to the wheels with the most traction. 
• Ensures proper clutch operation: The fluid’s specific characteristics ensure that the clutch packs engage and disengage correctly, providing the right amount of friction for the system to work as intended. 

Why it’s important to use the correct fluid

• System-specific design: VTM-4 fluid is engineered exclusively for the VTM-4 system to achieve the necessary coefficient of friction and lubrication qualities. 
• Prevents damage: Using an incorrect fluid could lead to the clutch packs slamming together or slipping excessively, potentially causing premature wear and damage to the differential. 

How to check and change it

• Check the manual: Consult your Honda Pilot or Ridgeline’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance intervals regarding VTM-4 fluid changes. 
• Locate the fill and drain plugs: You will need to access the rear differential, typically located underneath the vehicle, to find the fill and drain plugs. 
• Follow the procedure: The process involves draining the old fluid, replacing the drain plug with a new crush washer, and then refilling the differential with new VTM-4 fluid using a fluid transfer pump until it begins to leak from the fill hole.