[CroMath]

The van's normal operating temperature range starts at right around 170F - that's when the thermostat opens. If the cooling fans kick on you are on the way to exceeding the normal operating temperature range, hence the need for the fans to kick on and cool the engine.

That direction from the service manual is weird - you do not have to get the fans to kick on in order to be considered warmed up. If that were the case my Ody would never be warmed up anytime between Halloween and Easter.

The engine is fully warmed up at fro VCM purposes at 167F (or 75C for us Canadians). You're good to check the ATF level at that point or later.

You obviously have the ability to read the engine coolant temperature precisely - just go for a drive, get everything good and warm, and then check your fluid level. Don't overthink this.

 

[CroMath]

I'll disagree with this - the transmission fluid (and engine oil, for that matter) take much longer than the coolant to warm up to 'operating temperature' Often, my trans fluid is still below 150*F by the time I get done with a 30+ mile highway drive from my house (I live 1/4 mile from the freeway). 5 miles or so around town on a non-winter day (say, above 45*F) should get the trans up to temp. You need shifting and some driving with the torque converter unlocked (first and second gear).

-Charlie

Beyond about 100°F, it doesn't really matter. As per the legendary @0dyfamily

Transmission Temps

For those experienced, what are the Transmission Temp. Comparisons between the AT temperatures without an ATF cooler (I.e. The TruCool) and one with (for those monitoring ie ScanGauge). Let me preface by saying I'm not planning on towing anything significant with our new 2016 Osy SE, other than...

www.odyclub.com

It doesn't take much driving to warm up the ATF enough. Probably a lot less than most people think. I'll stand by my original statement that this isn't that hard - don't overthink things.

 

[CroMath]

Also, how do you know the thermostat opens at 170F? Thanks!

I first got that from notes like this one on replacement parts.

But I think I've seen it noted somewhere from Honda as well. Can't remember where it was at the moment. It also correlates logically with how VCM works.