2003 HONDA PILOT engine

IndicationSolution
If you see an error indication in the
display while operating the DVD
player,findthecauseinthechartto
the right. If you cannot clear the
error indication, take the vehicle to
your Honda dealer. Cause
Press the EJECT button and pull out the disc.
Check if the disc is inserted correctly in the
DVD Player.
Make sure the disc is not scratched or damaged.
Press the EJECT button and pull out the disc.
Check the disc for damage or deformation.
If the DVD cannot be pulled out or the error
indication does not disappear after the disc is
ejected, see your Honda dealer.
Do not try to force the disc out of the player.
Will disappear when the temperature returns to
normal.
Run the engine to recharge the battery.
FOCUS Error
Mechanical Error
High Temperature
Low Vehicle Battery
Voltage
DVDPlayerErrorIndications
Rear Entertainment System
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures200

Bef ore you begin driving your Honda,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your vehicle,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst..............................
Break-in Period .216
.........................................
Gasoline .216
.........
Service Station Procedures . 217
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 217
....................
Opening the Hood .218
...............................
Oil Check .220
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 221
...............................
Fuel Economy .222
.....................
Vehicle Condition .222
...........................
Driving Habits .222
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 223
.............................
Carrying Cargo .225
.................................
Load Limit .226
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving215

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration. Youshouldfollowthesesamere-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are replaced.
Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
intervalshowninthemaintenance
schedule.
Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use f or the f irst 200 miles (300
km). We also recommend that you do not
tow a trailer during the f irst 500
miles (800 km).
Your Honda is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 86 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise in the engine that can lead to
mechanical damage.
We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
f uel system and engine deposits.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
Premium f uel is recommended when
towing in certain conditions (see
page ).
256
Break-in Period, Gasoline
Bef ore Driving
Break-in Period Gasoline
216

Because the f uel f ill cap is on the
driver’s side of the vehicle, park
with that side closest to the
service station pumps.
Open the f uel f ill door by pulling
onthehandletotheleftof the
driver’s seat.
In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emission control system
perf ormance may deteriorate and
the Malf unction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Honda dealer f or service.
1.
2.
CONT INUED
Bef ore Driving
Filling the Fuel Tank
Gasoline, Service Station Procedures
217
Pull
FUEL FILL CAP
Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.Stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors.
Wipe up spills immediately.

Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.Insert it all the way back in its tube.
Check the engine oil level every time
you f ill the vehicle with f uel. Wait a
f ew minutes af ter turning the engine
of f bef ore you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle). 3.
2.
1.
Oil Check
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving220
D D I
IPP S
ST TI
ICCK K

Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see
on page . Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Honda.
4. 283 287281
A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil Owner Maintenance
Checks
Engine Coolant Check
Bef ore Driving
Service Station Procedures
221
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK MAX
MINRESERVE TANK

The condition of your vehicle and
your driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Always maintain your vehicle accord-
ing to the maintenance schedule.
This will keep it in top operating
condition.A cold engine uses more f uel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it
idle f or a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up f aster, and you get
better f uel economy. To cut down on
the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to
combine several short trips into one.
You can improve f uel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and acceler-
ate smoothly.
Depending on traf f ic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your vehicle uses extra f uel. Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to
increase f uel economy.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Turnoff theA/Cto
cut down on air conditioning use.
Use the f low-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature is
moderate.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your vehicle’s underside adds weight
and rolling resistance. Frequent
cleaning helps your f uel mileage and
reduces the chance of corrosion. An important part of that mainte-
nance is the (see page ). For
example, an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses f uel. It also wears out
f aster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly. 281
Vehicle Condition
Driving Habits
Owner Maintenance
Checks
Bef ore Driving
Fuel Economy
222

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the VTM-4 System, and
f acts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer.........................
Driving Guidelines .230
........................
Preparing to Drive .231
.......................
Starting the Engine .232
Starting in Cold Weather ....................
at High Altitude .232
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Automatic Transmission . 233
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 233
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 234
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Engine Speed Limiter . 236
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 236
Variable Torque Management ..............................
4WD System .238
..............................
VTM-4 Lock .238
...........................................
Parking .240
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The Braking System .241
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Brake Wear Indicators . 241
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Brake System Design . 242
.......................
Anti-lock Brakes .242
Important Saf ety .........................
Reminders .243
........................
ABS Indicator .243
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Driving in Bad Weather . 245
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Towing a Trailer .247
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a ................................
Motorhome .259
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Of f -Highway Guidelines . 261
Driving
Driving229