2003 HONDA PILOT engine coolant

This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.This shows how much f uel you have.
It is most accurate when the vehicle
is on level ground. It may show
slightly more or less than the actual
amount when you are driving on
curvy or hilly roads.
The needle returns to the bottom
after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the f uel level reading
immediately af ter you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).
There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays and the outside temperature
display (EX model only) by pressing
the Select/Reset button repeatedly.
Each trip meter works independently,
so you can keep track of two
dif f erent distances. To reset a trip meter, display it and
then press and hold the Select/Reset
button until the number resets to
‘‘0.0’’. Both trip meters will reset if
the vehicle’s battery goes dead or is
disconnected.
This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle white mark. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper white mark. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull saf ely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
345
Trip Meter
Fuel Gauge
Temperature Gauge
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Gauges
68
TRIP METER SELECT/
RESET BUTTON
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.

This section covers how to set up the
system controls f or ventilation,
heating, cooling, dehumidif ying, and
def rosting.
The engine must be running f or the
heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes bef ore you f eel warm air
coming from the system.
The air conditioning does not rely on
engine temperature.
It is best to leave the system in Fresh
Air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in Recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to Recirculation mode when
you are driving through smoky or
dusty conditions, then switch back to
Fresh Air mode when the condition
clears.The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep
these clear of leaves and other
debris.
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Heating and Cooling
How to Use the System
122
RECIRCULATION
BUTTON
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER BUTTON FAN CONTROL
DIAL
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
MODE CONTROL DIAL
AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON

The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear side
panels.Turn the temperature control dial
all the way to the lef t.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed. If the interior is very warm f rom
beingparkedinthesun,youcancool
it down more rapidly by setting up
the controls this way: When the interior has cooled down
to a more comf ortable temperature,
close the windows and set the
controls as described f or normal
cooling.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
) when driving in stop-and-go
traf f ic or climbing a long, steep hill.
If it moves near the red zone, turn
of f the A/C until the gauge reads
normally.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The light in the button
comesonwhenafanspeedis
selected.
Make sure the temperature
control dial is all the way to the left.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Start the engine.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. Make sure the tempera-
ture control dial is turned all the
way to the left.
Set the f an to maximum speed.
Open the windows partially. Select
and Fresh Air mode.
1.
2.
3.
4. 1.
2.
3.
5. 4.
1.
2.
3. 68
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Heating and Cooling
Vent ilat ion
T o Cool wit h A /C
123

Your vehicle also has a rear A/C unit
that allows the rear passengers to
adjust the heating, cooling, and f an
speed. See page f or operation of
the rear A/C unit.To shut of f the system temporarily,
turn the fan speed and temperature
control dials all the way to the lef t.
You should shut the system
completely of f only f or the f irst f ew
minutes of driving in cold weather,
until the engine coolant warms up
enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at all other times so stale
air does not build up in the interior.
136
Rear A/C Unit
To Turn Everything Of f
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures127

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

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

This section explains the importance
of keeping your vehicle well
maintained and why you should
f ollow basic maintenance saf ety
precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .270
.
Important Safety Precautions . 271
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 272
...
Required Maintenance Record . 279
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 281
..............................
Fluid Locations .282
......................................
Engine Oil .283
..................................
Adding Oil .283
....................
Recommended Oil .283
..............................
Synthetic Oil .284
....................................
Additives .284
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 285
.............................
Cooling System .287
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 287
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 289
....................
Windshield Washers .292
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 293
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .294
....................................
Brake Fluid .295
............................
Brake System .295
..............................
Power Steering .296
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .297
....................................
Hood Latch .298
....................................
Spark Plugs .299
..............................
Replacement .299
............................
Specif ications .301 ...........................................
Battery .302
.................................
Wiper Blades .304
..............
Air Conditioning System . 306
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 307
.....................................
Drive Belts .307
....................................
Timing Belt .308
...............................................
Tires .308
......................................
Inf lation .308
..................................
Inspection .310
..............................
Maintenance .311
.............................
Tire Rotation .311
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 312
......................
Wheels and Tires .313
..........................
Winter Driving .313
.............................
Snow Tires .314
............................
Tire Chains .314
.............................................
Lights .315
.....................
Headlight Aiming .317
........................
Replacing Bulbs .317
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .324
377
Maintenance
Maint enance269

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Ì
Ì
Ì
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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
274
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
7.5
12 6 15
24
12
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)30
48
24
45
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Adjust only if noisy
273
:
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions