2004 HONDA PILOT Owners Manual

Park the vehicle on level ground.
Measure and record the distance
from the ground to the bottom of
the trailer hitch.
Connect the f ully loaded trailer to
the hitch.
Measure again f rom the ground to
the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.Subtract the second measurement
f rom the f irst measurement. Ref er
to Fig. 1.
If thedifferenceis:
1’’ = 150 lbs (68 kg)
1 ¾’’ = 250 lbs (114 kg)
2 ½’’ = 350 lbs (160 kg) 3’’ = 450 lbs (205 kg)
3 ¼’’ = over 450 lbs (205 kg)
If thedifferenceismorethan
3 ¼’’ you have too much tongue
load at the rear. Move or
remove cargo f rom the trailer
and the vehicle and measure
again. If the estimated trailer weight and
tongue load do not exceed the limits,
drive your trailer to a public scale
f ully loaded with all occupants and
cargo you plan to take on the road.
If your trailer lights burn out, check
toseeif thereareanyblownfuses
(see page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
211
CONT INUED
To Estimate the Tongue LoadFig. 1
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Trailer Lights
149

Number ofOccupants 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Max. T railer Weight
Max. T ongue Load
Number of Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Max. T railer Weight
Max. T ongue Load
Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
T owing is Not Recommended
Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
T owing is Not Recommended
Towing a Trailer
Driving150
Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits: BOAT TRAILERS
OTHER TYPES OF TRAILERS
The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (70 kg) and each has 1 5 lbs (7 kg)
of luggage in the cargo area.
4,500 lbs (2,045 kg)
4,500 lbs (2,045 kg)
4,500 lbs (2,045 kg)
4,300 lbs (1,945 kg)
4,100 lbs (1,855 kg) 2,000 lbs (905 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
350 lbs (160 kg)
220 lbs (100 kg)
100 lbs (45 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,590 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,590 kg)
3,300 lbs (1,490 kg)
3,100 lbs (1,400 kg)
2,700 lbs (1,220 kg) 1,200 lbs (540 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
350 lbs (160 kg)
220 lbs (100 kg)
100 lbs (45 kg)

Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase
Honda equipment whenever possible.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state regulations.
We strongly recommend that you
have your Honda dealer install a
Honda hitch and use the required
f luid coolers. Using non-Honda
equipment may result in serious
damage to your vehicle.
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended f or use with your Pilot.Honda requires that any trailer with
a total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs (455
kg) or more have its own brakes.
There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common f or boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
Electric brakes must be
electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to tap into your vehicle’s
hydraulic system. See your brake
manuf acturer f or more inf ormation
on installing electric brakes.
Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let thechains drag on the ground.
To help prevent overheating, a
heavy-duty transmission f luid cooler
and a heavy-duty power steering
f luid cooler are required f or trailer
towing. These coolers are available
only f rom your Honda dealer.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.
CONT INUED
T owing Equipment and
A ccessories
Hitch
Weight Distributing Hitch Trailer Brakes
Saf et y Chains T ransmission Fluid Cooler and
Power St eering Fluid Cooler
Sway Cont rolTrailer Mirrors
Towing a Trailer
Driving151

Check trailer light requirements f or
the areas where you plan to tow.
To get to your vehicle’s trailer
lighting connector, open the tailgate,
remove the cargo cover, then
remove the rear panel trim. The
connector is on the lef t side. We
recommend that you have your
Honda dealer install a Honda wiring
harness and converter.If you use a non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, you
cangetthematingconnectorand
pins that mate with the connector in
your vehicle f rom your Honda dealer.
When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page
f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare
tire. Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.
Towing perf ormance can be
af f ected by high altitude, high
temperature, or when climbing
steep grades. Theref ore, premium
fuelisrecommendedwhentowing
more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg).
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
Drive slower than normal in all
driving conditions.
Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer has a
smaller arc and it can hit or run
over something the vehicle misses.
191
197 200
T railer L ights
Spare Tires
Towing a Trailer, Trailer Driving Tips
Driving
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
152
GROUND
(BLACK)BACK-UP LIGHT
(GREEN/BLACK) LEFT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/WHITE)
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/YELLOW) BRAKE LIGHT
(WHITE/BLACK)
TAILLIGHT
(RED/BLACK)
Connector-98530-00006-00
Terminal Kit-07JAZ-001-030A

µ
Allow more time and distance f or
braking. Do not brake or turn
suddenly the trailer could
jackknif e or turn over.
When driving with a f ix-sided (e.g.
camper, utility) trailer, do not
exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At
higher speeds, the trailer may
sway or affect vehicle handling.
Whenbeingpassedbyatruckor
large vehicle, cross-winds and air
turbulence can disrupt your
steering and cause your trailer to
sway. Keep a constant speed, steer
straight ahead, and do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections. Do not park on an incline unless it
is unavoidable. If you must, turn
the vehicle’s wheels toward the
curb on a downhill or away f rom
the curb on an uphill. Af ter
parking, place wheel chocks at
each trailer tire on the downhill
side.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
If the vehicle’s wheels slip when
retrieving a boat f rom the water,
shif t to f irst gear, and turn on VTM-4
Lock (see page ). Disengage
VTM-4 Lock as soon as the boat is
out of the water to prevent damage
to the VTM-4 system. When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, reduce speed
and, if necessary, pull to the side of
the road and let the engine cool.
If the transmission shif ts f requently
while going up a hill, shif t down one
gear.
If youmuststopwhenfacinguphill,
use the f oot brake or the parking
brake. Do not try to hold the vehicle
inplacebypressingonthe
accelerator; this could cause the
automatic transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to D . Do
not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes.
142
bottom
3
Backing Up
Ret rieving a Boat Driving on Hills
Trailer Driving Tips
Driving
Remember: It will take longer to
slow down and stop when towing
atrailer.
153

Your Pilot can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100 km/h) or severe
transmission damage will occur. To
avoid damage to the 4WD system, it
must be towed with all f our wheels
on the ground (f lat towing).
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manuf acturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s attachment
instructions caref ully.
Perf orm the f ollowing procedure
everyday immediately bef ore you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage will
occur.Check the transmission f luid level
(see page ).
Start the engine. Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shif t lever through all its
positions.
ShifttoD,thentoN.Letthe
engine run f or three minutes, then
turn it off.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) so the steering
wheel does not lock. Make sure
the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power
sockets are turned of f so you do
not run down the battery.
If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours
(when you stop f or f uel, etc.)
176
Do not overf ill. Ext ended T owing
Driving
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
154
NOTICE:
NOTICE:
Improper towing preparation
will damage the transmission. Follow
the above procedure exactly. If you
cannot shif t the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a f lat-bed or trailer.
T he steering system can be
damaged if the steering wheel is locked.
Leave the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I), and make sure the
steering wheel turns f reely bef ore you
begin towing.

Your vehicle has been designed
primarily f or use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance and f our-
wheel drive VTM-4 system allow you
to occasionally travel on unpaved
roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites,
and similar locations. It is not
designed f or trailblazing, mountain
climbing, or other challenging of f -
road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will f ind that it requires
somewhat dif f erent driving skills.
Your vehicle will also handle
somewhat dif f erently than it does on
pavement. Be sure to pay extra
attention to the precautions and tips
in this section, and get acquainted
with your vehicle bef ore leaving the
pavement.To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to f ollow all precautions and
recommendations.
Be sure to store cargo properly
and do not exceed your vehicle
cargo load limits (see pages and ).
Wherever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions
allow.
It’s up to you to continually assess
the situation and drive within the
limits. 132 147
Important Saf ety Precautions
Driving
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
155
Improperly operating this
vehicle on or off-pavement can
cause an accident or rollover in
which you and your passengers
could be seriously injured or
killed.
Follow all instructions and
guidelines in the owner’s
manual.
Keep your speed low and
don’t drive faster than
conditions permit.

Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service and that you inspect your
vehicle. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires and check the
tire pressure.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressure.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comf ort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving of f -highway can be
hazardous if you f ail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in second gear (2) will
help you have a smoother start on
snow and ice.
Debris in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.
If you can’t clearly see all road
conditions or obstacles, walk the
slope bef ore you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can saf ely drive on the slope, don’t
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and f ind
that you cannot continue,
. Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
f ollowing the same route you took up
the hill.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surf aces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not pump
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them f or you.
do not try to
turn around
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember: A ccelerating and Braking
A voiding Obstacles
Driving on Slopes
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving156