2004 HONDA PILOT coolant temperature

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.The temperature sensor is in the
f ront bumper. Theref ore, the temper-
ature reading can be af f ected by heat
ref lection f rom the road surf ace, en-
gine heat, and the exhaust f rom
surrounding traf f ic. This can cause
an incorrect temperature reading
when your speed is under
19 mph (30 km/h). This indicator displays the outside
temperature in Fahrenheit (U.S.
models) or Centigrade (Canadian
models). To see the outside
temperature, press and release the
Select/Reset button until the
temperature is displayed.
The sensor delays the display update
until it reaches the correct out side
temperature, this may take several
minutes.In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near f reezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
f orming on the road surf ace.
204On EX model
Temperature Gauge Outside Temperature Indicator
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols55

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.The vehicle has two A/C and
heater units. The LX units are
independently controlled. The EX
units are controlled by the f ront
panel controls, unless the RR A/C
Manual button is selected. you can
cool it down more rapidly by partially
opening the windows, turning on the
A/C, and setting the fan to
maximum speed in Fresh Air mode.
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 f rom the
system.
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control dial or
buttons.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page ). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reads normally.
Air f lows f rom the def roster
vents at the base of the windshield.
When you select or ,
the system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C. In this case you cannot turn
A/C mode off.
When you select , the system
automatically switches to Fresh Air
mode and turns on the A/C.
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.
1.
2.
3.
4. 1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
5.
55
If the interior is very warm,
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Air Flow Buttons, Vents, Heating, and A/C
Using the Heater
Using the A /C
Ventilation
84
NOTE:

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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
T railer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions. Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads.
Drivinglessthan5miles(8km)per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per
trip.
Maint enance
Canadian Owners
165
7.5
12 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
( (O
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re
ev
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er
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fi
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ch h e
ev
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s f
fi
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)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule
except in dusty condition)
(
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th
h e
er
rw
w i
is
se e a
ad
d j
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stt o
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miles x 1,000
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15
24 30
4845
7260
9675
120 90
144 105
168120
192 150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
135
216
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 190)
Check front and rear brake wear
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt and inspect water
pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
1
2, 3
,4
Maintenance Severe for Severe Conditions

The pointer of your vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Turn of f all the accessories, and
turn on the hazard indicator.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
5.
6. 4.
1.
2. 3.
208
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed204
NOTICE:
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out. Driving with the temperature
gauge pointer at the red mark can
cause serious damage to your engine.

If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or large heavy cloth,
turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise without pushing
down to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
7.
8.
9.
11. 10.
208Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed205
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

Î
................................
Cancel Button .117
............................
Capacities Chart .218
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 42
........................
Cargo, .131
Cassette Player ..............................................
Care .95
.....................................
Operation .98
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
...........................................
CD Care .95
.....................................
CD Changer .94
.........
CD Changer Error Message . 97
.........................................
CD Player .93
.............
CD Player Error Message . 96
........................
Certif ication Label .216
...................................
Chains, .192
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .197
Change Oil ........................................
How to .172
.............................
When to .164, 165
...
Charging System Indicator . 48,206
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 136
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 65
.....................................
Child Saf ety .25
..............................
Booster Seats .39 ...................................
Child Seats .30
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 25
..........................................
Inf ants .29
..........................
Larger Children .38
.........................................
LATCH .33
......................
Risks with Airbags .26
.............................
Small Children .30
.........................................
Tethers .37
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 26
Child Seats .........................................
LATCH .33
...........................
Lower Anchors .33
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 37
.................
Climate Control System . 86
.........................
Clock, Setting the .103
..............................................
Clock .103
.....................
Code, Audio System .102
........................
CO in the Exhaust .223
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 137
.......................
Compact Spare .196
...................
Console Compartment . 77
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 230
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 45
Coolant ........................................
Adding .174
....................................
Checking .127 .........................
Proper Solution .174
...................
Temperature Gauge . 55
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .223
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 51
............
Cruise Control Operation . 116
.....................................
Cup Holders .77
....
Customer Service Inf ormation . 230
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 46
................
Daytime Running Lights . 59
Daytime Running Lights .......................................
Indicator .51
.................................
Dead Battery .202
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 232
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 60
..........
Def rosting the Windows . 83,85
....................................
Dimensions .218
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 58
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 176
..................................
Engine Oil .127
..........................
Directional Signals .58
how to carry
tires tire
Index
C
D
II

.....................................
Fan, Interior .82
Features, Comfort and ................................
Convenience .81
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 125
Filters ...............................................
Oil .172
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 59
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 197
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 176
..........................................
Brake .178
..........................
Power Steering .179
..................
Windshield Washer . 175
FM Stereo Radio .....................................
Reception .91
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 71
..........................
Four-way Flashers .59
............................
Front Airbags .10, 19
Front Seat ................................
Adjusting .68, 69
.........................................
Heaters .67
.....................................
Airbags .9, 19
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 145
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .173
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 65
....................
Lockout Prevention . 65
......................
Power Door Locks .65
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 220
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .135
....................................
Economy .128
...................................
DVD Player .104
........
DVD Player Error Message . 112
..............................
Economy, Fuel .128
Emergencies ............................
Jump Starting .202
.......................................
Towing .208
..............
Hazard Warning .59
............
Emergencies on the Road . 195
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 202
...........
Brake System Indicator . 208
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 197
.....
Charging System Indicator . 206
..................
Checking the Fuses . 210 .....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 206
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 207
..................
Overheated Engine . 204
...........................
Emergency Brake .75
......................
Emergency Flashers .59
......................
Emergency Towing .208
.......................
Emissions Controls .223
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 226
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 55
.............................. 137
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .48, 207
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 48,206
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 171
...............................
Overheating .204
............................
Specif ications .219
............................
Speed Limiter .140
.......................................
Starting .137
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 223
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .42
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .224
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .15
CONT INUED
Button If it won’t start
Index
E F
III

.................................................
Fuel .124
......................
Fill Door and Cap .125
...........................................
Gauge .54
................
Octane Requirement . 124
........................
Reserve Indicator .51
........................
Tank, Filling the .125
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .210
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 128
.........................................
Gasoline .124
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 51
...........................................
Gauge .54
................
Octane Requirement . 124
........................
Tank, Filling the .125
................
Gas Station Procedures . 125
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 55
...............................................
Fuel .54
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .148
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight .......................................
Rating) .148
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 139
........................................
Glove Box .78 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
.......................................
Rating) .148
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 180
.................
Hazard Warning Button . 59
........................................
Headlights .58
........................................
Aiming .180
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 58
............
Daytime Running Lights . 59
..................
High Beam Indicator . 51
...........
High Beams, Turning on . 58
............
Low Beams, Turning on . 58
.........................
Reminder Chime .58
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 180
...................................
Turning on .58
...................................
Headphones .113
..............................
Head Restraints .72
.................................
Heated Mirror .74
.....................................
Heater, Seat .67
.......................
Heating and Cooling .82
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 137
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 58
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 182HomeLink Universal
................................
Transceiver .118
.......................
Hood, Opening the .126
..................................................
Horn .56
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 216
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .62
...........................................
Switch .64
............
Timing Control System . 224
........................
Immobilizer System .62
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
Indicators .......................
A/T Temperature .52
...............
ABS (Anti-lock Brake) . 49
Brake (Parking and Brake ....................................
System) .49
.................................
Brake Lamp .50
........................
Charging System .48
.............................
Cruise Control .51
DRL (Daytime Running ......................................
Lights) .51
...................................
High Beam .51
........
Key (Immobilizer System) . 49
Index
G H
I
IV