2005 HONDA PILOT check transmission fluid

Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page .
Calculate the tongue load.
Subtract the weight in Step5f rom
the weight in step 6.
Limit: See page .
Range: 5-10% f or boat trailers 8-15% f or other trailers Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase
Honda equipment whenever possible.
Your dealer of f ers a trailer pachage
that includes a hitch, a ball mount, a
wiring harness, a heavy-duty
transmission f luid cooler, and a
heavy-duty power steering f luid
cooler.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state, f ederal, province,
and local regulations. We strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install a Honda
hitch and use the required f luid
coolers. Using non-Honda equipment
may result in serious damage to your
vehicle.
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 dealer.
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended f or use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking
perf ormance.
6.
7.
175
175 T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesT ransmission Fluid Cooler and
Power St eering Fluid Cooler
Weight Distributing Hitch
Hitch
Towing a Trailer
Driving
177

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 vehicle, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .188
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 189
....................
Maintenance Record .195
..............................
Fluid Locations .198
........................
Adding Engine Oil .199
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 200
..............................
Engine Coolant .202
....................
Windshield Washers .203
.....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 204
...............................
Dif f erential Oil .205
....................................
Timing Belt .205
....................................
Brake Fluid .206
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 207
.............................................
Lights .208
.....................................
Floor Mats .213
.......................
Cleaning Seat Belts .213
.................................
Wiper Blades .214
...............................................
Tires .216
...................
Checking the Battery . 221
.............................
Vehicle Storage .222
261
Maintenance
Maint enance
187

ÌÌ
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Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the severe driving
conditions specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance Schedule on
the next page do not apply.
NOT E: If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
192
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 190)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brake wear
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
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)
( (O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 7
7y
ye
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ar
rs
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fi
ir
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)At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then
every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
(
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)
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
30
4845
72 75
120 90
144 105
168120
192 150
240
( (
O
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y 2
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)
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, page . At every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) up to
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 1 year,
then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2
years. At 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years,
then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2
years.
60
96
135
216
1:
2:
: 190
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

µ
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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.
Canadian Owners
193
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
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
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, w
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s f
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)
(
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)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule
except in dusty conditions)
(
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( O
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)
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
( (O
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re
ev
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y 2
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s, , w
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)
15
24 30
4845
72 75
120 90
144 105
168120
192 150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
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 60
96
135
216
7.5
12
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
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
1, 2
,3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission.If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug and add
f luid into the tube to bring it to the
upper mark.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRONIII automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can af f ect the shif t quality.
Have the transmission flushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
1.
2. 3.
4.5.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission
204
DIPSTICK
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK

µµ
To thoroughly f lush the
transmission, the technician
should drain and ref ill it with
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive
the vehicle f or a short distance.
Do this three times. Then drain
and ref ill the transmission a f inal
time.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer. Put a new washer on the f iller bolt,
then reinstall the f iller bolt and
tighten it securely. Tightening
torque:
The dif f erential should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance schedule. Replace the
belt at 60,000 miles (100,000 km) if
you regularly drive your vehicle in
one or more of these conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently tow a trailer.
Check the f luid level with the
dif f erential at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
dif f erential f luid f iller bolt and
washer, and caref ully f eel inside the
bolt hole with your f inger. The f luid
level should be up to the edge of the
bolt hole. If it is not, slowly add
VTM-4 Dif f erential Fluid until it
starts to run out of the hole.
6.
Timing Belt
Dif f erential Oil
A utomatic T ransmission Fluid, Dif f erential Oil, T iming Belt
Maint enance
205
FILLER BOLT
CORRECT LEVEL
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)

CONT INUED
............................
Capacities Chart .246
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 53
.............................
Carrying Cargo .153
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..........................
CD Changer .113, 114
.......................................
CD Player .111
........................
Certif ication Label .244
............................................
Chains .220
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .225
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 151
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .77
..............
Accessory Power Sockets . 95
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 199
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 23
..........
Airbag System Components . 23
..............
Air Conditioning System . 100
.....................
Rear A/C Control .105
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .217
......................................
Antif reeze .202
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .59, 169
...................................
Operation .169
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 123
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 77
................
Audio System . 106,109,119
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 21
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 138
..............
Automatic Transmission . 160
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .204
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 204
.......................................
Shif ting .160
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 160................
Shif t Lever Positions . 161
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 163
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .58, 234
............................
Jump Starting .230
..............................
Maintenance .221
............................
Specif ications .247
..............................
Bef ore Driving .145
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 20
...........................
Beverage Holders .95
..................................
Booster Seats .50
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 169
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 146
...........................................
Fluid .206
....................
Bulb Replacement .210
.........................................
Parking .93
.................
System Indicator . 59,236
........................
Wear Indicators .168
.............................
Braking System .168
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 146
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 72........................
Brights, Headlights .71
Bulb Replacement .....................
Brake Lights .210, 211
..........................
Back-up Lights .210
................
Front Parking Lights . 209
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 212
.................................
Headlights .208
........
High-mount Brake Lights . 211
.................................
Rear Bulbs .210
............................
Specif ications .247
.............
Turn Signal Light . 209,210
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .208
Index
A
B
C
INDEX
I

CONT INUED
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 212
.................
Hazard Warning Button . 73
........................................
Headlights .71
........................................
Aiming .208
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 72
............
Daytime Running Lights . 72
..................
High Beam Indicator . 63
...........
High Beams, Turning on . 71
............
Low Beams, Turning on . 71
.........................
Reminder Chime .72
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 208
...................................
Turning on .71
...................................
Headphones .135
..............................
Head Restraints .87
.................................
Heated Mirror .89
...................................
Fan, Interior .100
...........................................
Features .99
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 147
Filters ...............................................
Oil .200
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 225
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 204
..........................................
Brake .206
..........................
Power Steering .207 ................
Windshield Washers . 203
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 85
..........................
Four-way Flashers .73
.................................................
Fuel .146
...............................
Cap Message .68
......................
Fill Door and Cap .147
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 146
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .147
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .239
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 150
.........................................
Gasoline .146
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 63
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 146
........................
Tank, Filling the .147
................
Gas Station Procedures . 147
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 67
...............................................
Fuel .66
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .174 GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
.......................................
Rating) .174
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 160
........................................
Glove Box .96
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .174
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 58,234
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 199
...............................
Overheating .232
............................
Specif ications .247
............................
Speed Limiter .162
.......................................
Starting .159
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 251
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .252
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
Index
F GH
INDEX
III