2006 HONDA PILOT check transmission fluid

This indicator monitors the
temperature of the automatic
transmission f luid. It should come on
f or a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on while driving,
it means the transmission f luid
temperature is too high. Pull to the
side of the road when it is saf e, shif t
to Park, and let the engine idle until
the indicator goes out.If the indicator blinks while driving,
the VTM-4 fluid temperature is too
high. Pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e, shif t to Park, and let
the engine idle until the indicator
goes out. This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on at any other
time, there is a problem in the 4WD
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer to have it checked.While the engine is operating in its
most economical range, this
indicator may come on and stay on.
4WD models only
4WD models only2WD models only
A/T Temperature
IndicatorVT M-4 Indicator
Fuel Economy Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
68
Continuing to drive with the A/T
temperature indicator on may cause
serious damage to the transmission.
Continuing to drive with the VTM-4
indicator blinking may cause serious
damage to the system.

Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page .
Calculate the tongue load.
Subtract the weight in Step 5 f rom
the weight in step 6.
Limit: See page .
Range: 5-10% f or boat trailers8-15% 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 package
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.
215
215 T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesT ransmission Fluid Cooler and
Power St eering Fluid Cooler
Weight Distributing Hitch
Hitch
Towing a Trailer
Driving
217

If you have the skills and tools to
perf 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.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .228
....................
Maintenance Minder . 229
....................
Maintenance Record .236
..............................
Fluid Locations .238
........................
Adding Engine Oil .239
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 240
..............................
Engine Coolant .242
....................
Windshield Washers .243
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 244
..............................
Dif f erential Oil .245
....................................
Timing Belt .245
....................................
Brake Fluid .246
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 247
.............................................
Lights .248
.....................................
Floor Mats .254
.......................
Cleaning Seat Belts .254
.................................
Wiper Blades .255
...............................................
Tires .257
...................
Checking the Battery . 262
.............................
Vehicle Storage .263
303
Maintenance
Maint enance
227

ÌÌ
µµ
Ì
Maintenance Minder
235
Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE OIL’’ does not appear more than 12 months after
the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Independent of the maintenance minder display, replace the brake fluid
every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
233
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: 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
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
A
B
1
2
3
4
5
61
1
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles,
replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer
towing results in higher transmission and transfer temperatures or
frequently fully loaded. This requires transmission and transfer
fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under
these conditions, have the transmission and transfer fluid changed
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C),
in very low temperatures (under 20°F, 29°C), or towing a trailer,
replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.) /100,000 km
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer
towing results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid
or frequently fully loaded. This requires differential fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder.
If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the
differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Symbol
Symbol
Maintenance Minder

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 f luid). 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
244
DIPSTICK
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK

µµ
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.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently tow a trailer.
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.
The timing belt should be replaced
according to the maintenance
message shown on the inf ormation
display. Replaced the belt at 60,000
miles (100,000 km) if you regularly
drive your vehicle in one or more of
these conditions:
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.
4WD models only
Timing Belt
Dif f erential Oil
A utomatic Transmission Fluid, Dif f erential Oil, Timing Belt
Maint enance
245
FILLER BOLT
CORRECT LEVEL
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)

CONT INUED
............................
Capacities Chart .288
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 57
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..........................
CD Changer .131, 134
.......................................
CD Player .130
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 191
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .81
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 101
...........................
AC Power Outlet .102
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 239
...............
AdvancedAirbagSystem . 30
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 25
..........
Airbag System Components . 25
..............
Air Conditioning System . 106
.....................
Rear A/C Control .113
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .258
......................................
Antif reeze .242
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) . 209
...............................
Indicator .63, 210
...................................
Operation .209
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 139
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 81
................................
Audio System .115
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 23
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 76
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 175
..............
Automatic Transmission . 200
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .288 ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 244
.......................................
Shif ting .200
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 200
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 201
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 203
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .62, 276
............................
Jump Starting .272
..............................
Maintenance .262
............................
Specif ications .289
..............................
Bef ore Driving .185
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 21
...........................
Beverage Holders .99
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 209
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 186
....................
Bulb Replacement .252
...........................................
Fluid .246
.........................................
Parking .97
.................
System Indicator . 63,278
........................
Wear Indicators .209 .............................
Braking System .208
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 186
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 76
........................
Brights, Headlights .75
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .252
.....................
Brake Lights .252, 253
................
Front Parking Lights . 249
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 249
.................................
Headlights .248
........
High-mount Brake Lights . 253
.................................
Rear Bulbs .252
............................
Specif ications .289
.............
Turn Signal Light . 249,252
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .248
Index
A
B
C
INDEX
I

CONT INUED
Engine....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 71
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .62, 277
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 62,276
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 239
...............................
Overheating .274
............................
Specif ications .289
............................
Speed Limiter .202
.......................................
Starting .199
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 293
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .57
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .294
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 190
.........................................
Gasoline .186
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 67
...........................................
Gauge .70
................
Octane Requirement . 186
........................
Tank, Filling the .187
................
Gas Station Procedures . 187Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 71
...............................................
Fuel .70
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .214
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight .......................................
Rating) .214
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 200
........................................
Glove Box .99
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .214
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 248
.................
Hazard Warning Button . 77
...................................
Fan, Interior .106
.........................................
Features .105
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 187
Filters ...............................................
Oil .240
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 77
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 267Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 244
..........................................
Brake .246
..........................
Power Steering .247
................
Windshield Washers . 243
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 89
..........................
Four-way Flashers .77
.................................................
Fuel .186
...............................
Cap Message .72
......................
Fill Door and Cap .187
...........................................
Gauge .70
................
Octane Requirement . 186
........................
Reserve Indicator .67
........................
Tank, Filling the .187
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .279
Index
F GH
INDEX
III