2013 HONDA PILOT check engine

76
uuIndicatorsu
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
Immobilizer
System Indicator
●Comes on briefly when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (w, then goes
off.●Comes on if the immobilizer system
cannot recognize the key
information.
●Blinks - You cannot start the engine.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0, pull
the key out, and then insert the key and
turn it to ON (w again.●Repeatedly blinks - The system may be
malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked
by a dealer.●Do not attempt to alter this system or add
other devices to it. Electrical problems
can occur.
—
Security System
Alarm Indicator*
●Blinks when the security system alarm
has been set.2Security System Alarm* P. 118—
Starter System
Indicator*
●Comes on if there is a problem with
the starter system.
●As a temporary measure, hold the
ignition switch to START (e for up to 15
seconds and start the engine. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer.
Fuel Economy
Indicator
●Comes on and stays on while you are
driving with good fuel economy.——
U.S.
Canada
U.S.
Canada
* Not available on all models

78
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages*
Instrument Panel
Multi-Information Display Warning and Information Messages*
The following messages appear only on the multi-information display. Press the / (information) button to see the message again
with the system message indicator on.
MessageConditionExplanation
●Appears when the fuel fill cap is loose or is not
installed.2Check/Tighten Fuel Cap Message P. 451
●Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due
soon.●Consequently, SERVICE DUE NOW and SERVICE
PAST DUE follow.
2Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-
Information Display P. 386
●Appears when you open the driver's door while the
ignition key is in LOCK (0.
●Remove the key from the ignition switch.
●Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.2Overheating P. 448
●Appears when the daytime running lights are off.
2Daytime Running Lights P. 127
* Not available on all models

324
Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check the following items before you start driving.
•Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
uRemove any frost, snow, or ice.
uRemove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.
uWhen removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
•Make sure the hood is securely closed.
uIf the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
•Make sure the tires are in good condition.
uCheck air pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 414
•Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
uThere are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior Checks
NOTICE
When doors are frozen shut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid
further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert key if the water freezes in
the hole.
Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite
flammable materials left under the hood, causing a fire. If you've parked your vehicle for an extended
period, inspect and remove any debris that may have
collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a
small animal. Also check under the hood for leftover
flammable materials after you or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.

329Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in
or on it shown in the table.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and
can damage the engine and drivetrain.
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
•Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
•Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
•Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.
■Towing Load Limits1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo distribution.
Refer to the trailer owner's manual for additional information.
Break-in Period Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2Vehicle Specifications P. 464
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Number of
occupants4WD models2WD models with
ATF cooler
2WD models
without ATF cooler
24,500 lbs (2,041 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)2,000 lbs (905 kg)
34,300 lbs (1,950 kg)3,300 lbs (1,497 kg)
Towing not
recommended
44,100 lbs (1,860 kg)3,100 lbs (1,406 kg)
54,000 lbs (1,814 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
63,800 lbs (1,724 kg)2,800 lbs (1,270 kg)
72,000 lbs (905 kg)2,000 lbs (905 kg)
8Towing not
recommended
Towing not
recommended

342
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in (P, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in (N, it is safer to start it in (P.
3.Turn the ignition switch to START (e
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold, an engine block heater will improve starting and warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to a higher concentration to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with the engine or exhaust system.
Do not hold the key in START (e for more than 15 seconds.
•If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.•If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
Brake Pedal

343
uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
Driving
1.Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake indicator has gone off.
2Parking Brake P. 360
2.Put the shift lever in (D. Select (R when reversing.
3.Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
■Hill start assist system
Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Move the shift lever to (D or (d when facing uphill, or (R when facing downhill,
then release the brake pedal.
■Starting to Drive1Starting the Engine
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine's fuel system is disabled.
2Immobilizer System P. 118
1Hill start assist system
Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and does not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking brake.
Hill start assist will operate even when VSA® is switched off.

344
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
•Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in a crash or a rollover.2Important Handling Information P. 262Precautions While Driving P. 344
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could damage the transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY (q or LOCK (0 while driving, the engine will shut down and all steering and brake power assist functions will stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in (N, as you will lose engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.

347
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
■Shift Lever Operation1Shift Lever Operation
NOTICE
When you change the shift lever from (D to (R and vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the lever position before pulling away.
Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving, a blinking D indicator indicates a transmission
problem.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine speeds in or over the tachometer's red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.
Tachometer's red zone
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal and press the shift lever release button to shift.
Shift without pressing the shift lever release button.
Press the shift lever release button and shift.