2013 HONDA PILOT check oil

16
Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance (P377)
Under the Hood (P389)
●Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.●Check brake fluid.
●Check the battery condition monthly.
aPull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
bLocate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
cWhen finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights (P402)
●Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades (P410)
●Replace blades if they leave
streaks across the windshield.
Tires (P414)
●Inspect tires and wheels regularly.●Check tire pressures regularly.
●Install snow tires for winter
driving.

68
Instrument Panel
Indicators
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
(Red)
●Comes on for a few seconds
when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (w, then goes
off.●Comes on when the parking
brake is applied, and goes off
when it is released.●Comes on when the brake
fluid level is low.●Comes on if there is a
problem with the brake
system.●The beeper sounds and the
indicator comes on if you
drive with the parking brake
not fully released.
●Comes on while driving -
Make sure the parking brake is
released. Check the brake fluid
level.
2What to do when the
indicator comes on while
driving P. 452●Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.
2If the Brake System
Indicator (Red) Comes On
P. 452
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (w, and
goes off when the engine
starts.●Comes on when the engine
oil pressure is low.
●Comes on while driving -
Immediately stop in a safe place.
2If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On P. 450
U.S.
Canada
U.S.Canada
* Not available on all models

377
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 378Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 379Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 380Maintenance Minder™.................... 381Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 389Opening the Hood ........................... 390 Recommended Engine Oil ................ 392 Oil Check ......................................... 393Adding Engine Oil ............................ 394Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 395
Engine Coolant ................................ 397Transmission Fluid ............................ 399Brake Fluid ....................................... 400 Power Steering Fluid ........................ 400 Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 401Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 402Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades.... 410Checking and Maintaining TiresChecking Tires ................................. 414Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 415Tire Labeling .................................... 415DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 417Wear Indicators................................ 419
Tire Service Life ................................ 419Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 420Tire Rotation .................................... 421 Winter Tires ..................................... 422Battery............................................... 423Remote Transmitter CareReplacing the Button Battery ........... 424Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care*........................... 425Climate Control System Maintenance..... 427Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 428 Exterior Care.................................... 430
* Not available on all models

378
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 399
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Checking the Brake Fluid P. 400
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 414
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 402
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 410
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals indicated by the information display*/multi-
information display*.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 383
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the service manual.
2Authorized Manuals P. 474
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
* Not available on all models

383
uuMaintenance Minder™uTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, 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 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder MessageMaintenance Minder Indicator
Sub Items
Main Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). *3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110ºF, 43ºC), in very low temperatures (under -20ºF, -29ºC), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. 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).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer* fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace VTM-4r* rear differential fluid*5
* Not available on all models

387
uuMaintenance Minder™uTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, 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.
Maintenance Minder MessageSystem Message Indicator
Sub ItemsMain Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). *3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110ºF, 43ºC), in very low temperatures (under -20ºF, -29ºC), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. 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).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer* fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace VTM-4r* rear differential fluid*5
* Not available on all models

393
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark

394
uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1.Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2.Add oil slowly.
3.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4.Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine compartment components.
NOTICE
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and engine damage.
Engine Oil Fill Cap