2016 HONDA PILOT engine

102 || 103
DRIVING
DRIVING
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, \
use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.honda.com (U.S.) or www.myhonda.ca (Canada) for
more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of
the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown in
the table below. Towing loads in excess of this can
seriously affect vehicle handling and performance
and can damage the engine and drivetrain.
To ng ue Loa d
Total load
Number of
occupant s
AWD models with
ATF cooler
AWD models
without ATF cooler2WD models
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
34,750 lbs (2,155 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
64,000 lbs (1,814 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
7
8T owing not recommended
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)
2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
•  Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back.
•  Each occupant weighs 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. Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately:
•  Boat trailers: 5 – 15% of the total trailer weight
•  Other trailers: 10 – 15% of total trailer weight
To ng ue Loa dTongue load
To estimate the tongue load
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. \
Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by measuring the trailer hitch height fr\
om the
ground in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hi\
tch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hi\
tch
again.
5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then refer\
to
the following table.
If the difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute t\
he load or
remove cargo as needed.
Number of
occupant s
AWD models with
ATF cooler2WD models
2500 lbs (227 kg)350 lbs (159 kg )
3475 lbs (215 kg)325 lbs (147 kg)
4450 lbs (204 kg)300 lbs (136 kg)
5375 lbs (170 kg)275 lbs (125 kg)
6250 lbs (113 kg)240 lbs (109 kg)
7
8 Towing not recommended
125 lbs (57 kg)
115 lbs (52 kg)
If the difference isAWD models2WD models
1 inches (2.5 cm)150 lbs (68 kg)
1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm )250 lbs (114 kg)
2 inches (5.1 cm)350 lbs (159 kg)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm )450 lbs (205 kg)—
2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm )500 lbs (227 kg)—

106 || 107
DRIVING
DRIVING
Remote Engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine using the remote transmitter before you enter the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location when using remote engine start (i.e., a
well ventilated area, away from any flammable materials).
Starting the Engine
Press the Lock button, then press and hold the Engine button within 5 se\
conds to
remotely start the engine.
The engine runs for up to 10 minutes. To extend the run time for another 10
minutes, repeat the procedure during the initial 10 minutes.
While the engine is running, the climate control system adjusts the cabi\
n
temperature, the security system remains on, and lights and accessories remain
off.
Stopping the EnginePress and hold the Engine button.
The engine will also stop if it has been running for more than 10 minute\
s, or if any
door is opened without using the remote or smart entry.
Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or cause unconsciousness.
Never use the remote engine starter when the vehicle is parked in a gara\
ge or
other area with limited ventilation.
WARNING
Lock button
Engine button
Starting to Drive
Turn on the vehicle and start the engine to begin driving.
Before Starting the EngineCheck that the transmission is in Park (P), then
press the brake pedal. Keep your foot firmly on the
brake pedal when starting the engine.
Release the parking brake, if necessary (see page
111).
Brake pedal
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found a\
t altitudes
above 8,000 feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off
all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control system, a\
nd rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Changing the Power ModeUse the ENGINE START/STOP button to cycle through power modes or start the
engine.
Accessory or On mode: Press the ENGINE START/
STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal
for Accessory mode. Press it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake pedal,
then press the ENGINE START/STOP button. Keep
your foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press the ENGINE START/STOP
button.

108 || 109
DRIVING
DRIVING
Shifting
Change the shift position based on your driving needs.
Shift Lever*
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping
the engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the
release button to shift.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving.
Low (L): Used for stronger engine power and
braking when driving in hilly terrain.
D4: Press the D4 button when the shift lever is in
Drive. Used for going up or down hills or towing a
trailer in hilly terrain.
When you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a co\
mplete
stop and keep the brake pedal pressed. Operating the shift lever before \
the vehicle
has come to a complete stop or while pressing the accelerator pedal can \
damage
the transmission.
NOTICE
Release button
D4 button
*if equipped
Electronic Gear Selector* Park (P): Used for parking or starting or turning off
the vehicle. Press P with the brake pedal pressed. A
red indicator appears.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing. Pull back R. A green
indicator appears.
Neutral (N): Used for idling. Press N. A red indicator
appears.
Drive (D/S): Used for normal driving (D) or driving in sequential mode (S) (see \
page
110). Press D/S once for normal driving. Press D/S twice for sequential\
mode
driving. A green indicator appears. Make sure the parking brake is relea\
sed (see
page 111).
The vehicle can roll away if left unattended without confirming that P\
ark is
engaged. Always keep your foot on the brake pedal until you have confi\
rmed that
P is shown on the gear position indicator.
WARNING
*if equipped
When you change from D to R and vice versa, press the brake pedal and co\
me to
a complete stop, then select the intended gear position while maintainin\
g brake
pressure.
NOTICE
Auto park mode
For your convenience, Park (P) is automatically selected when all of t\
he following
conditions are met:
• The vehicle is stopped.
• The driver’s seatbelt is unbuckled.
• The driver’s door is opened.
Car wash mode
If you are driving through a conveyor-style car wash where you or the attendant
do not remain in the vehicle, follow these steps while the engine is on:\
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Press and release N (Neutral).
3. Press and hold N again for two seconds. The engine remains on, and
the transmission remains in Neutral. To turn off the engine but keep the
transmission in Neutral, press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
The transmission remains in Neutral for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, th\
e gear
position changes to Park and the vehicle turns off.

112 || 113
DRIVING
DRIVING
*if equipped
Intelligent Traction Management System*
Adjusts vehicle handling performance while driving on various road surfa\
ces.
Press the Mode button to select one of four
appropriate modes. The mode you select appears on
the MID.
Normal: Provides balanced driving performance on
most road surfaces.
Snow: Use when driving on snowy road surfaces.
Mud*: Use when driving on muddy roads or off-road
surfaces.
Sand*: Use when driving on soft, sandy road or off-
road surfaces.
Cruise control/adaptive cruise control* is not available
when Snow, Mud, or Sand is selected.
Selected mode
Mode button
Auto Idle Stop*
Automatically stops and restarts the engine to help maximize fuel econom\
y,
depending on environmental and vehicle conditions.
Activating Auto Idle Stop
When the vehicle stops with the gear position in
Drive (D) and the brake pedal is pressed, the engine
turns off and the auto idle stop indicator appears if
conditions permit.
When you release the brake pedal, turn the steering
wheel, or press the accelerator pedal, the engine
restarts and the vehicle begins to move.
Auto idle stop does not activate (or the engine may automatically resta\
rt) when
the driver’s seat belt is unfastened, the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill, the
windshield defroster is on, and other conditions.
Turning the System On or OffPress the Auto Idle Stop Off button to turn the
system off. The amber auto idle stop indicator
comes on. Press the button again to turn it on.
*if equipped
Eco Assist System
Can help improve your fuel economy by adjusting the performance of the e\
ngine,
climate control system, and cruise control.
ECON ButtonPress the ECON button to turn the system on or off.
The ECON Mode indicator appears when the system
is turned on.
Ambient MeterColor-coded bars around the speedometer change
based on your driving style and brake or accelerator
pedal operation.
Green: Fuel efficient driving
Light green: Moderate acceleration/deceleration
White: Aggressive acceleration/deceleration
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns mor\
e or less
than what was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery s\
urfaces by
regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or Off
VSA is turned on every time you start the engine,
even if you previously turned it off. If you turn VSA
off, your vehicle has normal braking and cornering
ability, but traction and stability enhancement
become less effective.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a
beep to turn VSA on or off. The VSA OFF indicator
appears when the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which may make it easier when trying to free
your vehicle if it is stuck in mud or snow.
VSA OFF indicator
Ambient meter

126 || 127
DRIVING
DRIVING
Refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performan\
ce and
safety of your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded gasoline of 87 octane or higher is recommended.
•  Honda recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline where available.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing MMT.
We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help
prevent fuel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to mainta\
in good
performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the
use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based fuel addit\
ives
such as MMT, if such gasoline is available.
NOTICE
How to Refuel
1. The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the
vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is
most accessible.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Press the fuel fill door release button on the
driver’s door. The fuel fill door opens.
4. Place the end of the filler nozzle on the lower part
of the filler opening, then insert it slowly and fully.
5. After filling, wait about 5 seconds before
removing the filler nozzle. Close the fuel fill door
by hand.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
•  Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
•  Handle fuel only outdoors.
•  Wipe up spills immediately.
WARNING
Refueling from a Portable Fuel Container
If you need to refuel your vehicle from a portable fuel container, use the funnel
provided with your vehicle.
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Press the fuel fill door release button. The fuel fill
door opens.
3. Wrap a cloth around the built-in key. Put it into
the cover slot as shown in the image, and remove
the cover.
4. Remove the funnel from the cover.
5. Place the end of the funnel on the lower part of
filler opening, then insert it slowly and fully. Make
sure that the end of the funnel goes down along
with the filler pipe.
6. Fill the tank with fuel from the portable fuel
container. Pour fuel carefully so you do not spill
any.
7. Remove the funnel from the filler neck. Wipe up
any fuel from the funnel before storing it.
8. Shut the fuel fill door by hand.
Funnel
Cove r
Funnel
The fuel ller opening is designed to accept only service station \
ller nozzles for
refueling. Use of smaller diameter tubes (e.g., to siphon fuel for othe\
r uses) or
other non-service station devices can damage the area in and around the \
ller
opening.
Do not insert the nozzle of a portable fuel container or any funnel othe\
r than the
one provided with your vehicle. Doing so can damage the fuel system.
Do not try to pry open or push open the sealed fuel tank with foreign ob\
jects. This
can damage the fuel system and its seal.
NOTICE

128 || 129
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Smart Entry Remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, a message appear\
s in the MID
with information on how to start the engine.
1. Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the
ENGINE START/STOP button while the indicator is
flashing.
2. With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button within 10 seconds.
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1. Remove the engine compartment cover (see page
146).
2. Remove the holding clips and the air intake duct.
3. Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s
battery (+) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the first jumper cable
to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt
booster battery only.
5. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster
battery (-) terminal.
6. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable
to the engine hanger as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part.
7. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle,
start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly.
8. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns
over slowly, make sure that the jumper cables have
good metal-to-metal contact.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\

compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Clip
Air intake duct
Pin
Engine cover
Shift Lever Does Not Move*
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Par\
k (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the built-in key from the remote
transmitter.
3. Open the lid of the console compartment.
4. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-tip
screwdriver. Put it into the shift lock release slot as
shown in the image, and remove the cover.
5. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
6. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever
release button and place the shift lever into Neutral
(N). The lock is now released. Have the shift lever
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
After the Engine Starts Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from the engine hanger.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery’\
s (-)
terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery’\
s (+)
terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Cover
Release
button
Shift lock
release slot
*if equipped
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriou\
sly
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the batt\
ery.
WARNING

130 || 131
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly lo\
ses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheat\
ing.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and
wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the tem\
perature
gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediatel\
y stop
the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the\

cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve\
tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in t\
he
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator ca\
p with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not g\
one down,
contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
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 radiato\
r cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
Reserve tank
MAX
MIN
Emergency Engine Stop*
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, cho\
ose one of
the following operations:
•  Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for
two seconds, or
•  Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two
times.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a tru\
ck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front
tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground.\
This is an
acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious dama\
ge. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle\
can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
*if equipped
The steering wheel will not lock. Because turning off the engine also di\
sables the
power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it\
will require
significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehi\
cle. Use both
feet on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a
safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary \
for the engine
to be switched off.

136 || 137
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•  Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
•  Use the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the w\
eight
(“load”) or fit the jacking point.
•  Do not use while the engine is running.
•  Use only where the ground is firm and level.
•  Use only at the jacking points.
•  Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
•  Do not put anything on top of or underneath the jack.
Replacing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2. Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the
wheel nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten
the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not overtighten the
wheel nuts.
If you drive with the spare tire installed, the
low tire pressure/TPMS indicator appears. The
indicator stays on until a regular tire is installed.
Storing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the center cap and place the flat tire
face up under the hoist.
2. Insert the hoist bracket into the center hole of the
flat tire.
3. Turn the wheel nut wrench with the jack handle
bar clockwise until the flat tire rests against the
underbody of the vehicle and you hear the hoist
click.
4. Securely put the jack and wheel nut wrench back
in the tool case. Store the case in the cargo area.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously i\
njure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Center cap
Jack handle bar
Wheel nut wrench