2023 HONDA PILOT engine

508
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 guidelin es. 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 weighs 150 lbs (68 kg).
• Each occupant has 17.6 lb (8 kg) cargo in the cargo area.
Any additional weight, cargo or accessori es reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.
■Towing Load Limits1 Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not av ailable, 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 estima te it based on cargo
distribution.
Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional
information.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 790
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
occupantsAWD models2WD models
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
34,750 lbs (2,155 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
64,000 lbs (1,814 kg)2,400 lbs (1,089 kg)
72,500 lbs (1,134 kg)1,150 lbs (522 kg)
8*Towing not recommended
* Not available on all models
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
512
Driving
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your ve hicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake controllers.
Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer
brake controller following the trailer brake
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake controller
may increase the distance it takes for you to
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.
The trailer hitch harness is used to install the
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine
compartment fuse box.
2 Engine Compartment Fuse Box P. 778
1Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector is located under the
dashboard near the driver’s side interior fuse box.
Electric Brake
(Pink)
Ground (Black) +B (Green) (20A)
Stop (Violet)
Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals:
Electric Brake
(Brown)
+B (20A)
(Blue)
Ground
(Black)
Brake Lights
(Sky Blue)
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515
uuTowing a Trailer uTrailer Stability Assist
Driving
Trailer Stability Assist
Helps stabilize the vehicle and traile r when the trailer severely sways.
■How trailer stability assist works
When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscilla tion is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the br akes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights co me on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.
1 Trailer Stability Assist
Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep th e trailer from swaying.
When swaying too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle,
causing the trailer to ro ll over or get damaged.
2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 516
Trailer towing sway is caused by:
•Crosswinds
•Improper tongue load
•Excessive Speed
The VSA ® system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation. 2 VSA ® Operation P. 555
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517
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
• If the Engine temperature near limit. Av oid heavy acceleration and high
speed. message appears on the driver information interface, turn off the climate
control system and reduce speed.
If the Engine temperature too hot. Do no t drive. Allow engine to cool.
message appears on the driver information interface, pull to the side of the road
safely to cool down the engine.
• Change the gear position to
(S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
When retrieving a boat from the wa ter, the sequential shift mode
(S is
recommended to utilize the transmissions lower gears.
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
■Retrieving a Boat
1Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
At higher speeds, the trai ler may sway or affect
vehicle handling.
1 Driving in Hilly Terrain
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically up shift, even in the sequential shift
mode.
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522
uuOff-Highway Driving Guidelines uOff-Highway Driving
Driving
Off-highway driving requires special skills, knowledge and experience, as the safety
risks are greatly increased when the yo ur vehicle is operated at its upper
performance abilities. As a responsible driver, you should not drive above your skill
limits or training, even if your vehicle’ s performance levels would otherwise allow
you to do so. If you intend to engage in off-highway drivi ng, Honda strongly
recommends that:
• You first obtain appropriate, professional training
• Turn off any devices or systems that may distract you from the driving task
Off-highway driving in genera l, results in greater wear and tear on the vehicle. If
your vehicle is not in top c ondition or if certain compon ents, such as the brakes or
tires, have undue wear, those components could experience a loss of performance,
or fail, when engaging in off-highway driv ing. Therefore, Honda highly recommends
that you undertake more proactive and frequent maintenance than that required
under normal use and have your vehicle insp ected at an authorized dealer (and all
necessary repairs or adjustments made) before you engage in any off-highway
driving. In addition to any required ma intenance, there are specific items and
protocols that you should pay special atte ntion to before, during and after engaging
in any off-highway driving. Ultimately, the decision whether to engage in off-
highway driving is yours, and depending on your vehicle’s condition and prior usage,
the items and protocols listed below may or may not be sufficient to ensure a safe
driving experience.
BEFORE DRIVING
•Before off-highway driving, fill the engine oil up to the upper level.
• Recommend starting with full fuel tank and not allowing fuel to drop below ¼
tank while driving off-highway.
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524
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
u The parking brake and brake system
indicator (red) comes on for 30 seconds
when you pull up the electric parking
brake switch.
2. Depress the brake pedal.1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to st art in cold weather and in
thinner air found at al titudes 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 de fogger 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. 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.
Bring the keyless remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the batte ry in the keyless
remote is weak.
2 If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak
P. 764
The engine may not start if the keyless remote is
subjected to strong radio waves.
Brake Pedal
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Continued525
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
without depressing the accelerator pedal.1 Starting the Engine
Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before starting the engine again.
The immobilizer system pr otects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly c oded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.
2 Immobilizer System P. 207
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uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
526
Driving
You can remotely start the engine using the keyless remote.
■To start the engine
Press the button, then press and hold
the button.
u Some exterior lights flash once.
If the engine starts successfully, some exterior
lights flash six times.
■Remote Engine Start*1 Remote Engine Start*
The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote e ngine start, check your
local laws.
If there are buildings an d obstacles between your
vehicle and the keyless re mote, the range will be
reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.
3WARNING
Carbon monoxide ga s is toxic and can
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly
enclosed areas.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Never use the remote engine starter with
the vehicle parked in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.
LED: Blinks when any
button is pressed.
* Not available on all models
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