check engine light HONDA PILOT 2004 1.G Owners Manual

This indicator alerts you
that the passenger’s side
airbag has been automatically shut
of f . It does mean there is a
problem with your side airbags.
To reduce the risk of injury f rom an
inf lating side airbag, your vehicle has
an automatic cutoff system for the
passenger’s side airbag.
Although Honda does not encourage
children to ride in f ront, this system
is designed to shut of f the side
airbag if a child leans sideways and
the child’s head is in the side airbag
deployment path.
If a short adult leans sideways, or a
larger adult slouches and leans
sideways into the side airbag
deployment path, the system may
also shut off the side airbag.
The SRS indicator alerts
you to a potential problem
with your f ront airbags, side airbags,
or f ront seat belt tensioners (see
page ).
When you turn the ignition to ON
(II), this indicator will light brief ly
then go out. This tells you that the
system is working properly.
If the indicator comes on at any
other time, or does not come on at all,
you should have the system checked
by your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator does not come
on after you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II).
If the indicator stays on after the
engine starts.
If the indicator comes on or
flashesonandoff whileyoudrive. If you see any of these indications,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when you
need them.
48
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
How the Side Airbag Of f
Indicator Works
How the SRS Indicator Works
not
23
Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbag systems, or
tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS indicator alerts you to
a possible problem.

This indicator monitors the
temperature of the automatic
transmission f luid. It comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II). If it comes
on while driving, it indicates the
transmission 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 light goes
out.This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II). If this
indicator comes on at any other time,
there is a problem in the 4WD
system. Have your vehicle checked
by a dealer.
If the indicator blinks while driving,
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.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
A/T Temperature
Indicator
VTM-4 Indicator
Instrument Panel
52
Continuing to drive with the VTM-4
indicator blinking may cause serious
damage to the 4WD system.
Continuing to drive with the A/T
Temperature indicator on may cause
serious damage to the transmission.

Your vehicle has a higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.
Because your vehicle rides higher
of f the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over 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. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicator lights in
the instrument panel (see page
).
Make sure the doors and the
tailgate are securely closed and
locked. Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ). Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ). Check the seat adjustment (see
page ). Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle. Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof . Do not modif y your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
3.
2. 1. 4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
61
74
68
12
47
See page f or additional driving of f - highway guidelines. 155
Driving Guidelines
Driving
Preparing to Drive
136

Your Honda is equipped with disc
brakes on all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear. Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Braking System
Braking System Design
Driving
Braking System
144
Front

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .160
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 161
....................
Maintenance Record .167
..............................
Fluid Locations .170
........................
Adding Engine Oil .171
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 172
..............................
Engine Coolant .174
....................
Windshield Washers .175
.....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 176
...............................
Dif f erential Oil .177
....................................
Timing Belt .177
....................................
Brake Fluid .178
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 179
.............................................
Lights .180
.....................................
Floor Mats .185
.......................
Cleaning Seat Belts .185
.................................
Wiper Blades .186
...............................................
Tires .188
................
Checking Your Battery . 193
.............................
Vehicle Storage .194
233
Maintenance
Maint enance159

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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page . Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See pages . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
171
174
176 177 178
188
180
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
163

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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
T railer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions. Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads.
Drivinglessthan5miles(8km)per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per
trip.
Maint enance
Canadian Owners
165
7.5
12 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
( (O
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Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule
except in dusty condition)
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15
24 30
4845
7260
9675
120 90
144 105
168120
192 150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
135
216
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 190)
Check front and rear brake wear
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt and inspect water
pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
1
2, 3
,4
Maintenance Severe for Severe Conditions

Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
Remove the oil f ilter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
Honda dealer) is required.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it. Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
5 seconds. If it does not, turn of f
the engine and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
3.
4.
Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance173
NOTICE:
OIL FILTER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
5.1 US qt (4.8
) Improper disposal of engine
oil can be harmf ul to the environment.
If you change your own oil, please
dispose of the used oil properly. Put it
in a sealed container and take it to a
recycling center. Do not discard it in a
trash bin or dump it on the ground.

When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill. Clean
up any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on and
tighten it.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
The low washer
level indicator will light when the
level is low.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
2. 3.
4.
5.
1.
On Canadian models:
Windshield Washers
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
Maint enance175
NOTICE:
RADIATOR CAP
Do not use engine antif reeze
or a vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

Diagnosing why your engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check these things: Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
orNeutralorthestarterwillnot
operate.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check
their brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or don’t light at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page .
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the f uses. If
thefusesareOK,thereis
probably something wrong with
the electrical circuit f or the
ignition switch or starter motor.
You will need a qualif ied
technician to determine the
problem (see
on page ). If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
f rom a booster battery (see page
).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
202
208 193
202
137
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly Jump Starting
Emergency T owing Starting the
Engine
T he Starter Operates Normally
If theEngineWon’tStart
201