engine coolant HONDA PILOT 2006 1.G Owners Manual

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This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle white mark. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper white mark. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull saf ely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system. If the outside temperature is
incorrectly displayed, you can adjust
it up to 5°F ( 3°C) warmer or
cooler.
NOTE: The temperature must be
stabilized bef ore doing this
procedure.
Select the outside temperature
display, then press the Select/Reset
knob f or 10 seconds. The f ollowing
sequences appear, 1 second at a
time:0,1,2,3,4,5, 5, 4, 3, 2,
1, 0, 1 (0, 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, 0, 1).
When the temperature reaches the
desired value, release the Select/
Reset knob. You should see the new
outside temperature displayed.
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near f reezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
f orming on the road surf ace.
This indicator displays the outside
temperature in Fahrenheit (U.S.
models) or Centigrade (Canadian
models). To see the outside
temperature, press and release the
Select/Reset knob until the
temperature is shown in the
inf ormation display.
The temperature sensor is in the
f ront bumper. Theref ore, the
temperature reading can be af f ected
by heat ref lection f rom the road
surf ace, engine heat, and the
exhaust f rom surrounding traf f ic.
This can cause an incorrect
temperature reading when your
speed is under 19 mph (30 km/h).
The sensor delays the display update
until it reaches the correct outside
temperature. This may take several
minutes.
242
On EX and EX-L models
Temperature Gauge
Outside Temperature Indicator
Gauges
Instruments and Controls
71

The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes bef ore you
f eel warm air coming f rom the
system.
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear side
panels.
Set the temperature to the lower
limit.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and fresh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed. Select and fresh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control dial.Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reading returns to normal.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The indicator in the button
comesonwhenafanspeedis
selected (LX model), or the
display shows A/C ON (EX and
EX-L models).
Make sure the temperature is set
to maximum cool.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select f resh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
5.71
Using the Heater
Ventilation Using the A /C
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Features
109

Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period .186
.................
Fuel Recommendation . 186
.........
Service Station Procedures . 187
....................................
Ref ueling .187
Opening and Closing the .......................................
Hood .188
...................................
Oil Check .189
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 189
...............................
Fuel Economy .190
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 191
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
185

Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert it all the way back into its
tube.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see
on page .
1.
2.
3. 4.
242
234
239
Service Station Procedures
Oil Check
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
A dding Engine Oil
Bef ore Driving
189
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
MAX
MIN RESERVE TANK
DIPSTICK

If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .228
....................
Maintenance Minder . 229
....................
Maintenance Record .236
..............................
Fluid Locations .238
........................
Adding Engine Oil .239
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 240
..............................
Engine Coolant .242
....................
Windshield Washers .243
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 244
..............................
Dif f erential Oil .245
....................................
Timing Belt .245
....................................
Brake Fluid .246
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 247
.............................................
Lights .248
.....................................
Floor Mats .254
.......................
Cleaning Seat Belts .254
.................................
Wiper Blades .255
...............................................
Tires .257
...................
Checking the Battery . 262
.............................
Vehicle Storage .263
303
Maintenance
Maint enance
227

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U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display. 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 .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. 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 . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
189 189
246
258 248
244
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards. Owner’s Maintenance Checks
234

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Maintenance Minder
235
Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE OIL’’ does not appear more than 12 months after
the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Independent of the maintenance minder display, 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.
NOTE: 1:
233
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
A
B
1
2
3
4
5
61
1
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles,
replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer
towing results in higher transmission and transfer temperatures or
frequently fully loaded. This requires transmission and transfer
fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under
these conditions, have the transmission and transfer fluid changed
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C),
in very low temperatures (under 20°F, 29°C), or towing a trailer,
replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.) /100,000 km
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer
towing results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid
or frequently fully loaded. 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).
Symbol
Symbol
Maintenance Minder

Fluid Locations
238
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) COOLANT
RESERVOIR
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to between the
MIN and MAX lines. Inspect the
cooling system f or leaks. Always use Honda Long-Lif e
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 %
antif reeze and 50 % water. Never add
straight antif reeze or plain water.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
242
RESERVE TANK
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 radiator cap.

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.
Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
The low washer
level indicator will come on when the
level is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
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. 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 enance
243
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.