HONDA PILOT 2007 1.G Owners Manual

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.
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. Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (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. Braking System Design
Braking System
208

If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes f rom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The ABS also balances the f ront-to-
rear braking distribution according
to vehicle loading.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Brake Wear Indicators
Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
209

such as trying to take a
corn er too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderate ly
wh en you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
If
this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conven tional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehic le as
soon as possible.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the front-to-rear braking
distribution system may also be shut
down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control. It only helps with steering
control during braking. on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
278
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
ABS Indicator
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle. A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
210

The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surfaces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output,
and by selectively applying the
brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situ ations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety. When
VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink. If
the VSA system indicator comes
on while driving, pull to the side of
theroadwhenitissafe,andturnoff
the engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays, or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your deale r.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible (see page ).
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. 64
VSA A ctivation Indicator
VSA System Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
Driving
211

VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turn ed it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malfunction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
Deactivate the VSA system if you
need to drive with the compact spare
tire installed (see page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder. This switch is under the lef t vent.
Press it to turn the vehicle stability
assist system on and of f . 258
266
VSA and Tire Sizes
VSA Of f Switch
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
212

The maximum
weight of the trailer and everything
in or on it depends on the number of
occupants in your vehicle and the
type of trailer being towed (see page
).
To wing a load that is too heavy can
seriously affect your vehicle’s
handling and performance. Theweightthatthe
tongue of a fully loaded trailer puts
on the hitch should be 5 to 10
percent of the total trailer weight for
boat trailers, and 8 to 15 percent of
total trailer weight for all other
trailers. (See page for limits for
your towing situation). Too much
tongue load reduces front-tire
traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the
trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
Your
vehicle has been designed to
tow a trailer, as well as carrying
passengers and their cargo. To
safely tow a trailer, you should
carefully observe the load limits (see
page ), use the proper equipment,
and follow the guidelines in this
section.
Be sure to read the
sectiononpage
if you plan to tow of f paved
surf aces.
215 215
222
194
Load Limits
Off-Highway
Driving Guidelines
Towing a Trailer
T ot al T railer Weight : T ongue L oad:
Driving
213
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
beforestartingtodrive.

µµ
µ Thebestwaytoconfirmthatall
loads
are within limits is to check
them at a public scale.
The
maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo and the tongue
load is 5,950 lbs (2,700 kg).
The maximum
allowable weight on the vehicle axles
is 2,865 lbs (1,300 kg) on the front
ax le, and 3,155 lbs (1,430 kg) on the
rear axle.
The maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
ve hicle and trailer is 9,700 lbs (4,400
kg) with the proper hitch and fluid
coolers (see page ).
The GCWR must be reduced 2
percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation. Connect
the fully loaded trailer to
the hitch.
Measure again from the ground to
the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.
Subtract the second measurement
from the first measurement, then
refer to the following table.
Ifthedifferenceismorethan3¾
inch, you have too much load on the
tongue. Redistribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.
1½’’
2¼’’ 3’’
3¾’’ 150
lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (160 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
Measure from the ground to the
bottom of the trailer hitch.
Park
the vehicle on level ground.
For
public scales in your area, check
your local phone book, or contact
your trailer dealer or rental agency
for assistance.
To help ensure a safe drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale,
we recommend that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described.
Add the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manuf acturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page to
make sure you do not exceed the
limit f or your conditions.
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.
217 215
Estimating Loads
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GA WR)
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) If the
difference is: Estimated
tongue load is:
Towing a Trailer
To Estimate the Tongue Load
To Estimate the Total Trailer Weight
214

Number ofOccupants 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Number of Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
T owing is Not Recommended
Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
T owing is Not Recommended
Maximum T otal T railer Weight
Maximum T otal T railer Weight
Maximum T ongue Load
Maximum T ongue Load
Towing a Trailer
Driving
215
Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits:
BOAT TRAILERS
OTHER TYPES OF TRAILERS
The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (70 kg) and each has 1 5 lbs (7 kg)
of luggage in the cargo area.
4,500 lbs (2,045 kg)
4,500 lbs (2,045 kg)
4,500 lbs (2,045 kg)
4,300 lbs (1,945 kg)
4,100 lbs (1,855 kg) 2,000 lbs (905 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,590 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,590 kg)
3,300 lbs (1,490 kg)
3,100 lbs (1,400 kg)
2,700 lbs (1,220 kg) 1,200 lbs (540 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
350 lbs (160 kg)
220 lbs (100 kg)
100 lbs (45 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
350 lbs (160 kg)
220 lbs (100 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)

To accurately check your loads at
the public scale, the vehicle and
trailer should be f ully loaded, and all
occupants should stay in the vehicle
while the attendant watches the
scale.Check the f ront gross axle weight.
Limit: 2,865 lbs (1,300 kg) Check the gross vehicle weight.
Limit: 5,950 lbs (2,700 kg)
If you cannot weigh the rear axle
directly, you can calculate the rear
gross axle weight by subtracting
the weight in step 1 from the
weight in step 2.
Limit: 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg)
Check the gross combined weight.
Limit: 9,700 lbs (4,400 kg)
Remember, maximum gross
combined weight should be
decreased 2 % f or every 1,000 f eet
(305 meters) of elevation.
Check the weight of the hitched
trailer. Write this number down.
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
Towing a Trailer
Checking L oads
216

Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page . Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase
Honda equipment whenever possible.
Your dealer of f ers a trailer package
that includes a hitch, a ball mount, a
wiring harness, a heavy-duty
transmission f luid cooler, and a
heavy-duty power steering f luid
cooler.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state, f ederal, province,
and local regulations.
Calculate the tongue load.
Subtract the weight in Step 5 f rom
the weight in step 6.
Limit: See page .
Range: 5-10% of total trailer weight
f or boat trailers8-15% of total trailer weight
for other trailers We strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install a Honda
hitch. Using non-Honda equipment
may result in serious damage to your
vehicle.
To help prevent overheating, a
heavy-duty transmission f luid cooler
and a heavy-duty power steering
f luid cooler are required f or trailer
towing. These coolers are available
only f rom your dealer.
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended f or use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking
perf ormance.
6.
7.
215
215
CONT INUED
T owing Equipment and
A ccessories
Towing a Trailer
Hitch
T ransmission Fluid Cooler andPower St eering Fluid Cooler
Weight Distributing Hitch
Driving
217