key HONDA PILOT 2003 1.G Owner's Manual

Apply the parking brake.
In cold weather, turn of f all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.
Make sure the shif t lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal.
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. If the engine
does not start right away, do not
hold the key in START (III) f or
more than 15 seconds at a time.
Pause f or at least 10 seconds
bef ore trying again.
If the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed half-way
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.If the engine still does not start,
press the accelerator pedal all the
way down and hold it there while
starting in order to clear f looding.
As bef ore, keep the ignition key in
the START (III) position f or no
more than 15 seconds. Return to
step 5 if the engine does not start.
If it starts, lif t your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal so the engine
does not race.
An engine is harder to start in cold
weather. The thinner air f ound at
high altitude above 8,000 f eet (2,400
meters) adds to the problem.
Use the f ollowing procedure: Turn of f all electrical accessories
to reduce the drain on the battery. Push the accelerator pedal half-
way to the f loor and hold it there
while starting the engine. Do not
hold the ignition key in START
(III) f or more than 15 seconds.
When the engine starts, release
the accelerator pedal gradually as
the engine speeds up and smooths
out.
If the engine fails to start in step 2,
push the accelerator pedal to the
f loor and hold it there while you
try to start the engine for no more
than 15 seconds. If the engine
does not start, return to step 2.
1. 2.
3.
5. 6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Starting in Cold Weather at High
A ltitude (A bove 8,000 f eet/
2,400 meters)
Starting the Engine
Driving232

µ
The shift lever has seven positions.
It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, D , 2, 1, N or R, press f irmly on
the brake pedal, and keep your f oot
of f the accelerator pedal. This position mechani-
cally locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning of f or
starting the engine. To shif t out of
Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and have your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal. Pull the shif t lever
towards you, then move it out of
Park.
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, see Shif t Lock Release on page .
You must also pull the shif t lever
towards you to shift into Park. To
avoid transmission damage, come to
a complete stop bef ore shif ting into
Park. The shif t lever must be in Park
bef ore you can remove the key f rom
the ignition switch.
YoucannotshiftoutofParkwiththe
brake pedal depressed when the
ignition switch is in LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I). 236
3 To shift from:
PtoR
RtoP
NtoR
Dto2 2to1
1to2
2toD
DtoD DtoN
DtoD NtoDRtoN Do this:
Press the brake pedal and
pull the shift lever towards
you.
Pull the shift lever towards
you.
Move the lever.
3
3
3
3
Shif t L ever Positions Park (P)
Automatic Transmission
Driving234
SHIFT LEVER

µµ
If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
When driving down hill with a trailer,
use the Second position. To shif t f rom Second
to First, pull the shift lever
towards you, then shift to the
lower gear. With the lever in this
position, the transmission locks in
First gear. By upshif ting and
downshif ting through 1, 2, D and
D, you can operate this
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch
pedal. This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pulling the shif t lever does
not work.
Set the Parking brake.
Make sure the key is in the
ignition switch LOCK (0) position.
To shif t to Second,
pull the shif t lever towards you, then
shif t to the lower gear. This position
locks the transmission in second
gear. It does not downshif t to f irst
gear when you come to a stop.
Second gives you more power when
climbing, and increased engine
braking when going down steep hills.
Usesecondgearwhenstartingout
on a slippery surf ace or in deep snow.
It will help reduce wheelspin. 1.
2.
3
Engine Speed Limiter
Shift Lock Release
First (1) Second (2)
Automatic Transmission
Driving236

µ
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. The indicator
on the instrument panel shows that
the parking brake is not f ully
released; it does not indicate that the
parking brake is f irmly set. Make
sure the parking brake is set f irmly
or your vehicle may roll if it is
parked on an incline.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission making it
easier to move the shif t lever out of
Park when you want to drive away. If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the curb.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill, turn
the f ront wheels toward the curb.
Make sure the parking brake is f ully
released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes.
Make sure the windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lockthedoorswiththekeyorthe
remote transmitter.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire.
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving240

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,thereisproba-
bly something wrong with the
electrical circuit for 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
).
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. Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
343
358 302
343
232
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly Jump Starting
Emergency T owingT he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
If Your Engine Won’t Start
342

To jump start your vehicle, f ollow
these directions closely:
If your vehicle’s battery has run
down,youmaybeabletostartthe
engine by using a booster battery.
Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page ). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, climate
control, stereo system, lights, etc.
Your vehicle has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page . You cannot start your Honda by
pushing or pulling it. 1.
2.
80
356 358 302
CONT INUED
Jump Starting
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed343
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery. If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 223
................................
Accessories .223
...
Additional Safety Precaution . 224
............................
Modif ications .224
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .82
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 110
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 284
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 50
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .297
......
Air Conditioning System . 118,130
..............................
Maintenance .306
.....................
Rear A/C Control .135
.................................
Usage .118, 130
...............
Air Outlets (Vents) . 120,128
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .308
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .366
.......
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . 327
......................................
Antif reeze .287
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .63, 243
...................................
Operation .242
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 153
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 81..........................
Appearance Care .325
................
Audio System . 137,153,168
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 48
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 73
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 207
..............
Automatic Transmission . 233
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .362
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 293
.......................................
Shif ting .234
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 233
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 234
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 236
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .62, 348
............................
Jump Starting .343
..............................
Maintenance .302
............................
Specif ications .363
..............................
Bef ore Driving .215
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,46
.........................
Beverage Holders .105
.................................
Body Repairs .332 Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 242
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 216
...........................................
Fluid .295
....................
Bulb Replacement .320
.......................................
Parking .104
.................
System Indicator . 63,351
........................
Wear Indicators .241
.............................
Braking System .241
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 216
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 73
........................
Brights, Headlights .72
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .321
..............................
Brake Lights .320
......................
Cargo Area Light .323
................
Front Parking Lights . 318
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 319
.................................
Headlights .317
..............
Individual Map Lights . 322
...................
License Plate Light . 321
.................................
Rear Bulbs .320
............................
Specif ications .363
............
Turn Signal Lights . 318,320
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .317
Index
A
B
I

...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 222
..........................................
Gasohol .366
.........................................
Gasoline .216
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 65
...........................................
Gauge .68
................
Octane Requirement . 216
........................
Tank, Filling the .217
................
Gas Station Procedures . 217
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 68
...............................................
Fuel .68
...............................
Speedometer .67
.................................
Tachometer .67
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .248
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight .......................................
Rating) .248
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 234
..............................
Glass Cleaning .330
........................................
Glove Box .88
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .248 .............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 317
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 76
........................................
Headlights .72
........................................
Aiming .317
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 73
............
Daytime Running Lights . 73
..................
High Beam Indicator . 65
...........
High Beams, Turning on . 72
............
Low Beams, Turning on . 72
.........................
Reminder Chime .72
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 317
...................................
Turning on .72
..............................
Head Restraints .93
...............................
Heated Mirror .104
.....................
Heating and Cooling .118
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 232
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 72
HomeLink Universal ...............................
Transmitter .210
....................................
Hood Latch .298
.......................
Hood, Opening the .218
..................................................
Horn .71
.................................
Hydroplaning .246 ...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 360
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .79
...........................................
Switch .81
............
Timing Control System . 369
........................
Immobilizer System .80
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 61
..................
Individual Map Lights . 114
.........................
Inf ant Restraint .26, 30
................................
Inf ant Seats .26, 30
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 308
.................................
Inside Mirror .102
.............................
Inspection, Tire .310
........................
Instrument Panel .2 ,60
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 73
...........................
Interior Cleaning .328
...............................
Interior Lights .112
........................................
Introduction .i
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 338
.......................................
Jack, Tire .335
Index
GHI
J
IV

CONT INUED
..................................................
Keys .79
..................................
Maintenance .269
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 281
.................................
Record .279-280
......................
Required Indicator .69
..........................................
Saf ety .270
.............................
Schedule .274-276
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 62,349
..............
Manual Seat Adjustments . 91
...............................
Meters, Gauges .67
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 366
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .103
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 235
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 216
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 360..............................
Paint Touch-up .327
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 73
........................
Park Gear Position .234
................................
Jump Starting .343
.......................
Label, Certif ication .360
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 74
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 15,46
....................
Light Control Switch .112
.............................................
Lights .315
....................
Bulb Replacement .317
.......................................
Indicator .61
.......................................
Interior .112
.........................................
Parking .72
..................................
Turn Signal .74
....................................
Load Limits .226
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 81
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 81
............................
Fuel Fill Door .217
....................................
Glove Box .88
....................
Lockout Prevention . 83
.................................
Power Door .82 ........................
Low Coolant Level .221
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .65
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 62,347
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 362
.........................................
Luggage .225 ...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 216
.........................................
Odometer .67
...............................
Odometer, Trip .67
Oil ........................
Change, How to .285
..............
Change, When to . 274,276
......................
Checking Engine .220
..............
Pressure Indicator . 62,347
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .284
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 82
..
Operation in Foreign Countries . 367
............................
Outside Mirrors .102
....................
Overheating, Engine .345
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 281
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .366
Index
L K
N MO
P
V

Î
CONT INUED
.....................................
Tachometer .67
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 320
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 333
...................
Tape Player . 149,160,178
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 364
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 368
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .366
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .370
.......................
Temperature Gauge .68
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 48
........
Testing of Readiness Codes . 371
............................
Thef t Protection .189
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 370
....................................
Timing Belt .308
.................................................
Seats .89
............
Folding the Second Seat . 94
...............
Folding the Third Seat . 95
..........................
Head Restraints .93
.........
Reclining the Second Seat . 92
............
Reclining the Third Seat . 92
........................
Rear Seat Access .94
...............................
Serial Number .360
...........................
Service Intervals .272
...........................
Service Manual .377
.........
Service Station Procedures . 217
Shif ting the Automatic .............................
Transmission .234
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 233
........................
Shif t Lock Release .236
Side Marker Lights, Bulb .........................
Replacement in .319
...............................
Signaling Turns .74
.....................................
Snow Tires .314
...................
Solvent-type Cleaners . 326
................
Sound System . 137,153,168
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .334
............................
Specif ications .363
....................................
Spark Plugs .301
....................
Specif ications Charts . 362................................
Speed Control .207
...................................
Speedometer .67
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 50
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 55
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 53
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .50
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 52
........................
SRS Components .50
..................................
SRS Service .55
.............................
SRS Indicator .53 ,62
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 82
.......................
Starting the Engine .232
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .232
................
With a Dead Battery . 343
..............
State Emissions Testing . 371
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 345
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .78
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 81
...
Stereo Sound System . 137,153,168
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .324
........................
Sunglasses Holder .108
........................................
Sun Visor .109 Supplemental Restraint System
......................................
Servicing .55
.........................
SRS Indicator .53 ,62
...................
System Components . 50
..................................
Synthetic Oil .284
Index
T
VII