brake HONDA PILOT 2004 1.G Owner's Guide

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

To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions bef ore you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.
To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and f lames away f rom the battery
and all f uel-related parts.
Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working with the battery or compressed air.
Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
bef ore touching any parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.
Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is of f .
All service items not detailed in this
section should be perf ormed by a
Honda technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance
Important Saf ety Precautions
Potential Vehicle HazardsCarbon Monoxide poison f rom
engine exhaust.
Burns f rom hot parts. Injury f rom moving parts.
160
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations, and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.

µµ
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km)
per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less than 10
miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over
90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Used primarily as a delivery
vehicle or taxi that is driven
mostly in stop-and-go traf f ic and/
or parked with the engine idling.
Service your vehicle according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages.
Always use unleaded gasoline with
theproperoctanerating(seepage ).
Drive your vehicle regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers). Operate your vehicle on
reasonable roads within the legal
speed limit. Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s
load limit. This puts excess stress
on the engine, brakes, and many
other vehicle parts. The load limit
is shown on the tire inf ormation
label on the driver’s doorjamb.
The maintenance schedule assumes
you will use your vehicle as normal
transportation for passengers and
their possessions. You should also
f ollow these recommendation:
Trailer towing, driving with a roof
top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. NOTE: If you only
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
112
OCCASIONALLY
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Which Schedule to Follow
U.S. Owners
Maintenance Schedule
Canadian Owners
161

µµ µ
µ
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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

ÌÌ
Î
Î
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Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the severe driving
conditions specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance Schedule on
the next page do not apply.
NOT E: If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Maint enance
164
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 190)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brake wear
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, 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
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)
( (O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 7
7y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then
every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
(
(O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
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s f
fi
ir
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)
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
30
4845
72 75
120 90
144 105
168120
192 150
240
( (
O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
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s f
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)
(
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ly
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if
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oi
is
sy y )
)
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, page . At every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) up to
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 1 year,
then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2
years. At 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years,
then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2
years.
60
96
135
216
1:
2:
: 162
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

µ
ÌÌ
ÎÎÎ
ÌÎ
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
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
(
( O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule
except in dusty condition)
(
(O
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th
h e
er
rw
w i
is
se e a
ad
d j
ju
u s
stt o
o n
nl
ly
y i
if
f n
n o
oi
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)
(
( O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 7
7y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
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coo m
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es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
( (O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
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coo m
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es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
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

Fluid Locations
Maint enance170
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

Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
Replace it according to the time
recommendation in the maintenance
schedule.The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage. Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake Fluid
Maint enance178
MAX
MIN

Open the tailgate.
Remove the two screws, then pull
the rear light assembly straight
back to remove it from the body.
Remove the socket of the burned
out bulb by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise, and pull it
straight out of its socket.Place a cloth on the middle edge
of a part of the lens on the
passenger’s side. Remove a part of
the lens by caref ully prying on its
edge with a small f lip tipped
screwdriver.
Install a new bulb into the socket
and reinstall the socket into the
light assembly.
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to
remove the screw under the lens.
1.
1.
2.
3.
2.
4.
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing the High-mount Brake
Light
Replacing Rear Bulbs
182
SCREW

Because your Honda has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’
cable-type traction devices, with
rubber chain tensioners on the f ront
tires. Use traction devices only when
required by driving condition or local
laws.Makesuretheyarethecorrect
size f or your tires. Metal link-type
‘‘chains’’ should not be used.When installing cables, f ollow the
manuf acturer’s instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.
Tires
Tire Chains
Maint enance192
NOTICE:
Traction devices that are the
wrong size or improperly installed can
damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of
the vehicle.