weight HONDA PILOT 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page .
Calculate the tongue load.
Subtract the weight in Step5f rom
the weight in step 6.
Limit: See page .
Range: 5-10% f or boat trailers 8-15% f or other trailers 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 pachage
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. We strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install a Honda
hitch and use the required f luid
coolers. 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.
175
175 T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesT ransmission Fluid Cooler and
Power St eering Fluid Cooler
Weight Distributing Hitch
Hitch
Towing a Trailer
Driving
177

Honda requires that any trailer with
a total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs (455
kg) or more has its own brakes.
There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common f or boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicles hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
See your brake manuf acturer f or
more inf ormation on installing
electric brakes.Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page
f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare
tire. 217
228
225
Towing a Trailer
Trailer Brakes Saf ety Chains
Sway Cont rolTrailer Mirrors Spare Tires
178

Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inf lated.
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inf lated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km)
(see page ).
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
When towing a f ixed-sided trailer (e.
g., camper), do not exceed 55 mph
(88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or affect vehicle
handling.
To prevent the transmission f rom
shif ting f requently, drive in the D
position.
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques. Towing perf ormance can be
af f ected by high altitude, high
temperature, or when climbing
steep grades. Theref ore, premium
fuelisrecommendedwhentowing
more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg).
When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
If you tow f requently, f ollow the
Severe Conditions maintenance
schedule.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. 146
Trailer Driving Tips
Break-In Period
T owing Speeds and Gears
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
180

You should never use a jack to try to
get unstuck. Your vehicle could
easily slip of f the jack and hurt you
or someone else.You may be able to safely tow a
lightweight trailer (such as a
motorcycle or small tent trailer) of f -
road if you f ollow these guidelines.
Do not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
or a tongue weight of 100 lbs (45
kg).
Trytostayonsmooth,leveldirt
roads, and avoid driving in hilly
terrain.
Allow extra room f or starting,
stopping, and turning.
Slow down if you encounter bumps
or other obstacles.
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Towing a Trailer Off-Road
186

Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.Honda Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certif ication Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your Honda to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Install the engine oil
f ill cap, and tighten it securely. Wait
a f ew minutes, and recheck the oil
level. Do not f ill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine. Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
199
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Open the hood and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. The oil
and f ilter collect contaminants that
can damage your engine if they are
not removed regularly.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals given on the maintenance
schedule.
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability. Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1.
2.
Changing the Oil and Filter
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
200
DRAIN BOLT
WASHER

If you use af termarket f loor mats
make sure they f it properly and that
theycanbeusedwiththefloormat
anchors. Do not put additional f loor
mats on top of the anchored mats.If your seat belts get dirty, use a sof t
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air-dry bef ore
you use the vehicle.
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
The driver’s and right second row
floor mats that came with your
vehicle hook over the f loor mat
anchors. This keeps the f loor mats
f rom sliding f orward and possibly
interf ering with the pedals or
marking the f ront passenger’s
weight sensors inef f ective.
If you remove these f loor mats,
make sure to re-anchor them when
you put them back in your vehicle. Floor Mats
Cleaning Seat Belts
Floor Mats, Cleaning Seat Belts
Maint enance
213
LOOP

Your tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down, you will see a
band 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide across
the tread. This shows there is less
than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread lef t
on the tire.
A tire this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see three
or more tread wear indicators.In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires at these intervals:
Move the tires to the positions
shown in the illustration each time
they are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.
Tires
T ire Maintenance
T ire Rotation
218
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS Front
Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only genuine Honda wheels weights f or
balancing.

µµ ÎÎ
Î
Î
Î Î
Î
Î
Specif ications
246
Dimensions
Weights Capacities
Air Conditioning 1.90 US gal (7.2
)
2.40 US gal (9.1)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
4.2 US qt (4.0
)
5.3 US qt (5.0
)
2.9 US qt (2.7)
7.7 US qt (7.3)
0.193 US gal (0.73
) 20.34 US gal (77.0
)
2.79 US qt (2.64
)
188.0 in (4,775 mm)
76.3 in (1,938 mm)
70.6 in (1,793 mm)
4.8 US qt (4.5
)
66.3 in (1,685 mm)
66.5 in (1,690 mm)
9,700 lbs (4,400 kg)
HFC-134a (R-134a)
24.7 26.5 oz (700 750 g) ND-OIL8
106.3 in (2,700 mm)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation. Equipped with transmission fluid cooler and power steering
fluid cooler.
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
See the tire information label atta-
ched to the driver’s doorjamb.
Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross combined weight
rating (GCWR) Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Rear
differential
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type Approx.
Front
Rear
1:
2:Change
Total
Change
Including
filter
Without
filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
1:
2:
2 1
2
1

CONT INUED
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 212
.................
Hazard Warning Button . 73
........................................
Headlights .71
........................................
Aiming .208
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 72
............
Daytime Running Lights . 72
..................
High Beam Indicator . 63
...........
High Beams, Turning on . 71
............
Low Beams, Turning on . 71
.........................
Reminder Chime .72
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 208
...................................
Turning on .71
...................................
Headphones .135
..............................
Head Restraints .87
.................................
Heated Mirror .89
...................................
Fan, Interior .100
...........................................
Features .99
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 147
Filters ...............................................
Oil .200
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 225
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 204
..........................................
Brake .206
..........................
Power Steering .207 ................
Windshield Washers . 203
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 85
..........................
Four-way Flashers .73
.................................................
Fuel .146
...............................
Cap Message .68
......................
Fill Door and Cap .147
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 146
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .147
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .239
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 150
.........................................
Gasoline .146
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 63
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 146
........................
Tank, Filling the .147
................
Gas Station Procedures . 147
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 67
...............................................
Fuel .66
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .174 GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
.......................................
Rating) .174
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 160
........................................
Glove Box .96
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .174
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 58,234
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 199
...............................
Overheating .232
............................
Specif ications .247
............................
Speed Limiter .162
.......................................
Starting .159
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 251
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .252
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
Index
F GH
INDEX
III