emergency towing HONDA PILOT 2011 2.G Owners Manual

When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the lef t. Turn
the wheel to the right to move the
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires. Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.If the vehicle’s tires slip when
retrieving a boat f rom the water,
shif t to f irst gear, and turn on VTM-4
lock (see page ). Disengage
VTM-4 lock as soon as the boat is
out of the water to prevent damage
to the VTM-4 system.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
If the automatic transmission shif ts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D .
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to D . Do
not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes. If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat. 418
531
bottom
3
3
Driving on Hills Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing UpParking Ret rieving a Boat
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle
Remember, it
takes longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
448
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2011 Pilot

µµ
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark. Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance inf ormation schedule.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
If you are not sure how to add
f luid, contact your dealer.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment. Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (U.S.) or every 100,000 km
(Canada) if you regularly drive your
vehicle in any of the f ollowing
conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently towing a trailer.
Timing Belt
Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
482
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
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2011 Pilot

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .508
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .509
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 516
................................
Jump Starting .517
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 519
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 521
..........
Charging System Indicator . 521
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 522
...............
Brake System Indicator . 523
..............................................
Fuses .524
..............................
Fuse Locations .528
......................
Emergency Towing .531
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 532
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
507
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2011 Pilot

Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er toon page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the warning indicator may
not be working.
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 . Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
You cannot start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it.
Put the transmission in neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake. Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, climate
control, audio system, lights, etc. Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
1.
2.
411
525 531
CONT INUED
Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing Jump Starting
To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
517
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.
10/01/26 19:52:40 31SZA620_522
2011 Pilot

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
4.
5.
6.
7. 8.9.
10.
11.
531
531
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
520
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.
10/01/26 19:53:13 31SZA620_525
2011 Pilot

However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
481
95 95531
On vehicles with navigation system
On vehicles with navigation system
Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
523
U.S. Canada
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2011 Pilot

The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required.
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
4WD models only
Emergency Towing
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
531
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the 4WD
system. It should be transported on a
f lat-bed truck or trailer.
10/01/26 19:55:01 31SZA620_536
2011 Pilot

CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel .399
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ........................................
System .431
..................................
Emergencies .507
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 517
...........
Brake System Indicator . 523
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 509
.....
Charging System Indicator . 521
..................
Checking the Fuses . 525
...........
Driving with a Flat Tire . 508
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers . 130
............................
Jump Starting .517
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 521
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 522
..................
Overheated Engine . 519.......................................
Towing .531
.........................
Emergency Brake .169
....................
Emergency Flashers .130
......................
Emergency Towing .531
.......................
Emissions Controls .547
........................
Emissions Testing .550
Engine ..............
Check Starter System . 412
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 82
.........................
If it Won’t Start .516
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .70, 522
.......................................
Oil Lif e .455
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 70,521
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 472
...............................
Overheating .519
............................
Specif ications .539
............................
Speed Limiter .416
.......................................
Starting .411
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 547
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .61
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .548
...................................
Dashboard .3, 66
..............
Daytime Running Lights . 128
.................................
Dead Battery .517
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 556
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window . 130
......
Def rosting the Windows . 194,203
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .538
....................................
Dimensions .538
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 126
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 478
..................................
Engine Oil .398
..........................
Directional Signals .73
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 429
.......................................
Disc Care .285
........................
Disc Changer .242, 274
Disc Changer Error ...........................
Messages .251, 284
....................
Disc Player .218, 242,274
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .474
Doors .................................
Indicator .13, 95
............
Locking and Unlocking . 138
..................
Lockout Prevention . 144
....................
Power Door Locks . 138
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 540 ...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .409
....................................
Economy .399
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .173
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 490
......
DVD Player Error Messages . 345
...................................
DVD Player .320
Index
E
INDEX
III
10/01/26 19:59:26 31SZA620_566
2011 Pilot

Î
...............................................
Tires .496
..............................
Air Pressure .496
.........................
Checking Wear .498
..........................
Compact Spare .508
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 540
......................................
Inf lation .496
..................................
Inspection .498
..............................
Maintenance .499
...................................
Replacing .499
......................................
Rotating .499
...........................................
Snow .502
............................
Specif ications .539
................................
Tire Chains .503
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 509
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .434
................
Emergency Wrecker . 531
....
Equipment and Accessories . 441
.............................
Weight Limit .434
.........................
Trailer Loading .434
.................
Trailer Towing Tips . 446
Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 478
...........................
Fluid Selection .479
..............
Identif ication Number . 536
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 413.....................................
Treadwear .498
................................
Trip Computer .92
.................................
Trip Meter .83, 89
....................................
Turn Signals .73
Unexpected, Taking Care ..........................................
of the .507
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 540
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .394
..............
USB Adapter Cable . 290,301
.........
USB Flash Memory Device . 298
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 474
................................
Vanity Mirror .185
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 405
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .538
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 536
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
)
....................................
System .431
VSA Activation ....................
Indicator .73, 95,431
.........................
VSA Of f Switch .432 ........
VSA System Indicator . 73,431
.............................
Vehicle Storage .505
.....................................
Ventilation .195
.................................................
VIN .536
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .472
...........
Voice Control System . 200,252
..................................
VTM-4 Lock .418
............
WARNING, Explanation of . iii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 62
..................
Warranty Coverages .555
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 477
............................
Level Indicator .80
...................................
Operation .124
Wheels .............
Adjusting the Steering . 133
............
Alignment and Balance . 499
..........
Aluminum Alloy Wheels . 503
.....................................
Cleaning .503
..........................
Compact Spare .508
..............................
Wrench, Nut .510
Index
U
V W
X
10/01/26 20:00:09 31SZA620_573
2011 Pilot

Î Windows.............................
Auto Reverse .166
................
Operating the Power . 165
.........................
Rear, Def ogger .130
Windshield .....................................
Cleaning .124
...........................
Def roster .194, 203
.....................................
Washers .124
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .492
...................................
Operation .124
Rear Windshield Wiper and ...................................
Washer .125
......................
WMA .219, 243,280,300
....................................
Worn Tires .498
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 531
.............................
XM
Radio .236, 266
:U.S.only
Index
X
XI
10/01/26 20:00:14 31SZA620_574
2011 Pilot