automatic transmission HONDA PILOT 2013 2.G Owners Manual

Visual Index
4
Quick Reference Guide
❙Power Door Lock Master Switch (P103)
❙Power Window Switches (P120)
❙Rearview Mirror (P135)
❙Hood Release Handle (P390)
❙Glove Box (P 152)
❙Driver's Front Airbag (P40)
❙Door Mirror Controls (P136)
❙Passenger's Front Airbag
(P40)
❙Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P372)
❙Parking Brake Release Handle (P360)
❙Shift Lever
Automatic Transmission
(P345)
❙Accessory Power Socket
(P156)
❙Interior Fuse Box (P456)
❙Seat Heater Switches* (P162)
❙Parking Brake (P360)

14
Quick Reference Guide
Driving (P323)
Release ButtonShift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the release button to move out of (P.
Move the shift lever without pressing the release button.
Press the release button to move the shift lever.
Automatic Transmission (P346)
●Shift to (P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
●Shifting
ParkTurn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
NeutralTransmission is not locked.
DriveNormal driving.
Drive (D3)Press the (d button while the shift lever is in
(D.
Used when:
•Going up or down hills•Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
SecondUsed to increase engine braking (the
transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
FirstUsed to further increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
(d Button

129
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluWipers and Washers
Controls
The rear wiper and washer can be used when
the ignition switch is in ON (w.
■Wiper switch (OFF, INT, ON)
Change the wiper switch setting according to
the amount of rain.
■Washer ( )
Sprays while you rotate the switch to this
position.
Hold it to activate the wiper and to spray the
washer. Once released, it stops operating
after a few more sweeps.
■Operating in reverse
When you shift the transmission to (R with the front wiper activated, the rear wiper
operates automatically as follows even if its switch is off.
■Rear Wiper/Washer1Wipers and Washers
If the wiper stops operating due to any obstacle such as the build-up of snow, park the vehicle in a safe
place.
Rotate the wiper switch to OFF, and turn the ignition
switch to ACCESSORY (q or LOCK (0, then remove
the obstacle.
The wiper motor is equipped with a breaker that may
stop motor operation temporarily to prevent an overload. Wiper operation will return to normal
within a few minutes, once the circuit has returned to
normal.
INT: Intermittent
OFF3
ON: Continuous wipe2
Washer4
4
4
3
2
Front Wiper PositionRear Wiper Operation
INT (Intermittent)Intermittent
LO (Low speed wipe)
HI (High speed wipe)Continuous

323
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before DrivingDriving Preparation .......................... 324 Maximum Load Limit........................ 327Towing a TrailerTowing Preparation .......................... 329Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 338Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 339Off-Highway Driving GuidelinesGeneral Information ......................... 340Important Safety Precautions............ 340Avoiding Trouble ............................. 341When DrivingStarting the Engine .......................... 342Precautions While Driving................. 344
Automatic Transmission ................... 345Shifting ............................................ 346Cruise Control ................................. 348VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 352VTM (Variable Torque Management)-4r System*............................................. 354TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 355Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 357BrakingBrake System ................................... 360ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 362
Brake Assist System ......................... 363Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped ................................ 364Parking Sensor System*................... 365Rearview Camera*............................ 369Multi-View Rear Camera*................ 370Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 371
How to Refuel ................................. 372
Fuel Economy.................................... 374
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 375
Modifications................................... 375
* Not available on all models

Continued333
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
Your vehicle has a class 3 trailer hitch as standard equipment.
The jumper harness and trailer brake fuse are stored in the glove box.
2Trailer brakes P. 334
2Trailer light P. 335
Turn the knob one-quarter left to open the
cover.
uThe 7-Pin trailer connector and trailer
hitch are located.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
Trailer packages and products:
•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.
•Wiring harness kit•Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included)
2Trailer brakes P. 334
•Automatic transmission cooler kit2Automatic transmission cooler P. 337
Are available at a dealer.
2WD models
Knob
7-Pin Trailer Connector
Trailer Hitch

337
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Sway control
Recommended to use if your trailer tends to sway. Consult the trailer maker for
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it.
■Automatic transmission cooler
Install an additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler to help prevent the
transmission from overheating, and damaging. You can get the additional ATF
cooler at a dealer.
■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.
2WD models

345
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic Transmission
The following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase
creeping:
•Immediately after the engine starts.
•When the climate control system is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.
■Creeping
■Kickdown

346
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
Shifting
Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.
■Shift lever positions
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0 and remove the key unless the shift lever is in (P.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in (N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
Park
Used when parking or starting the engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for normal driving (gears change between 1st and 5th automatically)
Drive (D3)
Press the (d button while the shift lever is in (D.
Used when:●Going up or down hills●Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Second
Used to increase engine braking (the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
First
Used to further increase engine braking (the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
Release Button
(d Button

354
uuWhen DrivinguVTM (Variable Torque Management)-4r System*
Driving
VTM (Variable Torque Management)-4r System*
Senses a traction loss caused by a road condition change, and automatically
transfers some power to the rear wheels.
Use the VTM-4r LOCK to increase more torque to the rear wheels.
1.Stop your vehicle with the engine running.
2.Move the shift lever to (1, (2, or (R.
3.Press the VTM-4r LOCK button.
uThe indicator in the button comes on.
Any of the following disengages the VTM-4r LOCK:
•Pressing the VTM-4r LOCK button again.
•Moving the shift lever to (D or (d.
•Turning the ignition switch to the LOCK (0 position.
■To Engage the VTM-4r LOCK
■To Disengage the VTM-4r LOCK
1VTM (Variable Torque Management)-4r System*
NOTICE
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause transmission or rear differential damage.
1To Engage the VTM-4r LOCK
Do not use the VTM-4r LOCK button on dry, paved roads. Driving on dry, paved roads with VTM-4r
LOCK on may damage the rear differential when
making a turn. Strange noise and vibration can also result.
The VTM-4r LOCK can be used to help free your
vehicle from being stuck in mud, sand, or gravel.When the lock is engaged, apply light pressure to the
accelerator pedal.
When more torque is applied, the rear tires are not likely to spin. This is normal.
If you are not able to free the vehicle, stop and
reverse direction. As soon as this feature is no longer needed,
disengage the VTM-4r LOCK.
1To Disengage the VTM-4r LOCK
The VTM-4r LOCK temporarily disengages when the
vehicle speed exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h). The
indicator in the button remains on.
* Not available on all models

378
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 399
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Checking the Brake Fluid P. 400
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 414
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 402
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 410
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals indicated by the information display*/multi-
information display*.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 383
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the service manual.
2Authorized Manuals P. 474
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
* Not available on all models