Honda Pilot (2019 year). Instruction

527

Continued

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Check that the transmission is in

(

P, then

depress the brake pedal.

Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in

(

N, it is safer to start it in

(

3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button

without depressing the accelerator pedal.

Starting the Engine

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet
(2,400 meters).

When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling system

/climate control system

and rear

defogger in order to reduce battery drain.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.

Bring the smart entry remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the battery in the smart entry
remote is weak.

2 If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak

P. 698

The engine may not start if the smart entry remote is
subjected to strong radio waves.

Brake Pedal

Models with electronic gear selector

Models without electronic gear selector

All models

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

528

Driving

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.
1. Put the transmission into

(

2. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

■

Stopping the Engine

Starting the Engine

Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before starting the engine again.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.

2 Immobilizer System P. 163

Continued

529

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

You can remotely start the engine on using the smart entry remote.

■

To start the engine

When started remotely, the engine automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of idling
and/or the brake pedal and ENGINE START/STOP button have not been pressed
simultaneously.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the

button, then press and hold the

button.

Some exterior lights flash six times if a 10-minute extension request was
transmitted successfully.

■

Remote Engine Start

Remote Engine Start

If there are buildings and obstacles between your
vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.
The engine may not start by the remote engine start
if:

•

You have disabled a remote engine start setting
using the driver information interface.

•

The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).

•

The transmission is in a position other than

(

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly
enclosed areas.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Never use the remote engine starter with
the vehicle parked in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.

Press the

button, then press and

hold the

button

Some exterior lights flash once.

Go within the range,
and try again.

LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Some exterior lights
flash six times if the
engine runs successfully.

Some exterior lights will
not flash if the engine
runs unsuccessfully.

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

530

Driving

■

To stop the engine

Remote Engine Start

•

The hood is open, or any door or the tailgate is
unlocked.

•

You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.

•

Another registered smart entry remote is in the
vehicle.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The telematics

unit malfunctions.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

The engine may stop while it is running if:

•

You do not start the vehicle within 10 minutes of
starting the engine with the smart entry remote.

•

The engine is stopped by using the smart entry
remote.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

•

Door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The hood is open, or any door, or the tailgate is
unlocked.

•

Any door is open.

•

The telematics

unit malfunction.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The battery is low.

Press and hold the

button for

one second.

Go within the range,
and try again.

The exterior lights will not flash when the remote
is out of the smart entry system range.
The engine will not stop.

The exterior lights flash once if the engine stops
successfully.

* Not available on all models

Continued

531

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

Remote Engine Start

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on if
there is a problem with the emissions control
systems.

•

You press the shift lever release button.

•

The transmission is in a position other than

(

While the engine is running, the vehicle will
automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:

•

The climate control system is activated in
recirculation mode.

•

The seat ventilation is activated

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.

•

The rear defogger and door mirror heaters

are

activated.

•

The seat heaters

and heated steering wheel

are

activated.

2 Heated Steering Wheel

P. 227

2 Front Seat Heaters and Seat

Ventilation

P. 225, 226

Models with shift lever

Models with electronic gear selector

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

532

Driving

1. Depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button

simultaneously.

2. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that

the parking brake and brake system indicator has gone off.

2 Parking Brake P. 611

3. Put the transmission into

(

D. Select

(

R when reversing.

4. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull

away.

■

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

Put the transmission into

(

, or

(

when facing uphill, or

(

R when

facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

Starting to Drive

The engine stops when the transmission position is
changed from

(

P before the ENGINE START/STOP

button is pressed. Follow step 1 when starting to
drive.

When the engine was started using the smart entry
remote

When the engine was started using the smart entry remote

When the engine was started in any case

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
will not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.

Hill start assist will operate even when VSA® is
switched off.

* Not available on all models

533

When Driving

Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Honda accessory).

Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.

If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.

■

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

■

In Rain

■

Other Precautions

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not change the gear position while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.

NOTICE

If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in
the full left or right position for a while, the electric
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system
goes into a protective mode, and limits its
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down,
the EPS system is restored. Repeated operation under
these conditions can eventually damage the system.

If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functions will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.

Do not change the gear position to

(

N, as you will

lose engine braking (and acceleration) performance.

During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.

Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

534

When Driving

Automatic Transmission

Driving

Automatic Transmission

The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
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

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.

2 Important Handling Information P. 36
2 Precautions While Driving P. 533

535

When Driving

Shifting

Continued

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift lever positions

Models with shift lever

Shifting

You cannot change the power mode from ON to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) unless the shift lever is in

(

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.

When shifting gears in extremely low temperatures
(-22°F/-30°C), there may be a short delay before the
shift is indicated in the display. Always confirm you
are in the correct gear before driving.

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 6th
automatically)

Low

●

Strong engine power when
climbing and strong engine
braking when going down steep
hills.

Drive (D4)
Press the

button while the shift

lever is in

(

Used when:

●

Going up or down hills

Release Button

Button

When Driving

Shifting

536

Driving

■

Shift Lever Operation

Shift Lever Operation

NOTICE

When you change the shift lever from

(

D to

(

R and

vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.

Use the gear position indicator to check the gear
position before pulling away.

If the transmission system indicator blinks when
driving, in any shift position, there is a problem with
the transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.

It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.

When the engine speed is increased while the shift
lever is in

(

P or

(

R, the fuel supply may be cut

off even without the engine speed entering the
tachometer’s red zone.

Tachometer’s Red Zone

Gear Position Indicator
(Transmission System Indicator)

Depress the brake pedal and press
the shift lever release button to shift.

Shift without pressing the shift lever
release button.

Press the shift lever release button
and shift.

537

When Driving

Shifting

Continued

Driving

Shifting

Change the gear position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift button positions

Models with electronic gear selector

Shifting

To prevent malfunction and unintended
engagement:

•

Do not spill any liquids on or around shift buttons.

•

Do not place or drop any objects on or around shift
buttons.

•

Do not let passengers or children operate the shift
buttons.

The beeper sounds and a message appears on the
driver information interface when you depress the
accelerator pedal with the gear position in

(

Change the gear position to

(

D or

(

R with the brake

pedal depressed.

When shifting gears in extremely low temperatures
(−22°F/−30°C), there may be a short delay before the
shift is indicated in the display. Always confirm you
are in the correct gear before driving.

WARNING

The vehicle can roll away if left unattended
without confirming that Park is engaged.

A vehicle that rolls away could cause a crash
resulting in serious injury or death.

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal
until you have confirmed that

(

is shown

on the gear position Indicator.

Park
Used when parking or starting the engine

Reverse
Used when reversing

Neutral
Used when idling

Drive/S Position
Each time you press the

button, the mode

switches between Drive and S position mode.
Used for:

●

Normal driving (gears change between 1st
and 9th automatically)

●

Temporarily driving in the sequential mode

●

Automatically changing gears between 1st
and 8th (8th gear is used only at high speed)

●

Driving in the sequential mode

D/S

Drive

S Position

538

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

(

P (parking) button

Park your vehicle in a safe place with the
power mode in ON, then apply the brakes and
press the

(

P button to put the transmission in

Park.
The indicators on the sides of the

(

P button

come on.

(

P Button

Continued

539

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

Shift Operation

Shift Operation

NOTICE

When you change

(

D to

(

R and visa versa, depress

the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, then
select the intended gear position while maintaining
brake pressure.

Use the gear position indicator and the shift button
indicator to check the gear position before selecting
a shift button.

If the indicator of the currently selected gear position,
or all the gear position indicators are blinking
simultaneously, there is a problem with the
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.

When the engine speed is increased while the
transmission is in

(

P or

(

R, the fuel supply may

be cut off even without the engine speed entering
the tachometer’s red zone.

From the audio/information screen, you can choose
to have the system activate a beeper when you
change to

(

2 Customized Features P. 432

Gear Position Indicator

Tachometer’s Red Zone

Press the

(

P button.

Pull back the

(

R button.

Press the

(

N button.

Press the

button.

Each time you press the button,
the mode switches between Drive
and S Position mode.

D/S

Shift Button
Indicator

M (sequential mode)
Indicator

Sequential Mode Gear
Selection Indicator

When Driving

Shifting

540

Driving

In freezing or sub-freezing conditions, the electronic gear selector response may be
slow.
Always depress the brake pedal before changing the gear position to

(

P, and

confirm that

(

P is shown on the gear position indicator before releasing the brake.

■

When opening the driver’s door

If you open the driver’s door under the following conditions, the gear position
automatically changes to

(

• The vehicle is stationary with the engine running, or moving at 1 mph (2 km/h) or

slower.

• The transmission is in other than

(

• You have unfastened the driver side seat belt.

If you manually change the gear position from

(

P with the brake pedal

depressed, the gear position will automatically return to

(

P once you release

the brake pedal.

■

When turning off the power mode

If you turn the engine off while the vehicle is stationary, and the transmission is in
other than

(

P, the gear position automatically changes to

(

When opening the driver’s door

You should always select

(

P before opening the

driver’s door.
Make sure to park the vehicle in a safe place.

2 When Stopped P. 615

If you want to drive the vehicle after the gear position
has automatically changed to

(

P under the described

conditions, close the door, fasten the seat belt,
depress the brake pedal, then change the gear
position.

If you leave the vehicle, turn off the engine and lock
the doors.

Continued

541

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

If you want to keep the transmission in

(

N position [car wash mode]

With the engine running:
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Select

(

N, then release the button to display (Neutral)

(

N hold mode on the driver

information interface.

3. Press and hold

(

N again for two seconds.

This puts the vehicle in car wash mode which must be used when your vehicle
is pulled through a conveyor type automatic car wash where you or an
attendant do not remain in the vehicle.

If the ENGINE STOP/START button is pressed
after car wash mode has been activated, the
power mode will change to ACCESSORY and a
message will be displayed on the driver
information interface.

For 15 minutes the gear position remains
in

(

N with the power mode in

ACCESSORY. After that, the position
automatically changes to

(

P and the

power mode changes to OFF.

Manually changing to

(

P cancels

ACCESSORY mode. The

(

P indicator

comes on and the power mode changes
to OFF. You must always shift to

(

when car wash mode is no longer
needed.

If you want to keep the transmission in

(

N position [car wash mode]

To keep the vehicle

(

N position, you can also follow

this procedure:
While the power mode is on, select

(

N, and then

within five seconds, press the ENGINE STOP/START
button.

Note that the transmission may not stay in

(

position while any of the following indicators is on:

•

Transmission system indicator.

•

Malfunction indicator lamp.

•

Charging system indicator.

542

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

Restriction on selecting a gear position

You cannot select a gear position under certain circumstances that may lead to a crash.

When the
transmission is in:

1. Under the circumstances
of that:

2. You cannot select:

3. The gear position
remains in/changes to:

How to change the
gear position

(

The brake pedal is not
depressed.

Other gear position

(

Release the accelerator
pedal and depress the
brake pedal.

The accelerator pedal is
depressed.

(

The vehicle is moving at low
speed without the brake pedal
depressed.

(

The vehicle is moving at low
speed with the accelerator
pedal depressed.

(

, (

or (

The vehicle is moving forward.

(

Stop your vehicle in a
safe place, keep the
brake pedal pressed,
and select the
appropriate gear
position.

(

or (

The vehicle is moving backward.

(

, (

or (

The vehicle is moving.

(

Honda Pilot (2019 year). Instruction - part 34