Honda Pilot (2022 year). Manual in english

446

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

The trailer hitch harness is used to install the
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine
compartment sub fuse box.

Engine Compartment Fuse Box Type B

P. 634

Electric Brake
(Brown)

+B (20A)
(Blue)

Ground
(Black)

Brake Lights
(Sky Blue)

Continued

447

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.

■

Hitches

Read the trailer manufacturer’s instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.

■

Weight distribution hitches

Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.

Trailer light

The trailer lighting connector is located behind the
left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the
correct connector and pins.

+B Trailer Main
(Red)

+B Trailer Charge
(Sky Blue)

+B ELEC Brake
(Brown)

IG2 HAC
(Light Green)

Back Light
(Brown)

Trailer Small Light
(Red)
Stop Light
(Beige)

Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:

Right Turn Signal
(Green)

Left Turn Signal
(Blue)

448

Towing a Trailer

Towing 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

This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.

■

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.

■

Automatic transmission cooler

An additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler is required to keep the
transmission from overheating when towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You
can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.

AWD models

449

Towing a Trailer

Trailer Stability Assist

Driving

Trailer Stability Assist

Helps to stabilize the vehicle and trailer when the trailer severely sways.

■

How trailer stability assist works

When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscillation is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.

Trailer Stability Assist

Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle,
causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged.

Driving Safely with a Trailer

P. 450

Trailer towing sway is caused by:

•

Crosswinds

•

Improper towbar down load

•

Excessive Speed

The VSA

system indicator blinks during the trailer

stability assist operation.

VSA

Operation

P. 478

450

Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Driving

Driving Safely with a Trailer

•

Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.

•

Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.

Towing Load Limits

P. 442

•

When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher is recommended.

Towing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or
steep uphill.

•

Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.

•

Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.

•

Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.

•

Check the pressures of the trailer tires.

•

Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button. The

trailer weight can affect your vehicle's brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is
activated on a hill while towing a trailer.

•

Drive slower than normal.

•

Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

•

Use the

(

position when towing a trailer on level roads.

•

Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.

•

Allow more time and distance for braking.

•

Do not brake or turn suddenly.

■

Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer

■

Towing Speeds and Gears

■

Turning and Braking

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).

Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

Towing Speeds and Gears

When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
At higher speeds, the trailer may sway or affect
vehicle handling.

451

Towing a Trailer

Towing Your Vehicle

Driving

•

Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the white (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.

•

Change the gear position to

(

position if the transmission shifts frequently.

When retrieving a boat from the water, we recommend using the sequential shift
mode

(

to utilize the transmissions lower gears.

Towing Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

Emergency Towing

P. 638

■

Driving in Hilly Terrain

■

Retrieving a Boat

Driving in Hilly Terrain

If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically up shift, even in the sequential shift
mode.

452

Driving

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information

Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-highway activities.

If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations:

•

Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.

Maximum Load Limit

P. 439

•

Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.

•

Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.

•

It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

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

Important Handling Information

P. 34

Precautions While Driving

P. 460

Spinning the tires excessively can also damage the
Intelligent VTM4 (i-VTM4

) system.

WARNING

Improperly operating this vehicle on or off
pavement can cause a crash or rollover in
which you and your passengers could be
seriously injured or killed.

•

Follow all instructions and guidelines in
this owner’s manual.

•

Keep your speed low, and don’t drive
faster than conditions permit.

453

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Avoiding Trouble

Driving

Avoiding Trouble

•

Check Out Your Vehicle

before you leave the pavement and make sure that all

scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.

•

Remember

the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have

limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.

•

Accelerating and Braking

should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start

or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.

•

Avoiding Obstacles and Debris

in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover

or damage to your suspension or other components.

•

Driving on Slopes

increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to

drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.

•

Crossing a Stream

- Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water

in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.

•

If You Get Stuck

, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you

unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front tow hook is provided for this purpose.

454

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Make sure the parking brake is applied.

Depress the brake pedal.

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, 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 keyless remote close to the

ENGINE

START/STOP

button if the battery in the keyless

remote is weak.

If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak

P. 622

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

Brake Pedal

Continued

455

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.

Put the transmission into

(

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.

Immobilizer System

P. 150

When Driving

Starting the Engine

456

Driving

You can remotely start the engine on using the keyless 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 audio/information screen.

Customized Features

P. 385

•

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
starts successfully.

Exterior lights will not
flash if the engine does
not start.

Continued

457

When Driving

Starting the Engine

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 keyless 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 keyless remote.

•

The engine is stopped by using the keyless remote.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

•

The 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 keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.

The exterior lights flash once if the engine stops
successfully.

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

458

Driving

Remote Engine Start

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

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

•

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.

Heated Steering Wheel

P. 215

Front Seat Heaters/Ventilators

P. 213,

214

* Not available on all models

459

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

Depress the brake pedal and press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button

simultaneously.

Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake and brake system indicator has gone off.

Parking Brake

P. 536

Put the transmission into

(

. Select

(

when reversing.

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

(

when facing uphill, or

(

when facing downhill,

then release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

Starting to Drive

The engine stops when the transmission position is
changed from

(

before the

ENGINE START/STOP

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

When the engine was started using
the keyless remote

When the engine was started using the keyless 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

switched off.

460

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

(

, 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)
after purchasing your new vehicle or replacing the
brake pads or rotors, to allow for proper break-in.

461

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.

Important Handling Information

P. 34

Precautions While Driving

P. 460

Honda Pilot (2022 year). Manual in english - page 28