Honda Pilot (2024 year). Manual in english

Continued

517

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

■

To stop the engine

Press and hold the

button for one

second.

If the engine stops successfully, the exterior
lights flash once.

When the keyless remote is out of the keyless
access system range, the exterior lights will
not flash.
The engine will not stop.

Go within the range, and try again.

Remote Engine Start

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.

•

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.

•

You press the shift lever release button.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The battery is low.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The malfunction indicator lamp comes on if there is
a problem with the emissions control systems.

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.

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.

•

The rear defogger, heated door mirrors

, front seat

heaters

, and heated steering wheel

are activated.

Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror

Button

P. 232

Front Seat Heaters

P. 280

Heated Steering Wheel

P. 279

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

518

Driving

Depress and hold the brake pedal, then press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button.

Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the transmission into

(

. Select

(

when reversing.

With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the
accelerator pedal.

Make sure the parking brake indicator (red) goes off.

Parking Brake

P. 641

■

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.

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

Depress the brake pedal and change the shift position to

(

Do not release the brake pedal until you have confirmed that

(

is shown on

the shift position indicator.

Press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button.

■

Starting to Drive

■

Stopping the Engine

Starting to Drive

You can also release the parking brake by pressing
the electric parking brake switch while depressing the
brake pedal. When facing downhill, you can start
your vehicle more smoothly by manually releasing it
with the electric parking brake switch than by
releasing it with the accelerator pedal.

The engine stops when the transmission is taken out
of

(

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 will operate even when VSA

switched off.

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

Stopping the Engine

The power mode will automatically turn to VEHICLE
OFF about 20 minutes after the following conditions
have been met:

•

A door has been opened, such as when leaving the
vehicle.

•

The transmission is in

(

•

The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.

* Not available on all models

519

When Driving

Precautions While Driving

Continued

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.

■

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

■

In Rain

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not select a shift button 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 select

(

while driving 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.

When Driving

Automatic Transmission

520

Driving

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.

Automatic Transmission

When the engine runs at higher idle speeds, the creeping force 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.

■

Other Precautions

■

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. 40

Precautions While Driving

P. 519

521

When Driving

Shifting

Continued

Driving

Shifting

Change the gear position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift button positions

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

(

with the brake

pedal depressed.

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

Transmission is not locked.

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 10th 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

When Driving

Shifting

522

Driving

■

(

(parking) button

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

(

button to put the transmission in

Park.
The indicators on the sides of the

(

button

come on.

Shifting

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.

(

Button

Continued

523

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

Shift Operation

Shift Operation

NOTICE

When you change

(

and vice versa, depress

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

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

(

is shown on the gear

position indicator.

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 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

(

, the fuel supply may

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

The beeper sounds once when you change to

(

Settings

P. 140

Customized Features

P. 426

Press the

(

button.

Pull back the

(

button.

Press the

(

button.

Press the

button.

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

D/S

Shift Button
Indicator

Models with A-type meter

Models with B-type meter

Gear Position Indicator
(Transmission System Indicator)

Tachometer Red Zone

(sequential

mode) Indicator

Sequential Mode
Gear Selection
Indicator

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Shifting

524

Driving

■

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

(

with the brake pedal

depressed, the gear position will automatically return to

(

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

(

, the gear position automatically changes to

(

When opening the driver’s door

While the system is designed to automatically change
the gear position to

(

under the described

conditions, in the interest of safety you should always
select

(

before opening the driver’s door.

Make sure to park the vehicle in a safe place.

When Stopped

P. 650

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

(

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

525

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

If you want to keep the transmission in

(

position [car wash mode]

With the engine running:

Press and hold the brake pedal.

Select

(

, then release the button to display (Neutral)

(

hold mode on the driver

information interface.

Press and hold

(

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 you want to keep the transmission in

(

position [car wash mode]

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.

526

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

If the

ENGINE START/STOP

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

(

with the power mode in

ACCESSORY. After that, the position automatically changes to

(

and the

power mode changes to OFF.

Manually changing to

(

cancels ACCESSORY mode. The

(

indicator comes

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

(

when

car wash mode is no longer needed.

Models with A-type meter

Models with B-type meter

527

When Driving

Shifting

Continued

Driving

■

Restrictions 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 these circumstances:

2. If you try to change to
the following:

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.

(

The vehicle is moving forward.

(

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

(

The vehicle is moving backward.

(

The vehicle is moving.

(

When Driving

Shifting

528

Driving

Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 10th gears without removing
your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission will switch to the sequential
mode.

■

When the transmission is in

(

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode momentarily, and the sequential mode
gear selection indicator will come on.
When the vehicle goes into the sequential mode by

(

paddle shifter and the lower

gear is available, the transmission properly selects single or double gear change.
Once the vehicle starts traveling at constant speed or accelerates, the sequential
mode will be automatically turned off, and the sequential mode gear selection
indicator will go off.

Holding the

(

paddle shifter for two seconds will cancel this mode.

■

When the transmission is in

(

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode, and the

(sequential mode) indicator

and sequential mode gear selection indicator will come on.
If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer red
zone, the transmission automatically shifts up to the next gear.
Holding the

(

paddle shifter for two seconds or pushing

button will cancel

this mode. When the sequential mode is canceled, the sequential mode indicator
and sequential mode gear selection indicator go off.

■

Sequential Mode

Sequential Mode

The sequential mode may be canceled if the drive
mode is changed to another drive mode.

D/S

529

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

Sequential Mode Operation

Sequential Mode Operation

Each paddle shift operation makes a single or double
gear change.
To change gears continuously, release the paddle
shifter before pulling it again for the next gear.

If the sequential mode gear selection indicator blinks
when you try to shift up or down, this means your
vehicle speed is not in its allowable gear range or the
protection of transmission system is necessary.
Slightly accelerate to shift up and decelerate to shift
down while the indicator is blinking.

Sequential
Mode Gear
Selection
Indicator

*1: Models with A-type meter
*2: Models with B-type meter

Downshifting when pulling
the

paddle shifter.

(Changes to a lower gear)

Upshifting when pulling
the

paddle shifter.

(Changes to a higher gear)

Paddle Shifter
(Shift down)

Paddle Shifter
(Shift up)

530

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

Auto Idle Stop

To help maximize fuel economy, the engine automatically stops when the vehicle
comes to a stop, depending on environmental and vehicle operating conditions. The
indicator (green) comes on at this time.

The environmental and vehicle conditions that
impact Auto Idle Stop system operation are
varied.

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

P. 532, 533

The engine then restarts once the vehicle is
about to move again, and the indicator
(green) goes off.

The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

P. 534

If the driver’s door is opened while the
indicator (green) comes on, a buzzer sounds
to notify you that the Auto Idle Stop function
is in operation.

A message associated with Auto Idle Stop
appears on the driver information interface.

Auto Idle Stop

The 12-volt battery installed in this vehicle is
specifically designed for a model with Auto Idle Stop.
Using a 12-volt battery other than this specified type
may shorten the 12-volt battery life, and prevent
Auto Idle Stop from activating. If you need to replace
the 12-volt battery, make sure to select the specified
type. Ask a dealer for more details.

Auto Idle Stop
Indicator (Green)

Continued

531

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

The Auto Idle Stop suspend indicator comes
on and a message appears on the driver
information interface when the Auto Idle Stop
system cannot be activated.

Indicators

P. 98

Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF

P. 531

To turn the Auto Idle Stop system off, press
this button. The Auto Idle Stop system stops.

Auto Idle Stop system will stop, the
indicator will come on and a message
appears on the driver information
interface.

The Auto Idle Stop system is turned on every
time you start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the vehicle.

Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator

■

Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF

Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF

If you turn off the Auto Idle Stop system while it is
activated, the engine will restart.

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

P. 532

If you press and hold the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button,

you can select whether to display the status messages
or not.

Auto Idle Stop
OFF Indicator

Auto Idle Stop

OFF

Button

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

532

Driving

The vehicle stops with the shift position in

(

and the brake pedal depressed.

When you put the transmission into

(

, the Auto Idle Stop continues to operate,

even if the brake pedal is released.

If you depress the brake pedal, the engine may automatically restart.

■

Auto Idle Stop does not activate when:

•

The Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button is pressed.

•

The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.

•

The engine is not adequately warmed up or coolant temperature is high.

•

The transmission fluid temperature is low or high.

•

The vehicle comes to a stop again before the vehicle speed reaches 3 mph
(5 km/h) after the engine starts.

•

The vehicle is stopped on a steep incline.

•

The transmission is in a position other than

(

•

The engine is started with the hood open.

Turn off the engine. Close the hood before you restart the engine to activate
Auto Idle Stop.

•

The battery charge is low.

•

The internal temperature of the battery is 14°F (−10°C) or less.

•

The climate control system is in use, and the outside temperature is below −4°F
(−20°C) or over 104°F (40°C).

•

The climate control system is in use, and the temperature is set to the

•

is ON (indicator on).

•

The Drive Mode is changed to

SNOW

TOW

SPORT

TRAIL

, or

SAND

mode.

■

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated. If the hood is opened, the
engine will not restart automatically.

In this case, restart the engine with the

ENGINE

START/STOP

button.

Starting the Engine

P. 512

Pressing the

ENGINE START/STOP

button causes

the engine to no longer restart automatically. Follow
the standard procedure to start the engine.

Starting the Engine

P. 512

When ACC with Low Speed Follow is in operation,
the vehicle stops without depressing the brake pedal
and Auto Idle Stop may activate. In such cases, the
engine may restart if you change the shift position
other than

(

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

534

Driving

•

The brake pedal is released (without the automatic brake hold system activated).

•

The accelerator pedal is depressed (with the automatic brake hold system
activated).

Automatic Brake Hold

P. 645

■

The engine restarts even if the brake pedal is depressed

when:

•

The Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button is pressed.

•

The steering wheel is operated.

•

The transmission is put into

(

, or when it is set from

(

If you put the transmission into

(

after the Auto Idle Stop activates, the Auto

Idle Stop continues to operate. In this case, the engine restarts when you
depress the brake pedal.

•

The pressure on the brake pedal is reduced and the vehicle starts moving while
stopped on an incline.

•

The brake pedal is released slightly during a stop.

•

The battery charge becomes low.

•

The accelerator pedal is depressed.

•

The driver’s seat belt is unlatched.

•

is ON (indicator on).

•

The climate control system is in use, and the difference between the set
temperature and actual interior temperature becomes significant.

•

The climate control system is being used to dehumidify the interior.

•

The vehicle ahead of you starts again when your vehicle stops automatically with
ACC with Low Speed Follow.

•

The Drive Mode is changed to

SNOW

TOW

SPORT

TRAIL

, or

SAND

mode.

■

The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

If you are using an electronic device during Auto Idle
Stop, the device may temporarily be turned off when
the engine restarts.

The engine restarts even if the brake pedal is depressed

when:

*1: With the automatic brake hold system activated,
you can release the brake pedal while Auto Idle Stop
is in operation.
If the automatic brake hold system has been turned
off, or if there is a problem with the system, the
engine will restart automatically when you release
the brake pedal.

Automatic Brake Hold

P. 645

* Not available on all models

Continued

537

When Driving

Drive Mode System

Driving

Enhances responsiveness to the driver’s input.

Optimizes the balance between operability
and comfort.

■

SPORT Mode

SPORT Mode

While in

SPORT

mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will

stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button.

Auto Idle Stop

P. 530

■

NORMAL Mode

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Drive Mode System

538

Driving

Facilitates fuel-efficient driving.

Maximizes controllability on snowy road
through powertrain settings.

■

ECON Mode

ECON

Mode

While in

ECON

mode, the climate control system will

be less effective and the vehicle slower to accelerate.

■

SNOW Mode

SNOW

Mode

NOTICE

SNOW

mode does not allow you to drive on snowy

or frozen roads in all situations. There are limits to

SNOW

mode.

When driving on snowy or frozen roads; mount
winter tires or tire chains, reduce speed, and maintain
sufficient distance between vehicles.

Winter Tires

P. 724

While in

SNOW

mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will stay

disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button.

Auto Idle Stop

P. 530

Continued

539

When Driving

Drive Mode System

Driving

Maximizes controllability on roads with mud,
gravel, or loose dirt.

Maximizes controllability on soft, sandy roads
or off-highway through powertrain settings.

■

TRAIL Mode

TRAIL Mode

While in

TRAIL

Mode, images from the Surround

View Camera System are displayed while your vehicle
speed is about 12 mph (20 km/h) or lower. When the
vehicle's speed reaches about 16 mph (25 km/h) or
higher, the display will return to the previous screen.

Surround View Camera System

P. 663

While in

TRAIL

mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will

stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button.

Auto Idle Stop

P. 530

While in

TRAIL

mode, the VSA

OFF

indicator turns

on to indicate that the VSA

system is optimized for

this drive mode.

VSA

On and Off

P. 545

TRAILWatch

■

SAND Mode

SAND Mode

While in

SAND

mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will

stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button.

Auto Idle Stop

P. 530

While in

SAND

mode, the VSA

OFF

indicator turns

on to indicate that the VSA

system is optimized for

this drive mode.

VSA

On and Off

P. 545

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Drive Mode System

540

Driving

Optimizes balance between driving
performance and comfort when towing a
trailer.

■

TOW Mode

TOW Mode

While in

TOW

Mode, some features of Honda

Sensing are turned off.

Honda Sensing

P. 556

When the Drive Mode is in

TOW

mode, Low Speed

Braking Control and the rear parking sensor system
do not operate when reversing.

Low Speed Braking Control

P. 573

Parking Sensor System

P. 652

While in

TOW

mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will

stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button.

Auto Idle Stop

P. 530

For more details on towing, refer to the following.

Towing a Trailer

P. 496

Models with Parking Sensor System

* Not available on all models

541

When Driving

Drive Mode System

Driving

The mode for the next start-up is saved according to the following chart.

Each keyless remote has its own mode saved.

■

Next Start-up Mode

Last Mode

Next Mode

SPORT

NORMAL

ECON

SNOW

NORMAL

TRAIL

NORMAL

SAND

NORMAL

TOW

NORMAL

Models with driving position memory system

* Not available on all models

542

When Driving

Hill Descent Control System

Driving

Hill Descent Control System

When driving down hills where engine braking is not enough to decelerate the
vehicle, this system helps maintain a constant vehicle speed without needing to
depress the brake pedal.

The system operates under the following conditions.

•

Driving at a speed between about 2-12 mph (3-20 km/h).

•

Driving downhill.

•

Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not depressed.

The system’s operating status

•

Green: Activated

•

White: Standby

Vehicle speed display

•

White: Set speed

•

Gray: Current speed

Blinks when the vehicle speed is above
the operating speed.

■

Hill Descent Control Operating Conditions

■

Driver Information Interface Display

Hill Descent Control System

The brake lights automatically come on while the
system is in operation.

The system may not operate when driving down a
gentle slope. Check the Hill Descent Control System
indicator to see if the system is in operation.

The system may activate even when not driving
downhill, such as when the vehicle leans while
driving over uneven surfaces.

WARNING

Hill descent control cannot maintain a
constant vehicle speed in every situation.

When driving down a very steep hill or on
slippery road surfaces, the vehicle may not
be able to maintain the vehicle speed and
could cause a crash, resulting in serious
injury or death.

Since Hill Descent Control is not designed
to increase the limits of vehicle
performance, the driver must always be
aware of road surface conditions and drive
safely.

System’s Operating Status

Vehicle Speed
Display

Current Speed

Operating Range of Set Speed

543

When Driving

Hill Descent Control System

Driving

■

To turn the system on

When the vehicle speed is less than about
12 mph (20 km/h), press the

button to

turn the system on.

The system goes into standby mode, and
the Hill Descent Control System indicator
(white) comes on.

When all the working conditions are met, the
system activates, and the vehicle begins to
maintain the vehicle speed when driving
downhill.

The Hill Descent Control System indicator
(green) comes on when operating.

■

To adjust the set speed

Depress the accelerator pedal or brake pedal
to adjust the vehicle speed within the
operating range. The vehicle speed at which
you release the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal will be the set speed.

■

To turn the system off

Press the

button to turn the system off.

■

How to Operate Hill Descent Control

How to Operate Hill Descent Control

Using the system repeatedly for a long time may
cause the brakes to heat up and make the system go
into standby mode temporarily.

Hill Descent Control is turned off every time you turn
the engine off, even if it was turned on the last time
you drove the vehicle.

The pedals may vibrate or you may hear the system
working when in operation.

Hill Descent Control
System Indicator

(Hill Descent Control) Button

To turn the system off

When the vehicle speed is 37 mph (60 km/h) or more,
the system turns off automatically.

544

When Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist

(VSA

), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist

(VSA

), aka Electronic

Stability Control (ESC), System

VSA

helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less

than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.

When VSA

activates, you may notice that the

engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic brake system. You will also see the
indicator blink.

■

VSA

Operation

Vehicle Stability Assist

(VSA

), aka Electronic Stability Control

(ESC), System

The VSA

may not function properly if tire type and

size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.

When the VSA

system indicator comes on and stays

on while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.

VSA

cannot enhance stability in all driving situations

and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.

The main function of the VSA

system is generally

known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.

The Vehicle Stability Assist

(VSA

) system, Adaptive

Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow, brake
system (amber), and safety support indicators may
come on in amber along with a message in the driver
information interface when you set the power mode
to ON after reconnecting the battery.
Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
Each indicator should go off. If any do not, have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.

VSA

System

Indicator

545

When Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist

(VSA

), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Driving

This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially disable VSA

functionality/

features, press and hold it until you hear a
beep.

Your vehicle will have normal braking and
cornering ability, but traction control function
will be less effective.

Traction control function change not
required during

SAND

mode

and

TRAIL

mode

To restore VSA

functionality/features, press

the

(VSA

OFF

) button until you hear a

beep.

VSA

is turned on every time you start the

engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.

■

VSA

On and Off

Vehicle Stability Assist

(VSA

), aka Electronic Stability Control

(ESC), System

In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA

temporarily switched off.

When the

(VSA

OFF

) button is pressed, the

traction control function becomes less effective. This
allows for the wheels to spin more freely at low
speed. You should only attempt to free your vehicle
with the VSA

off if you are not able to free it when

the VSA

is on.

Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA

on again. We do not recommend driving

your vehicle with the VSA

system switched off.

You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

(VSA

OFF

) button does not function while the

drive mode is in

SAND

mode

TRAIL

mode

Drive Mode System

P. 536

VSA

OFF Indicator

* Not available on all models

546

When Driving

Agile Handling Assist

Driving

Agile Handling Assist

Lightly brakes each of the front and rear wheels, as needed, when you turn the
steering wheel, and helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during
cornering.

Agile Handling Assist

The agile handling assist cannot enhance stability in
all driving situations. You still need to drive and
corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and
always leave a sufficient margin of safety.

When the VSA

system indicator comes on and stays

on while driving, the agile handling assist does not
activate.

You may hear a sound coming from the engine
compartment while the agile handling assist is
activated. This is normal.

547

When Driving

Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4

) AWD System

Driving

Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4

) AWD System

The intelligent variable torque management (i-VTM4

) AWD system is a full time all

wheel drive system that automatically controls and transfers varying amount of
engine torque to all wheels independently according to the driving conditions.

You still need to exercise the same care when accelerating, steering, and braking
that you would in a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Avoid continuously driving on slippery surfaces where a wheel is likely to spin out,
and do not drive if the

AWD temperature too hot. Do not drive. Idle engine to

allow system to cool.

message appears. Driving continuously under such

conditions can damage the system’s torque distribution unit.

AWD temperature too hot. Do not drive. Idle engine to allow system to

cool.

message appears on the driver information interface while driving, it indicates

the differential temperature is too high. If this happens, pull to the side of the road
when it is safe, change the shift position to

(

, and idle the engine until the

message disappears. If the message does not disappear, take your vehicle to a dealer
to have it checked.

Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4

) AWD System

NOTICE

Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause transmission or rear differential damage.

The intelligent variable torque management
(i-VTM4

) AWD system may not function properly if

tire type and size are mixed. Make sure to use the
same size and type of tire, and the air pressures as
specified.

Tire and Wheel Replacement

P. 722

* Not available on all models

548

When Driving

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist

Driving

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire
Fill Assist

Monitors the tire pressure while you are
driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes
significantly low, the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on and a message appears on
the driver information interface.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist

Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can
trigger the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS indicator to come
on.

If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks

P. 764

Tire pressure checked and inflated in:

•

Warm weather can become under-inflated in
colder weather.

•

Cold weather can become overinflated in warmer
weather.

The Low Tire Pressure/TPMS indicator will not come
on as a result of overinflation.

Only use genuine TPMS specified wheels since your
vehicle’s wheels are equipped with the low tire
pressure/TPMS sensor.
If you drive your vehicle without the genuine TPMS
specified wheels, the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator blinks for one minutes and then stays on.

Tire and Wheel Replacement

P. 722

The TPMS audibly and visually informs you of
changes in tire pressure of the individual tire that you
are adjusting using audible and visual indications.

If a change in tire pressure has been significant, the
system beeps and the hazard lights flash continuously
for five seconds when the specified tire pressure is
reached. Stop filling the tire.

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator

Honda Pilot (2024 year). Manual in english - page 16