Honda Pilots are great vehicles that provide unwavering reliability if you maintain them properly. While your owner's manual will describe your Pilot's maintenance schedule in detail, this overview will help you keep on top of all the things you need to do to keep your Honda Pilot in tip top shape.
Finding the Honda Maintenance Schedule
Some people rely on the "Maintenance Required" light (otherwise known as the maintenance minder) to notify them when service is due. However, the system does not directly measure fluid level and condition as noted by the team over at Wilde Honda. Instead, the system calculates the maintenance schedule based on engine revolutions and vehicle operating conditions. It's best to keep track of the maintenance schedule yourself. The schedule can be found in your owner's manual.
Understanding the Maintenance Minder
Even though you don't want to solely rely on the maintenance minder, it's handy to be able to decipher those codes that pop up on your dash. Germain Cars breaks down the codes nicely on their website. This only applies to Honda Pilots model year 2006 and up. If there is more than one code displayed, you've got multiple service items to address.
- A - Replace engine filter and oil
- B - Rotate tires, inspect your brakes, replace engine oil and filter
- 1 - Rotate tires, check tire condition and pressure
- 2 - Replace air filter, inspect drive belt, replace cabin filter
- 3 - Replace automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
- 4 - Replace timing belt and spark plugs, inspect water pump and inspect or adjust valve clearance (if applicable)
- 5 - Replace engine coolant
- 6 - Replace rear differential fluid (if equipped)
General Items to Check
The secret to vehicle longevity is keeping an eye on things. The following items should be checked on a regular basis:
- Check the engine oil every time you stop for gas.
- Every week or two, check the coolant level in the radiator when the engine is cold. Removing the radiator cap when the engine is hot can result in personal injury.
- Check the transmission fluid once a month. On the Honda Pilot, there is a dedicated dipstick for performing this task. Consult the owner's manual for the exact procedure.
- Check the brake fluid once a month.
- Check tire pressure and condition once a month. The appropriate tire pressure can be found listed on both the tire placard and data decal in the door jamb.
- Check the belts and hoses once a month.
Periodic Maintenance Items by Mileage
For "normal service" vehicles, Honda recommends 7,500-mile maintenance intervals. For vehicles that see severe duty (i.e. dusty roads, trailer towing, etc.) check about every 3,750 miles. Many automotive professionals, such as Sam Bell from Motor Magazine, recommend following the severe duty schedule no matter what kind of driving you do. After all, oil changes are cheap insurance.
Maintenance Chart
The following information, based on information from ALLDATA, may vary slightly, depending on the year of your Pilot.
Every 7,500 miles |
|
Every 15,000 miles |
The following items should be done in addition to those performed at the 7,500-mile interval:
|
Every 30,000 Miles |
The following items should be done in addition to those performed at the 15,000-mile interval
|
Every 105,000 Miles |
The following items should be done in addition to those performed at the 30,000-mile interval
|
Every 120,000 Miles |
The following items should be done in addition to those performed at the 30,000-mile interval
|
Keep Your Honda Happy
Your Honda Pilot is a loyal servant. It's there for you when you need to make a 2 a.m. cheeseburger run, or when you need to stuff it with piles of Ikea furniture. Show your appreciation by keeping up on scheduled maintenance. Doing so will make both you, and your Pilot, happy. The items listed in this article help prevent wear and improve vehicle performance. In addition, tire and brake maintenance increases vehicle safety. All maintenance should be performed on a regular basis, regardless of vehicle age and mileage.
