Starting the Engine

Honda Pilot / Honda Pilot 2009-2026 Owner's Manual / Driving / When Driving / Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Check that the shift lever is in

2. Check that the shift lever is in , then depress the brake pedal.

 - Although it is possible to start the vehicle in . , it is safer to start it in .

3. Turn the ignition switch to START

3. Turn the ignition switch to START pedal. 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. If temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to a higher concentration to prevent freezing. 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. Do not hold the key in STARTfor more than 15 seconds.  for more than 15 seconds.
• If the engine does not start right away, wait for at least 10 seconds before trying again.
• If the engine starts, but then immediately stops, wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3 while gently depressing the accelerator pedal. Release the accelerator pedal once the engine starts.

Starting to Drive

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

2. Put the shift lever in   when reversing.. Select 3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal  when reversing.

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

Starting the Engine

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used, the engine's fuel system is disabled.

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.

Move the shift lever to when facing uphill, or or when facing downhill, then releasewhen facing uphill, or the brake pedal. when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.

Hill start assist system

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

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