Honda Pilot (2019 year). Manual

543

When Driving

Shifting

Continued

Driving

Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 9th 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.
Once you start traveling at a constant speed, the sequential mode will automatically
switch off, and the sequential mode gear selection indicator will go off.

Hold the

(

+ paddle shifter for two seconds or push

button to return to normal

drive.

■

When the transmission is in

(

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode, and the M (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’s
red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up to the next gear.
You can cancel this mode by holding the

(

+ paddle shifter for two seconds or push

button. When the sequential mode is canceled, the sequential mode indicator

and sequential mode gear selection indicator go off.

■

Sequential Mode

D/S

When Driving

Shifting

544

Driving

■

Sequential Mode Operation

Sequential Mode Operation

Each paddle shift operation makes a single 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

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)

545

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

Continued

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 engine then restarts once the vehicle is
about to move again, or depending on
environmental and vehicle operating
conditions, and the indicator (green) goes off.

2 The Engine Automatically Restarts When

P. 548

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

2 Indicators P. 80
2 Customized Features P. 432

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.

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.

The duration of the Auto Idle Stop operation:

•

Increases in the ECON mode, compared to when
the ECON mode is off, with climate control in use.

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

546

Driving

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

Auto Idle Stop system will stop and the
indicator (Amber) will come on.

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.

The vehicle stops with the gear position in

(

D and the brake pedal depressed.

When you put the transmission into

(

P, the Auto Idle Stop continues to operate,

even if the brake pedal is released.

If you change the gear position, the engine may automatically restarts.

■

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 coolant temperature is low or 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.

• Stopped on a steep incline.
• A gear position other than

(

■

Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF

Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF

Press the Auto Idle Stop OFF button to restart the
engine from the idling stop.

■

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

Do not open a hood, during idling stop. If the hood is
opened, the engine will not restart automatically.

In this case, restart the engine with the ENGINE
START/STOP button.

2 Starting the Engine P. 527

Pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button changes
the power mode to ACCESSORY even while Auto Idle
Stop is in operation. Once in ACCESSORY, the engine
no longer restarts automatically. Follow the standard
procedure to start the engine.

2 Starting the Engine P. 527

547

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

Continued

Driving

• 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 Hi or Lo.
•

is ON (indicator on).

• The rear fan is set to maximum speed.

Auto Idle Stop may not activate under other conditions when the rear climate
control system

/rear cooling

is in use.

• When the Intelligent Traction Management is set to Snow, Mud

, or Sand

■

Auto Idle Stop may not activate when:

• The vehicle is stopped by braking suddenly.
• The steering wheel is operated.
• The fan speed is high.
• Altitude is high.
• The vehicle is repeatedly accelerated and decelerated at a low speed.
• The climate control system is in use, and there is a significant difference between

the set temperature and the actual interior temperature.

• Humidity in the interior is high.
• The rear fan is set to maximum speed.

Auto Idle Stop may not activate under other conditions when the rear climate
control system

/rear cooling

is in use.

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Auto Idle Stop

548

Driving

The brake pedal is released.

■

The engine restarts even if the brake pedal is depressed when:

• The Auto Idle Stop OFF button is pressed.
• When a steering wheel is operated.
• The transmission is put into

(

R or

(

S, or when it is set from

(

N to

(

If you put the transmission into

(

P after the Auto Idle Stop activates, the Auto

Idle Stop continues to operate. In this case, the engine restarts when you
change the gear position other than

(

P. When changing the gear position, the

brake pedal must be firmly depressed.

• The pressure on the brake pedal is reduced and the vehicle starts moving while

stopped on an incline.

• The pressure on the brake pedal is repeatedly applied and 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 rear fan is set to maximum speed.

Auto Idle Stop may not activate under other conditions when the rear climate
control system is in use.

• When the Intelligent Traction Management is set to Snow, Mud

, or Sand

■

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.

* Not available on all models

550

When Driving

ECON Mode

Driving

ECON Mode

The ECON button turns the ECON mode on
and off.
The ECON mode helps you improve your fuel
economy by adjusting the performance of the
engine, air conditioning system, and cruise
control.

ECON Mode

While in ECON mode, the climate control system has
greater temperature fluctuations.

551

When Driving

Intelligent Traction Management

Continued

Driving

Intelligent Traction Management

The Intelligent Traction Management optimizes vehicle performance to help you
drive on various surfaces. The system has available modes to select from: Normal,
Snow, Mud

, and Sand

Press the mode button to select the appropriate mode. The mode you select appears
on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted,
Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal.

Intelligent Traction Management

Refer to the Off-Highway Driving section for driving
tips and safety precautions.

2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 525

Mud
Use when driving on
muddy road or off-
road surfaces.

Sand
Use when driving on
soft, sandy road or
off-road surfaces.

Normal
Provides balanced
driving performance
on most road surfaces.

Mode Button

Snow
Use when driving on
snowy road surfaces.

AWD models

* Not available on all models

553

When Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Continued

Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System

VSA® helps to 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 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.

VSA® System
Indicator

When Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

554

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.

The traction control stops fully functioning,
allowing the wheels to spin more freely at low
speed. The VSA® OFF indicator will also come
on and a message on the driver information
interface informs you that the mode is
changed.

Traction control mode can not be changed
during Mud or Sand modes. If you are driving
on mud or sand, Mud or Sand Intelligent
Traction Management modes can also be
used to free a stuck vehicle. On other road
surfaces, change to Normal or Snow mode,
then press and hold the

(VSA® OFF) button.

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

With the

button pressed, your vehicle will have

normal braking and cornering ability, but VSA®
traction and stability enhancement becomes less
effective.

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

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 Indicator

AWD models

555

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.

556

When Driving

Blind spot information System

Driving

Blind spot information System

Is designed to detect vehicles in specified alert zones adjacent to your vehicle,
particularly in harder to see areas commonly known as “blind spots”.

When the system detects vehicles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes, the
appropriate indicator comes on for a few seconds, providing assistance when you
change lanes.

■

How the system works

Blind spot information System

Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, blind spot information
system has limitations. Over reliance on blind spot
information system may result in a collision.

The system is for your convenience only. Even if an
object is within the alert zone, the following
situations may occur.

•

The blind spot information system alert indicator
may not come on due to obstruction (splashes,
etc.) even without the Blind Spot Info Not
Available driver information interface appearing.

•

The blind spot information system alert indicator
may come on even with the message appearing.

WARNING

Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to
change lanes before doing so may result in
a crash and serious injury or death.
Do not rely only on the blind spot
information system when changing lanes.

Always look in your mirrors, to either side
of your vehicle, and behind you for other
vehicles before changing lanes.

Alert zone range
A: Approx. 1.6 ft. (0.5 m)
B: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m)
C: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m)

Radar Sensors:
underneath the
rear bumper
corners

Alert Zone

●

The transmission is in

(

●

Your vehicle speed is
between 20 mph (32 km/h)
and 100 mph (160 km/h)

* Not available on all models

Continued

557

When Driving

Blind spot information System

Driving

■

When the system detects a vehicle

Blind spot information System Alert Indicator:
Located near the pillar on both sides.
Comes on when:
• A vehicle enters the alert zone from behind

to overtake you with a speed difference of
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your
vehicle.

• You pass a vehicle with a speed difference

of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).

Blinks and a beeper sounds when:
You move the turn signal lever in the direction
of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds
three times.

Blind spot information System

The blind spot information system alert indicator may
not come on under the following conditions:

•

A vehicle does not stay in the alert zone for more
than two seconds.

•

A vehicle is parked in a side lane.

•

The speed difference between your vehicle and the
vehicle you are passing is greater than 6 mph
(10 km/h).

•

An object not detected by the radar sensors
approaches or passes your vehicle.

•

A vehicle running in the adjacent lane is a
motorcycle or other small vehicle.

The system does not operate when in

(

You can turn off the audible alert, or all the blind spot
information system alert using the audio/information
screen.

2 Customized Features P. 432

Turn the system off when towing a trailer.
The system may not work properly for the following
reasons:

•

The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the
radar coverage.

•

The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the blind spot information system
alert indicators to come on.

Comes On

Blinks

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Blind spot information System

558

Driving

Blind spot information System

Blind spot information system may be adversely
affected when:

•

Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc,.) are detected.

•

An object that does not reflect radio waves well,
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.

•

Driving on a curved road.

•

A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent
lane.

•

The system picks up external electrical interference.

•

The rear bumper or the sensors have been improperly
repaired or the rear bumper has been deformed.

•

The orientation of the sensors has been changed.

•

In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).

For a proper blind spot information system operation:

•

Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.

•

Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with
labels or stickers of any kind.

•

Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be repaired,
or the rear bumper corner area is strongly impacted.

* Not available on all models

Honda Pilot (2019 year). Manual - part 35