Overheating

Honda Pilot / Honda Pilot 2009-2026 Owner's Manual / Handling the Unexpected / Jump Starting / Overheating

How to Handle Overheating

Overheating symptoms are as follows:

 - The temperature gauge needle is at the mark or the  - Steam or spray comes out of the engine compartment. engine suddenly loses power.

 - Steam or spray comes out of the engine compartment.

First thing to do

1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.

2.Turn off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning lights.

 - No steam or spray present: Keep the engine running and open the hood.

 - No steam or spray present: Keep the engine running and open the hood.

How to Handle Overheating

WARNING

Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you. Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.

NOTICE

Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the Next thing to do mark may damage the engine.

Next thing to do

1. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the temperature

1. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the temperature gauge needle comes down.

 - If the cooling fan is not operating, immediately stop the engine.

2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the cooling system components for leaks.

 - If the coolant level in the reserve tank is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark.

 - If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, check that the radiator is cool. Cover the radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the filler neck, and put the cap back on.

Last thing to do

Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone down, contact a dealer for repairs.

How to Handle Overheating

WARNING

Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you. Always let the engine and radiator cool Reserve down before removing the radiator cap.

If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs. Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only. Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze as soon as possible.

    See also:

    Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
    Always change the oil and filter according to the maintenance messages shown on the information display. The oil and filter collect contaminants that can damage your engine if they are not removed ...

    Refueling
    Fuel recommendation: Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number 87 or higher required Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 US gal (70 L) 1 Unlock the driver’s door. 2 Press on the edge of the fuel fill do ...

    Foot Brake
    Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping force when you d ...