Overheating

Honda Pilot / Honda Pilot 2009-2025 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:

    Fuel Information
    Fuel recommendation Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number 87 or higher Use of lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic knocking noise that can lead to engine damage. Top tier d ...

    How to Refuel
    1. Stop your vehicle with the service station pump on the left side of the vehicle in the rear. 2. Turn off the engine. 3. Unlock the driver’s door using the lock tab or the master door lock ...

    Safety Labels
    These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (exce ...