The Honda Pilot’s all-wheel-drive system is pretty clever, with variable torque distribution between its entrance and rear axles, along with between the left- and correct rear wheels. It often works correctly and ensures sturdy traction on troublesome roads – nonetheless some factors have been reported by means of the years.
The first two generations of AWD-equipped Honda Pilots featured the earlier iteration of this methodology, named VTM-4, whereas the latest i-VTM4 system is found inside the third-generation Pilot. Their modes of operation are very associated, though, with the newer i-VTM4 mainly merely together with further intelligence to the rear-axle torque distribution algorithms for improved agility and better stability in extreme driving conditions. Nonetheless what if one factor goes incorrect?
What Does The VTM-4 Light Indicate On a Honda Pilot?
So, what does the VTM-4 light on a Honda Pilot indicate, and does it signifies a dire prognosis? First, let’s check out what VTM-4 is. VTM-4 is the acronym for Variable Torque Administration 4-wheel drive system, denoting the electronically-controlled 4-Wheel-Drive system Honda makes use of of their higher-end SUVs. Don’t confuse this with Honda’s “Precise Time AWD” as utilized in earlier CR-V and HR-V fashions because of that system lacks the VTM-4’s clever rear differential and would not have the equivalent torque-distribution abilities as a result of the full-fat VTM-4 or i-VTM4 strategies. So, if the VTM-4 light in your Honda Pilot comes on, it signifies a difficulty on this technique.
However, it’s vital to note that there is a clear distinction between the gauge-display-mounted VTM-4 (or i-VTM4) warning light, and the affirmation light contained within the dashboard-mounted VTM-4 swap, to the left of the audio system. The VTM-4 warning light inside the Honda Pilot’s instrument cluster must solely illuminate when starting up the engine, following which it must extinguish inside a second or so. Thereafter, it’s supposed to remain off, even when the clever rear differential is called to movement. If the VTM-4 cluster warning light switches on whereas driving, it signifies one factor amiss with the rear differential operation, which shall be ensuing from a surprisingly massive choice of attainable causes.
The affirmation light inside the swap signifies that “VTM-4 Lock Mode” has effectively been engaged. However, the affirmation light must solely be illuminated if you might need purposely engaged Lock mode, and the button must be pressed as soon as extra to disengage Lock as shortly because it’s not important or when returning to laborious surfaces. Doing so will flip off the affirmation light, and all will in all probability be correctly.
Why Is The VTM-4 Light On My Honda Pilot Illuminated?
The rationale why the VTM-4 light on a Honda Pilot would possibly illuminate vary; from easily-remedied factors with the wiring harness or sensors to being part of a so much greater set of points, along with:
- The stress or temperature sensors for the rear differential is perhaps defective
- Rear differential oil diploma may be low ensuing from a leak or a earlier overheating incident
- Rodents may have damaged the automobile’s wiring harness
- There is perhaps a vital engine- or emission-control-related draw back
2003-2008 First Know-how Honda Pilot
First-generation (2003-2008) Honda Pilots will in all probability illuminate the VTM-4 warning light ensuing from insufficient differential fluid or a sensor error, with 2004- and 2005 model yr examples reportedly being most prone to these sicknesses.
2009-2022 Second and Third Know-how Honda Pilot
Second- and third-generation Pilots (2009-2015 and 2016-2022 model years, respectively) share these attainable causes nonetheless add the prospect that there may be engine- or emission-control points, by which case the AWD system will mechanically disengage and swap the warning light on. This appears to be most prevalent on examples in-built 2011, 2012, and 2013 – roughly according to the model years of those Honda Pilots, which might be most prone to emission-control factors as correctly.
Click on on proper right here to be taught further about Honda Pilot 2nd Know-how.
What To Do When My Honda Pilot VTM-4 Light is Flashing?
Whereas a warning light that stays on is far much less vital, if the sunshine is flashing, you must stop driving as shortly as attainable. Primarily based on the proprietor’s information, a flashing VTM-4 warning light on a Honda Pilot implies that you must immediately pull over, slot the transmission into Park, and let the engine idle until the VTM-4 light stops flashing.
If it continues flashing even after an extended idling interval, shut down the engine and title a towing service to take your Pilot to a great workshop on a flatbed truck. On this case, a flashing Honda Pilot VTM-4 light signifies a major challenge inside the rear differential, and driving on is susceptible to set off extra harm.
Can I Drive My Honda Pilot With The VTM-4 Light On?
A flashing Honda Pilot VTM-4 light signifies a difficulty the place Honda advises urgent consideration from a technician, however when a VTM-4 warning light stays on, it merely implies that the AWD system has been deactivated ensuing from a difficulty. On this event, the administration system has isolated the fault by disengaging the torque take-off from the doorway transaxle and opening the VTM-4’s clutches, turning your AWD Honda Pilot into an FWD-only automotive.
If the sunshine is on regularly, it’s possible you’ll proceed driving, nonetheless with due consideration for the reality that the AWD system is not on the market and that it will need consideration in a short time. An accurate diagnostic effort and environment friendly repairs are, sadly, the one method to efficiently handle an illuminated VTM-4 light on a Honda Pilot.
How To Flip Off A Honda Pilot VTM-4 And/Or Confirm Engine Light
The therapy for an illuminated VTM-4 warning light varies counting on the difficulty that triggered the sunshine inside the first place. Two of the attainable cures are simple DIY jobs, which might be correctly inside the talents of a mildly-capable dwelling mechanic. Totally different points are further demanding and might need expert fingers to resolve. This is a tips to adjust to must you’re questioning the correct technique to flip off a Honda Pilot VTM-4 light:
- Confirm for low VTM-4 fluid ranges: If the VTM-4 rear differential is solely working low on fluid, the reply could possibly be to trade it. Honda recommends VTM-4 fluid substitute every 7,500 miles and because it’s, sadly, unbelievable that an older Pilot can have been dealt with to latest VTM-4 fluid inside the newest earlier, this could be a frequent provide of VTM-4 points. Substitute the fluid, and see if the warning light stays to be shining.
- Confirm the sensors inside the VTM-4 unit: There are a choice of sensors inside the VTM-4 unit which could set off the VTM-4 warning light to mild up, with the fluid temperature sensor being the most-common offender. Points with this sensor are significantly in all probability in cars from areas the place freeway salt is used because of this failure can typically be traced to corrosion of the wiring terminals. It’s a easy restore and contains eradicating a small cowl plate, unbolting and eradicating the sensor, and altering it with a model new one. Consider to cowl {{the electrical}} terminals with grease to forestall a recurrence of the corrosion draw back, then substitute the quilt plate and clear the error code from the OBD-II system.
- Confirm for wiring harness faults: The Honda Pilot choices enviro-friendly, soy-based electrical insulation, and vermin seem to go looking out this a extremely tasty snack. There have been fairly a number of research of the VTM-4 warning light illuminating by nothing further vital than a few chewed wires, nonetheless the harm is perhaps intensive adequate to warrant expert consideration to revive appropriately. If that’s the challenge, the VTM-4 warning light may illuminate along with totally different dashboard warning lights because of rats aren’t choosy referring to which system’s harnesses they destroy.
- Take into consideration engine points and emission administration system failures: These are the issues you really don’t want to encounter because of they might shortly lead to an expensive engine restore. You will in all probability uncover this draw back when the Honda Pilot’s VTM-4 light and confirm engine light illuminate on the same time, and the on-board diagnostic system may current the P3400 error code in affirmation. The problem originates inside the VCM (Variable Cylinder Administration) system fitted to 2006-on first-generation Pilots and all second- and third-generation fashions. The VCM is liable for shutting down the rear cylinder monetary establishment under low-load conditions, nonetheless has an unfortunate side-effect of inflicting excessive oil consumption. If this happens, the spark plugs lastly get fouled up with soot, leading to misfires. As shortly as a result of the engine’s administration system detects repeated misfires, it goes into limp-home mode and totally disengages the AWD system, illuminating every the Confirm Engine Light and the VTM-4 warning light on the Honda Pilot.
How Lots Does It Value To Restore?
If the difficulty in a Honda Pilot’s VTM-4 is claimed to a sensor drawback inside the rear differential assembly, the restore will in all probability be surprisingly fairly priced because of an OEM temperature sensor shall be had for decrease than $70, and it’s a easy DIY substitute prepare. VTM-4 fluid will also be pretty well-priced, costing decrease than $30 for a gallon, and altering it is also a easy DIY exercise.
Repairs for the oil consumption/emission administration drawback fluctuate from full engine substitute in extreme situations to simply reprogramming the engine administration unit and turning into a model new set of spark plugs, nonetheless this all will rely on the severity of the oil consumption draw back. This drawback needs expert consideration, and will even be lined by a class-action lawsuit or Honda’s eight-year engine assure extension. Confirm collectively along with your dealership whether or not or not your Pilot is roofed for this well-known drawback, nonetheless needless to say this draw back did not lead to a recall, so solely autos with energetic warranties will qualify for Honda’s extended cowl.
Lastly, if the VTM-4 or i-VTM4 unit itself have to be modified, anticipate to pay upwards of $3,700 for the assembly, excluding oil or labor to go well with it. This alone is adequate motive to pull over when the VTM-4 warning light begins flashing! As far as the VCM drawback is apprehensive, confirm collectively along with your Honda dealership in case your Pilot is included inside the assure extension for this matter, because of, apart from sensor- or wiring failures, emission administration malfunctions are the first motive why a Honda Pilot’s VTM-4 warning will light up.