HONDA 2004 Pilot - Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 211)

If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emission control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle’s performance,
continued operation may cause
serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap
or replace it. Tightening the cap will
not make the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes at least three
days of normal driving.
If the indicator remains on or the
fuel cap was not loose or missing,
have the vehicle checked by the
dealer as soon as possible.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on along with the ‘‘D’’
indicator, there is a problem in the
automatic transmission control
system.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If your vehicle battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes at least
three days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition to ON (II), without starting
the engine. The Malfunction
Indicator Lamp will come on for 20
seconds. If it then goes off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5
times, the readiness codes are not
set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle for a state emissions test
until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to State Emissions Testing for
more information (see page
). 226
Malf unction Indicator Lamp
Readiness Code
Malfunction Indicator
Taking Care of the Unexpected 207
NOTICE: If you keep driving with the
Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you
can damage your vehicle’s emission
controls and the engine. Those repairs
may not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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