Aside from an illuminated “check engine light” and other warning lights on your Honda Pilot’s dash. The flashing Drive (D) light is also one of several warning indicators requiring prompt attention and fixing.
A.k.a. “D light,” the car uses it to indicate transmission trouble; transmission fluid is often the initial sign, and you’ll need to get it examined. If this isn’t the case, you’ll need to get the Honda Pilot’s error codes analyzed and fixed before performing a reset, like what you do with a check engine light reset.
The Honda Pilot is among the most renowned sport utility vehicles. The car’s attractiveness originates from its simplicity, affordability, and outstanding durability. Nonetheless, this doesn’t indicate that it’s flawless.
Some Honda Pilot owners find the flashing light, engine light, and other check engine light codes annoying and bothering. What other factors might lead to transmission problems? Possible causes include the fluid, solenoid, or clutch pressure sensor.
It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and repairs to anticipate in the case of a problem. The following list indicates potential concerns regarding the Honda Pilot’s blinking D light. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Honda Pilot Flashing “D” Light Causes
Some Honda Pilot error codes, including Exhaust Recirculation System Issue or Keyless Start System Trouble, can be diagnosed with the assistance of a mechanic or an OBD reader.
Nevertheless, there are a few indications and signs that you can identify on your own. If you correctly evaluate your Pilot, you’ll almost certainly be charged the following.
Low Transmission Fluid
When your Honda Pilot’s “D” light suddenly flashes, you’d better hope it’s due to low transmission fluid. This might be the most straightforward and inexpensive issue to solve in this situation. But what actually is transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid can be found in practically every kind of vehicle. It acts as a lubricating and cooling solution for your transmission’s components, as well as aiding the valve operation.
A shortage of transmission fluid might cause your gears to scuff against each other. This leads to excessive wear and, ultimately, transmission breakdown. The fluid might run low for a variety of causes.
There might be a leakage in your transmission pan. Fractures might occur everywhere, and the transmission is no exception when operated aggressively. It’s also possible for the pan or your torque converter system to fail. A failure of maintenance frequently causes this issue.
Low Transmission Fluid Symptoms
This one doesn’t require the use of an engine diagnostic scanner. After detecting the drive light, examine underneath your Pilot for any leaks. Overheating transmission is likewise a warning indication, shown by a flashing “D” light. Gear shifting might be more complicated, jerkier, or louder in performance.
Cost To Fix A Low Transmission Fluid
When there is insufficient or no fluid, the remedy is to fill it up or replenish it. As per experts, you can fill up your transmission fluid for $54 to $68 (without labor charges). Other (rarer) issues will incur additional expenses, depending on the type and severity of the situation.
Malfunctioning Shift Solenoid
A shift solenoid’s function is to regulate fluid flow. It is regulated electrically by transmission control module (TCM) signals. In automatic automobiles such as the Honda Pilot, its solenoid is crucial. It assists you in shifting gears after getting a signal.
Malfunctioning Shift Solenoid Symptoms
A faulty shift solenoid will cause shifting to lag, and the lag time might extend. It can even get stuck on a specific gear. It might not change gear or skip a gear and change immediately to the next one. It might even shift at an incorrect RPM. The unique engine code of a solenoid malfunction is a direct hazard indication.
Cost To Fix A Malfunctioning Shift Solenoid
This is dependent on how severe your problem is. A single shift solenoid for your Honda Pilot costs roughly $52, and labor expenses might potentially exceed $150. However, replacing the complete shift solenoid pack might run hundreds of bucks.
Failing Clutch Pressure Sensor
Once the clutch sensor of your Honda Pilot breaks, the Drive Light could also activate and blink. This is a sort of sensor that monitors the piston position of your Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC). Its failure might be severe in concerns of drivability.
Failing Clutch Pressure Sensor Symptoms
The symptoms of a faulty sensor are comparable to those of a bad shifter solenoid. Your car won’t shift from neutral (N) and might skip gears.
Your Honda Pilot’s fuel economy will drop, making the performance noticeably jerkier and clunkier. Also, the risk of this problem is your vehicle might move or accelerate unintentionally.
Cost To Fix A Failing Clutch Pressure Sensor
Since the issue has few variations, the cost of repairing it is generally the same. The components might cost around $68 to $75, whereas labor might cost up to $100.
What To Do With Honda Pilot “D” Light Blinking
It’s recommended that you run your car as less as possible once you notice the flashing “D” light on your dashboard. This is because when a vehicle starts to change gears uncontrolled, it can become highly hazardous. Always get your transmission maintained before it breaks down.
Always seek the assistance of the Honda auto repair mechanics or any closest vehicle specialist or technician to assist you with your issue. The above details should help you figure out the issue on your own.
Transmission problems can be prevented by completing essential maintenance consistently. Your Honda Pilot is one solid SUV that will last as long as it’s properly maintained.
Does A Flashing “D” Light Mean A Transmission Problem?
A flashing D light on a Honda vehicle, particularly the Honda Pilot, signifies that your powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a transmission malfunction. An OBD-II code scanner most likely didn’t recover a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) since this error wasn’t associated with emissions, and you didn’t notice an additional “check engine” light.
Many transmission failures belong under this group and are signaled by a flashing check engine light (CEL) and a P07 type diagnostic trouble code, with or without a blinking D light.
The most often identified issues are a malfunctioning solenoid (an electronic valve that measures fluid), sensor, circuit cabling problem, or a hard error such as a sliding clutch, blocked orifice, filter, or bind mechanism.
The defect is diagnosed using a symptom troubleshooting scale in the absence of the diagnostic trouble code. It’s critical to have your Honda Pilot evaluated by a trained technician using professional-grade scan equipment to rectify this issue. Suppose you want to try scanning transmission codes before this.
In that case, you can do so by grounding terminal 9 of your data-link connection (DLC) used by scanning equipment with your ignition switch in on position and your engine off after putting the system in SCS mode.
Terminal 9 is located in the bottom row on the left side (look for a DLC terminal image for reference to be sure). Install a T-pin carefully and attach it to the body ground using a wire. Your D light will blink to indicate DTCs.
These vary from an OBD-II DTC structure in that codes 1 to 9 corresponds to the number of flashes. Codes 10 and up would have a long blink for 10s, followed by a quick blink for 1s and 2s, and so on. Code 26 example: two lengthy flashes succeeded by six brief flashes.
Check Engine Light Accompanied With Flashing “D” Light
Your check engine light is among the most generally misinterpreted lights or indications in your Honda Pilot. This light is a component of your onboard diagnostics unit and can be shown in various forms; it might state the word “Check Engine,” be an icon of an engine, or both.
This light glows in either red or yellow. Since the 1980s, onboard systems have progressively regulated and tracked automobile performance, and they accomplish a range of tasks with your Honda Pilot.
Ignition timing, shifting automatic transmission gears, controlling engine speed, and adding stability control are just a handful of examples. That being stated, your check engine light diagnosis might indicate several various concerns. It might be as straightforward as a loosened gas cap or as dangerous as engine knocking.
Conclusion
On the occurrence of your Honda Pilot’s flashing drive light, it’s advised that if you see this light flashing, you must not run your car or drive as less as possible. This is because an uncontrolled shift in a car could be pretty harmful.
Always get your transmission maintained before experiencing a problem. Explore for the closest vehicle professional or mechanic to help you out. The basic information provided above will assist you in identifying the issue on your own.
Routine maintenance is essential for preventing transmission difficulties. Your Honda Pilot is a dependable SUV that can survive as long as it’s well-maintained.
FAQs
Why is my Honda Pilot drive light blinking?
A flashing D light signifies that there’s a transmission issue. This might be mechanical, including your shift solenoid, or electronic, like your transmission speed sensor. Also, this might suggest that your transmission fluid level is low.
How to inspect the transmission fluid in Honda Pilot?
Check your automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level by pulling the dipstick at the right side of your transmission body (car on level ground while the engine is off). Pull your dipstick and clean it. Insert your dipstick again, then remove it to check your fluid level. Your fluid level must be in the middle of the markings.
