My 2013 Honda Pilot won't start.
Asked by Robertoinbaja Jul 26, 2016 at 02:03 PM about the 2013 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Started and ran fine 4 days ago. Now not only will it not start, appears to be
zero battery, cannot move gear shift lever or open tailgate. I live in Mexico and
am 75 miles from nearest Honda dealer.
7 Answers
Something left on and drained the battery? Recharge it and wait and see if the problem reoccurs.
Robertoinbaja answered 7 years ago
Yes, a possibility Ken. Have it on the charger now. What's odd is gauge on charger shows 100% charge. Plus inability to move gear shift lever. Do you know of any circumstances where an electronic component like security system or something could cause this? Thanks, Bob
What the starter really needs is cranking amps, not just voltage. Unless you have a jump pack give the charger time to work. If you are sure the battery is charged up, step on the brakes and confirm you have brake lights. If you do NOT have brake lights, the shift lock will not shift out of park. The problem would then be the brake pedal position switch. If brakes are one and still stuck in park, the problem can further be diagnosed as described in these forum posts: http://www.piloteers.org/forums/14-problems/16122-gear-shift-lever-stuck-park.html and http://www.piloteers.org/forums/19-audio-electronics/15581-can-t-get-out-park-sub-install.html
Robertoinbaja answered 7 years ago
Ken, thanks very much for spending time on this. I was just down there messing with the shift release slot (which I got to work) so was able to put into neutral. Just then our gardener showed up and we were able to push the vehicle out of the garage far enough for jumper cables to stretch. Connected to his car and it cranked a little bit so it must just be a dead battery. He told me where I could get a new battery in either Cabo or La Paz. At least I think he did as my Spanish isn't the best and his English is nonexistent. He had to get to work so we just took it off his car and reconnected the charger. Think you're right-just need to give it time to work. This has happened a couple times before although the battery never completely drained as it did this time. Anyway, thanks again!
Robertoinbaja answered 7 years ago
Isn't it unusual for a battery to fail after only 3 1/2 years? Plus we don't drive it that much. Maybe once a week for short trips in town or monthly to Cabo. It is hot and dusty here. Could that affect it I wonder?
Battery replacement every 3-4 years is pretty normal. My 2013 needed a new battery today in May 2020 at 140,000 miles. I'm the third owner. Probably the second time it's been replaced at this point.
