Troubleshooting Guide: How to Get Honda Pilot Out of Accessory Mode

The Honda Pilot is a popular SUV known for its reliability and spacious interior. However, some owners may encounter a frustrating situation where their vehicle gets stuck in accessory mode. This can drain your battery and leave you stranded. This blog post will guide you through the steps on how to get your Honda Pilot out of accessory mode, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly and efficiently.

Understanding Accessory Mode

Accessory mode is a feature designed to allow you to use certain vehicle functions without starting the engine. This includes features like:

• Radio: Listen to your favorite music or news.
• Climate Control: Adjust the temperature and fan speed.
• Power Outlets: Charge your phone or other devices.
• Lights: Turn on your headlights or interior lights.

While convenient, accessory mode can drain your battery if left on for an extended period. The key to getting out of accessory mode is understanding what triggers it and how to disable it.

Common Causes of Accessory Mode

The most common reason why your Honda Pilot might get stuck in accessory mode is because you’ve unintentionally left a component on. Here are some scenarios to consider:

• Leaving the Radio or Climate Control On: If you forget to turn off the radio or climate control after exiting the vehicle, it will continue to draw power, keeping the accessory mode active.
• Leaving a Power Outlet in Use: If you’ve plugged in a device and forgotten to unplug it, the power outlet will remain active, keeping the accessory mode running.
• Leaving the Lights On: Leaving your headlights or interior lights on will also drain your battery and keep the accessory mode active.
• Malfunctioning Electrical Component: In rare cases, a faulty electrical component could trigger the accessory mode to remain on, even when all accessories are turned off.

How to Get Your Honda Pilot Out of Accessory Mode

Now that you understand the common causes, here’s how to get your Honda Pilot out of accessory mode:

1. Check for Active Accessories: Begin by thoroughly inspecting your vehicle for any active accessories. Check the radio, climate control, power outlets, and lights to ensure they are all turned off.
2. Check the Power Outlets: Ensure that all power outlets are unplugged. Even if a device is not actively charging, the power outlet might still be drawing power.
3. Check the Lights: Double-check that all lights, including headlights, taillights, and interior lights, are turned off.
4. Try the Door Handle: A common trick is to simply pull on the driver’s side door handle. This can sometimes reset the accessory mode and allow the vehicle to shut down completely.
5. Check the Key Fob: If your key fob has a “lock” button, press it to ensure the car is properly locked.
6. Use the Key to Unlock and Lock: If the above steps don‘t work, try using your key to unlock and re-lock the vehicle. This can sometimes reset the accessory mode.
7. Disconnect the Battery (Last Resort): If all else fails, disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can reset the system and get your Honda Pilot out of accessory mode. However, this should be considered a last resort as it will erase any saved radio presets and settings.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent your Honda Pilot from getting stuck in accessory mode again, consider these tips:

• Develop a Routine: Make it a habit to check all accessories before exiting the vehicle.
• Use a Reminder: Set a reminder on your phone or use a physical note to remind you to check for active accessories.
• Invest in a Smart Charger: A smart charger will automatically disconnect from your battery when it’s fully charged, preventing overcharging and potential damage.
• Regularly Check Your Battery: Ensure your battery is in good condition and has enough charge to power the accessories.

What to Do if You Have a Dead Battery

If your Honda Pilot‘s battery is completely drained, you will need to jump-start it. Here’s how:

1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery.
2. Connect the Cables: Connect the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery, then to the positive terminal of the good battery. Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery, then to a metal grounding point on the dead vehicle‘s frame (away from the battery).
3. Start the Good Vehicle: Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes.
4. Start the Dead Vehicle: Try starting your Honda Pilot. If it starts, let it run for at least 15 minutes to recharge the battery.

Time to Hit the Road Again

By understanding how accessory mode works and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily get your Honda Pilot out of accessory mode and back on the road. Remember, prevention is key, so develop a routine to ensure you don’t leave any accessories on by mistake.

Information You Need to Know

1. What if my Honda Pilot is still stuck in accessory mode after trying all these steps?

If you’ve tried all the steps and your Honda Pilot is still stuck in accessory mode, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic. There might be an underlying electrical issue that needs to be diagnosed and repaired.

2. How long can I leave my Honda Pilot in accessory mode before it drains the battery?

The length of time it takes to drain the battery depends on several factors, including the battery’s condition and the accessories being used. However, it’s generally recommended to avoid leaving your Honda Pilot in accessory mode for extended periods, as it can quickly drain the battery.

3. Can I use my Honda Pilot‘s remote start to get it out of accessory mode?

Remote start can sometimes be used to get your Honda Pilot out of accessory mode. However, this may not work if the problem is caused by a malfunctioning electrical component. It’s best to try the other methods first before resorting to remote start.

4. What happens if my battery gets completely drained?

If your battery gets completely drained, you will need to jump-start your Honda Pilot. Make sure you have jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery.

5. Is it safe to disconnect the battery while my Honda Pilot is in accessory mode?

It’s generally safe to disconnect the battery while your Honda Pilot is in accessory mode. However, it’s important to disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last to avoid electrical damage.