raverx3m

iTrader: (1)

my neighbors asked me to see what the deal is with their Honda pilot

sometimes it would crank but no start not even catch

other times it would start but run really rough like its misfiring or timing slipped

that happened about a month ago

its been running like normal since then
but it did it multiple times in last few months

I listened to it and it sounded pretty rough when it actually started but now they drive it and its fine

speedlever

What codes are being thrown?

Check the spark plugs for proper torque. Check the coolant for proper color. Any smoke (blue or white) on startup?

raverx3m

iTrader: (1)

No codes

speedlever

Water in the gas?

raverx3m

iTrader: (1)

Are there any common problems with j series motors that would cause this?

speedlever

Common? I don't know. But loose spark plugs has been an issue. There have been a few cracked heads. And the strawberry milkshake of death which is a radiator/ heat exchanger issue that involves the transmission.

But an intermittent rough running engine? Intermittent issues can be tough to track down.

raverx3m

iTrader: (1)

new details
rat ate spaghetti in the engine bay

they said they already fix the knock sensor wire once

its now throwing knock sensor code... but is still starting


they also said sometimes vtm4 light is on without pressing and they belive it locks the 4wd system on its own they say sometimes they can feel the wheels dragging


anyone have ideas where and what to look for?

raverx3m

iTrader: (1)

what should ignition advance be at idle on the j series motor?

it stays around 10 degrees

and 16.5 on my b series

speedlever

-10* sounds about right at idle.

The VTM-4 light can come on for many reasons. When they say the light is on, do they mean the light in the VTM-4 button or the VTM-4 indicator on the panel? (the latter is what I'd guess).

Here's a chart of some things that can cause the VTM-4 panel light to come on. It doesn't come on when the VTM-4 unit is manually locked (or even in auto). VTM-4 is operative all the time in normal (auto) mode.

(from the 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline FSM - but I bet it's the same or similar for the Pilot)


I'd be really surprised if it's not throwing a code though. Generic code readers/scanners may not pick up what the Honda HDS system can read.