Engine malfunction

[medphreak]

Hello all -

This evening I had an odd problem that I thought you could help with.

I was driving our Pilot about 20 MPH on a level, dry road when the engine malfunction and VTM-4 indicators lit simultaneously. I pulled to the side of the road, parked, and restarted the car. The engine malfunction light remained lit. The car acted normally at all times. I checked the gas cap and it was tight.

Has anyone else had this happen to them? Any ideas?

We have a 2003 Pilot EX-L with 51K miles. The car has performed flawlessly to this point.

Thank you,

Don Doherty

[N_Jay]

Hello all -

This evening I had an odd problem that I thought you could help with.

I was driving our Pilot about 20 MPH on a level, dry road when the engine malfunction and VTM-4 indicators lit simultaneously. I pulled to the side of the road, parked, and restarted the car. The engine malfunction light remained lit. The car acted normally at all times. I checked the gas cap and it was tight.

Has anyone else had this happen to them? Any ideas?

We have a 2003 Pilot EX-L with 51K miles. The car has performed flawlessly to this point.

Thank you,

Don Doherty

See is you notice a very slight vibration at a 55 to 70 MPH steady cruise.
If so I would bet it is a bad EGR. This seems to be getting common with Pilots.

[PatrickC1026]

The dealer should be able to readh the CEL code.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know the approximate cost and time for replacement of the EGR?

[N_Jay]

Does anyone know the approximate cost and time for replacement of the EGR?

Free!

You just NICELY tell Honda that you here these are failing well before 36,000 miles, and just because your lasted a few miles past you don't think you should have to pay for an OBVIOUS problem part.

[medphreak]

Follow-up:

The car went into the Honda dealer today. They diagnosed a faulty EGR valve. $130, 20 minute repair covered under our extended warranty.

Don Doherty

[phil17]

can someone tell me briefly what's a EGR valve? why do i hear so many Pilots having this part fail? my parents have a 2003 and i'm worried about the driving it while my 97 CRV has never had this type of problem and i do'nt hear it on the V forums either

[PatrickC1026]

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation and it's part of the emission system. Basically, part of the exhaust gas is recirculated back to the engine to reduce emission and the EGR valve takes care of that function. On sports compact cars, it's quite common to take the EGR valve and close the hole to gain some power since sending the exhaust gas back to the engine loses some performance. However, car manufacturers have to do that to meet tough emission standards.

[N_Jay]

It also has many positive atributes like keeping th ecylinday temp up during decell without waisting fuel.

Whan designed correctly will aid in off throttle to on trottle transition when above idle.

[Anonymous]

My pilot has been "surging" also. At first is was just occasional and I thought it was a transmission problem. Brought it in, but of course it couldn't be reproduced at that time. Tranny and computer were checked and no problems were found. Now it is becoming more noticeable, and feels more like a fuel issue than a tranny issue. If it is in fact the EGR valve, how bad is that? I know it needs to be fixed, but I am supposed to do a long drive tomorrow, but with the 3-day weekend, no dealerships are open. :wink: