Torque Convertor?

[bburns87]

I have an '03 Pilot EX. When I take my foot off the gas while driving over 40 miles per hour, it seems to coast for a couple of seconds, then its like the brakes are automatically applied - it really slows the vehicle down. It is worse when you are braking and the engine grabs as well, feels like it wants to throw you through the windshield.

2 different dealers have told me it is the torque convertor, and it is just how the Pilot is, nothing they can do about it. Does anybody else have this problem? It is really the only problem we have had with it, except when the rear hatch closed on my finger and broke it! Sure wish the designed the window to open without having to open the whole rear hatch.

[PatrickC1026]

Were the tires properly inflated? Under inflated tires can slow your car down more when you let go the gas. I think it's BS that the Pilot was designed that way. If you can find another Pilot in your area, ask a favor and do the same test. If it doesn't slow down like yours, you have a proof that it's not the design.

I'm moving this thread to Clinical Rounds.

[ralph cerbone]

there is nothing wrong, it is designed to slow down like that and will add miles to your brake life, i know it does feel a little funny the first time you slow down ,also read your owners man.& sales brochere it will explain .

[wbhikergirl]

It definitely sounds like engine braking to me. Mine does this only in one specific highway on-ramp near where I live. It feels like it happens when you let off on the gas just when you're at a speed when your vehicle should downshift. It was weird at first, now I'm used to it and adjust my driving accordingly.

[N_Jay]

I have an '03 Pilot EX. When I take my foot off the gas while driving over 40 miles per hour, it seems to coast for a couple of seconds, then its like the brakes are automatically applied - it really slows the vehicle down. It is worse when you are braking and the engine grabs as well, feels like it wants to throw you through the windshield.

2 different dealers have told me it is the torque convertor, and it is just how the Pilot is, nothing they can do about it. Does anybody else have this problem? It is really the only problem we have had with it, except when the rear hatch closed on my finger and broke it! Sure wish the designed the window to open without having to open the whole rear hatch.

It is athe "Grade Logic" in the transmission. Get used to it, it works great as long as you don't try to fight it.

[joramed]

bburns87,
I have an 03 EX-L myself but I do not experience the problem that you described. I confirmed it yesterday on my way home that when I release the gas pedal, my pilot very gradually slows down whether I am on a flat road or going dowhill. No grabbing or feeling of sudden braking. From comments of the other people, it looks like mine is the odd one out but it is fine by me. Just thought you might need another comment from an owner of same year. Keep us updated if you find the cause.

[bburns87]

My wife generally drives the Pilot so it takes more time for me to get used to it. We also live outside of Denver so taking down the mountain roads may play a part in how often/how severe it seems.

From another discussion someone commented on something similar and said that after they had their transmission flushed it got better, so maybe I'll try that. Also may try a different dealer. They didn't know anything about how to fix the brake clunking, even though the service bulletin came out earlier this year.