Why is my Honda Pilot drive light blinking?

If you have suddenly seen a “D” light blinking on your Honda Pilot and you are searching here and there to know “Why is my drive light blinking?”. Well, stop searching as you are in the right place for that information.

A blinking drive light on a Honda Pilot is a warning sign of a potential transmission problem. The vehicle’s onboard computer is designed to detect any issues with the transmission and will activate a warning light, such as a blinking drive light, to notify the driver.

However, this warning light is a general indication and does not provide specific information about the problem. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can follow to diagnose the issue.

In this article I will take you through all those steps and how to fix the issue of Honda pilot drive light blinking.

Diagnosing the issues

One way to identify the root cause of a blinking drive light on a Honda Pilot is by using the paperclip hack—a method for extracting diagnostic trouble codes from an onboard computer.

Insert a paperclip into port number four, followed by port number nine. The drive (D) light will then flash to communicate the DTCs. Each flash corresponds to a particular code, which can be decoded using a code chart to pinpoint the problem with the vehicle.

In a particular instance, as demonstrated in, the D light blinks six times, indicating code 26, which implies a third clutch transmission fluid pressure switch short on open off that requires replacement.

Furthermore, the check engine light blinks seven times, indicating code 70, which corresponds to a shift solenoid valve A stuck on/off. The VTM4 light also blinked a code of 21, which is unclear what it denotes.

It’s worth noting that the paperclip hack should only be employed as a diagnostic tool and not a permanent fix. Once the DTCs have been retrieved, it’s essential to consult a certified mechanic to accurately diagnose and repair the problem.

Causes of drive light blinking on Honda pilot:

You can get the help of a mechanic or an OBD scanner to diagnose all the issues your car might be facing like the drive light blinking on your Honda pilot. However, in the case of the Honda pilot drive light blinking i am here with all the information you need. Here are the causes of drive light blinking on Honda pilot:

1.   Malfunctioning transmission 

A blinking drive light on a Honda Pilot could be an indication of a malfunctioning transmission. This could be due to a wide range of issues such as low fluid levels, damaged or worn-out gears, or a faulty torque converter.

Fixing:

• Check the transmission fluid levels: The first step in fixing a malfunctioning transmission is to check the transmission fluid levels. If the levels are low, it could be due to a leak or other issue. If this is the case, topping up the fluid could be a quick and easy fix. 
• Replace damaged or worn-out gears: If the transmission gears are damaged or worn-out, they will need to be replaced. This is a more complex repair that should be done by a professional mechanic. The cost of the repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage. 
• Replace the torque converter: If the torque converter is faulty, it will need to be replaced. This is a more complex repair that should be done by a professional mechanic. The cost of the repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage.
  
  

2.   Electrical problems 

Electrical problems in the vehicle’s wiring or sensors can also cause the drive light to blink. This could be due to a damaged or faulty sensor or a wiring issue that is causing a short circuit.

Fixing:

• Check the sensor: If the issue is with a sensor, it will need to be checked and replaced if necessary. This can be done by a mechanic or an experienced DIYer. The cost of the repair will depend on the extent of the damage.
• Check the wiring: If the issue is with the wiring, it will need to be checked and repaired if necessary. This can be done by a mechanic or an experienced DIYer. The cost of the repair will depend on the extent of the damage. 
  
  

3.   Software issues 

In some cases, a blinking drive light on a Honda Pilot could be caused by software issues in the vehicle’s onboard computer. This could be due to a glitch in the system or a problem with the vehicle’s software that is causing the light to blink.

Fixing:

If the issue is with the vehicle’s software, it may be possible to fix it by updating the software. This can be done by a professional mechanic or by the vehicle owner using specialized software and tools.

4.   Other issues 

Other issues that could cause the drive light to blink include a damaged or faulty ECU (engine control unit), a malfunctioning solenoid, or a problem with the vehicle’s fuel system.

Fixing:

• Replace the ECU: If the issue is with the ECU, it will need to be replaced. This is a more complex repair that should be done by a professional mechanic. The cost of the repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage. 
• Replace the solenoid: If the solenoid is malfunctioning, it will need to be replaced. This is a more complex repair that should be done by a professional mechanic. The cost of the repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage.
• Fix the fuel system: If the issue is with the fuel system, it will need to be checked and repaired if necessary. This can be done by a mechanic or an experienced DIYer. The cost of the repair will depend on the extent of the damage. 

It’s important to address a blinking drive light on a Honda Pilot as soon as possible, as it can indicate a serious problem with the vehicle. By identifying the cause of the problem and taking the appropriate steps to fix it, you can ensure the longevity and safety of your Honda Pilot.

 

FAQs:

A: While some issues can be fixed by an experienced DIYer, it is recommended to have a certified mechanic diagnose and repair the problem to ensure the safety and longevity of your Honda Pilot. It is not recommended to attempt complex repairs, such as replacing the ECU or torque converter, without proper knowledge and experience.