2016-2022 Honda Pilot Coolant Capacity & Type

Your 2016-2022 Honda Pilot cooling system holds approximately 8.4 US quarts (7.9 liters) of coolant.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 8.4 US quarts (7.9 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue, Phosphated HOAT, P-HOAT)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-Diluted (do not add water)

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Honda recommends the following coolant flush intervals for your 2016-2022 Pilot:

• Normal Duty: Initial replacement at 10 years or 120,000 miles, then every 5 years or 60,000 miles thereafter.
• Severe Duty: Consult your owner's manual, but generally, more frequent checks and replacements may be advised if operating in consistently high temperatures, heavy towing, or extreme dusty conditions.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system of your Honda Pilot is crucial to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating. Here's a general procedure:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before starting. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
2. Drain Old Coolant: With the radiator drain cock open, allow the old coolant to completely drain into a suitable container. You might also want to open the engine block drain plug if accessible for a more complete drain. Properly dispose of used coolant.
3. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If flushing, close the drain cock, refill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on until warm, let cool, then drain. Repeat until the drained water runs clear.
4. Refill with New Coolant: Close all drain points. Slowly pour a 50/50 pre-diluted Honda Type 2 coolant into the radiator up to the neck. Fill the reservoir to the "MAX" line.
5. Bleed the System:
   • Start the engine with the radiator cap off and the heater set to full hot (fan speed low).
   • Allow the engine to warm up, watching for bubbles to escape from the radiator neck. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help dislodge air. Maintain the coolant level by adding more as needed.
   • Once the thermostat opens, the coolant will begin to circulate. Continue to observe for air bubbles.
   • There is no specific bleed screw on the 2016 Honda Pilot; the system is self-bleeding to a significant extent, but patience is key.
   • Rev the engine gently a few times (to about 2,000-3,000 RPM) to help push out remaining air.
6. Final Steps: Once no more bubbles appear and the cooling fan cycles on and off, replace the radiator cap. Check the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary. Drive the vehicle and monitor the temperature gauge. Recheck the reservoir level after the vehicle has fully cooled down after its first drive.

Common Cooling System Issues for 2016-2022 Honda Pilot

The third-generation Honda Pilot, while generally reliable, can experience some cooling system-related issues:

• Radiator Leaks: Over time, the plastic end tanks of the radiator can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks. This might manifest as a sweet smell, visible puddles, or a steadily dropping coolant level.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump is a critical component that circulates coolant. A failing water pump can cause overheating and may exhibit symptoms like a whining noise from the front of the engine, coolant leaks near the water pump pulley, or an illuminated temperature warning light.
• Thermostat Issues: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run too cool, leading to poor fuel economy and reduced heater performance. A stuck-closed thermostat is more serious, causing rapid overheating.
• Coolant Reservoir Leaks: The plastic coolant reservoir can also develop cracks or leaks, leading to a loss of coolant. This is often an easier fix than a radiator leak.
• Hose Leaks: Rubber hoses can degrade over time, becoming brittle or soft, leading to leaks. Regularly inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or soft spots.

Regular maintenance and using the correct Honda Type 2 coolant are vital for the longevity of your Pilot's cooling system.

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