Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2004 Honda Pilot EXFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Throttle Body Test
NOTE:
- Do not adjust the throttle stop screw. It is preset at the factory.
- If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) has been reported on, check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) (see HOW TO USE THE HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (HDS) ).
- With the engine off, check the throttle cable operation. The cable should move without binding or sticking.
- If the cable moves OK, go to step 2.
- If the cable binds or sticks, check it and its routing. If it's faulty, reroute it or replace it (see Throttle Cable Removal/Installation ) and adjust it (see Throttle Cable Adjustment ), then go to step 2.
- Move the throttle lever by hand to see if the throttle valve and/or shaft are too loose or too tight.
- If there is excessive play in the throttle valve shaft, or any binding in the throttle valve at the fully closed position, replace the throttle body (see Throttle Body Removal/Installation ).
- If the throttle valve and shaft are OK, go to step 3.
- Connect the scan tool or the HDS to the DLC.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- Check the throttle position with the scan tool or the HDS. There should be about 10% when the throttle is fully closed and about 90% when the throttle is fully opened.
- If the throttle position is correct, check the throttle body for carbon, sludges, etc. Do the throttle body cleaning if necessary (see Throttle Body Cleaning ).
- If the throttle position is not correct, replace the throttle body (see Throttle Body Removal/Installation ).
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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