Ever faced the frustration of a dead battery in your Honda Pilot, especially when you need to put it in neutral? We’ve all been there. It’s never fun, but we’ll guide you on how to do it quickly and easily.
First off, knowing where the shift lock release button is can save you a ton of headaches. This small button, located on the gear shifter, is your ticket to freedom. You’ll need to remove the cover to access it, but doing so can be a lifesaver.
Another trick up our sleeve involves the physical key. Remember that old-school key hidden inside your key fob? It’s not just for looks. It can unlock your driver’s side door when the battery dies. This is particularly handy when you’re in a rush.
If you’re thinking of calling a flatbed or have ever wondered why you need a special tool costing an arm and a leg, stay tuned. There are more practical and affordable methods that we’ll cover. 💡
How To Put Honda Pilot In Neutral With Dead Battery
Getting a Honda Pilot into neutral with a dead battery can feel like a puzzle. But don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to help you out! 🚗🔧
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Locate the Shift Lock Release Button: The first step is finding the shift lock release button. It’s a small button on the gear shifter. Use a small tool to remove the cover.
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Press the Button: With the cover off, hold the button down. This will let you move the gear shifter out of park and into neutral.
Tip: If the button is hard to find, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
The process might be different for newer models. For the 2019 Honda Pilot, there’s a special tool required to shift into neutral. We’ve heard the tool costs over $100! 🛠️🔧 It might even be worth asking your dealer if they can lend you one.
If you prefer an old-school method, some suggest manually overriding the gear shift under the hood. This trick needs a specific tool though, just like the ones mentioned earlier.
Here’s the good news: Once you shift into neutral, you can push or tow the car to a helpful spot. And if you need to jump start the battery afterward, that’s a piece of cake.
Recap:
| Step | Description |
| Locate Button | Find and reveal shift lock release button. |
| Press Button | Press and hold to move gear shifter to neutral. |
| Manual Override | For some models, use tool under the hood. |
Remember, keep calm and get your Honda Pilot into neutral with these simple steps! 🚨🚗🅿️
Safety Precautions
When dealing with a dead battery and trying to put your Honda Pilot in neutral, safety comes first. Let’s take a look at some important steps to keep in mind.
Make sure the vehicle cannot roll unexpectedly.
Battery Handling
Before we start, let’s talk about battery-related hazards:
- No sparks! 🔥 Avoid creating sparks around the battery. This could lead to dangerous situations.
- Check for corrosion. Look for any corrosion on the battery terminals. Clean it off with a mixture of baking soda and water if needed.
Tools and Lights
Ensure we have the right tools before starting:
- A flashlight 💡 to see clearly under low light.
- Gloves 🛠️ to protect our hands.
- Screwdrivers to access the shift lock release button.
Car Environment
Let’s make sure our surroundings are safe:
- Turn off all lights 🌡️. Ensure the car’s interior and exterior lights are off to prevent battery drain.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. 🚗 If we’re in a garage, make sure the door is open to avoid any buildup of fumes.
Key Steps
Finally, here’s a quick reminder of what we need to do:
- Locate the shift lock release button. It’s often hidden under a cover near the gear shifter.
- Engage the parking brake. 🅿️ This keeps the car from rolling away.
By following these safety precautions, we help ensure that we can safely and effectively put our Honda Pilot in neutral, even with a dead battery. 🚨
Tools Required
When faced with a dead battery in a Honda Pilot, certain tools come in handy. You’ll need:
- Special tool: This helps shift into Neutral under the hood. It’s often over $100.00!
- Jumper cables: Essential for getting a boost to revive the battery.
We also need to understand how to connect the jumper cables properly:
| Cable | Connection |
| Positive terminal 🎯 | Attach the red cable here |
| Negative terminal ⚡ | Attach the black cable here |
Make sure to connect the jumper cables in the right order to avoid damage.
It’s also wise to have a flashlight 🔦, as working under the hood in dim light can be tricky. Keep a set of gloves 🧤 too, to avoid getting your hands dirty.
By being prepared with these items, we can navigate the seemingly tricky task of shifting into Neutral with a dead battery a bit more smoothly. 🚗
Locate The Shift Lock Release
Let’s tackle the nitty-gritty of finding the shift lock release in your Honda Pilot. If the battery’s dead and you need to move the car, this little trick can save the day.
First, let’s locate the shift lock cover. It’s usually near the gear shifter. We need to remove this cover to access the release mechanism. A small flat-head screwdriver or even a key can do the trick. Gently, now―we don’t want to scratch the interior.
Once the cover is off, you should see the shift lock release button. This little button is our target. It may be hidden, but don’t worry, it’s there. Use a pen, the end of the key, or a similar tool to press it down.
| Step | Tool |
| Locate shift lock cover | Flat head screwdriver or key |
| Remove cover | Flat head screwdriver or key |
| Press shift lock release button | Pen, key, or similar tool |
While pressing this button, move the gear shifter from Park to Neutral. Voila! We’re in business. Remember to put the cover back on once you’re done.
If you’ve never done this before, it might feel a bit intimidating. But hey, we’re all in this together, right? 🚗🔧
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