How to Put Honda Pilot in 4-Wheel Drive? (Just 3 Easiest Steps!)

If you own a Honda Pilot and want to take advantage of its 4-wheel drive capabilities, you may be wondering how to engage it. Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to guide you through the process.

So, How to Put Honda Pilot in 4-Wheel Drive?

To put your Honda Pilot in 4-wheel drive, follow these simple steps. First, make sure your speed is below 18 mph (30 km/h). Next, shift into first (1), second (2), or reverse (R) gear. Then, locate the VTM-4 LOCK button and give it a push. You’ll know it’s activated when the indicator on the button illuminates.

Now, if you ever need to disengage the 4-wheel drive, it’s just as easy. You can either push the VTM-4 LOCK button again, set the shifter to D, or turn the ignition to the LOCK position.

Here’s a pro tip for you: When you find yourself stuck and using 4-wheel drive, apply a little force to the accelerator pedal.

However, be careful not to spin the front tires for too long. The torque should take care of the rear tires, so they shouldn’t spin excessively. And if all else fails and you’re still unable to move, stop completely and reverse direction.

Now that you know how to engage and disengage 4-wheel drive in your Honda Pilot, you’ll be ready to tackle any off-road adventure that comes your way. So, let’s get started and explore the capabilities of your trusty Pilot!

How to Put Honda Pilot in 4-Wheel Drive?

To put your Honda Pilot in 4-wheel drive (4WD), follow these simple steps:

1. Speed and Gear: Ensure your Pilot’s speed is less than 18 mph (30 km/h) before engaging 4WD. Change to first (1), second (2), or reverse (R) gear.
2. VTM-4 LOCK Button: Locate the VTM-4 LOCK button on your dashboard. Press it to activate 4WD. When engaged, the button’s indicator light will illuminate, indicating that the 4WD system is activated.
3. Disengaging 4WD: To disengage 4WD, you have a few options:

• Push the VTM-4 LOCK button again.
• Set the shifter to Drive (D) mode.
• Turn the ignition to the LOCK position. Note: Remember to disengage 4WD when no longer needed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Pro Tip: If your Pilot gets stuck and you need to use 4WD to get out, follow these additional tips:

• Gently push the accelerator pedal with a little force. Avoid spinning the front tires for an extended period.
• The torque distribution of the Pilot’s 4WD system ensures that the rear tires receive power, reducing the chances of spinning.

If you find that your vehicle is unable to move, come to a complete stop and try reversing in the opposite direction.

Remember, engaging 4WD in your Honda Pilot can provide enhanced traction and stability in certain driving conditions. However, it’s important to use it appropriately and disengage it when no longer necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Happy off-roading with your Honda Pilot!

Engaging 4WD in Your Honda Pilot
Maximum Speed for Engagement
Gear Options for Engagement
Engaging 4WD
Disengaging 4WD

Speed Limitation for Using 4WD:

When it comes to using 4-wheel drive (4WD) in your Honda Pilot, there are a few important things to keep in mind, especially when it comes to the speed at which you engage and disengage the 4WD. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Speed Restrictions: It’s crucial to remember that when using 4WD in your Pilot, your speed must be less than 18 mph (30 km/h). This speed limitation ensures a smooth transition into 4WD mode and helps maintain optimal performance.
2. Gear Selection: Before engaging the 4WD, make sure to change to first (1), second (2), or reverse (R) gear. This is necessary to ensure that the 4WD system engages properly and provides the necessary traction when needed.
3. Engaging 4WD: To activate the 4WD, simply push the VTM-4 LOCK button. Once engaged, the indicator on the button will illuminate, indicating that the 4WD is activated and ready to go.
4. Disengaging 4WD: If you need to disengage the 4WD, you have a few options. You can push the VTM-4 LOCK button again, set the shifter to D, or set the ignition to the LOCK position. Choose whichever method is most convenient for you.
5. Stuck Situations: In case your Pilot becomes stuck and you need to use 4WD, remember to push the accelerator pedal with a little force. However, avoid spinning the front tires for too long to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. The torque imparted to the rear tires should help them gain traction without excessive spinning.
6. Reversing Direction: If you find yourself unable to move the car, bring it to a complete stop and reverse direction. This can help you regain traction and overcome any obstacles in your path.

Speed Limitation
Maximum Speed
Less than 18 mph (30 km/h)

Gear Selection for 4WD Engagement:

To engage the 4-wheel drive (4WD) in your Honda Pilot, follow these simple steps:

1. Speed Limit: Ensure that your Pilot’s speed is less than 18 mph (30 km/h) before engaging the 4WD.
2. Gear Selection: Change the gear to first (1), second (2), or reverse (R). This allows the 4WD system to engage smoothly.
3. VTM-4 LOCK Button: Locate and push the VTM-4 LOCK button. When activated, the indicator on the button will illuminate, indicating that the 4WD is engaged.

To disengage the 4WD, you can do any of the following:

• VTM-4 LOCK Button: Push the VTM-4 LOCK button again to disengage the 4WD.
• Shifter: Set the shifter to the Drive (D) position.
• Ignition: Set the ignition to the LOCK position.

Here’s a pro tip to keep in mind when using 4WD in challenging situations:

• If your Pilot becomes stuck and you need to use 4WD, apply a little force to the accelerator pedal. However, avoid spinning the front tires for too long to prevent any potential damage. The torque imparted to the rear tires should help them grip the surface effectively.

In case you find yourself unable to move the car, follow these steps:

1. Come to a complete stop.
2. Reverse the direction of the car.

Remember, engaging the 4WD in your Honda Pilot can provide enhanced traction and stability in certain driving conditions.

However, it’s important to follow the speed limits and guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure a safe and smooth driving experience.

Gear Selection Speed Limit	Less than 18 mph (30 km/h)

To summarize, engaging the 4WD in your Honda Pilot involves selecting the appropriate gear, pushing the VTM-4 LOCK button, and following the recommended speed limit.

Disengaging the 4WD can be done by pressing the VTM-4 LOCK button, setting the shifter to Drive (D), or turning the ignition to the LOCK position.

Activating 4WD with VTM-4 LOCK Button:

If you’re planning to engage the 4-wheel drive (4WD) in your Honda Pilot, there are a few simple steps you need to follow. It’s important to note that when using 4WD, your Pilot’s speed must be less than 18 mph (30 km/h).

1. Choose the Right Gear: Change the gear to either first (1), second (2), or reverse (R). This is a crucial step before activating the 4WD.
2. Push the VTM-4 LOCK Button: Located on your dashboard, you’ll find the VTM-4 LOCK button. Press it firmly, and you’ll see an indicator on the button illuminate, indicating that the 4WD is now activated.

Remember, activating and deactivating the 4WD feature in your Honda Pilot is a relatively straightforward process. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the enhanced traction and stability that 4-wheel drive offers, especially in challenging road conditions.

Activation Steps
1.	Change gear to 1, 2, or R
2.	Push VTM-4 LOCK button
Deactivation Steps
1.	Push VTM-4 LOCK button
2.	Set shifter to D
3.	Turn off ignition

Disengaging 4WD in Your Honda Pilot:

So, you’ve enjoyed the benefits of engaging the 4WD in your Honda Pilot, but now it’s time to disengage it. No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few simple steps to follow:

1. Push the VTM-4 LOCK button: To disengage the 4WD, start by pushing the VTM-4 LOCK button. This will deactivate the system and return your Pilot to its regular driving mode. Look out for the indicator on the button, as it will no longer be illuminated when the 4WD is disengaged.
2. Set the shifter to D: Another way to disengage the 4WD is by setting the shifter to the “D” position. This will ensure that your Honda Pilot is back to driving in normal mode, without the 4WD engaged.
3. Set the ignition to the LOCK position: If you prefer a more thorough disengagement process, you can also set the ignition to the LOCK position. This will completely turn off the system and ensure that your Pilot is no longer utilizing the 4WD feature.

Remember, it’s always important to follow these steps in the correct order to safely disengage the 4WD feature in your Honda Pilot.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself stuck while using the 4WD, there are a few additional steps you can take. First, push the accelerator pedal with a little force, but be cautious not to spin the front tires for too long. The torque imparted to the rear tires should prevent them from spinning. If you’re still unable to move the car, come to a complete stop and reverse direction.

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily disengage the 4WD in your Honda Pilot and continue your journey smoothly.

1	Push VTM-4 LOCK button
2	Set shifter to D
3	Set ignition to LOCK position

Remember, always refer to your Honda Pilot’s owner manual for specific instructions and details on engaging and disengaging the 4WD feature. Stay safe and have fun exploring the great outdoors in your Honda Pilot!

Tips for Using 4WD When Stuck:

When your Honda Pilot becomes stuck and you need to use the 4-wheel drive (4WD) feature to get out, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Engage the 4WD: Before attempting to free your vehicle, make sure the 4WD is properly engaged. Here’s how:

• Ensure your Pilot’s speed is less than 18 mph (30 km/h).
• Shift into first (1), second (2), or reverse (R) gear.
• Locate and push the VTM-4 LOCK button. The indicator on the button will illuminate, indicating that the 4WD is activated.

1. Apply Gentle Acceleration: Once in 4WD, apply gentle and controlled pressure to the accelerator pedal. Avoid spinning the front tires for too long, as this can hinder your progress. The torque imparted to the rear tires should help propel you forward.
2. Avoid Excessive Wheel Spinning: While it may be tempting to spin the wheels aggressively, it’s best to avoid doing so. Excessive wheel spinning can lead to further digging into the ground, making it even more challenging to get unstuck.
3. Assess the Situation: If you are unable to move the car forward, come to a complete stop and consider reversing your direction. Sometimes, backing up a bit and then attempting to move forward again can provide better traction and help you overcome the obstacle.

Remember, when using 4WD to get unstuck, it’s essential to be patient, maintain control, and use gentle maneuvers.

If you find yourself in a particularly difficult situation, it might be best to seek professional assistance or towing services to prevent any further damage to your vehicle.

Below is a table summarizing the steps for engaging and disengaging 4WD in your Honda Pilot:

Engage 4WD	Disengage 4WD
– Speed < 18 mph (30 km/h)	– Push VTM-4 LOCK button
– Shift to 1, 2, or R gear	– Set the shifter to D
– Push VTM-4 LOCK button	– Set the ignition to the LOCK position

By following these tips, you can effectively utilize the 4-wheel drive feature in your Honda Pilot to navigate through challenging terrains and safely get back on the road.

What is the VTM-4 button on a Honda Pilot?

The VTM-4 button on a Honda Pilot is a switch that engages the VTM-4 Lock mode. This mode overrides the automatic VTM-4 system and sends maximum torque to the rear axle.

This can be helpful in situations where the vehicle is stuck or likely to become stuck, such as in deep snow, mud, or sand.

To engage VTM-4 Lock, the vehicle must be stopped with the engine running. The shift lever must also be in first (1), second (2), or reverse (R) gear. Once these conditions are met, press the VTM-4 Lock button. The light in the button will come on, indicating that the mode is engaged.

VTM-4 Lock should only be used in low-traction conditions. When driving on dry or wet roads, it is best to leave the VTM-4 system in its automatic mode.

Here are some things to keep in mind when using the VTM-4 Lock button:

• VTM-4 Lock will disengage automatically when the vehicle speed exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h).
• VTM-4 Lock can cause the rear wheels to chirp or squeal when accelerating. This is normal.
• Do not use VTM-4 Lock in turns. Doing so can cause the vehicle to fishtail.

If you are ever unsure whether or not to use VTM-4 Lock, it is best to err on the side of caution and leave it disengaged.