Does a Honda Pilot Have a Timing Belt or Chain?

Honda is one of the top car manufacturers that have managed to combine efficiency, performance, and luxury in their entire lineup of vehicles. 

All through the lineup of Honda, right from the sedans through to the SUVs, has maintained high-class reliability and style.

Hondas are designed to be stunning, both inside and outside, with a lot to desire. 

Drivers who are looking for some off-road adventures, but still want to blend in while driving in the city will find the Honda lineup of SUVs quite interesting. 

Does a Honda Pilot Have a Timing Belt or Chain? 

The Honda Pilot runs on a timing Belt. There are some subtle differences between these two systems, but the magnitude of which may not impact the vehicle’s performance nor efficiency. But on the other hand, the difference in the maintenance and running costs in the long haul may be visible. 

This belt will last you for 60,000 to 100,000 miles before they need replacement. 

Unlike its competitors that moved to the more durable timing chains, the Honda Pilot did stick to the timing belt. 

This has been a plus for this SUV despite being a costly endeavor in the long run because belts require more frequent routine maintenances compared to chains. 

While all the vehicles in the Honda lineup pack a punch, the Honda Pilot stands out as one of the most dependable vehicles on the lineup. 

This midsize SUV comes packed with the state of the art technologies and features. 

All the model years of the Honda Pilot SUV are admirable that the rivals cannot match. 

Timing Belt Vs. Timing Chain: Does it matter? 

Now, what is the major difference between a timing belt and a timing chain? Well, the only distinction between these two systems is just the material they are each made of and not much about their functionality. 

A timing chain consists of a sturdy metal that is hardy and doesn’t wear out easily. 

While a timing belt is essentially made of rubber and composite material that are prone to wear easily after continuous running. 

That said, it means that a timing chain will stay much longer on your engine before it requires a replacement. 

While on the other hand, the timing belt, which comes standard on all trim levels and models of the Honda Pilot, will be replaced after hitting 60,000 to 100,000 miles. 

The effect of friction and tension while running is the major cause for the wear and tear that is observed on the timing belt compared to that of a timing chain. 

But, to keep the initial costs of the vehicle down, timing belts are often used instead. 

When the timing belt and the timing chain are running under optimal conditions, they will both deliver superior fuel efficiency and optimal performance for the vehicle. 

But once they start wearing out and reach their replacement period, they will both show a significant drop in efficiency. 

This is because of misfiring or wrong timing for fuel injection that will occur in the cylinder. 

Because of this, it is recommended to carry out routine inspections for the timing belt on your Honda Pilot. 

This doesn’t mean that a vehicle running on a timing chain doesn’t require routine checks. 

Just like the belts, the chains are also subjected to wear and tear and tension when running. 

This may sometimes cause the chain to snap or stretch, hence the need for routine inspection under the hood. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Is the timing belt good for a Honda Pilot? 

Yes. The timing belt is usually trouble-free; the only caveat is that it will require frequent replacement as compared to a standard timing chain. 

You will have to replace the timing belt for your Honda Pilot after around 60,000 to 100,000 miles. 

A timing chain would sometimes last for the entire life of the engine. 

That is if the engine doesn’t develop any problem or is not involved in an accident that causes misalignment of the chain. 

How will I know it’s time to replace my Honda Pilot’s timing belt? 

The time to replace your timing belt will vary depending on the model year of your Honda Pilot. 

But the average for the latest models is after 60,000 to 100,000 miles. 

But this doesn’t mean you wait until your mileage reads 60K! The speed of wear and tear of the timing belt can be affected by many things; thus, you should make it a habit to keep checking your belt frequently for any sign of wear and tear. 

What will happen if I fail to replace the timing belt on my Honda Pilot? 

Failure to check the timing belt may cause it to snap, and this will be a costly replacement, especially if it has not reached the maximum mileage necessary for replacement. 

Always confirm that the belt is properly aligned to the crankshaft and that the tension is right. 

This will help reduce the occurrence of friction that leads to tearing. 

Must I change the water pump when changing a timing belt on my Honda pilot? 

Yes. Honda recommends that it is good practice to change the water pump when replacing your timing belt. 

You should do this even if your water pump is still in working condition. 

One reason for this is that you can utilize the same labor to replace the pump. At the same time, since the two are always connected, for proper alignment, it is good to replace both. 

How will I know that the timing belt on my Honda Pilot is faulty?

There are many warning signs that the vehicle will start showing. 

But this will only be noticeable if you do deliberate and frequent inspections under the hood. 

Some of the common warning signs include odd noises from the engine, engine fault light on the dashboard will turn on and flash, the car will have hard starts and sometimes misfire, and reduced power.

If you notice any of these, get your Honda Pilot checked. 

Conclusion

A timing belt is an important component of an engine. Whether it’s a Honda vehicle or any other car brand or model. 

Also referred to as a cambelt, it is used to run the crankshaft and the camshaft that is, in turn, used to open and close the engine valves on the cylinder. 

The timing belt is a subtle component of the engine that is often forgotten during the inspection when shopping for a vehicle. 

Whether you are looking to buy a new Honda Pilot or a used one, it is important to know the mechanism that runs the timing system. 

Since all Honda Pilots run on a timing belt, you have very limited choices. 

However, it is important to note that the timing belt on your Honda Pilot will require to be changed when your vehicle has hit 60,000 or 100,000 miles. 

This means that if you are going for a used Honda Pilot, you must check the vehicle history to ascertain when the next timing belt change should be done. 

Care should be taken not to exceed the manufacturer recommended mileage as stipulated on the owner’s manual as this will cause bigger damage on the cylinder and the entire engine block. 

When the timing belt fails, it may cause the fuel to be injected wrongly into the cylinder, and this can lead to a costly engine knock that may cost you approximately $5000 to repair or replace the entire engine. 

Additionally, a poorly fixed timing belt will cause inefficient fuel consumption. 

The combustion engine will consume more fuel due to inefficient burning caused by delayed valve closure or opening.