Powertrain Control Unit
A 16-bit, 32MHz powertrain control unit (PCU) within the powertrain control module calculates injection timing and duration after assessing an array of sensor signals: crankshaft and camshaft position, throttle position, coolant temperature, intake manifold pressure and temperature, atmospheric pressure and exhaust-gas oxygen content. The PCU controls the Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), i-VTEC valvetrain, and dual-stage intake manifold and also communicates with processors that regulate the five-speed automatic transmission and the available Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive system.

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
The PGM-FI system continually adjusts the fuel delivery to yield the best combination of power, low fuel consumption and low emissions. Multiple sensors constantly monitor critical operating parameters, such as throttle position, intake air temperature, coolant temperature, ambient air pressure, intake airflow volume, intake manifold pressure, exhaust air-fuel ratio and the position of the crankshaft and cams.

The fuel injector nozzles produce ultra-small fuel droplets, which improves atomization and flame propagation inside the combustion chambers. The better atomization enhances combustion and reduces emissions. Fuel is cut to all cylinders during deceleration.

Direct Ignition and Detonation/Knock Control
The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors engine functions to determine the best spark timing. An engine-block mounted acoustic detonation/knock sensor "listens" to the engine, and based on this input, the PCM retards the ignition timing to prevent potentially damaging detonation. The Pilot has a coil unit for each cylinder that is positioned above each spark plug's access bore.

Regular Unleaded Fuel Operation
To keep operating costs at a minimum, all Pilots are designed to use relatively less-expensive regular unleaded fuel, thanks to compact 4-valve combustion chambers and precise fuel injection and spark control.

High-Flow Exhaust System with Dual Outlets
A low-restriction, high-output, exhaust system is crucial to efficient power and torque production. A completely new exhaust system on the Pilot accommodates its increased power output. Tubing diameter has been increased and new dual silencers are used. High-chromium stainless steel is used throughout the exhaust system for excellent durability.

High-Efficiency Catalytic Converters
Key contributors to the engine's excellent emissions performance are its high-efficiency catalytic converters. The engine has its exhaust manifolds cast directly into the aluminum alloy cylinder heads to reduce weight and position each primary catalytic converter as close as possible to the combustion chambers. A high-efficiency close-coupled converter mounts directly to the exhaust port of each cylinder head for extremely rapid converter activation after engine startup. A second converter is positioned shortly downstream, beneath the passenger compartment floor. Both converters use a new thin-wall design that increases internal reaction area and improves efficiency.

Maintenance Minder System and Tune-Up Intervals
The Pilot's standard Maintenance Minder system calculates the engine's tune-up schedule based on driving conditions (tracked by the ECU). When determining proper maintenance intervals, the system minimizes owner guesswork about whether the vehicle is being operated in standard or severe conditions. The Pilot's Maintenance Minder information appears in the odometer display, and indicates when to change the oil, oil filter (every other oil change), air cleaner, transmission fluid, spark plugs and coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires. A tune-up is not required until about 100,000 miles. (100K+/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-ups may vary with driving conditions. Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Exact mileage is determined by actual driving conditions. The owner's manual contains full details). Long-life fluids have been applied for reduced maintenance costs and environmental impact (fluid disposal). As a result, engine coolant changes are needed about every 10 years or approximately 100,000 miles, and engine oil changes are required every year or around 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. The maintenance minder system calculates the exact miles between service intervals.