vtm-4

volcanic surface said:

I read some postings regarding this issue. Is there any association between warming up the vehicle before driving it during cold weather and this magnificent light?

I had an experience with my 2010 Honda Pilot last night. It just suddenly died. It would not start after pumping gas. Road service brought back to life. However, this morning I notice this light VTM-4 came on.

This afternoon on my way home the light failed to come on. I am confused. Is it the battery (it has the original).

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First off, you should most definitely put a new battery in it, if you are still on the original. You did very well to have it last this long for you.

Second, the VTM-4 light comes on for a multitude of reasons. You need to find out if you have any diagnostic codes (which you should if your check engine light came on). Then go from there. Hopefully nothing major going on. I've heard of a lot of mysterious things happen with low batteries, but nothing like you've described; but who knows.... if the Engine's computer decides to act weird due to low battery, all bets are off. Find out what happens when you infuse some fresh juice!

While you're at it, another easy thing you can/should do is to look at your oil & radiator fluids. Make sure they look good w/o contamination (milky, etc.). If you are REALLY unlucky, you could be looking at a more significant issue like a head gasket or cracked head.

But the cold thing you mentioned supports the "battery" suspicion.

Good Luck.

You may also want to check out the website www.Piloteers.org. The Ridgeline and Pilot are quite closely related, but there may be a similar experience there and by the 2010 MY, the sales of the 2010 Pilot was approximately 102k, whereas the 2010 Ridgeline sales were approximately 16k.

Now the fact that you have an 2010, which most likely has a battery manufactured in '09, I'm with Dnick, replace it and keep doing whatever you've been doing, that's about 7 years on 1 Battery, I've replaced them almost every 2 1/2 years since I bought my RL in June '05.

I'd also check the transmission dipstick, and confirm the ATF is red, not pink, or foamy, in addition to the coolant should be blue, then if you DIY at all, check the front 3 spark plugs, are tight and have no oil or other residue on them.