The keyless start problem is common among Honda pilots, particularly 2016 and 2017 models; even Honda knows about it.
So, if you want to buy or have already purchased this model, you have to know about the Honda pilot keyless start system problem.
The keyless start system can occur in a Honda pilot due to a worn-out fuse, dead battery, faulty brake pedal, or software issues.
You can consult with the dealer to fix the issue, as they may solve the problem even by extending the warranty. Otherwise, you have to hire an expert mechanic or troubleshoot yourself.
Article Summary
- What Does the Keyless Start System Problem Mean in the Honda Pilot?
- Reasons of Honda Pilot Keyless Start System Problem
- How To Replace the Stop/Start System To Solve Keyless Start System Issue
- How to Program Honda Key
- What To Do If Your Honda Pilot Shows the Keyless Start System Problem Message?
- FAQs on Honda Pilot Keyless Start System Problem
What Does the Keyless Start System Problem Mean in the Honda Pilot?
A Honda Pilot car has a P0241 keyless start system problem, which indicates an issue with the vehicle’s push-button ignition system.
The driver won’t have to insert the key into the ignition cylinder as the key fob is used to communicate with the car.
The issue could be the key fob. With the start button or key fob, electronic will leave you stranded. To fix this, check the battery on your key fob and ensure it is not dead.
If the car still does not detect your key fob, use the secondary key slot (if available) to ignite the car. If none of the above steps work, it is recommended to take the car to a Honda technician to diagnose and fix it if it’s related to the system.
Reasons of Honda Pilot Keyless Start System Problem
Below are some common reasons that can cause keyless start system problems on your Honda pilot along with potential solutions:
1. Burned out Fuse
A burnt-out fuse in the steering wheel may also cause this keyless start system problem. To check the fuse box, find a small crack along the dashboard on the left side of the steering wheel. Open the box using a screwdriver, and there should be lots of fuses.
Check the backside of your pulled panel, as a diagram will help you find the desired fuse. If there is no diagram, check your car’s owner’s manual to determine the right one. After finding the right one, pull it out.
A metal strip should connect its two sides. If the section has been broken, it might be causing the problem. If so, you have to replace the fuse, which costs around $10. If the fuse is fine, check for other things.
2. Keyless Internal Unit Problem
If you are experiencing a keyless start system problem, massage your Honda’s dashboard, check the fobs and all the fuses, and inspect the keyless internal unit.
If this part is damaged, your car may frequently show the error message. Disconnecting the battery cannot solve the problem. So, possibly, the key fob transmitter and receiver are damaged and need replacement.
3. Died battery
Insufficient key fob voltage can also cause this keyless start system problem. To determine this, check the battery in the fob. If it dies, the system won’t work.
The other signs of a dead battery are poor signal strength, clicking, and inconsistent results. If so, you have to replace the battery, which can cost around $3.70 to $9.00, depending on the fob’s style.
To replace the battery, take the key out of the fob, open the two pieces, and remove the battery. Then, insert the new battery and put everything in its place.
4. Brake Pedal Issues
The keyless start system works when you depress the brake pedal. However, sometimes, it can be hard to apply sufficient force to push the brake pedal, particularly if the brake lever becomes loose.
If so, it can cause the keyless start system to malfunction. To fix this problem, adjust the cables.
5. Software Issues
If your Honda’s keyless start system malfunctions when pushing the button multiple times, it can be a software issue. In this case, you must reset the software using the key fob.
Simply exit and re-enter your Honda using the remote so your car can pick up new signals and fix the previous issue.
6. Faulty Wires
If you experience a keyless start system problem when you push the start button and notice the engine won’t crank at a time, it can result from faulty wires.
Possibly, the wires burned out, and the battery couldn’t deliver enough power to the mechanism, causing this problem. If so, replace the wires.
7. Cold Weather
The keyless start system is highly temperature-sensitive. So you can experience this issue more often during the winter season.
In this case, give your Honda vehicle more time to warm up, and the error message disappears. So, turn your Honda and allow it to idle for around 30 seconds before you start driving.
8. Deactivate the Start/Stop System
Possibly, you deactivated the start/stop system accidentally, causing the keyless start system problem.
If so, you can easily fix the error message by turning on the system. To do so, locate the “A” button in the center console and push it to the on position. If the button is already in the ON position, other things may cause the issue.
Possibly, the faulty start/stop system is causing the problem. If so, you have to replace the start/stop system, which we’ll discuss briefly in the next section.
How To Replace the Stop/Start System To Solve Keyless Start System Issue
The stop/start system often causes a keyless start problem. Hence, Honda recently recommended replacing the faulty stop/start problem to fix the issues.
Follow this process to replace the stop/start system to fix the keyless start system problem:
Remove the Dashboard Panel
First, you must remove the dashboard panel from the passenger and canter panels. To remove the passenger side’s dashboard panel, Unscrew the clips to take the dashboard panel off the passenger side.
The panel is quite thin, so remove it carefully, particularly in cold weather. To take out the center panel of the dashboard, unclip it from over the radio. There should be a connector that sits close to the center pane. Disconnect it, too.
Detach the Temperature Sensor
Pull the dashboard panel from the driver’s side using one hand. A temperature sensor should be attached to the panel’s back. Carefully disconnect this sensor.
Then unscrew the three screws in the dashboard’s center using a screwdriver and remove the trim. If there are any chips or harness connectors, remove them all.
Remove the Start/Stop Switch
This switch assembly looks like a black cylinder about 4 inches long. Pull it to remove the switch from the dashboard’s center.
Install a New Assembly
Insert your new switch slowly into the hole from where you pulled the old one. Reconnect all the chips or harness connectors and replace the center trim.
Then, the temperature sensor will be reattached to the dashboard on the driver’s side, and the two dashboard parts will be reconnected to their places.
How to Program Honda Key
If you need to replace the Honda key fob to fix the pilot keyless start system problem, you’ll also have to reprogram the key system to make it functional.
However, reprogramming is quite simple, and you can perform it easily and quickly. The process is:
- Enter your car and close all the doors.
- Insert the key and turn on the vehicle. Press the lock button on your key fob and hold it for one second.
- Release the button and turn the fob key to the off position. Repeat this process two times.
- Once done, wait until the doors start locking and unlocking automatically. If the lock starts cycling, the car is in programming mode.
- Turn the key to the off position to exit the programming mode.
Related Article: Honda Civic Brake System Problem
What To Do If Your Honda Pilot Shows the Keyless Start System Problem Message?
Firstly, try to start your Honda Pilot by holding the fob on the start button and pushing the key with the fob.
If it doesn’t work, focus on the most common reasons that can cause keyless start system problems. If you have the skill and confidence, troubleshoot those issues, find the underlying issue, and treat it accordingly.
For example, if the battery dies, replace it immediately. But if the keyless start system malfunctions due to wet electric components, put a fan inside your Honda pilot and let it die for 24 hours.
You should also install a soak shield rope to protect the door from getting wet. This way, the computer on the door will also remain safe.
If the faulty sensor is causing the issue, take your Honda Pilot to the dealership so they can replace it for free if the car is under warranty.
Honda should fix the keyless start problem even after passing the warranty, as their system is problematic.
If they don’t fix it, it’ll cost around $1000 to solve this issue at an automobile repair shop. After that, install a dash protector in your car to avoid causing this issue.
FAQs on Honda Pilot Keyless Start System Problem
Why is the Keyless Entry on My Honda Pilot Not Working?
It can happen due to faulty start/stop switches, as it’s a known issue for Honda pilots. Other possible reasons are low key fob battery voltage, bad key fob, or low car battery voltage. If the battery system is low, there will be a weak signal that the system sensor won’t be able to pick up.
How To Reset the Keyless Start?
To reset the keyless start, insert the ignition key and press the start button without pushing the brake pedal. Then, push the lock button. Turn the ignition key back to the off position within 5 seconds of turning the car on. Do this at least three times to start resetting the keyless start system.
Can You Manually Start a Keyless Car?
Yes. Cars that use keyless entry have a key slot for manual start. The key slot is located under the vehicle’s start button or on the steering column’s plastic cap. Remove the plastic top and start the engine manually using a physical key.
What Are the Common Causes of This Issue?
Possible causes include a dead battery in a key-fob receiver, a broken engine start-stop switch (for cars with an ignition key), dirty or damaged sensors, blown fuses, or low battery voltage. Cold weather can also contribute to the problem.
What Should I do If the Problem Persists?
If this doesn’t clear the issue, you can take your Honda to a dealer or a mechanic who can diagnose the car for anything that might have gone awry with its software or deeper into the system.
Final Words
Though Honda still does not recall this issue, consult with the dealer if you experience this Honda pilot keyless start system problem. If they don’t help, inspect your vehicle, keeping our clues in mind.
But before hiring an expert, try to fix the problem by replacing the battery, resetting or updating the software, or warming the car. It can save you hundreds if it works.
