2005 Honda Pilot Engine Oil Capacity

Not sure how much oil your Honda needs? We’ll tell you all about it and give you some maintenance advice, too.
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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A spacious, versatile SUV from Honda, the 2005 Pilot is perfect for large families on the go thanks to its roomy interior, smooth ride, and impressive cargo storage capacity. If you want to keep your Pilot in fighting order, though, you’ll have to get familiar with its engine oil capacity.
If you’re like us, you might sometimes get tired of dealing with all of your vehicle’s numerous
car maintenance
expenses. From getting the tires rotated to simply bringing it in for an annual inspection, the costs can quickly start to add up. A great way to save both time and money is to perform your own oil changes—provided, of course, that you know what you’re doing.
If you’re a little unsure exactly how you might do that, don’t worry because we’ll tell you.
Jerry
, the world’s first super app for car owners and the easiest way to shop for
car insurance
online, is here to give you a full breakdown on changing your 2005 Pilot’s oil. While we're at it, we'll also tell you how you can save on your
Honda Pilot car insurance costs
!

2005 Honda Pilot engine oil capacity

Let’s jump right in: exactly how much engine oil does a 2005 Honda Pilot need?
The Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 has an oil capacity of 4.5 quarts or 4.3 liters. Take note that the
engine’s displacement
is not the same as its oil capacity—some people assume that the numbers are interchangeable, but they definitely are not. Displacement is the actual amount of oil that the cylinders need for the engine to work properly, while oil capacity is the amount of engine oil that you need to use when performing an oil change. 
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What kind of oil does a 2005 Honda Pilot need?

Alright, now that you know how much oil you need, let’s discuss the actual type of oil you should buy. Engines don’t all use the same kind of oil, so don’t head to the auto parts store just yet.
Honda recommends that you use premium-grade 5W-20 engine oil for the 2005 Pilot.
What exactly is 5W-20 oil, though? The numbers describe the viscosity, or thickness, of the oil, while the W stands for “winter.” The 5 that comes before the “W” indicates that the oil stays thin at extremely low temperatures, while the 20 tells us that it also maintains its thinness at extremely hot temperatures.
Basically, the letters and numbers tell us that the oil will perform well whether it’s cold or hot, while the low viscosity will contribute to less
wear and tear
on your engine
On a side note, if you ever happen to see a bottle of “detergent” motor oil, know that it just means that the oil has additives in it to help prevent corrosive buildup in your engine.

How often to change the oil on a 2005 Honda Pilot

Now that we’ve covered everything about the oil itself, it’s about time to start
changing your oil
.
If you were curious, the typical method is to change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles for
conventional oil
. If you drive a lot, though, it could be a good idea to have an oil change every six months.
Since the 2005 Pilot takes synthetic oil, you can actually wait a bit longer in-between oil changes. Most experts recommend that synthetic oil should be changed out every 7,500-10,000 miles.
This might seem like too much to remember all at once, but the only thing you really should memorize is that it’s important to
check your oil
regularly. Checking once a month or every other time you get gas would be a good method. Remember, also, to keep an eye out for signs that your oil needs to be changed, including the following:
  • Strange noises coming from the engine
  • Unusual smells, like oil, smoke, or burning
  • Changes in your vehicle’s performance

How to change your oil and oil filter

Are you ready? Because it’s time to get your hands dirty and actually perform an oil change on your 2005 Pilot. 
To begin, you’ll need to get all the necessary tools together. You will need a socket wrench, drain pan, and filter wrench. Of course, you’ll also have to purchase a new oil filter as well as 5 quarts of synthetic 5W-20 engine oil
The first thing you should do is let your engine run for about five minutes until it reaches a normal operating temperature. Then, turn off the engine and follow these steps:
  • Remove the oil fill cap
  • Maneuver yourself under the engine and take off the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing the old oil to leak into the drain pan 
  • Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain 
  • Install the new filter
  • Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and make sure it’s tightened to 29 lb-ft
  • Top off the engine with new oil and replace the fill cap 
Don’t forget to use your dipstick and make sure that enough oil has been added to the engine. After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.
After that, let the vehicle idle for a few minutes and watch out for any leaks. When the
oil pressure light
on the dashboard switches off, your job is done.
The last step is cleanup. Do not pour the dirty oil on the ground or throw it in the trash. Always place the dirty oil in a sealed container and bring it to the nearest recycling center. 

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Great job! Not so hard after all, was it? Remember that keeping up with scheduled maintenance will keep your car in tip-top shape and on the road for many years to come. Plus, if you can perform some of that maintenance yourself, you’ll save plenty of time and money! 
If you’re looking for other great ways to save time and money, check out the
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