Honda Car Forum

I have a Honda Pilot and my vtm-4 warning light came on. What does this mean?

VTM-4 (Vehicle Traction Management) When slip is detected, an electronic computer instantly transfers torque to the wheels that have grip. In exceptionally slippery conditions the driver can depress a button to allow maximum torque transfer to the rear wheels. This system is for steep, snow-covered driveways rather than mud bogging. So what it means is you got in slippery conditions and it transferred power to other wheels to regain better traction.

When operating normally your VTM-4 light means the vehicle is in traction control mode. HOWEVER, if the light just came on when you were driving it is an indication that you have a problem with the engine that is causing the VTM system to think the vehicle is in traction control mode because of a loss of engine power or misfire. Here's how that happens: on a Honda, the way the vehicle restores traction is by reducing engine power to the point where the wheels don't spin as fast and thereby restores traction to a slipping wheel (slipping wheels spin faster than the other wheels). Conversely, when there is a reduction in engine power that is abnormal, the VTM system "thinks" that the engine power is being reduced to restore traction and it triggers the light.In almost all cases, the light is being triggered by an idle speed control valve malfunction or in some cases by an EGR valve malfunction. It may or may not turn on the check engine light. This problem was fairly common on Pilots in 2004 and 2005 but certainly isn't limited to just those years.Take the car to a Honda dealer or to a mechanic and have them check for stored codes in your powertrain control module. I think you're going to find that there is a code for an idle speed control valve malfunction or an EGR valve malfunction. The idle speed control valve is warranted for 8 years or 80,000 miles; the EGR for 3 years or 50,000 miles. Your Pilot is probably still in warranty and if so the repairs would be made at no chargehope that helps

Take it to the Honda Dealer, trust no one else for that Honda Quality.

I took it to the dealer because Check Engine & VTM-4 lights were on. Turned out to be a bad ERG valve that needed to be replaced.

Dizyblond,

Question, how much did this cost. I bought my car like 4 years ago and I know I don't have warranty anymore. Trying to find out how much it would cost me.

Thanks

Honda Guy,

How much do you think this would cost if I have no more warranty on my pilot? Greatly appreciate your response!!
Thanks

Did this fix your problem? I have the car at the dealer with the same issue. They claim it's the EGR valve for sure, but I have realized in some forums this replacement won't solve the problem in all cases. Thanks for the input.