2012 Touring starts hard or takes 3 tries to start

[SamtheMan]

I'm glad to see the service bulletin for the starting problem. Makes my decision to buy a Pilot a little easier. I hope it does the trick for everyone who's been having problems

[TXcopswife]

So I have had the softward update since this past Friday (6/29) and the biggest difference I can tell is that my Pilot seems to have a much smoother start... It's hard for me to explain...

I only had the cranking/not turning over happen to me once, apx 2 days into ownership... But the Pilot always seemed to have a heavy start... I hope I am making sense... It's like the engine made a loud, heavy effort to start... Like an engine roar, as if I had stepped on the gas while in park...

Now my Pilot seems to have a very smooth start... I have always been using the flick method but now it seems to have a smoother, quieter start, not as heavy...

Even my husband commented how the car seems to start smoother...

I will come back to update in a few weeks or sooner if any starting issues happen again...

[ak4seven]

For my starting problems, I have had this program update done on 6/29. Must say that I too agree with TXcopswife. After the update, car starts alot stronger and catches cleanly. Very happy that I took it in... If your having the same problem, I do recommend service bulletin 12-031.

[foster72]

Thank you, skicar, for posting service bulletin #12-031.

My 2012 Pilot EX was experiencing the exact issues outlined in the bulletin. I printed it and took it with me to the dealership. They updated the software and, so far, all is well.

[MNPilotMom]

Ok, I have been having funny idling issues when starting my 2012 Pilot that we purchased new about 6 months ago. Have had all the issues mentioned on this thread off and on.

I use the flick method when starting, have followed what the manual said to do to start, etc. I'm sitting at the Honda Dealership where I purchased the car for its first A1 service and mentioned to my service guy the idling issues and funky starts. He said they would look into it, I also mentioned the service bulletin and showed it to him. He said that if they can't get the car to "do it", than they won't be able to get it covered under warranty. I find that hard to believe since I have had the issues, there is a service bulletin and the car is under warranty!

He said that if you look at all cars, there are always service bulletins. Is he just blowing me off. Sometimes I think, since I a woman bringing in the car, and not my hubby they look at me like I'm crazy. Oh well, I hope they can figure it out!

Thanks for all the wonderful information!

[quattrohead]

So 5 months old and around 7000 miles on the clock and my wife had the difficult start situation for the first time today. It took 3 tries before it started properly, she did not try to press the accelerator to help it.
We have 20% left on the oil, so I will book it in for the first service and update when it comes due.

[pilot604]

My Canadian 2012 Pilot Touring (8,000 km / 5,000 miles) also has the same problem. I spoke with my dealer service manager and he located the Canadian Honda bulletin A-7-12 which refers to this problem. I'll be bringing it in next week to get the software updated to see if makes any difference.

[john segal]

Hey pilot604
Please keep all of us informed of your progress.
maybe the canadian dealers will take this complaint more seriously.

[pilot604]

So I took my 2012 Pilot Touring at 9,200km to get the PCM (Powertrain Control Module?) software updated. TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) A-7-12 is apparently the Canadian version of Honda USA Service Bulletin 12-031.

I've had the new Pilot for a few months and the excessive cranking problem has only occurred 3 times. I will monitor the situation and report back. Hopefully the software update will fix the problem.

While I was in the dearlership, I asked if my Pilot is affected by the airbag safety recall and they said yes and they will perform the inspection. After I got the car back, the work order indicated that they have replaced the airbag.

[Wzayas]

Tell them to apply bulletin 12-031. I have the same problem here and today I took it to service for the secon time with a copy of the bulletin. They had no idea of it, telling me that it is the first time they see this issue locally. I then requested a meeting with someone in their shop that I have known for more than 20 yrs and the guy is the best; what he does not know, nobody knows. The car is still there and I am supposed to pick it up this afternoon. I'll post here in a couple of days if it worked or not. I am certain that everyone here agrees that these kind of problems must no occur; we bought Hondas, not Chryslers or Fords or Chevrolets.

Update: the day passed and they still have the vehicle in the shop. The guy that I know there ensured that the proper updated software version is applied as per bulletin 12-031, but raised a concern with a relay or regulator from the fuel pump that may cause the fuel pressure to decrease substantially when the vehicle is off for a few hours, which may cause a lack of sufficent fuel the next morning to start. They put a pressure gauge tonight and will read it tomorrow first thing in the morning to verify if the car kept the fuel pressure or if it dropped. let's see what happens, I will update tomorrow.