I am noticing a very large difference in the RPM vs speedometer reading between my 03 and new 05 Pilots.

The 03 Pilot at 2000 RPM in 5th gear indicates 73 MPH. The 05 Pilot at 2000 RPM indicates only 62 MPH. Same road, same conditions. Both vehicles have the exact same size OEM wheels and tires and I believe the gearing is the same also. The difference in not due to speedometer error which is what some might offer as an explanation. I have timed both vehicles against mile markers and get the same speed as indicated on the speedometers.


1. Does anybody know if the lockup torque convertor is somehow temporarily disabled (computer controlled) while the 05 is under a certain mileage? (like a break in precaution)
2. If it is computer controlled break in precaution, when should the computer allow the lockup to work (at what mileage?)
3. What is the 5th gear ratio for an 03 and 05 Pilot? I think the gearing is the same so the RPM vs road speed should be very similar.

The 05 Pilot does not drop in RPM like I see on my 03 Pilot at the same road speed. If the lockup torque convertor is not going into the lockup mode, this would explain why the RPM is so different between the 2 models.

I have contacted the dealer but no reply yet. Can anyone here explain the speed difference at the same RPM? Thanks.

The transmission was changed for 2005. 4th and 5th gear ratios were changed for smoother shifting. Link

 

Thank you

Thank you very much for such a quick reply and your help. It still seems like I should see a drop in RPM when the convertor locks up though even if the gear ratios are revised.

I see the RPM drop when it shifts to highest gear but then I do not see any subsequent drop indicating the convertor has locked up.

It is also curious how Honda can achieve the same 22 MPG rating when the speed is so much less at the same RPM. I would have expected that less distance covered (lower MPH at the same RPM) would mean less MPG.

It took about 8-10K miles to break in my 03 before I consistently (several consecutive tanks) got 20+ MPG. I checked mileage at every fill for over 35K miles.

I doubt I'll see 20+ MPG on my 05 since it is 15% less MPH at same RPM. MPG should also drop accordingly. I am also noticing that the left foot rest (dead pedal) on the 05 eats up footroom as it is at a different angle vs teh 03. This will not show on any interior dimension spec sheet but the 05 is defintiely tighter regarding legroom. I am only 6'1" and can easily notice a big difference.

 

Re: Thank you

It is also curious how Honda can achieve the same 22 MPG rating when the speed is so much less at the same RPM. I would have expected that less distance covered (lower MPH at the same RPM) would mean less MPG.

It took about 8-10K miles to break in my 03 before I consistently (several consecutive tanks) got 20+ MPG. I checked mileage at every fill for over 35K miles.

I doubt I'll see 20+ MPG on my 05 since it is 15% less MPH at same RPM. MPG should also drop accordingly.

There are many more factors to consider than RPM when it comes to MPG. Engine timing, air/fuel ratio, load, etc.

 

Just a side question about the transmission, rpm and fuel economy.

i know the transmission was revised in the 05 but I just wanted to ask if anyone gets +20 mpg in their 05s?

I do basically only city driving so I am almost reaching 17 mpg after owning my pilot for 2500 miles. It jumps a little when I take a long highway trip (60 miles or so) but only to 18 or so because the majority is city rides.

I'm still waiting for some time off so i can drive the pilot to NY or Fla, I expect the mpg to jump up on those long drives.

Does anyone see or know if economy is better off with the new ratios in real life driving?

I expected a little better mileage by now but at least I'm not driving a blazer or trailblazer ... they feel pretty small and i bet they get 10 mpg if lucky in this city.

Append: Oh one more question, do u guys have a funny acting fuel gauge? I always drive about the same mileage before my fuel light comes on so mileage is not really changing much but the gauge likes to move up and down a little bit when i drive, more than any other car i ever owned. It's kinda wierd b/c it looks like i used 2 or 3 gallons or so for a 5 min drive sometimes and then goes back up to where it should be.

 

I have just turned 1900 kms (1100 miles) and have been VERY happy with my mileage:
Tank #
2)19.3 mpg 1/4 hwy 3/4 city (didn't track first tank)
3) 23.5 mpg 1/2 hwy 1/2 city
4) 19 mpg all city

I had a 02 Xterra and was lucky to get 20 on all hightway driving, and 14 city in the summer and 12 in the winter (in 4x4) so I am very happy.

I will admit that I have been going very light on the gas petal on accelerating(I read a prior thread here about EPA tests accelerating at about 3 miles per seceond or something like that) but no one is tailgating me or anything. It is making a difference and with the price of gas only going to go up I figure the best thing to do is change driving habits ever so slightly.

As for the original post abot speed and RPMs I will take note today of my readings and post later.

 

CReports test of 2005 -mpg less than 2003

I did notice that the 2005 Pilot CR tested turned in fewer mpg(1-2 across the board I think) than the 2003 they originally tested.I suspect that this has more to do with vehicle to vehicle variation than the gearing change.Charlie PS My 2003 does well in HY travel>22 mpg AC blasting 73 mph.City-not so good-maybe 12-15 in pure city.

 

2005/6000 miles/19 mpg mixed.