Can I use Prestone power steering fluid in my Honda Pilot?
Answer: It depends on your Honda Pilot’s steering system. If your Pilot uses electric power steering, there is no hydraulic fluid to add. If it uses hydraulic power steering, you should follow Honda’s recommended fluid specification for your year and generation. Prestone power steering fluid is not universally appropriate for every Pilot generation, so always verify your exact model’s requirements before using it.
With that in mind, this article explains how to determine your system, which fluids are acceptable for hydraulic setups, and what to do if you’ve already used a fluid not recommended for your vehicle.
How to determine your Pilot's steering system
The following steps help you confirm whether your Pilot uses electric or hydraulic power steering and what your service manual recommends.
- Check under the hood for a power steering fluid reservoir. If there isn’t one, your vehicle likely uses electric power steering (EPS).
- Consult the owner's manual to see the specified fluid for the power steering system. Look for “Power Steering Fluid” or notes about Dexron II/III ATF compatibility.
- Consider the model year and generation. Honda migrated many models to EPS in later years, reducing or eliminating the PS fluid requirement.
- If in doubt, contact a dealer or a qualified mechanic to confirm the system type and fluid specification for your exact vehicle.
Determining your system type is essential, because using the wrong fluid can cause steering problems or damage seals. The guidance above will help you identify the right path.
Fluids by system
Electric power steering (EPS)
In EPS-equipped Hondas, there is no hydraulic power steering fluid to add or replace. The system is electronically controlled and uses motor assist rather than a fluid pump. Do not attempt to fill or top up with power steering fluid in these models.
Hydraulic power steering
If your Pilot still uses hydraulic power steering, use the fluid specified in your owner's manual. Typically this means Honda Power Steering Fluid (PSF) or, for certain years, Dexron II/III automatic transmission fluid as an approved substitute. Prestone Power Steering Fluid may be compatible only if the product label explicitly lists compatibility with Honda PSF or Dexron II/III and your vehicle's year and specification allow it. Always verify the exact specification before mixing fluids.
Important: Do not mix different types of fluids, and avoid using engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, or other fluids in the PS reservoir. Using the wrong fluid can cause seal swelling, leaks, or failure of the steering system.
Before attempting any top-up or replacement, confirm the exact specification for your year and generation to prevent unintended harm to the steering system.
What to do if you’ve already added Prestone PSF
If you already added Prestone PSF to a system requiring Honda PSF or Dexron II/III, take these steps carefully and consult a professional if you’re unsure.
- Do not drive the vehicle aggressively and avoid high steering loads before the fluid is checked.
- Have the power steering system inspected for fluid compatibility and potential contamination; a professional may flush and refill the system with the correct fluid.
- Avoid mixing fluids; if multiple fluids have been used, a complete flush may be necessary to restore proper operation.
- Follow the owner's manual guidance or seek service from a Honda-certified mechanic for the proper PSF or ATF type for your model year.
In most cases, a professional flush and refill with the correct specification will resolve any issues stemming from a wrong fluid type.
Summary
Bottom line: Many Honda Pilot models today use electric power steering and require no PS fluid. If your Pilot has hydraulic steering, use the fluid specified by Honda for your year (commonly Honda Power Steering Fluid or, in some older generations, Dexron II/III ATF). Prestone PSF is not guaranteed to be compatible with all Pilots; always check the owner’s manual or consult a dealer before using it. When in doubt, stick to Honda-recommended PSF or the exact ATF specification for your vehicle’s year and generation.
