How do I turn off eco on my Honda Pilot?

If you own a Honda Pilot, you may have noticed an "Eco" mode that can be activated to improve fuel efficiency. However, there may be times when you want to turn off this feature. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to disable the Eco mode on your Honda Pilot.

What is Eco Mode?

Eco mode is a feature found in many modern vehicles, including the Honda Pilot. It is designed to improve fuel efficiency by making adjustments to the engine, transmission, and other systems. When Eco mode is activated, the vehicle's performance is slightly reduced, but the trade-off is improved gas mileage.

Why Turn Off Eco Mode?

• You need more power for passing or merging onto the highway


• You're driving in hilly or mountainous terrain and need more torque


• You prefer a more responsive and engaging driving experience


• You're towing a heavy load and need maximum power

In these situations, disabling Eco mode can provide a noticeable improvement in the vehicle's performance and responsiveness.

How to Turn Off Eco Mode on a Honda Pilot

1. Locate the Eco mode button or switch on your Honda Pilot's dashboard or center console. It may be labeled with an "Eco" icon or the word "Eco".


2. Press or toggle the Eco mode button to turn it off. You may notice the Eco mode indicator light on the dashboard turn off, indicating that the feature has been disabled.


3. If your Honda Pilot does not have a dedicated Eco mode button, you may need to access the vehicle's settings menu through the infotainment system. Look for an option to disable or turn off Eco mode.

Once you've turned off Eco mode, you should notice an immediate improvement in your Honda Pilot's acceleration and responsiveness. Keep in mind that disabling Eco mode may result in slightly lower fuel efficiency, but the trade-off may be worth it in certain driving situations.

Is it better to drive with eco on or off?

You should use Eco Mode when you want to prioritize fuel efficiency, like during city driving or long highway cruises, but turn it off when you need maximum power for situations like merging onto a highway, overtaking, or driving up steep hills. Leaving it on in those situations can make the vehicle feel sluggish, as Eco Mode works by reducing throttle response and sometimes adjusting the climate control to save energy. 
When to use Eco Mode

• For maximum fuel efficiency: Eco Mode is designed to improve your gas mileage by making the throttle less sensitive and shifting the transmission to a higher gear earlier.
• For city and highway cruising: Use it for steady driving, such as in stop-and-go traffic or on the highway, where responsiveness is less critical. 

When to turn Eco Mode off

• When you need more power: If you need to accelerate quickly to merge onto a highway or overtake another vehicle, Eco Mode can make the car feel underpowered. 
• For steep inclines: Driving up a steep hill with Eco Mode on might make the car feel sluggish and unable to generate enough power. 
• If you prefer a more responsive feel: Some drivers dislike the sluggish feeling and prefer the more immediate response of normal or sport modes. 

Other considerations

• No long-term harm: There is no evidence to suggest that leaving Eco Mode on for extended periods causes extra wear and tear on a vehicle, says Progressive. 
• Potential for carbon buildup: Some older, direct-injection engines might benefit from the occasional use of a different mode to burn off carbon deposits that can form from consistently low engine speeds in Eco Mode, according to this Reddit post. 
• Climate control: In some vehicles, Eco Mode may also limit the power to the air conditioning, which could make it less effective, notes this Reddit post and this Reddit post. 

How do you turn off Eco mode on a Honda Pilot?

To turn off the "eco" mode in a Honda Pilot, simply press the ECON button, which is located to the left of the steering wheel. When the green light or "econ" indicator on the dashboard is on, the mode is active; pressing the button will turn it off, and the light will go out.
 
This video shows how to turn off the econ mode in a Honda Pilot: 42sDIY PintoYouTube · Jan 17, 2019
Step-by-step instructions:

1. Locate the ECON button: Find the physical button labeled "ECON" on the dashboard, typically to the left of the steering wheel. 
2. Check the dashboard indicator: Look at the instrument cluster for a green leaf or "econ" icon. If the light is on, the mode is currently active. 
3. Press the button: Push the ECON button once. The indicator light on the dashboard will turn off, indicating that the eco mode is now off. 

What to know about eco mode

• What it does: Eco mode adjusts the vehicle's performance to improve fuel efficiency by making the engine and air conditioning less responsive. 
• When to turn it off: You can turn it off if you need more responsive acceleration or performance, such as when merging onto a highway. 
• How to re-enable: To turn eco mode back on, simply press the button again. 

How do I deactivate eco mode?

To turn off eco mode, look for an "Eco" button on your dashboard or center console and press it. If there's no button, you may need to turn it off through the vehicle's settings menu using the buttons on your steering wheel or infotainment screen. For smart thermostats or apps, you'll find the option in the app's settings, under the specific device or schedule settings. 
This video demonstrates how to turn off eco mode on a GMC Terrain: 49sClay AutoYouTube · Apr 26, 2025
In a car

• Press the button: Many cars have a physical "Eco" button, sometimes labeled "ECO," on the dashboard or center console. Pressing this will turn the mode off. 
• Use steering wheel controls: Some models require you to navigate through the instrument cluster's display menu. Use the left/right/up/down arrow buttons on the steering wheel to find the "Eco" or "Fuel Saver" setting and select "Off". 
• Change drive modes: On some vehicles, eco mode can be turned off by selecting a different drive mode, such as "Sport," "Comfort," or "Normal," using a knob or button on the center console. 

You can watch this video to see how to turn off the eco mode indicator light on a Toyota Camry: 57sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 4, 2024
On a thermostat

• In a mobile app: Open the app, go to the settings for your thermostat, and find the "Eco" or "Nest Sense" setting. Look for an "Auto Schedule" or "Eco Mode" option and turn it off. 
• On the thermostat display: Some thermostats have an "ECO" button on the unit itself or a similar option in the menu. Press "ECO" to cancel it, or navigate through the settings to disable the feature. 

In an app or on a computer

• Disable individual processes: Right-click the app or process in the task manager and select "Eco Mode" to uncheck it and disable it. 
• Turn off tips: Some systems, like older VWs, have a setting to turn off "Eco Tips" from appearing on the screen by going into the settings menu and unchecking the relevant box. 

This video explains how to disable "Eco Tips" on a new Volkswagen: 34sMikesCarInfoYouTube · Mar 14, 2023

What is the eco on the Honda Pilot?

This enables your car to adjust to power when in ECON mode, so the vehicle's transmission can move accordingly. With less power running through your vehicle, you'll undoubtedly save more fuel. The ECON button model also provides a smoother and more gentle ride and easier acceleration when you press on the pedal.