Loading

How do I turn off the eco light on my Honda Pilot?

The eco light, often labeled ECON on Honda Pilot models, is turned off by disabling ECON mode using the center-console button. Toggling ECON off will extinguish the indicator.


Understanding how to operate this feature helps you balance fuel efficiency with throttle response and comfort settings. The following guide walks you through what the ECO/ECON indicator means, where to find the control, and how to ensure the light stays off if you prefer normal driving performance.


Understanding ECON mode and the eco light


ECON mode is a driver-assist feature designed to improve fuel economy by smoothing throttle response, adjusting transmission shift points, and moderating certain systems like air conditioning. When ECON is active, the eco light on the instrument cluster illuminates to remind you that you're operating in a fuel-saving mode. Turning ECON off returns the vehicle to standard drive behavior with less emphasis on fuel economy.


Where to find the ECON control


In most Honda Pilot trims, the ECON button is on the center console near the gear selector. It is typically labeled ECON and may feature a small leaf icon. Some models place the control closer to the steering wheel or on the dash. If you cannot locate it, consult the owner's manual or check the vehicle label near the button for exact placement.


Steps to turn off the eco light


Use these simple steps to disable ECON and turn off the eco light on most Honda Pilot models:



  1. Locate the ECON button on the center console near the gear shift.

  2. Press the ECON button once to toggle ECON off. The eco indicator in the instrument cluster should disappear within a few seconds.

  3. Drive normally and confirm the light remains off. If the light reappears, ECON may have reactivated due to driving conditions or a system reset.

  4. If the light will not stay off, perform a soft reset: turn the ignition to off, wait about 10 seconds, then start the engine again. If the indicator stays on, there may be a fault or feature requiring dealership service.


Concluding paragraph: Toggling ECON off returns the Pilot to standard drive behavior, and the eco light will stay dark until you re-enable ECON or a system condition reactivates it.


Troubleshooting and tips


If the indicator won’t stay off after following the steps above, try these quick checks:



  • ECON can automatically re-engage under certain driving conditions (e.g., after a restart or battery work); you may need to press the button again to keep it off.

  • A soft reset (turning the ignition off and back on) can clear minor electronic hiccups that cause the indicator to linger.

  • If the indicator remains on after multiple attempts, there could be a fault or a software condition requiring a dealer diagnostic or update; schedule service with a Honda dealer.


In most cases, simply toggling ECON off with the button is enough to turn off the eco light. Persistent issues are rare but verify with a professional if you suspect a fault.


Summary


To turn off the eco light on your Honda Pilot, find and press the ECON button on the center console to disable ECON mode. The indicator should fade away as you return to normal drive mode. If the light reappears or won’t stay off, perform a soft reset or consult a Honda service center to check for software updates or faults. Remember, turning ECON off reduces fuel-saving adjustments and may increase throttle response and climate control activity, impacting fuel economy.

How to reset Honda Pilot light?


And I'm going to just push. Pull this back hold it. Hold that until. This pops up and says oil life reset or cancel.



What causes the eco light to come on?


Your car's "eco" light indicates that it is currently operating in an economical mode to save fuel, either through a pre-set drive mode or by monitoring your driving habits. It may also be an eco-driving indicator that turns on when your driving (like acceleration and speed) is efficient and turns off when you accelerate aggressively. This is not a warning light and is safe to drive with.
 
This video explains what ECO mode is and how it works in a car: 58sHistory of Simple ThingsYouTube · May 31, 2025
How the "eco" light works

  • Drive mode: Many cars have a specific "ECO" drive mode that you can manually select. When this is on, the car's computer adjusts the engine, transmission, and other systems to prioritize fuel efficiency. 
  • Driving habit indicator: Some cars have an "eco" indicator that comes on when it detects you are driving in a fuel-efficient manner. This happens automatically based on factors like your acceleration, braking, and speed. 
  • What it does: When the light is on, the car is likely doing one or more of the following:
    • Shifting to higher gears sooner to keep engine RPMs low. 
    • Making the throttle less sensitive, meaning it takes more pressure to accelerate quickly. 
    • Toning down the air conditioning system slightly to reduce power consumption. 

What to do
  • Don't worry: This light is not a warning. It's a positive indication that you are driving in a way that is good for your wallet and the environment. 
  • Keep driving normally: You can continue to drive with the light on, and it's recommended if you want to save fuel. 
  • It will turn off if needed: The light will turn off if you accelerate more aggressively, as the car determines you are no longer driving in an "eco" manner. 
  • Adjusting or turning off the light: If your car has an "eco" drive mode, you may be able to turn it off by pressing a button on the dashboard or center console to return to a different mode, like "Normal" or "Sport". 

This video demonstrates how to change driving modes on a Toyota: 58sSteve CliffordYouTube · May 6, 2024



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 get out of 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


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.