How do you turn on accessory mode on a Honda Pilot?

Accessory mode in a Honda Pilot is the ignition state that powers electrical features without starting the engine. If your Pilot uses a traditional key, you turn the ignition to ACC; if you have a push-button Start/Stop, you typically press the button once without pressing the brake to enter ACCESSORY mode. The exact method can vary by year and trim.

In this guide, we explain how to access accessory mode on both traditional-key Pilots and those with a modern Start/Stop button, plus tips for different model years and what to expect once you’re in ACC.

Traditional key ignition models

If your Honda Pilot still uses a conventional ignition key, follow these steps to engage accessory mode.

1. Insert the key and turn the ignition cylinder to the ACC (Accessory) position. This is usually the second click from OFF. Release the key.


2. With the ignition in ACC, power to radios, displays, and auxiliary outlets is enabled, while the engine remains off.


3. To move to the ON position (dash lights and more systems active), turn the key from ACC to ON.


4. To completely turn off the vehicle, rotate the key back to OFF and remove it if you wish.

In ACC, you can use radios and charging ports, but the engine and most climate controls may be limited until you switch to ON or START the engine.

Notes for traditional-key owners

Some older trims may have slightly different key detents or resistance when moving from OFF to ACC. If you don’t feel the right click, gently rotate the key while keeping it in the ACC range. Always ensure the vehicle is parked and in a safe position before interacting with the ignition.

Push-button Start / Keyless-entry models

For Pilots equipped with a Start/Stop button, use these steps to reach ACCESSORY mode without starting the engine.

• With the engine off and the key fob inside the vehicle, press the Start/Stop button once without pressing the brake. This typically places the car in ACCESSORY mode, powering radios and some electronics.


• If you press the Start/Stop button again without pressing the brake, the system may advance to ON mode, where more systems are active but the engine still isn’t running.


• To start the engine, press the brake and then press the Start/Stop button again (or press and hold briefly, depending on year). The engine will then start.


• To turn everything off, press the Start/Stop button once or twice as needed until the vehicle returns to OFF, or use the brake and Start/Stop button to switch off as your model allows.

On some model years, cycling through ACC, ON, and START states may require slightly different button presses or sequencing. If the dash or climate controls don’t respond as expected, consult your owner’s manual for your specific year and trim.

Safety notes and practical tips

Always ensure you are parked in a safe location before enabling accessory or other ignition modes. Accessory mode can drain the battery if left on for extended periods, and some functions (like HVAC) may be limited in ACC on certain trims. If you notice any abnormal behavior, discontinue use and consult a dealer or the manual.

Summary of key differences by configuration

- Traditional key: ACC is the second detent from OFF, followed by ON, then START with the engine. - Push-button: Accessory mode is entered by pressing Start/Stop once without braking; ON mode usually requires a second press without braking; to start, you must press the brake and then Start/Stop.

Additional context for model-year variations

Honda has used both traditional keys and push-button starts across Pilot generations. The precise feel of the detents or the sequence to reach ACC can vary by year and trim. If you drive a very recent or very old Pilot and the above steps don’t match what you experience, check the owner’s manual section on ignition modes for your exact year, or contact a Honda service center for a quick confirmation.

Bottom line

Accessary mode in a Honda Pilot is simple: use ACC on traditional keys, or press the Start/Stop button once (no brake) to reach ACCESSORY on keyless models. For most users, this is enough to power radios and basic electronics without starting the engine.

Summary: Accessory mode is a safe, quick way to draw power to electrical systems without running the engine. The method depends on whether your Pilot uses a physical key or a push-button starter, with steps typically involving selecting ACC or pressing Start/Stop once without braking, followed by moving to ON if needed, and starting the engine with the brake-press combination when ready.

How to turn on accessory mode on a Honda Pilot?

Accessory or On mode: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal for Accessory mode. Press it again for On mode.
PDF

How to turn Honda into accessory mode?

To show you what mode you're in. Right I'm going to power the car up now without touching the brake pedal. So I'm just going to push the button. And the car turns on.

How to activate accessory mode?

To turn on accessory mode, press the push-button start without your foot on the brake. If your car has a traditional key ignition, turn the key to the first position, often labeled "ACC," without fully starting the engine. 
For push-button start vehicles

• Ensure your foot is not on the brake pedal. 
• Press the start/stop button once. 
• This will power the car's electrical accessories, like the radio and power windows, without starting the engine. 

This video demonstrates how to turn on accessory mode in a push-button start vehicle: 32sWolfe Chevrolet EdmontonYouTube · Dec 18, 2020
For traditional key ignition vehicles

• Insert the key into the ignition. 
• Turn the key to the "ACC" (Accessory) position. 
• This is the first position, before the "ON" and "START" positions, and will power accessories without starting the engine. 

Why does my Honda Pilot say accessory mode?

To enter accessory mode in a Honda Pilot, press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without your foot on the brake pedal. This allows you to use the radio and some other accessories without the engine running. The power mode will cycle in the order of VEHICLE OFF →right arrow→ ACCESSORY →right arrow→ ON, and pressing the button again without the brake will go to the "ON" mode, where all accessories can be used. 
How to enter accessory mode
This video demonstrates how to start a push-button start vehicle and enter accessory mode: 1mSteven WelchYouTube · Sep 3, 2021

1. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button: With the key fob inside the vehicle, press the button once without depressing the brake pedal. 
2. Accessory mode: The audio system and other accessories will turn on. 
3. "ON" mode: Press the button a second time (without the brake) to enter the "ON" mode, which activates all accessories and dashboard lights but does not start the engine. 

To start the engine

• While in accessory or "ON" mode: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button again while your foot is firmly on the brake pedal to start the engine. 

To turn the vehicle off

• Shift to Park: Make sure the gear shift is in the Park (P) position. 
• Press the button: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once to turn the vehicle off and enter the VEHICLE OFF state.