You can adjust the Pilot’s clock from the infotainment touchscreen or, on older trims, via the instrument cluster and radio controls. In many newer Pilots, time is auto-set by GPS if nav is installed, so you may need to disable Auto Time to set it manually. The exact steps vary by model year and system, so use the method that matches your setup.
The time displayed in your Honda Pilot affects the radio clock, navigation prompts, and reminders. If your Pilot has navigation, the clock may sync with GPS time by default; you’ll typically find a manual override option in the clock settings. If your model uses the analog/digital instrument cluster clock, you’ll adjust it through the clock settings accessible from the steering wheel or radio menu.
Identify your clock system
Start by determining whether your Pilot uses the Display Audio touchscreen clock, a Navigation-based clock, or an older instrument cluster clock. The procedure you follow will depend on this system, and some very new models may differ slightly from earlier years.
Method A: Adjusting the clock on Display Audio / touchscreen systems
Use this method if your Pilot has the touchscreen Display Audio or a built-in navigation screen. These steps cover most 2016–present models with a touchscreen clock.
Follow these steps to adjust the clock on the Display Audio touchscreen.
- Press the Home button on the touchscreen to reach the main menu.
- Open Settings or Setup, then select Clock or Time.
- Use the on-screen controls to set the hour and minutes; toggle between AM/PM if applicable.
- If you see an Auto Time or GPS Time option, disable it to allow manual setting.
- Choose 12-hour or 24-hour format if the option is available, then confirm your changes.
After adjusting, step outside to verify the clock remains correct and that the display format matches your preference.
Method B: Adjusting the clock with Navigation systems (GPS time)
For Pilots equipped with a factory navigation system, the clock may be tied to GPS time. If your system shows GPS time by default, you may need to turn off Auto Time to set it manually, or you may rely on GPS if manual mode isn’t available.
These steps apply when manual time entry is supported in the navigation menu.
- Access the Navigation/Settings menu from the Home screen.
- Find Clock, Time, or Date & Time options.
- Turn off Auto Time if present, then set the desired hour and minute.
- Save or OK to apply the changes; verify the time on the navigation display.
Note: Some GPS-enabled systems will keep GPS time locked, and manual changes may not persist unless Auto Time is disabled, or the system requires selecting a time zone.
Method C: Adjusting the clock on older trims (instrument cluster / radio controls)
Older Honda Pilots without a modern touchscreen clock typically use radio or instrument cluster controls to set the time. If your model uses a separate clock button or a menu in the radio, you can usually adjust the time from there.
Steps for older trims or non-touchscreen clocks.
- Turn on the ignition and access the clock settings through the radio or instrument cluster menu (look for Clock, Time, or a clock icon).
- Use the available controls (often a knob, +/- buttons, or the steering wheel menu) to adjust hours first, then minutes.
- Confirm or save the setting to apply the new time.
If you can’t locate a clock setting, consult the owner’s manual for your exact year and trim; some models require a specific sequence or may rely on GPS time by default.
Common issues and troubleshooting tips
These tips help when the clock isn’t behaving as expected or resets after a battery disconnect.
- Disable Auto Time if you want to set the clock manually and it keeps resetting to GPS time.
- Check Time Zone and DST settings in the same Clock or Date & Time menu if available.
- If time reverts after a restart, the vehicle’s memory battery may be weak, or the clock memory was reset during maintenance.
When in doubt, refer to your specific model year’s manual, as Honda updates infotainment layouts and clock behavior across generations.
Summary
To change the time on a Honda Pilot, identify whether you have a Display Audio touchscreen, a navigation system, or an older instrument cluster clock. Use Settings or Setup > Clock/Time for touchscreen models, toggle Auto Time off if you want manual entry, and save your changes. For older trims, use the radio or instrument cluster clock controls. If GPS time is locked by the navigation system, manual adjustment may require disabling Auto Time or choosing a compatible time format. Always verify the new time and formatting after saving.