Honda 2008 Pilot Owner's Manual page 214

Automatic Transmission
Drive (D ) This position is similar
3
to D, except only the first three
gears are selected. Use D to provide
3
engine braking when going down a
steep hill. D can also keep the
3
transmission from cycling between
third and fourth gears in stop-and-go
driving.
208
Second (2) This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshift to first gear
when you come to a stop.
Use second gear:
For more power when climbing.
To increase engine braking when
going down steep hills.
For starting out on a slippery
surface or in deep snow.
To help reduce wheel spin.
When driving downhill with a
trailer.
First (1) This position locks the
transmission in first gear. By
upshifting and downshifting through
1, 2, D , and D, you can operate the
3
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch pedal.
Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer's
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine's
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.