'09 Pilot Bogging Down on a Steep Grade

This weekend we had six passengers in our EX front-wheel drive Pilot, including the driver. We were on a pretty steep dirt/gravel road in Virginia just outside of Cana when the front wheels started to slip. I pressed on the accelator to try to make it through the loose stuff, but the engine didn't respond, instead it seemed to actually slow down. This happened several times and others in the car noticed it.

So, is this a built-in response to the front wheels slipping or should I have the dealer take a look at it?

Thanks.

The electronic traction control may have been activated under those driving conditions and without 4WD it can be tough to navigate steep gravel/dirt roads. The Pilot is a fairly heavy SUV and things get worse when fully loaded (6 adults) because the six cylinder engine lacks V8 torque on the low end.

the pilot is not made for off roading, so the traction control is designed with streets in mind.

With that said, what happend was the car saw the wheels spinning, assumed it was raining and cut power so you could gain traction again. no problem with it doing it though, wont hurt the "truck"