Honda Pilot Accessories and Modifications

qbrozen · October 2003

can you post where you found it?
thanks.

sjwsmw · October 2003

Rob-
I ended up at www.hondacuraworld.com
They had the color and the price including shipping seemed decent. It's original equipment as it had Honda stickers on the packaging.

There are other sites with it as well with all the aftermarket stuff.

If you go ahead and get it, email me direct and I can give you some tips to avoid a crooked molding.

qbrozen · October 2003

you got it from Tim. Ok. I never thought to look at the MDX stuff. Figured if it would work on a Pilot, they'd list it on the Pilot page. Good info. thanks.

Is it listed on the MDX page or did you call for it? I see 2 different "body side mouldings" listed there, but I didn't think that's what you were talking about.

sjwsmw · October 2003

Here is the item.

http://www.hondacuraworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&- amp;Product_Code=AMDXBSM&Category_Code=AMDX

qbrozen · October 2003

ok, it is that item... but I already have body side moulding on our Pilot. Can you maybe post a pic of your car with this extra moulding added?

cwashi6 · October 2003

I'm looking to buy a 2004 EX-L very soon. I'm thinking of getting some add ons. I would like to get fog lights, cargo cover, lower trim, side steps, all season mats, and cargo tray. Anyone have any opinions on these accessories? Are they worth the cost? Any opinions out there on the separation net? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

qbrozen · October 2003

My worry with the separation net is that it is a net and I can just picture my pup getting her paw caught in it and start yelping and carrying on and scare the heck out of me while on the road. I am leaning towards a plastic or metal gate-type separator.

I think the fog lights and lower trim are too pricey. I'm waiting and, when my wife decides she is ready for fog lights, find an aftermarket set. I may even go with the Westin Safari bar and mount a set on that.

We got the cargo tray and i plan on doing side steps, so I'm with you on those. The cargo tray is a good and necessary addition for carrying the dirty stuff, but I do wish it stored a bit easier. Rolling it up behind the 3rd row is a bit of a nuisance and just distorts it for the next time you want to use it.

The full-on side bars are the way to go. I've had them on other vehicles and they are great for keeping away those parking lot dings.

sjwsmw · October 2003

I wouldn't think of having an SUV without a cargo tray. It's by far, the best accessory investment.

I also got the cargo cover, but rarely use it. I would re-think that.

my 2cts.

eswanborg · October 2003

We keep ours on the wall in the garage. A couple of $2 Pony Clips from Home Depot and it's always flat and ready to go - just clipped to the wall waiting. The only down side is if we're already out someplace and decide we want to pick something up that's dirty... But that hasn't happened much.

calg · October 2003

We have the separation net to keep our full-grown lab in the back. The "net" itself is a hard plastic... no give at all, so unless you have a really, really small dog, I don't think a paw getting stuck would be an issue.

toca · October 2003

We keep ours in the car all the time. If we're out and find we acquired additional passengers along the way, I just roll it up best I can and tuck it behind the third row.

qbrozen · October 2003

Its hard plastic? I didn't know that (not really a "net" then, which, of course, is where the confusion comes in). Thanks for the info. That changes things.

thamptonroads · October 2003

I just bought a 04 Honda Pilot and bought the running boards from Ebay. I'm not sure how difficult it is to install the boards. Can any one tell me what tools I need in order to do the job? Do we need to lift the car up and get underneath the car to do the installation?

Thank you for any response.

danielr1 · October 2003

We will soon be the owners of an '04 Pilot EX. While looking at options and comparing sides steps with running boards, we've noticed that the side steps on the demo model and another Pilot waiting for pick up, mount somewhat high and close to vehicle. You can't really get more than the tips of your shoes on them. We'd prefer them over the running boards but this seems kind of awkward. Does anyone know if there any outward adjustment? Thanks for any comments.

toca · October 2003

Easy install without jacking it up. Just lots of bolts to thread....

jameswmatthews · October 2003

Our silver 2004 Pilot (with the DVD player) is supposed to come in this week. I'd like to be able to hook my iPod into the audio system with something better than a cassette adapter or FM transmitter. Do any of the Honda stereo options offer auxiliary audio input in a convenient place?

Thanks.

qbrozen · October 2003

unfortunately, no aux input and no stereo options on the Pilot. The LX comes with a certain setup and the EX comes with a slightly different setup (although same head unit, I believe). That's it.

sjwsmw · October 2003

If you go to any of the aftermarket sites that sell official Honda products, the all seem to have the instructions available to download. Usually a .pdf file.

itsmedude · October 2003

I am looking to purchase the side step and day/night mirror for my 04 EXL-RES. Since I have not picked up my Pilot yet can someone tell me what color the door handles are? If they are chrome then I will buy the chrome side step otherwise I will get the black ones. Someone told me the chrome side step tends to rust as well. Also has anyone installed the side steps and mirror themselves? What am I looking at timewise and how easy/hard it is? Thanks.

rlonn1 · October 2003

The door handles are black, As for the day night mirror, I downloaded the installation manual and this is not something that can be done in 30 minutes. You have a LOT of molding and trim to remove. I think I could do it and I estimated at least 2-3 hours of my time. This is based on installing car alarms and my own skill level as an electronics technician and Ham Radio Operator!

bmwmike · October 2003

can any one tell me why the 2004 trailer wiring harness is different from the 2003 ( more than twice the cost for the 04 ) and will the 2003 harness work on the 2004 pilot. I have printed the installations instructions and have seen the pictures of both . but i don't know why they are different.

rlonn1 · October 2003

I just received my 2003-2004 Honda Pilot service manual. I saw nothing in it about the Trailer harness. I will soon receive the Electrical Manual and it may show something interesting about this situation. The change could be very minor, may have added some extra fuses or something but this is only a GUESS on my part. May want to go to the dealer and have them bring out BOTH parts and see if you can identify the difference if there is even a difference. Or just ask the dealer if they know? If you find out, let us all know! BTW, installing a HITCH ONLY, without the Trany and Cooling additions in the front, could allow HONDA to deny a claim related to transmission problems. I only use mine for holding a bike rack. As long as I do not install the trailer light wire, that sort of proves I never towed anything with it. Just a precaution.

yingh · November 2003

The only thing I like to see improved on my 2004 Pilot EXL is the interior appearance (let's forget about sunroof at this time) So I visited several websites that offer dashboard trim kits. Dashtirms.com is a little expensive, I found the same item on eBay for half of the cost. But So far I am most interested in eDashkit.com. The pieces included in their kit are much more than the other places and they offer free shipping.
They offer three metal styles: aluminum, brushed aluminum, and chrome. I have requested some material samples and is waiting for their arrival.
From pictures of installed sample the car looks much nicer. I will report back in after I have them installed. Anyone else has the experience to share?

dlake1963 · November 2003

My friend just bought an 04 CRV-EX. I have an 04 Pilot EX-L. His CRV-EX came standard with a CD changer that is IN DASH. My salesman told me that I couldn't get an indash CD changer for the pilot. I'd have to put in an under-seat unit. Is this true?

torpman · November 2003

www.hondacuraworld.com shows a in-dash CD player for the Pilot................but look at message #'s 5 and 60. There seems to be some confusion regarding this issue.

torpman · November 2003

I was thinking of buying some of these, but I noticed the desription states, "Not intended for use with standard carpet floor mats".

I was wondering why they state that. Is it because of fit, or will they somehow ruin the standard mats? I would just as soon leave the standard mats in the car.

torpman · November 2003

What do you folks think of this cargo tray? I like the way it folds up if you want to use the 3rd row.

<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=33697&item=2442657104>

rlonn1 · November 2003

The HONDA product has many small grooves and when you sit something on it it DOES NOT SLIDE!!! This is made of smooth plastic so things will SLIDE all over the place. For me, the no slide option of the stock Honda part appeals to me!

dlake1963 · November 2003

It certainly seems strange, if not dumb of Honda not to offer, or even include as standard equipment, a CD changer in their flagship SUV (pilot). The in-dash cd changer comes standard in the CRV EX.
Oh well, looks like I'll be ordering an iPod from Apple with a cassette adapter. I guess ultimately this is better solution than a cd changer since, i) you can put thousands of songs on the iPod vs. only 5 or 6 cds, ii) take the iPod with you when you leave the car, or iii) hide the iPod in one of the compartments in the console between the front seats-- if you don't want to take it with you. Cassette adapter is an easy connection to the headphone jack on the iPod.

2fastdre · November 2003

Hello,

I am considering a 2003 Honda Pilot and I have read that the 2nd row seats either slide all the way forward for people to get into the 3rd row, and then slide ALL the way back into a locking position. This is not very good because with the 2nd row in the normal position (all the way back) the 2nd row passangers have almost too much leg room and 3rd row passangers don't have enough! 2nd row passengers should be able to share their legroom! Is this true or is it possible to lock the 2nd row seats in multiple positions? If it's true, then can a handy person modify the track and/or the latching mechanism in order to be able to lock the 2nd row in multiple positions?

Thank you for your feedback.
2FastDre.

im_jonathan · November 2003

I just bought my new 2004 Pilot w/ Navi and planning to install CD Changer. My friend has a brand new Acura CD Changer for MDX has 14 pins. Would this CD Changer work with my Pilot? Thanks,

rlonn1 · November 2003

The second row seat will move all the way forward to allow someone to get into the 3rd row seats. Once the seat back has been returned to its normal position, the 2nd row seats will move forward and backward to allow for more leg room for the people sitting in the 3rd row. This is NEW for the 04 pilot. Also, the second row seat will recline backwards some 15 degrees more so the second row pasangers can relax a bit more. Honda Listened, Honda Delivered! Good Luck!

torpman · November 2003

The 2003 does not adjusts forward and backward like Rlonn1 describes above for the 2004. I don't know about the angle adjustment. This was the reason I decided to wait for the 04 instead of the 03. I think one poster was looking into retro fitting his 03 with the rails of an 04 to get the adjustment capability. Never heard anything else about it though.

qbrozen · November 2003

yeah, the '03 2nd row does tilt. but, as described above, no forward/aft adjustment. You will get that in an '04, though.

I still have not found any solid information about swapping the seat rails. I don't want to be the first to try and I have yet to find anyone who has. Last that I read, someone looked at the diagrams and determined that not only would you have to swap the rails on the floor, but also the actual seat frame. Don't know how true this is.

mrkn · November 2003

For some reason Honda's DVD entertainment system cannot be installed into a Pilot with Navigation system. Does anyone know why?

Has anyone installed an after market overhead DVD entertainment system into a Pilot with a Navigation System. If so, what brand did you install and how do you like it. Is is based on FM modulation (direct wiring through your speakers). There are a number of systems out there. I favor the self contained units where the DVD player and monitor are part of the same unit, like the one Honda has.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

qbrozen · November 2003

I have not, but others have. I've seen pictures of one that has Navigation with aftermarket moonroof AND DVD.

d2la · November 2003

I read earlier references to the separation net as being hard plastic which did not give. We just took delivery of a '04 Pilot where the net had been installed by the dealer, and it is a plastic coated net which does indeed give. It is taunt, but quite elastic.

jrhchgo · November 2003

I opted for the Honda cargo liner and cut it to 3 pieces. (One for full backend, 60 split, 40 split) I realize the cut's opens up concern of leakage of liquids, but will use more for protection of dirty cargo and protection.

terumi1 · December 2003

I have a Pilot 2004 EX-L with Navi package. I would like to put an aftermarket DVD player in. It would have to be a self contained DVD unit (dvd slot not separate) as there is no room in the radio stack with the Navi package.

Best Buy? Circuit City? AudioVox has a product at these stores...but I am not traditionally an AudioVox fan.

My biggest concern is that in hooking the DVD player into the sound/electrical system will somehow interfer with the existing systems....specifically the navi system.

Does anyone have any experience in the quality of installation at Best Buy or Circuit City? The quality of the AudioVox units? And most importantly, is it even possible to put an aftermarket DVD in a Pilot with a Navi package?

qbrozen · December 2003

to answer your last question first, yes, many folks have installed DVDs in their Navi Pilots. I know of at least one who even had a good shop do the install and tie the DVD into the Navi system so the DVD plays on both the overhead and the Navi screen with the flip of a switch. Oh, and, FYI, another flip of the switch brings up the rearview camera. Pretty trick install.

But, anyway, unless you WANT it to tie into the Navi, it won't and it shouldn't have any negative affect on any of your other systems unless the installer is incompetent.

I can't tell you anything about install places as I've never had anything done like that by a shop.

mrkn · December 2003

I know that you can purchase a chrome exhaust tip for the Honda CRV as an accessorie, however it does not seem that you can purchase this accessories for the Honda Pilot. It seems kind of silly that Honda's higher priced vehicle does not have chrome exhaust even as an accessorie.

Does anyone know if something like this could be purchased as an after market product. Thanks.

terumi1 · December 2003

Yes, you can buy chrome exhaust tips. From the dealer (yes, you CAN buy them from the dealer for about $80 installed), or you can buy them from an aftermarket company on the internet for about $55. Genuine factory parts. Installation is easy. Slip it on over your existing tailpipe, and tighten the locking screw/bolt. Whatever they use.

I just did a search on google with the search parameters of, "Honda Pilot Factory Accessories", and got a number of hits. I clicked on the handa-accessories company and went to the exterior accessories. The link to the exterior accessories is below. Scroll down to the exhaust tips.

http://www.handa-accessories.com/pilext.html

It looks like $57.60, plus shipping. Even gives you installation instructions. Piece of cake.

I have never ordered with this company, so cannot vouch for their reliability. If you dont want to do it that way, get the exhaust tips from the dealer. Again, they do have them. Genuine Honda accessory.

That should do it...hope it helps!!

terumi1 · December 2003

Thank you for your response. It sounds as though it shouldnt be a problem with the wiring and whether it interfers with the existing hardware, specifically the Navi package.

I will check with the specialty shops for this stuff and also look at Best Buy. They have that self contained unit that mounts on the ceiling.

Thanks again.

sjwsmw · December 2003

I added them aftermarket. I see them on every MDX on the road, so it must be standard on them.
Probably the reason they are NOT on the Pilot as original equipment.

qbrozen · December 2003

no problem. let us know how you make out.

qbrozen · December 2003

you can pick one up at Pep Boys or R&S or whatever shop you have near you. Its a generic add-on. I bought one from Pep Boys about a decade ago for the truck i had at that time. I'm sure they still sell them. You just need to know what diameter the existing tailpipe is so you can buy the appropriate sized tip to slip over it and screw on.

pepster1 · December 2003

We just ordered an 04 Black/grey EXL-Navi and are nervous! We have been investigating since Oct. and finally decided to go for it! We sold our 97 Town & Country LXI and now found out that the Pilot won't be in until Jan. 10th. We are without a car and the dealer won't give us a loaner to drive. Is this common? Also, this particular dealer in IL told us that an after market sunroof ($1,800)done at the dealer would not inter fear with the Honda warranty. A different dealer in WI said otherwise. His dealership won't even do after market sunroof because of this. Comments please? We really want the sunroof but not if it voids the warranty. The WI dealer said that the 05 will have a package w/ the sunroof, navi & dvd. I wish I could wait. Thanks!

terumi1 · December 2003

Congrats on your purchase! We also purchased a 2004 EX-L Navi, Black with grey interior in Nov. We love the car. Click on my name to see my other posts for price we paid, accessories we put on later, etc.....

I dont know of any dealer that will give you a loaner car until your car comes in. Never heard of it. In my experience, they will fight you tooth and nail over $50.00 when purchasing a car....much less give you a loaner worth at least $50.00 per day! But good luck with it!

Sunroofs...well...I dont know. I would think that its gonna' void the warranty...or at least give Honda the opportunity to question the warranty should you need to use it for something gone wrong. So I would think that as a minimum, it would create a conflict come actual warranty service time. They would use the sunroof as an out...and then you would have a fight on your hands. Not putting the sunroof on takes that option away from them. Of that there is no doubt.

I think the one dealer that says it doesnt void the warranty stands to make $1800.00, thereby saying it doesnt void the warranty. Get it in writing? Probably not only the best course of action if you elect to get the sunroof, but a required course of action.

But hey...that's why we all bought Honda's anyway! Because things only go wrong about 1 in 200 times! Whatever the percentage is, it is low. That's why we bought them! So to heck with the warranty!! Your not going to use it anyway!! Put a pipe organ in there if you want!!!

Seriously, though, I think you get the point.

Maybe put off getting the sun roof for 3 years? Then start cutting?

I have never had an aftermarket sunroof.....but....seems to me from people that I know that more times than not they leak. Again, I've never personally had an aftermarket one.

I do wish the Pilot would have come with a sunroof and both navi and dvd. I wish I could have waited, too!

Good luck and tell us how it all turns out!

dako_tian · December 2003

You can always do what a prior owner had done to the one in my 1970 VW Beetle: caulk that baby shut. Of course, the Beetle version was metal and so worse than useless when caulked shut. But a little peeling out the old and applying new latex adhesive caulking kept the roof dry as a bone. You can even buy the caulk in colors, though I hesitate to promise that those will match the Honda palette.

I'm only a little bit tongue in cheek here as I find most of these "luxury" options (like partially-leather seats -- no one does all leather, tacky wood overlays -- there are no other kinds, and never-to-be used brush guards) pretty ridiculous. Almost all of them will deteriorate rapidly and/or require much more maintenance. Some claim they put in leather to help it clean up easier with children, but 4-year-old leather almost always looks worse than fabric that's had even minimal cleaning done to it.

I guess people buy these things for status. And, if you can afford to throw money away on stuff that will have no or even negative value in a few years, then more power to you. But, as Shania said in song, "That don't impress me much!" ;-)

terumi1 · December 2003

Then if I were you, dako tian, I wouldnt buy leather. Nobody is trying to impress anyone here. Just exchanging information.

I dont think the commentary otherwise is proper. If you dont like something that someone has already bought...whats the purpose in voicing your objections on such luxury items? It's already purchased! Should we now return it?

I, for one, like luxury items.

And no, we don't use caulk on such items. If you want to live in a 1970 bug, caulk away.

Simply put, people usually don't like such comments after the fact. They serve no purpose but to say, "I told you so". Who wants to hear that?

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