I can't seem to pinpoint the noise, it's either coming from the area under the drivers side dash or from inside the drivers door. It only clicks when you are moving and it is not rythmic, but seems to be affected by bumps and little irregularities in the road. Anybody else have this problem?
I have a noise too, but it is definitely related to the drivers door area. I took the vehicle in to have them look at it and a few other items. Dealer told me it was coating on weather stripping making the strange sound when it came in contact with itself. Although sound was minimized shortly after receiving my car back from service, it returned full strength within a day or so.
With much freeway time on my hands, I began to search for the noise (It was driving me crazy). I FOUND IT! It is definitely associated with the weather stripping on the driver's door. I found that if I forced my finger tip between the door frame and the door (between the weather stripping along the top of the door), the sound abated. Since my discovery, I keep folded business cards stuck between the door and frame at the top of the door, while driving. Now I can drive in peace:) Obviously, this is not an acceptable long term solution, but should at least suffice until I can take the Pilot in again. Any ideas how the mechanic can make permanent adjustments to the door/weather stripping to improve the fit?
I figured, now that I have been a Pilot owner for over a month, I had better change my Town Hall profile. I was saddened when Honda Pilot is not a selectable option?
Probably overlooked or the update was put on the back-burner during the recent make-over. Can you fill out a Feedback Form? Thanks (I'll mention it too; between us maybe it'll get added shortly). Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I have noted that the weather stripping on the hatch and also on several of the doors on my EX have small lacerations. This is in the spot where the corresponding stripping has a seam. It appears that the seam on the door is tearing the stripping on the body where the two meet when the door or hatch is closed. Has anyone else noticed this?
The noise sounds similar to the moonroof "rattle" that Accord and CL owners have experienced which was caused by the rubber gasket rubbing against the roof opening. Maybe they can lube the weatherstripping to eliminate the clicking.
I've heard about some MDX's and Odysseys that have had a problem with clicking on the driver's side down by their feet that turned out to be a weld around the strut. On this problem apparently the dealer can remove the strut and grind the weld with no structural problem and solve the clicking problem. Some quotes from the MDX and Pilot message boards:
quote: ------------------------------------ massaged the body welds around the left strut tower area ------------------------------------
quote: ------------------------------------- "removed the left front shock tower assembly, ground down burs on spot welds, greased the surface and then reinstalled the shock"
We haven't had the problem since they did this fix. It sounds like the same fix as "massaging the welds". -------------------------------------
quote: ------------------------------------- THE FIX IS DONE NOT BY MASSAGING THE WELD POINTS , BUT BY GRINDING THEM DOWN. tHIS IN NO WAY AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE COMPONENT -------------------------------------
It can reduce the strength. Cannondale bikes had this problem...they ground down the weld points to lighten the bikes. This caused points in the frames to be weaker. I am not sure if it was the grinding or the heat associated with it that caused the structural issues? However, grinding down weld points can cause problems, but may not.
I have asked this a hundred time, but want to ask it again to see if anyone else responds differently. Do you think that Honda knows/finds out about this stuff (clicking noises, weather stripping, etc.) and then fixes it on the assembly so that upcoming Pilots do not have the problem. What I have been wondering is whether or not my Pilot (due in Sept./Oct.) might have some of these annoyances fixed before I get it. :-) Also, Is 3-4 months a long wait? I don't think anyone else has had that long a wait have they? I ordered on June 15, with deliver in Sept./Oct. How does this look... black exl - msrp - $30980 Running Boards - $550 installed Roof rails - $182 installed Bumper Garnishes - $450 installed Chrome Mirror Covers - $115 installed
Is that any good? Dealer claims I am getting the DIO's at THEIR cost. By the way, nobody has mentioned the chrome (plastic) bumper garnishes...I think they're AWESOME...what a difference! The demo vehicle that I saw has them. Really dresses things up (I am not talking about the chrome bumper that fits on the front lower trim...the garnishes go on all four corners...they look great). I am not sure though about the chrome sideview mirror covers cuz they only come half way down...can't decide if I wanna get them or not.
I'd find it hard to believe that Honda isn't reading Town Hall, especially since Toyota does. If an issue starts rearing its head around the boards, the manufacturers would surely want to know about it.
They'd also be getting lots of info from their dealer network which must have always been their first and main "real world" feedback program.
A manufacturer would be nuts not to incorporate "running" fixes for any recurring problems in the midst of a model run. If you buy a car in the first months of production, conventional wisdom is that you have a greater chance of running into a bug that hasn't been reported back to the assembly line to be fixed.
Others say that many new models are just put together from existing platforms and whatever is in the parts bin, so the risk of new model year bugs is exaggerated. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Larry, They may be selling you the DIO's at cost...but that means they are charging you ~$350 in Labor...
Here is pricing from an online dealership (you know cost is lower than this)
Running Boards ...427.70 Crossbars ...133.90 Bumper Garnish Front & Rear...357.50 Door Mirror Covers ...84.50
most if not all of these can be installed at home with a little effort.
As far as a 3-4 mth wait..depends on their demand...I bet anything beyond 2 months means they have no idea (they have about that much notice from honda on what they are getting allocated)...
PS...I agree with Steve about the factory being able to do timely fix's (depending on what needs to be done)...Nothing I've seen on the various boards points to anything seriously wrong with the Pilot and most people have no problems at all (based on some polls I saw)
well, for an example, let's take the running boards. I too had seen the web sites where you can order, and needless to say, the parts are much less expensive. So, I took those prices into the dealer and, to make a long story short, they ended up CLAIMING they were giving me the parts at their cost. Her final price for the running boards (installed) landed somewhere inbetween the price on the web and her "original" price she had given me. I hope I'm not getting taken!
I probably overlooked that complaint in the Odyssey boards - the growing pains with that new model launch in '99 seemed to revolve around the power doors and some trannys. These items seem to be doing much better, and I recall that there was a running fix early on to add a gas tank baffle to quieten the sloshing noise a little.
It may still be a bit early in the game to know what (other) problems may hit the Pilot. Who's got the high mileage claim to date on one? Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
My clicking sounded like it was coming from under the dash but the dealer said it was caused by the moulding between the drivers door and the front wheel. If you push on the plastic moulding you will hear a click. It seemed odd to me that the car would make the fender flair this much during normal driving. When I got home from the useless dealer I noticed that the noise was made when the shock traveled a longer distance than usual. I sprayed the shock absorber with wd-40 on the silver arm under the front left wheel well and the noise is now gone. As far as the door gasket noise.. whipe it with some armor all to soften it and the noise will eventually go away. Handa-accessories.com is a great site for aftermarket equipment
on my EX since delivery on June 1st and I have not experienced any of the reported clicking sounds, just the gas tank sloshing when backing which is no big deal. I'm totally pleased with my purchase.
I noticed the small hole too and thought that might be causing the problem. Then when it also appeared on other doors, I figured it was intentional to keep moist air from stagnating under the weather stripping.
When it comes down to it, this is a minor issue. My mountaineer had frame noises that were far worse than what I am experiencing with the Pilot. I am just used to the silence of an Accord and expected the same finish quality in the Pilot. Despite a few small annoyances, I am very satisfied with my Pilot purchase.
My wife and I noticed the clicking sounds from the driver side door... However, we also hear a more noticable "clank" from the rear of the vehicle when we drive over bumps in the road. I think it is a loose heat shield on the muffler. Anyone else hear this too?
Finally figured out my rattle. My front passenger window, when fully closed, rattles when driving over bumps. If I open the window just a wee bit (it is still closed) the rattle is gone. It appears that when I close the window, it closes too tight and must create pressure on the window frame or the mechanics in the door. I sure hope this is easily fixed at the dealer.
Can you tell me more precisely about "the silver arm" ? I'm going to try your fix before I go to the dealer next Monday. Is it the vertical shock absorber, or at the end of the shock that connect with the silver arm ? Can you elebrate more of the details. Thanks for your help.
So what did your dealer tell you after they claim the noise was from the moulding. Did they tell you just to go home and live with the noise ? I want to know from others what we can do as a new car owner, find the defects from day 1, and dealer will not do anything to solve it. Thanks
Rather than opening the window... try stuffing something small (folded business card works for me) between the weather stripping pieces at the top of the window. Of course, when you open the door it will fall out so don't use anything to harmful. I took the Pilot in today for a check-up (door rattle being the #1 complaint). They have ordered new door molding, which should fix the problem.
I know it is annoying... but compared to the problems I have experienced with my previous Ford SUV's... it's nothing.
My new Pilot LX's rear window behind driver's seat scratches something inside the door while I move the window up or down. It gets bunch of oil and little scratch marks on it on the outside of the window. My sister's '02 Ody had a same problem that they couldn't fix to her satisfaction... Have anyone else experience this?
I sprayed the silver vertical arm of the shock in side the spring and the noise is still gone. Don't know if this is a long term fix so everyone that is having this clicking should complain to honda directly not the dealer.The dealer just said to let the car go through a break-in period and the noise should go away. I have filed a complaint with Honda.
Just ordered my silver Pilot EX-L from Buerkle Honda in White Bear Lake, MN. 2 month wait. Purchased at MSRP. Question after reading the MDX town hall. They mention having to do service on the rear differential at 7500 miles. Has anyone done/seen this with the Pilot? What are the dealers charging? Any other "surprise" service requirements? Could someone check their owners manual to see what it says?
Any concern over the transmissions after the problems that the Odyssey's had?
I went today to a local Austin dealer and they had a silver lx that some one had turned down.
I know why.
It looks like a crv. Not that a crv is bad looking, it's that the pilot is just boring looking.
Looks are the bad news.
So the good news is that Honda will have more pilots for people who want the vehicle. Demand will still outpace supply, but it won't be a frenzy.
I'm on the fence now. Silver in LX and EX is quite boring. Looks like a montero sport, only more bland. I need to see other colors in person to see if they vehicle is something I could own for 4-6 years.
The MDX is much more attractive to me at this point, especially if the 2003 MDX has the newer engine, xenon lights and more but at 5k more. At the same time, the mdx could stay in my garage for 6 years and i wouldn't mind.
I saw some comments on wagons and went out and drove the saab 9-5. Nice car, very solid, fast and drove almost as nice as my 528 5-speed. We are now talking about this car. (we don't need seating for 7, just space for our 100lb dog)
We purchased a 9-5 Aero wagon (2000) which we got at $10,000 off msrp. We both loved this car for it's performance, handling and looks. Well the fun did not last long. The car went to the shop at least 7 times in 1 year. It would just shut off while running. I mean this thing had a mind of it's own. My wife would be driving at highway speed and would have to coast to a stop. This happened probably 10 times. The dealer would try this and that, but never figured out what was wrong. Without going to court, the dealer helped us to get SAAB to buy it back. I later used CARFAX to see what happened to the car and saw that it was sold at auction by SAAB. Maybe it was just this car, but I've heard other stories on the net as well. We will not be buying one again. But I am buying a getting a Pilot in about 1 week though. Happy hunting.
I'm also scared of the oil sluge problems toyota has had (i'm thinking about the pending redesigned 4runner) and from some of the notes on the mdx site where acura is not standing behind some of the first generation bugs... Pilot may be in the same situation with the clicking bugs and leaks I've seen on the boards...
Saab stood behind their product (although quality was subject).
BMW is great from my experience (3 in the past 10 years).
I'm wondering about Honda and Toyota, both who are making great profits but may be cutting corners...
We (myself and several others) are looking to have a meet for both New Englanders and Canadians. I've been sending out messages through other channels and already have a dozen responses with requests for more information.
Activities will include the usual camaraderie, food, door prizes, and discussions of modifications. However, we are also planning the world’s first Honda SUV Olympics. (Have you ever tried auto cross while blindfolded?) All games will be perfectly safe and tons of fun. I’ve attended several of these meets and made some truly wonderful friends. It’s great to put a face to a screen name. I’ve also won more than $150 (US dollars) of OEM and aftermarket goodies for my CR-V. We plan to have door prizes for CR-Vs, Pilots, and the MDX.
We are looking at dates in the end of August. The event will most likely be a single day affair with the possibility of activities for those folks who show up the night prior or stay for the following day. The location depends largely on how many responses we get from folks who wish to attend. So far, we have an excellent site in New Hampshire. You may find Franconia Notch State Park on MapQuest for reference purposes. However, we are also investigating locations in Connecticut, Eastern New York, and Western Mass.
If you are interested in attending, or would like more information, please contact me by e-mail at Varmint@hondasuv.com. In your response, please include your preferences on the following:
Location – Date –
And, of course, all other suggestions are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.
anyone have any recommendations on scotchguard products? I want to get something on my seats but don't want to make the mistake of just buying anything off the shelf that may be useless.
The Pilot is just like the MDX, the VTM unit requires service after the break-in period of 7500 miles. The Normal service interval after that is 30,000 miles. The fluid is from Honda Called "VTM-4 Differential Fluid". If I remember right the dealer charged me about $19 for the fluid. I did the change myself and the only other cost was the 2 washers on the fill and drain plugs. If you want to change it yourself it is very easy.
Changing the VTM fluid is not a big deal.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Remove the oil filler plug and sealing washer, remove the drain plug and sealing washer.
3. Clean the drain plug, then reinstall with a new washer. Tourqe the plug to 35lbf-ft.
4. Refill using the VTM-4 differential Fluid (currently only available from Honda), add the VTM-4 Fluid till it runs out the filler hole.
5. Reinstall the oil filler plug with a new washer and tourqe to 35lbf-ft.
The oil filler plug and the drain plug are on the back side of the Rear Differential. There is a hole thru the frame to access the filler plug and the drain plug is at the bottom. You can access this easily without jacking the car up, you will need a small pump to pump in the fluid as the is no room for a funnel.
"Normal" maintenance schedule: 7,500, 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000, etc.
"Severe conditions" maintenance schedule: 7,500, 15,000, 30,000, 45,000, 60,000, etc.
The manual clearly defines the requirements for "severe conditions." I've noticed some dealerships try to boost their service department revenues by stretching the requirements somewhat.
I also have a rattle near my front, passenger window. More like a vibration. Especially at 35 MPH and 75 MPH.
My wife says I should turn up the radio volume.
I think I narrowed it down to the black vertical trim piece on the door, aft of the window. When I let go of the door handle, with my ear near the trim piece, I hear the thing vibrate. I'll see what the dealer says.
I have a three week old EX with leather and I'm still waiting for the part to replace a piece of my luggage rack that flew off on my second day. Haven't heard one update from the dealer in two and a half weeks. Maybe they plan to wrap it up for Christmas...
I am not interested in a autoBra due to rust/finish concerns or a wind deflector due to the increased noise from it. I have seen some vehicles that have a clear "tape" on their hoods to protect from Rock Chips. Does anyone know where one can purchase this?
I spray the vertical shock absorber, but mind is all black due to Rust protection package. I sprayed on Fri. night, then It seems to work on Sat. morning, then it started to come back during the day, but not that frequent and loud. Then Sun. after we parked under the sun during Sunday mass.Then it totally came back.
I think it is due to the hot weather that everthing expands and gliding with each other.
My dealer say they need more time to spend with my car, and need to reschedule to any day. Which I do not have time (a day) for them. So maybe I wiil wait till the breakin.
But I will try a few more spray for sure.
I also have the window scratch problem, on the front passenger window. Inside the car,the 'brush' material on the top horizontal trim that press against the window glass come loose, and scratch the glass everytime it goes up and down. I can clean up the scratch marks at the end of the day, and I'm sure it can be easily fixed by the dealer (I hope).
The invisible clear tape that protect the hood area, the Honda dealer I got my Pilot has them. It is 3M thick tape. It is about Cad$250. But they do not recommend, as it needs to reapply every 2-3 years.
The 3M product is available under the names Xpel http://www.xpel.com/ and Stoneguard. The xpel product comes specific for the vehicle and when I last checked the website was not available for the pilot. I believe that it is also available under the name Clearbra. Hope that this helps.
I've looked forward to a pilot for some time. this would be for my wife and new baby--had my money (refundable) all set.. She came to me and perhaps this reflects the market, says "you know i'm kind of tired of the SUV thing"(presently drives 98 ML320--don't get me started), what else is there, i'd like something different. So we looked at the 4motion vw, even looked at pictures of the new accord (looks sporty), though doesn't have AWD. THIS ALL STARTED because she couldn't get the red with saddle interior, heated leather seats and had to wait for fall to see the beige, AND all those extra cost dealer installed options. Maybe this SUV thing is tapering off, perhaps women want something "different", perhaps honda dropped the ball. So i saw an ad $399/m lease for an AUDI quattro 3.0. She can get it with onstar, red with beige interior and the trunk is huge, square, usefull and can fit the stroller lengthwise with plenty of room for luggage, all kinds of luxury giszmos etc. the NAV system is archaic, but we wouldn't get that. Here she gets traction of AWD, room, sportyness etc. So we are working the deal. I wish pilot had more choices, and not having heated leather seats seems just out of touch. Why couldn't honda make the canadian version available to us south of the great white north. Don't you feel they may be taking advantage of honda loyalty, and with all those major extra cost high profit dealer add ons? (it probably is a dealer addon record) rather than pkg prices..all that labor costs add up.
THe sacilege is that one would think this SUV thing is losing it's luster with women (if wives and mommies aren't happy...) I can see her point i get to drive what i want (ls430--closest thing to perfection i have EVER owned) she "has to" drive a mommy mobile. SHe said "how often do i take 6-7 people, maybe just take two cars " I wonder what the rest of you feel. Much of this car stuff is like jewelery at a mall, impulse purchase i want the newest and neatest. But maybe she is right, if you can get the safety, traction, size, trunk and style right....bingo. THe nissan murano should be bigger, but maybe women and families are changing their minds and hearts away from SUV-itis. This is not an anti SUV thread, i'm just wondering if the market is swinging. I realize that more and more want crossover vehicles, in the next 2 years you'll see many new ones from all manufactures, MB< ford, chrysler, nissan etc. With the technology for AWD such is the case, every vehicle coould have this option. We don't want off road, but want to make sure we have the traction to stay "on road". Suburu has pushed that as a safty item to the point that people would get it if, and here is a big if...it had midsize room, style, comfort etc.
I realize the audi sedan and pilot are on different planets (audi can tow 2k pounds without coolers) Maybe in a few years these comcepts will merge aka crossover vehicles. Style works well with most customers.
I am going through the similar situation now. The reasons that we are still thinking SUV is the "sitting-high" and good ground clearance. It is getting harder to see things around you in a car on the road nowadays. Otherwise, I agree fully with both of you.
I hear that noise too. The dealer said it was fuel sloshing around. I did not believe them, but when the tank is nearly empty I don't hear it anymore. However I don't think this is normal. Just haven't had the time to take it back to them and see if they can do something about it.
that's what kept this wife/mother in the 7-8 seater mode. that & my volvo was barely wide enough to accomodate one car seat (a britax roundabout in the middle position) & an adult. and with a second child on the way...
so my goal was to find the safest suv-type car w/o going giant. it's hard though, i know how your wife feels about having to "go mommy" with her vehicles. i'm sure our adoring husbands will repay us someday with the luxury/sports cars of our dreams.
As long as we're in the realm of dreams, perhaps you ladies can tweak those dreams to include not only the cars, but also your husbands giving them to you. That way, you're happy and we don't have to spend any money. Of course, when you wake up....
I saw on another board that Silver has had some problems. Inside door jambs/doors are not silver but a grey color. Anyone with silver noticed this? Is this normal? Does not sound right to me. Also, why did Honda not put some kind of clothes hook on the hand bars to hang clothes/dry cleaning? Is there any aftermarket hooks? Honda wakeup this is a no brainer.
My 98 Accord has a removable hook that mounts on the grab bars. I don't know if it will fit but it has to be cheap enough to try. Ask at the parts counter.
Would you mind to tell me where is "the another board", just want ot have more related sites.
I think on the officaial Honda site, somewhere they say the grab bars are double up as coat hanger. The reading light are bright, that's my kid said she likes to read during the trips, but kind of interfer with my night driving.
I hope you are right, I really do. The vast majority of people don't need SUVs - and they know it. It is form over function. You can get the carrying capacity in a minivan or large sedan/station wagon. Those who regularly haul heavy trailers may need an SUV. Those who regularly haul alot of people need a minivan - and they need to get over the image! Not all minivans are driven by women, and not all children play soccer! Those who live in the snowbelt may occasionally need AWD - they don't need an SUV. If you spend alot of time at Home Depot - get a minivan or a trailer! If you need to haul alot of people very occasionally - rent another car when you need it! Personally my dream car (I have 3 kids) is an Audi S6 avant. One other thought - consider the fact that in Europe the vast majority of people happily get by driving sub-compacts. Families of four or five driving Volkswagon Golfs and the like...
Comments
With much freeway time on my hands, I began to search for the noise (It was driving me crazy). I FOUND IT! It is definitely associated with the weather stripping on the driver's door. I found that if I forced my finger tip between the door frame and the door (between the weather stripping along the top of the door), the sound abated. Since my discovery, I keep folded business cards stuck between the door and frame at the top of the door, while driving. Now I can drive in peace:) Obviously, this is not an acceptable long term solution, but should at least suffice until I can take the Pilot in again. Any ideas how the mechanic can make permanent adjustments to the door/weather stripping to improve the fit?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
quote:
------------------------------------
massaged the body welds around the left strut tower area
------------------------------------
quote:
-------------------------------------
"removed the left front shock tower assembly, ground down burs on spot welds, greased the surface and then reinstalled the shock"
We haven't had the problem since they did this fix. It sounds like the same fix as "massaging the welds".
-------------------------------------
quote:
-------------------------------------
THE FIX IS DONE NOT BY MASSAGING THE WELD POINTS , BUT BY GRINDING THEM DOWN. tHIS IN NO WAY AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE COMPONENT
-------------------------------------
:-) Also, Is 3-4 months a long wait? I don't think anyone else has had that long a wait have they? I ordered on June 15, with deliver in Sept./Oct. How does this look...
black exl - msrp - $30980
Running Boards - $550 installed
Roof rails - $182 installed
Bumper Garnishes - $450 installed
Chrome Mirror Covers - $115 installed
Is that any good? Dealer claims I am getting the DIO's at THEIR cost.
By the way, nobody has mentioned the chrome (plastic) bumper garnishes...I think they're AWESOME...what a difference! The demo vehicle that I saw has them. Really dresses things up (I am not talking about the chrome bumper that fits on the front lower trim...the garnishes go on all four corners...they look great). I am not sure though about the chrome sideview mirror covers cuz they only come half way down...can't decide if I wanna get them or not.
They'd also be getting lots of info from their dealer network which must have always been their first and main "real world" feedback program.
A manufacturer would be nuts not to incorporate "running" fixes for any recurring problems in the midst of a model run. If you buy a car in the first months of production, conventional wisdom is that you have a greater chance of running into a bug that hasn't been reported back to the assembly line to be fixed.
Others say that many new models are just put together from existing platforms and whatever is in the parts bin, so the risk of new model year bugs is exaggerated.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
They may be selling you the DIO's at cost...but that means they are charging you ~$350 in Labor...
Here is pricing from an online dealership (you know cost is lower than this)
Running Boards ...427.70
Crossbars ...133.90
Bumper Garnish Front & Rear...357.50
Door Mirror Covers ...84.50
most if not all of these can be installed at home with a little effort.
As far as a 3-4 mth wait..depends on their demand...I bet anything beyond 2 months means they have no idea (they have about that much notice from honda on what they are getting allocated)...
PS...I agree with Steve about the factory being able to do timely fix's (depending on what needs to be done)...Nothing I've seen on the various boards points to anything seriously wrong with the Pilot and most people have no problems at all (based on some polls I saw)
It may still be a bit early in the game to know what (other) problems may hit the Pilot. Who's got the high mileage claim to date on one?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
When it comes down to it, this is a minor issue. My mountaineer had frame noises that were far worse than what I am experiencing with the Pilot. I am just used to the silence of an Accord and expected the same finish quality in the Pilot. Despite a few small annoyances, I am very satisfied with my Pilot purchase.
Is it the vertical shock absorber, or at the end of the shock that connect with the silver arm ?
Can you elebrate more of the details.
Thanks for your help.
So what did your dealer tell you after they claim the noise was from the moulding. Did they tell you just to go home and live with the noise ?
I want to know from others what we can do as a new car owner, find the defects from day 1, and dealer will not do anything to solve it. Thanks
I know it is annoying... but compared to the problems I have experienced with my previous Ford SUV's... it's nothing.
My sister's '02 Ody had a same problem that they couldn't fix to her satisfaction...
Have anyone else experience this?
Dan from SoCal
They mention having to do service on the rear differential at 7500 miles. Has anyone done/seen this with the Pilot? What are the dealers charging? Any other "surprise" service requirements? Could someone check their owners manual to see what it says?
Any concern over the transmissions after the problems that the Odyssey's had?
I know why.
It looks like a crv. Not that a crv is bad looking, it's that the pilot is just boring looking.
Looks are the bad news.
So the good news is that Honda will have more pilots for people who want the vehicle. Demand will still outpace supply, but it won't be a frenzy.
I'm on the fence now. Silver in LX and EX is quite boring. Looks like a montero sport, only more bland. I need to see other colors in person to see if they vehicle is something I could own for 4-6 years.
The MDX is much more attractive to me at this point, especially if the 2003 MDX has the newer engine, xenon lights and more but at 5k more. At the same time, the mdx could stay in my garage for 6 years and i wouldn't mind.
I saw some comments on wagons and went out and drove the saab 9-5. Nice car, very solid, fast and drove almost as nice as my 528 5-speed. We are now talking about this car. (we don't need seating for 7, just space for our 100lb dog)
Happy hunting all.
Maybe I should just stay with a 525 it wagon...
I'm also scared of the oil sluge problems toyota has had (i'm thinking about the pending redesigned 4runner) and from some of the notes on the mdx site where acura is not standing behind some of the first generation bugs... Pilot may be in the same situation with the clicking bugs and leaks I've seen on the boards...
Saab stood behind their product (although quality was subject).
BMW is great from my experience (3 in the past 10 years).
I'm wondering about Honda and Toyota, both who are making great profits but may be cutting corners...
Activities will include the usual camaraderie, food, door prizes, and discussions of modifications. However, we are also planning the world’s first Honda SUV Olympics. (Have you ever tried auto cross while blindfolded?) All games will be perfectly safe and tons of fun. I’ve attended several of these meets and made some truly wonderful friends. It’s great to put a face to a screen name. I’ve also won more than $150 (US dollars) of OEM and aftermarket goodies for my CR-V. We plan to have door prizes for CR-Vs, Pilots, and the MDX.
We are looking at dates in the end of August. The event will most likely be a single day affair with the possibility of activities for those folks who show up the night prior or stay for the following day. The location depends largely on how many responses we get from folks who wish to attend. So far, we have an excellent site in New Hampshire. You may find Franconia Notch State Park on MapQuest for reference purposes. However, we are also investigating locations in Connecticut, Eastern New York, and Western Mass.
If you are interested in attending, or would like more information, please contact me by e-mail at Varmint@hondasuv.com. In your response, please include your preferences on the following:
Location –
Date –
And, of course, all other suggestions are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.
Changing the VTM fluid is not a big deal.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Remove the oil filler plug and sealing washer, remove the drain plug and sealing washer.
3. Clean the drain plug, then reinstall with a new washer. Tourqe the plug to 35lbf-ft.
4. Refill using the VTM-4 differential Fluid (currently only available from Honda), add the VTM-4 Fluid till it runs out the filler hole.
5. Reinstall the oil filler plug with a new washer and tourqe to 35lbf-ft.
The oil filler plug and the drain plug are on the back side of the Rear Differential. There is a hole thru the frame to access the filler plug and the drain plug is at the bottom. You can access this easily without jacking the car up, you will need a small pump to pump in the fluid as the is no room for a funnel.
Hope this helps.
Greg
"Severe conditions" maintenance schedule: 7,500, 15,000, 30,000, 45,000, 60,000, etc.
The manual clearly defines the requirements for "severe conditions." I've noticed some dealerships try to boost their service department revenues by stretching the requirements somewhat.
My wife says I should turn up the radio volume.
I think I narrowed it down to the black vertical trim piece on the door, aft of the window. When I let go of the door handle, with my ear near the trim piece, I hear the thing vibrate. I'll see what the dealer says.
I have a three week old EX with leather and I'm still waiting for the part to replace a piece of my luggage rack that flew off on my second day. Haven't heard one update from the dealer in two and a half weeks. Maybe they plan to wrap it up for Christmas...
I sprayed on Fri. night, then It seems to work on Sat. morning, then it started to come back during the day, but not that frequent and loud.
Then Sun. after we parked under the sun during Sunday mass.Then it totally came back.
I think it is due to the hot weather that everthing expands and gliding with each other.
My dealer say they need more time to spend with my car, and need to reschedule to any day. Which I do not have time (a day) for them. So maybe I wiil wait till the breakin.
But I will try a few more spray for sure.
I also have the window scratch problem, on the front passenger window. Inside the car,the 'brush' material on the top horizontal trim that press against the window glass come loose, and scratch the glass everytime it goes up and down. I can clean up the scratch marks at the end of the day, and I'm sure it can be easily fixed by the dealer (I hope).
THe sacilege is that one would think this SUV thing is losing it's luster with women (if wives and mommies aren't happy...) I can see her point i get to drive what i want (ls430--closest thing to perfection i have EVER owned) she "has to" drive a mommy mobile. SHe said "how often do i take 6-7 people, maybe just take two cars " I wonder what the rest of you feel. Much of this car stuff is like jewelery at a mall, impulse purchase i want the newest and neatest. But maybe she is right, if you can get the safety, traction, size, trunk and style right....bingo. THe nissan murano should be bigger, but maybe women and families are changing their minds and hearts away from SUV-itis. This is not an anti SUV thread, i'm just wondering if the market is swinging. I realize that more and more want crossover vehicles, in the next 2 years you'll see many new ones from all manufactures, MB< ford, chrysler, nissan etc. With the technology for AWD such is the case, every vehicle coould have this option. We don't want off road, but want to make sure we have the traction to stay "on road". Suburu has pushed that as a safty item to the point that people would get it if, and here is a big if...it had midsize room, style, comfort etc.
I realize the audi sedan and pilot are on different planets (audi can tow 2k pounds without coolers) Maybe in a few years these comcepts will merge aka crossover vehicles. Style works well with most customers.
I'm ready for my punishment...be gentle.
I hear that noise too. The dealer said it was fuel sloshing around. I did not believe them, but when the tank is nearly empty I don't hear it anymore. However I don't think this is normal. Just haven't had the time to take it back to them and see if they can do something about it.
that's what kept this wife/mother in the 7-8 seater mode. that & my volvo was barely wide enough to accomodate one car seat (a britax roundabout in the middle position) & an adult. and with a second child on the way...
so my goal was to find the safest suv-type car w/o going giant. it's hard though, i know how your wife feels about having to "go mommy" with her vehicles. i'm sure our adoring husbands will repay us someday with the luxury/sports cars of our dreams.
I think on the officaial Honda site, somewhere they say the grab bars are double up as coat hanger.
The reading light are bright, that's my kid said she likes to read during the trips, but kind of interfer with my night driving.
Personally my dream car (I have 3 kids) is an Audi S6 avant.
One other thought - consider the fact that in Europe the vast majority of people happily get by driving sub-compacts. Families of four or five driving Volkswagon Golfs and the like...