Honda Pilot Accessories and Modifications

jenniferspence

My husband and I are looking at a 2007 EX-L. Can anyone explain what hte best way to hook up my ipod is? Should I go for the honda ipod link accessory, or buy a new indash stereo that would be ipod compatible? if we get an indash stereo from anyplace but honda, will we still be able to use the steering-wheel controls?

practical

Got a 07 Pilot, hard to fit in 4 bikes for me, my wife, and the two kids. Too bad Ody doesn't have AWD.

Roof rack might be a choice, but loading and unloading are not easy. So, figured put two small ones inside w/ 3rd row down, and the adult's can use a hitch-mounted bike rack.

"$900." Honda rep told me, just for the hitch. All four bikes combined just half of the price!

Does anyone know how w/o breaking the warranty?

Thanks.

baron64

Just ask for the hitch, ball, and wiring harness - a lot less expensive. A Honda dealer said they would do that as long as I wasn't towing anything. I just need one for bikes and a cargo carrier and don't need the transmission or power steering cooler for that. I suppose there is always an unscrupulous dealer out there that would try to give you a hard time if anything went wrong with the transmission. Anyone else have any thoughts on that?

aspesisteve

I just installed a 2" class 3 'Curtis' tow hitch on my pilot for hauling bikes. Cost was $135 including shipping to my door. Istall was very easy in under an hour - the holes are pre-drilled waiting for you to install.

Got mine off E-Bay from some dealer in Colorado.

I even installed a wire kit for occaissional haul of a 1,000 pound tent trailer. No need for a tranny cooler here.

Going on top of a car with bikes is a major pain. Getting a rear tow hitch on is a snap.

maxshop

I have the same question. Anyone? Thanks

Has anyone here added either an aftermarket, third party Nav system OR a Honda Factory Nav system to the pilot that has a RES ?

aspesisteve

unless something of recent has changed, you cannot purchase a Pilot with the RES and the NAV. It's either or.

The combination of these two options is available on the Acura version of the Pilot (MDX).

My advice would be to get the RES factory installed so you have it integrated into the stereo system and buy a third party Navigation device which only costs around $350 and is much easier to install your self.

hos

Hi Steve, Just got a hitch too but paid twice as much as you !!! Anyway, just looking at predrilled holes on the frame on each side, it looks like the muffler is totally on the way. How did you handle muffler side. Did you more or remove the muffler? Did you take the spare tire off before installation? Can you easily lower the spare tire after installation? If you can send some pictures of what the underneath of the car looks like after installation it would be great. Thanks and looking forward your response.

Hos-

aspesisteve

hey hos,

yea, it's funny, but I got a wide range of quotes for hitches before getting what I thought was a good deal including shipping. It ranged from around $100 - $300 for basically the same thing (Class 3, 2" hitch). I found mine at www.hitchsource.com and was very please with everything.

for my hitch (Curtis Hitch) it just slips right over the muffler - no need to unhitch it. I did have to lower the spare after installing it because my hitch had two additional support bolts that install just above the center of the hitch to the back side of the bumper- again these holes are pre-drilled on the Pilot. Best to leave a little slack in the bolts untill you get all of them in - there's about a 1/4 inch of play that you might have to manage before lining everything up.

So there's not a problem interfering with the spare. But my spare is not full size either - if you have a full size spare then all bets are off!
on the left hand side where there is a tow hook, you'll have to remove that.

if you are adding a wire harness you'll find a convienent space next to the existing factory installed wires where you can tuck it away. there are gromets that pop out where you can then thread the wires down to the hitch receiver area.

baron64

Has anyone put on door edge guards on your Honda Pilot? If so, where did you get them? Thanks

joe131

Any owners here wish Pilot had more driver and passenger legroom?
I found an easy inexpensive fix.

trdprerunnerdc

I've seen pictures on the internet about a shop in Santa Barbara that installed a really nice Pioneer Avic Z1 in a Honda Pilot. Very nice Job.

abhiku

Has anyone here added either an aftermarket, third party DVD system on a Pilot with Nav?

How well it integrate with Stero system or controls?

Any advice on Pilot with Nav or Pilot with Res? I'd like to have both and was thinking of picking up with Nav then add DVD system later on.

Thanks

btghostown

how do you get more leg room???

cb13

Hi,

I am planning on getting backup sensors for 2007 Pilot. Is it worth trying to install yourself. I am not a handy person. Is it relatively easy to do? Has anyone got it installed from the dealer? How much did they charge?

Thanks,

newfrontier

Any recommendations for an aftermarket class III hitch for a 2006 Pilot 4WD? Prefer one that is hidden behind the bumper as much as possible. Thanks.

tsy

If you are not handy I would not suggest you do it. You need to remove the rear bumper cover (among other things) drill holes, mount the sensors. I've done it before and it's a pain. If the sensors are off they'll go off when they don't need to, which is even more annoying!

It was quite expensive from the dealer, though. Something like $700 (but cheaper than the $900 they originally quoted me). You can find plenty of aftermarket systems that usually car stereo places will install for you for less.

tom

jyuen9

I got a class III hitch installed at UHaul for about $240.00 including lifetime warranty for $5.00. If the car is stolen, hitch is rusted or damaged in an accident, they will replace it for free. I use it only for a bike rack, so I didn't need any electrical installation. If you go to ontheball.com, you can get a class III hitch with delivery for around $150.00. It seems the installation is easy but I didn't want to do it myself and may need another person to assist you. The last time I installed a tow hitch on my Nissan Quest, it took me two hours underneath the car with a 50Ib hitch on my chest. This time I paid the extra $$ to have it install.

aspesisteve

try Curtishitch.com
got mine for $140 including delivery. It's also the best looking as far as being hidden away. Installation takes about an hour. If you think you might ever pull something, pay the extra $15 for a wire harness that plugs into the existing factory wiring.

you can save a few bucks buying it on EBAY, but it can be hard to find.

newfrontier

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have been looking at Curtis hitches on eBay. They seem to be the least expensive. Also, the Pilot hitch is apparently the same as one for an MDX, and they show a picture of an MDX where the hitch is hidden almost completely behind the bumper (except of course for the receiver). Is that how it appears with a pilot? Here's the picture of the MDX (I think): http://www.hitchsource.com/images/13328_pilot_hitch.jpg

pilot_or_toy

Just installed Curt hitch #13328; got the hitch and wiring kit from hitchsource from ebay for about $155 incl s/h. Installation took about an 45mins, mostly due to difficulty propping the hitch in up position. Didn't need to loosen muffler or take off the spare tire; Tightening fasteners was easy, though aligning the middle ones (behind bumper beam) took a while b/c the supplied fasteners felt short - had to tighten the side ones first. the hitch looks good - horizontal bar is almost invisible, even though there is ~1" gap between the receiver and the bumper. There is plenty of room for the full spare tire if needed (mine is just a doughnut).

galabar

Not an Earth shaking question, but do folks like the pin stripe on the Pilot? I'm going to be purchasing a 2007 and I wanted to know if folks thought it looked better with our without (told you it wasn't an Earth shaking question :-) ).

--Kevin

tidester

For me, the question of pinstriping depends on the make & model. I would not pinstripe the Pilot - but that's just me!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

cjofpa

I have Verizon VZ Nav in my cell phone, and it is great. $10 a month or $2.99 each use. Anyone compair?
Is the Pilot Nav just as good?
Does the Nav system give verbal directions as you drive?

justaveragejoe

I kinda like some of the stripes on the Pilots. For me the really dark colors look good with a silver stripe that matches the rims and grill.

aspesisteve

Hi newfrontier,

yes, it looks the same on the Pilot as it does on the MDX.
You can't go wrong with the Curtishitch for under $150; not only is it IMO, the best value, but it's the best looking (as in you can't see it) too!

newfrontier

Thanks. Received it yesterday. Got the sides bolted in place with no problems, but the center holes don't line up with the holes in the bumper, and the center brace is about 1/2 inch away from the surface of the bumper. What do I do now?

aspesisteve

I had the same issue, or at least I thought I did.

You need to losen the side bolts so that you can nudge the hitch until the center hole lines up - there's about a 1/4 inch play on both sides which can make it out of line.. Once you have the center bolts in place you can go back and tighten the side bolts.

newfrontier

Thanks. That's exactly what I did. Next problem is that the center tab is not flush with the inside of the bumper. I tightened the screws somewhat, but not to the torque setting. Seemed to draw the bumper tab closer to the bumper (or the bumper moving towards to tab!), but I didn't want to crank everything out of shape. Sound like your experience, too?

aspesisteve

you lost me here.
I'm not sure what the "bumper tab" is.

I was able to torque it all pretty tight after lining up the center bolts. So I'm not sure I can help you on this.

Did you lower the spare tire to have easier access to the center bolt/screw?

justaveragejoe

I also wanted to improve the stereo in my 2007 EX but didn't want to replace the Head Unit (I really like the steering wheel controls) and was not ready to part with a significant amount of cash so I had some new front speakers installed today (nothing else). They made a noticeable improvement as the sound is crisper, clearer, and cleaner now. This did not make an ear-popping difference and still does not compare to the sound from an aftermarket CD-Player, but was an improvement.

From what I learned, the front speakers do not have a cross-over for the tweeters and so replacing the 6 1/2 inch door speakers was pretty easy. I went with Pioneer TA-A632. These will also fit in the back doors.

I went to a local stereo shop, $80 for the speakers, $40 for the installation.

rdawg

I just got a Curt hitch on Ebay for $137, took about an hour to put on, it would have taken less time if the right side mounting holes weren't so rusty. Looks good, it's really hidden. I got it for holding a hitch bike rack and found an Allen Deluxe 4 bike rack on Amazon for $100 and free shipping. It had good ratings and seems real solid so far.

vaniscool

Enhanced security system installs a shock sensor over and above the factory for break-ins through window, tow the car, steal the wheel etc. They charge an arm and a leg for it...so it is really dealer's (financial) security

robfern

Hey all,

I just leased a new '08 Pilot and declined to purchase the side steps at the dealership because they wanted $680 for them...but I really dig them!

I've been looking online and can't seem to find those for less than $400...do any of you have any suggestions? I definitely prefer the oval ended bar side steps over the curved bar look.

Thanks for any help you may offer.

robfern

stever

Some people don't like side steps but probably wound up with them on their '08 Pilot. How to find them is the question - maybe a wanted ad on Craigslist.com or Kijiji.com or one of the auto specific mags. The freight may eat up your savings if you can't find a used set locally though.

odie6l

being that the '08 is not any different from the '06 / '07's. Try calling some local salvage yards. You could end up with a pair of running boards or nerf bars (the tubes) for around $45-$85 depending on the type. Also most salvage yards can check a database of other salvage yards to have a set pulled from a pilot and sent to you.

I went this route to get a set of OEM rear splash guards and only paid $20 out the door.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

P.S. - just remember that the pilot had to have been in a accident to end up in the salavge yard, so you will need to make sure they have ALL the mounting hardware.

aspesisteve

what happens when you return your lease?
what will you do with the side steps?

or do you plan on buying out your lease?

When contemplating a lease, I'm usually deterred from anything after market because the dealer isn't going to buy those things from you.

pp06

Has anyone ever had a clearbra installed on a pilot? How does it look? Does it protect the paint?

white92

Yes. It protects the paint very well. Just make sure you don't buy a knock off product. People tend to use the name "ClearBra pretty loosely. Kind of like how people refer to any soda as a "Coke".

trmend1

You can change the speed of your wipers, you can fidget with seats but is there any way to extend the interior cabin lighting time before they shut off no matter if the key is in the ignition or not?? I have to buckle up my toddler in the back and I get about half way done before all goes dark! Not an issue in the summer with so much daylight... but now the sun is hard to come by as winter approaches in the NW.

A shot in the dark... pun intented!

Cheers,
T

jmac8

We bought a separation net and have not used it. If anyone is interested in purchasing please reply and we can negotiate price. We paid $100 with shipping.

odie6l

I would have that looked at if your lights are turning off while your door is open during the buckle in period. the lights should not go off while the doors are open, unless you hit your master switch next to the cruise master switch.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

databat

OK, picking up my 2008 Pilot Saturday. From what I can see there is an xm/aux button, but no aux jack. Is it hidden somewhere? Just want to play my Ipod in the car and have to use the Belkin transmitter I have been using on my 2005 Pilot.

Whats the deal? Hoda cannot be that far behind the times that they include XM but no Ipod jack? Or is this a conspiracy with XM and Honda that Honda will not provide the jack so people will buy XM and not listen to their Ipods?

Is there an after market accessory that is not expensive and that will not violate my lease?

I know this has been asked before, so sorry for asking again. Thanks in advance for your help.

robfern

Your auxillary jack is in the back of your arm console facing the back seats. It is the set of three RCA plugins (yellow, red, and white) where you can plug in your ipod, vcr, etc.

SO for your ipod you need a cable that has RCA jacks on one end (red and white) and a stereo mini jack plug on the other (headphone plug). THis cable can be found at pretty much any electronics store.

Sounds great!

Robby

databat

Robbie, Thanks.

But is this information accurate if you do not have the DVD entertainment center? Is there still an RCA jack if you do not have that? In the 2005 EX-L there was no RCA jack in the rear console.

robfern

Oh sorry, yes the aux jacks are only available if you have the DVD entertainment system. Honda does have an OPTION of installing a minijack input for mp3 players, but it costs a ton compared to aftermarket options.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm almost certain they only come standard WITH the DVD option.

Run by your local Best Buy or HifiBuys to see what aftermarket options you have. Using the tape adapter is better than FM modulation, but the best thing you could do is add a direct audio cable from the back of your receiver and into the ipod...a car audio specialist will be able to help you do that.....for an added cost of course.

rjb10

Do you know if this will fit a 2008 Pilot (as a spare)? What are you asking?

jazzbloom

Hi,

I'm at the point where my lease is up on my 2005 Honda Pilot. It's in great shape and rides really well. I was thinking about turning in my lease and getting another (new) 2005 Pilot with a moonroof, dvd, roof rack, however I think I can probably get the stuff installed aftermarket. I think the cost would equal out for the buyout vs. buying another Pilot.

Can you please give me some pointers as to where/how I go about this. Am I asking for trouble (and leakage)? I'm most concerned about the moonroof!

I live outside of Boston and would be willing to drive anywhere in New England so that I get a good product/service.

Thanks in advance!

jjk20

VP 4WD, the rear view mirror seams small & cheap. Are there any easy inexpensive replacements? thk u

rgustafs

Wow. I thought that there would be a jack on a new 08 EX-L with Nav. Is there no jack unless you have the RES? I hate the FM modulation thing on my 05.

brunerp

Does this system block out certain areas of Washington DC for security purposes?
There seems to be a "dead zone" near the Pentagon where information on my system is unavailable. I believe I have the latest s/w.