Honda Pilot Accessories and Modifications

andylaksh1

Hello all,
I have an '08 VP 4WD and would like to install an after-market over head flip down dvd player. I was thinking about getting the player from ebay (saw quite a few around $230 range) and have it installed in a local custom stereo shop. Does anyone who have done this can suggest me what brand/size/price etc.? Also, is it ok to go to a custom shop without having to worry about my vehicle's interiors getting messed up and all? What is your experience in general with this kind of stuff? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

poodog13

Try installing them the other direction (back to front). They are only designed to be installed facing one direction, if they are facing the wrong way then the wind shear causes the whistling.

jwalls

Just wondering if its worth bickering with dealers over running boards or not. The dealers dont seem to want to bargain with me on these. I think they are over 600.00 cost. Can they be purchased for less and if so, does anyone have a web site ?

Jim

poodog13

Try bernardiparts.com

bossoxfan

Not sexy acessories I know, but I got the rubber floor mats and second row polypropelne seat cover and am happy with the purchases. Especially useful with two toddler boys and the snow/mud/sand that comes with N.E. Winter weather.

Seat cover took some effort to install but it fits like a glove - which made it hard to put on because it fits so tightly.

"Pilot" logo come on both so they look sharp and coordinated. Plus, both the mats and seat cover are black and go well with black leather on my 2009 Pilot EXL.

Bernardi.com was cheaper than directly from Honda.

poodog13

I had been considering 2nd row covers but opted not to go with them because it seemed like it would prevent third row access. Any thoughts?

rgv3766

I shared the price from the Bernardiparts.com with the dealer and they came within about $30. We purchased the lighted boards for our 09 Pilot and working out great. Although the lights are a little more expensive, definitely worth it to see your step at night.

rgv3766

I've read a few "not so good" messages about the Honda Remote Starter. We have an 09 Pilot AWD EXL and considering this option. Does anyone have a recommendation of other Remote Starters or know if Honda has corrected their problem of having to "shut the engine off" to enter the vehicle?

nikbert

Has anyone tried installing non-lighted running boards? Easy/hard...? Does the kit come with all the equipment/tools like uh Rivet Nut Tool or can it be easily (cheaply) bought.

I saw the instructions and the installation seemed straight forward.

Thanks!

bigdadi118

Try the SnapOn online shopping I don't think Rivet Nut Tool is expensive.

sunnyfl1

I just installed one overhead flip DVD on my EX 2009

Got it from circuit city is a 11" wide screen with 2 wireless headf. the brand is Jensen... Circuit city has a special that will give you Free installation done by they Firedog dept.

The installer ask me if I wanted the option of choosing to have the sound on both the wireless headf. and the car speakers, the only thing I had to do is buy an aux cable ($11).

It looks great and I can hear music while the kids watch the movie or I can use the car speaker system for everybody to hear the movie.

the cost is $599 and I got also the extended warranty for 4 more years @ $185 ..I got the warranty because my kids.. you know how it is with the little destroyers

Anyway I prefer peace of mind getting the thing done from a big chain than from the local guys

I hope this helps

jcarlk

Ok, so I have an aux input kit (Crutchfield recommended an in-line FM unit, since I have the nav system on my 08 pilot). Before I open up the dash, I was curious whether anyone has wired one of these into their pilot.

1) Is opening the dash hard? Is there anything I should know to avoid damage?

2) What kind of wiring do I need to put this in? In particular, Crutchfield wants me to splice the power line into the radio's power line. Are there any accessories that will make that easier?

Thanks!

bigdadi118

Take a review of this DIY w/photos
http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13621&highlight=usa+- spec

There is a new PA15-HON replaced the older PA11-HON a couple of mo ago.

ed111

I just installed the Honda black side steps accessory on a 2009 Pilot. The dealer where I purchased the steps loaned me the rivnut tool.

Once the rivnuts are installed (not hard with the tool), the rest of the installation is merely screwing in bolts with a socket wrench. It takes maybe 15 minutes per side.

I'm not sure why the whole rivnut thing is set up that way. Just one hole on each side requires the rivnut because the hole is not threaded, even though it is on the same metal panel as all of the other holes. I think Honda designed it to require a special tool to keep down the number of self installers and insure that the dealers get the installation business.

If your local dealer will not loan you the special tool, bernardiparts.com sells it to you and allows you to return it for $20 less (and you pay shipping both ways. You really only need to use it for about 5 minutes.

xiosmx5

Or you can get these side steps like I did.
http://www.vanguardoffroad.com/20hopisistne.html

They come with a threaded inset that goes into the hole that's has no threads. I did have to drill it out just a tad to tap it in though.

pauls7

How do you like those Vanguard side steps? Are they good quality? I'm considering them or the OEM black tube side steps...

xiosmx5

Visually they look great in my opinion. I've never had my hands on the OEM side tubes so I can't speak for build quality compared to the OEMs. The only two issues I had were that the install instructions show that the rivnut/threaded plug location is on the front bracket when in reality it's in the rear and the fact that you have to slightly drill out that hole in order to get the plug they supply you to fit properly. I did call the place and after exchanging a few pictures back and forth to explain the issues I had and they went on in a snap. At only $300 they were well worth it.

joga37

Everything went well with the install of the front end cover, until I tried to slip the the reinforced pockets under the headlights.The clearance is so tight that I can't slide the pockets under the headlight housing.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

pauls7

Thanks for the info. I think like the look of the Vanguard bars better than the OEM and based on what you said, it sounds like I should be able to handle the install too. Thanks for your comments. It was very helpful. I plan to order then today.

nnna

Hi,
I am also looking forward to install an overhead dvd in my 2009 EX. May be you can provide me some guidance. Unlike EXL and Touring models, EX does not come with doom ceeling and my concern is what if after installing and overhead dvd my rear view will restrict. Do you think it is an issue?

tina1976

Can anyone tell me exactly what comes in the dealer-offered "accessory package". I know it includes mudguards, wheel locks, and trim. Anything else? Isn't all of that things that you can put on yourself for much cheaper?

tina1976

Oh, also, a Honda dealer tried to tell me today that the accessory package isn't optional. Is this true???

bigdadi118

When you try to build your Pilot in honda.com site, there're accessories options available individually, but didn't see accessory package

tina1976

It's crazy because the package only includes mudguards, wheel locks and that ugly trim and it costs close to $600!!!! Then the dealer tried to tell me that the car already comes with all of this stuff, so it's hard to say that you don't want it. It's complete bs.

bigdadi118

Best way is find another dealer. Look at the MSRP page stick to side windows to determine whether is the factory installed or dealer installed.

You don't want it, don't pay for it. Take it if it's FREE.

tina1976

Makes sense....thanks!

poodog13

When the dealer says the package isn't optional, what they really mean is that they don't order the cars without it. This is a way for them to build in profits. If they won't deduct the $600, check other dealers in your area or ask them if they'll do a vehicle search for you.

igandalf2

Yes. Have on '09 Pilot. Kids hooked up their Nintendo Wii when we travelled last summer. It was waaaay cool.

idmd

Hi....looking at 2009 Pilots in the Touring trim. I want the rear DVD but none instock have them. Can that be added as a dealer install?

xiosmx5

They cannot install the factory system.

idmd

Interesting....I had one dealership imply that they could. Must be an aftermarket system. I wonder which one....hmmm. Is there are particular aftermarket system Honda dealers tend to install in these situations?

bigdadi118

What's your zip code and how far do you want to travel. I can locate 09 Pilot Touring w/Nav & Res for you. Tell me your 1st, 2nd color option also.

Base on CT (I saw your old post) and Hartford CT (mid-point) within 100 miles radius, 09 Touring w/Nav & Res 4WD... I think the $100 difference is for the floor mats

Be careful with Gray color. There're 2 Gray : Sterling Gray with Gray or Black interior, Nimbus Gray with Beige interior.

You can easily find the dealer info by google search the dealer name.

$40,765 / Red / J6542 / Curry Honda Yorktown / 61.miles
$40,665 / White / 24908 / Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk / 72.miles
$40,730 / Blue / 26141 / Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk / 72.miles
$40,665 / Silver / PH9S261 / DCH Paramus Honda / 86.miles
$40,665 / Blue / 14720 / Silko Honda / 89.miles
$40,665 / White / 9B039079 / Garden State Honda / 92.miles
$40,630 / Gray / 9B007444 / Garden State Honda / 92.miles
$40,665 / Black / 9B022645 / Garden State Honda / 92.miles
$40,665 / Gray / 90338 / Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington / 96.miles
$40,765 / Black / 9H692 / Atamian Honda VW / 99.miles
$40,765 / White / 9H837 / Atamian Honda VW / 99.miles

idmd

So as long as the Pilot has the NAV system the aftermarket "DVD player" is really just the screen installed in the back and the DVD still is played from the standard Honda radio in front?

idmd

Disregard the above post. I understand now. Anyone install a rear DVD system from VST or Nesa Vision?

rogue2k7

I'm also about to purchase an EX-L Honda Pilot. Do not get Window Etching, Scotch Guard or Pinstripes unless they give them for free. They claim Window Etching is a Enhanced Security deterrent but it's crap.

poodog13

Personally don't understand why anyone would get pinstripes, they went out of style about 20 years ago.

poodog13

I have a 2009 Pilot Touring and am considering purchasing the cross-bars (personally think its BS that the vehicle has the rails factory-installed but the cross-bars are extra). Can anyone tell me if the cross-bars add any height (and I mean ANY height) to the overall height of the vehicle? My Pilot just barely fits into my garage and I wouldn't want to order them only to find out that the thing will no longer fit once installed.

Thanks!

tachida2

Will 09 Pilot wheels fit 07 Pilot

jungle_cat

I purchased a Pilot that is mostly driven by my wife. She loves and and is happy with it. The only accessory we added after we purchased it was the Chrome Side Steps. It helps the kids and my wife enter and exit the car a lot easier.

JC

bigdadi118

Chrome Side Steps

Don't install chrome side steps if you have snowy winter. It get rusted quick due to road salt/sand. Sand blasts the chrome outer layer and salt eats in to it. Black plastic prem or the one with light are better choice.

tornadog

My wife is pretty adamant of having the advanced cargonet. Is it really that useful for space management?

Also the backup sensors, how required are they considering I am moving to a bigger vehicle than the crv that I now have?

poodog13

We have the Touring without the cargo net and can honestly say I'm glad we don't. It would be in our way much of the time.

As for the parking sensors, I actually find the sensors at the front corners to be the most useful. The Pilot is a pretty wide vehicle by many comparisons, and the front corner parking sensors come in very handy whether you are trying to front-in while parking in a lot or, in my case, trying to get close to my garage wall without actually hitting it.

jungle_cat

bigdadi:

Ahh...thanks for the feedback on that. I did not know. I will try to rectify my mistake.

JC

goshindo1

Can anyone tell me if I can purchase headrest monitors and tie them into the existing RES? Can this be done easily? pros/cons? Thanks.

nasgroup

Hey all,

I'm looking for a cargo tray for my 2010 Honda Pilot. The OEM ones from Honda are supposed to be a thin plastic that is not made to be bent. It has to be removed if you put up the 3rd row seats. Is this true?

The Weathertech ones look good

http://www.weathertech.com/store/mvproduct.aspx?ItemGroupId=1&VehId=805&Year=201- - 0&CustomerVehId=0

It says they are flexible but I wonder how it handles the 3rd row seat being up. Is it really a very bendable rubber? Does anyone have any experience with this one?

Does anyone have any other manufactuerers that I should look into?

thanks

bigdadi118

It will bend OK for the 3rd row. If you find it a little curly, then put some weight, like phone books, at 4 corners and it'll back to its shape.

nasgroup

Thanks for the info. That was my concern with the OEM cargo tray. I'd hate to have to carry something to flatten it out every time I needed to use the 3rd row seats

poodog13

We have the OEM tray in our 09 Pilot and are very happy with it. Not so thin that it is flimsy, but also holds it shape well. I don't think you'd need to worry about flattening it out unless it was rolled up for a long time. Mine was shipped rolled and flattened out just fine in one day.

nasgroup

Thanks for the reply.

So what do you do with it when the 3rd row seats are up? I was concerned it might bend and crease it. ... Or do you simply roll it backwards until the 3rd row seats are up leaving it to cover the remaining cargo area?

What is the material like?

poodog13

It depends on what we are using the third row for. If we are just carting a few extra people around (out to dinner or something) and don't need to take any cargo with us, we just roll it back loosely so that the seats will come up. We don't roll it tightly enough to crease it. The fact that it is rolled loosely then means that you really can't use the cargo space unless you take it out, put the heavy stuff down, and then put the mat tray back in, still loosely rolled up.

If I need the cargo space and the third row at the same time (going shopping, luggage, etc), then we just take it out entirely and put it back in when we are done. It is very lightweight and easy to take out and put back.

The material is a lightweight, semi-rigid black rubber. It rolls easily but also is rigid enough to keep its shape.