Honda Pilot Accessories and Modifications

my3kids

http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3- 565&perpage=15&highlight=Clear%20bra&pagenumber=5

There is a photo of the 3m clear bra on a silver Pilot.

sjwsmw

I like the look of the MDX sized wheels(17"). When my stock tires are ready to go, I was thinking of replacing the wheels as well. Has anyone done this yet??
With what sized tires?

Thanks.

300800

I'm curious to know if the MDX rims will work on the Pilot? I realize that the MDX has 17 inch rims vs the Pilots 16 inch. I've talked to both Honda, and Acura, but neither can seem to give me a definitive answer!

qbrozen

IIRC, the answer is yes.

check out the hondapilot.org board and do a search on MDX swap or something like that. There were a couple of discussions.

theshekster

Been looking to put Bush Guards on my Sandstone EX-RES pilot. Has anyone found a brand that will fit? Because Pilot is so new, the main companies that make them have not... at least not until they think the Pilot will make it and not for at least a year. Like the Pilot won't make it... Duh! I love mine.

So far I have...

Door Guards
Rear Splash Guards
Cross Bar
Stripping
Darker tinted windows
Cargo tray

I'm definitely looking for more to add. I have about 17K on my veheicle now and I love it! It's the best car I've had...

qbrozen

They are out there.
check out nordleth.com
I think they have one from Manik. But I'm having trouble deciphering what is actually available on that site. There is also a Westin Safari bar (one of those little push bumpers, but no brush guards).
Then there is this one.

sjwsmw

Where did you find the Door Guards? I sure would like something more protective for those door dings.

dako_tian

It isn't exactly a brush guard, but:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/pilot/PIL_LowTrimPlus3.jpg is a closeup of the "Lower Trim" shown on http://www.handa-accessories.com/pilext.html

sjwsmw

The MDX has these avialable aftermarket, color keyed to the vehicle. Wish the Pilot had something like that. I suppose that if the MDX sells the same color as Pilot, they should work.

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

wkbeck

I am considering an aftermarket moonroof (Webasto)for the Pilot. I have spoken to several companies that have put them in without any difficulties. Has anyone put one in, and if so, what type and what success? How is the wind noise? Liner sag?

marklud

Does anyone have a suggestion on who sells good quality running boards for the Pilot, other than the Honda ones? I'm looking for around $300 or less. Also if anyone has problems with booming sounds caused by opening a rear window, put on Ventshades side window air deflectors, they work.

qbrozen

Check on ebay. i've seen quite a few sets of aftermarket boards go on there. there is a nice looking set that I've seen several times which, if i remember correctly, goes for between $250-$280.

Personally, I'm looking to but the bars on my wife's Pilot. I've had both boards and bars in the past and there is no contest to their sturdiness.

qbrozen

Got the Pilot back from Blue Sky Sunroofs today. They did a nice job. The Webasto 749 is rather large. Only a couple of inches away from each side of the ceiling, if that. I would say, while driving, about 3/4 of the top of my head is under glass now.

The memory functions and auto-close feature (when you turn off the engine, but forgot to close the roof) are nice touches. Makes it better than the stock roof in my Volvo. Seems to me like the glass isn't as thick as in the Volvo, though. Guess that helps keep the weight down, but does make me feel a bit less secure. I'm sure I'll get over it.

So, his total price was $1095 and that included tax (which I wasn't expecting, so I gave him $1200 cash and called it even).

marklud

Has anyone had any experience with the sonar type back-up sensors? I'ld like to get an aftermarket one to help parallel park. JC Whitney has one for $63 but not sure how good it is. Any suggestions? (Not looking for the camera type)

sjwsmw

I see that Honda put the stream type of head on the washer which produces a sad small stream. I heard that they changed from the stream to the sprayer on the Odyessy.
Does anyone have any idea if that spray head would fit the Pilot? I wonder if the MDX has a spray or stream??

thanks.

kgaffney

Just got a Pilot EX with the roof rack crossbars installed. Was surpised to find that the crossbars do not appear to be adjustable. All of my other vehicles had crossbars that were easily adjustable to slide forward and backward depending on the item to be stowed. Am I missing something or are they meant to be stationary?

qbrozen

But I assumed they were adjustable. Just not EASILY adjustable. Have to loosen the Torx screws and move them. As a matter of fact, now I remember that the salesperson told me they can be moved by doing just that. I haven't tried it and this was from a salesperson, so I still can't say its definite. But I think its a pretty good bet.

porknbeans

I've also read that when you try to adjust or move them that they aren't exactly sturdy. A couple of people took them in to the dealership to have them do it (or show them how) so that if something did go wrong it was on the dealerships dime.

sjwsmw

Yes, they are 'not-easily adjustable'. I tried but noticed I was starting to strip the Torx head. Probably will have the dealer do it on my next service.

kgaffney

Thanks for the info.

I had to stop by the dealer for new plates so asked them about it and they offered to adjust it for me. They did recommend against doing adjustment yourself, they have seen damaged rails and crossbars by those that have attempted it.

Kinda seems silly to me that they did not just design an adjustable crossbar like everyone else seems to have.

mattinga

I test drove a Pilot and REALLY like it. My question with Honda dealerships in general is that of added dealer costs. It seems all Honda dealers I have encountered in the Atlanta, GA area want to add dealer extras such as splash guards, VIN etching etc... Typically, there are 3 or 4 different items that inflate the cost $1200-$2000...PLUS this "admin" fee (which I think is real bull) of $500. This is not restricted to just the Pilot, but Odyssey, and pretty much any new Honda car. I'd like to buy this Honda, but how do I get through this BS? Do any Honda dealerships not do this, and not jerk me around?

sjwsmw

I saw a Pilot with a simple chrome licence plate frame and chrome exhaust tips that really looked classy. It dressed up the backend nicely. So, I basically did the same.
Since then, I saw that the MDX has the same type exhaust tips. Feel even better about em now.
And it was pretty inexpensive to do.

my3kids

Your best bet is buying your Pilot out of State. I've read of someone in Florida with good pricing...but mostly Ohio. A long trip, but to save maybe $3000 off MSRP(and more if your dealers are adding extras on top of MSRP) Read through the "What did You Pay" forum and note the dealers mentioned. Even with the cost of a one way air ticket, you can save a lot of money and have a plesant buying experience.

sjwsmw

I didn't want to spring for the leather, so I wasn't able to purchase the DVD player. Now I am seeing aftermarket ads for them.
Has anyone installed one? If so, how has it been functioning? What brand/model, and specs?

Thanks!

mrquisp

I had a after market DVD player installed as part of the deal with the dealer when I bought the car. Boss makes a DVD player that fits in that space right underneath the trash in the console (I have a car with navigation). The player runs about $200. The thing that costs the most is the monitor... roughly $1000. All in all, I paid roughly $1500 (and that includes installation) for a the entire set-up. This also includes a tv tuner and a switch box that I can eventually add a video game system if I want to. The system plays well, although as in the case with all car dvd systems, you have to reach back and look at the opening menu to start the movie. Usually, the audio from after market DVD players run through your existing radio. The audio is transmitted via the monitor on a FM station. The one bad thing about this is that it does not play as loud as opposed to a system from the manufacturer, and sometimes you have to take it off of stereo due to interference.

desertscar

I am less looking for sturdiness and more for having the least slip/miss-step risk for my expecting wife and elderly family members.

I havn't seen Pilots with both, so your thoughts would be much appreciated, I have to choose soon.

TIA

qbrozen

If you only want them there for stepping, then running boards are better. The provide a larger platform for stepping. I've had both on different vehicles and, personally, I prefer the bars because of the extra protection they provide to the vehicle and for appearance reasons. But I did find that people had a tougher time using them as steps.

larry51k

can anyone tell me if the fog lights are effective in foggy conditions.? i'll probably add them just because i like the looks regardless.

bbug1

We just installed our fog lights a few days ago and although it hasn't been too foggy just yet, it does help---I have issues with the headlights. Don't think they are powerful enough and the cutoff is very poor. It wouldn't hurt to have the fog lights.

silverpilot03

i actually installed the Honda foglights specifically due to the headlight issues. I also raised the headlight aim to help. There is nothing you can do about the cutoff. It is due to the design of the reflector housing. Interestingly, I called Honda to complain about the headlights. A few weeks later, an engineer called me to discuss the lights, my modifications and to let me know they have a team that is "investigating" the headlight concerns. They told me they would notify me of their findings.

larry51k

how much should it cost to have dealer install the fog lights(no trim)? thanks

silverpilot03

I installed my lights myself. I bought them on Ebay for 214.50. The entire install took about 5 hours, but i was very careful and read the instructions several times. I would probably not recommend this as a self install unless you are fairly mechanical. Removing the entire front end is required and you have to cut the bumper fascia to receive the lights.
I think the dealer list for the lights in 400 plus at least 3 hours install time. My guess is just under 750 should cover an installation and components. Find a dealer who has done this before.. You don't want to pay for their learning curve.

janetplanet

Anyone installed after market running boards? Is it worth the hassle and saved $$?

toca

I ordered and installed the Honda running boards purchased through the Internet division of a NY Honda/Acura dealership. Following the instructions it was a relatively easy installation. I think I paid in the $360 range although I believe the prices have gone up since. I just called my local Honda dealership for spits and giggles and they wanted $549 for the boards and $72 for the installation - plus tax.

Based on those numbers I think it was well worth it.

sjwsmw

That is a great price, lower than the aftermarket internet sites I have found.

What is the website of that dealer?

Thanks.

dorene1

Were about $650. We also had Honda backup sensors installed for around the same price. I am very positive about the sensors - they are very useful and sensitive to varying heights (from people to low bushes).

stevemontague

Has anyone purchased a Yakima Roc'N Gate Rack for their Pilot? Does the rack swing out of the way enough to open the lift gate? How do you like it? Thanks!

toca

Got them from http://www.hondacuraworld.com. They are out of New York. They were running a special earlier this year when I bought them. Right now they are offering them for $453.70. I believe this includes shipping.

naved

I added those new Sylvania silverstar super bright bulbs and they pretty much cured the light problem, for < $50 for both blubs. They sure are very close to HIDs, I highly recommend them. They are very easy to do yourself too.

naved

I also added wood trim just for the front console. Cost was under $150, I did have to use super glue on some of the pieces. Not an essential item, but it does make things look a lot nicer.

glennjo

How much does the towing package cost, including installation?

On the question of towing capacity, Honda says that this 3500/4500 figure is calculated to include up to four passengers and their cargo.

janetplanet

Thanks for the info! Nice to know I can save a few $$ & get the satisfaction of being handy.

sjwsmw

Where did you find the bulbs? Dealer or online or??
Is it just like replacing an existing bulb?

Thanks.

aigenga

Hello,
My wife and I are considering a Pilot but definitely want a sunroof. The Acura dealer told us that putting in a sunroof will weaken the roof and lessen safety. The Honda dealer said it would be fine. We are concerned. Does anyone have insight on this?
Gary

tprice

I posted this message in the MDX discussion but is the same issue for Pilots. This also piggybacks on post 147. Perhaps Isellhondas has some info?:

Looking for feedback on installing an aftermarket trailer hitch. We are suppose to take delivery of 2003 MDX in the next week or so (i.e., build date was Friday, 9/5). The extent of my need for a trailer hitch is for a bike rack ( 3 bikes) that I've been using on an Expedition. Two different dealers have told me that I will void warranty with respect to the power steering pump and transmission if I have ever have problems with either and am found with an aftermarket hitch on the vehicle - regardless of whether or not I have used it for towing. In talking to a reputable aftermarket shop they say that it is scare tactic for $ purposes but that Acura could not void the warranty as suggested by the dealer. Anyway, dealer wants $900 for hitch installed (w/transmission and Power Steering coolers)- their retail is $1,299 so say they are giving me a deal. The aftermarket store will install a Class III/IV hitch for $250 (w/o the coolers). Again, all I need the hitch for is the bike rack so $650 is a lot for nothing unless I'm creating potential warranty problems! Any experiences with this issue? Thanks.

larry51k

i asked similar question in "trailer hitch" forum. three dealers(two in ohio, on in pa) told me the warranty would NOT be voided for installing non-honda hitch. also, it was suggested that since the light package isn't installed that would be pretty good "proof" you didn't tow. i intend to put a drawtite on. can't decide if i want to do it myself or pay $50 bucks to have trailer place put it on. probably pay the $50. try etrailer.com or drawtite-hitches.com for prices.

qbrozen

No beams are cut during the installation, so there is no weakening of the structure. Many many folks have had them installed.

Of course the Acura dealer told you that. They want you to buy an MDX instead!

Do a search on this discussion to see a couple other posts on sunroofs.

ceads

Will there be away to update my 03 to a 04 in terms of making my 2nd row seats move forward?

Chris

qbrozen

Still no word on this as far as I know. Some folks are thinking that its just a matter of swapping the seat rails. I'd talk to your service department (something I haven't done yet).

sjwsmw

I was not happy with the potential was well as real dings to the side of the Pilot. The body cladding doesn't stick out enough to protect it, and their is no official molding out for the Pilot.
I discovered that there is a strip for the MDX in the same color as my Pilot(sandstone beige). So I ordered it off the internet and it works great.

If anyone attempts to put it on, don't follow the MDX instructions, align by the body cladding seam instead, mine could have been straighter.