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Now that my Midnight Blue EXL-Navi is here, I tried to install the OEM chrome tips that I got from HandA and noticed that it's really tight fit and it wouldn't go in all the way as the instruction was showing. This even after using the rubber mallet to it. Are any of you that installed an OEM chrome tips have the same problem? Thanks.
I had the EXACT same problem installing the oem chrome tips on my 2004 EX-L. And I bought them from H and A. Honda is shipping them the wrong tips. You need to contact H and A and they will replace them for you, free of charge. And there will be no shipping charge.
H and A responded that they had not had this problem before. I think not. I think they HAVE had this problem before. They were very responsive. See if they say to you that they have never had the problem before, before telling them about me. Just to see what they say.
They sent me new ones, and they fit no problem. Slid right on and snugged up fine with a few taps with the rubber mallet.
Guys just wanted to let you know that I have just gone and ordered the Vizualogic headrest system for my EXL-Navi from AMS Stereo in Northern California. They told me that it should take about 3-4 days for the headset to arrive, so I should plan on bringing in the car this weekend to get it installed. I will keep you posted.
The DVD head unit will be installed in the dash right under the heated seat switch. I stressed about the bad grounding and fuse issues, and they assured me that this won't have that issue...will have to see.
Once it's installed, I will try to take some pics and try to post it.
Reply back from H and A regarding the chrome tips:
one thing we've noticed with the exhaust finishers on the Pilot is that they will only go on until just a small portion of the inner ring touches the edge of the exhaust pipe (inner ring indicated by arrow in attached picture), they don't fit flush all the way around on the inside. We've spoken to Honda on this previously, and they say the fit is "normal" and they are not planning on revising the design. You are more than welcome to return the finisher for a refund if you're not satisfied with it, but we've found on a couple of occasions in the past, and through installing them here at the dealership, that any replacement will fit the same way.
Going to get a replacement see if the new one works better.
H and A is full of crap. Replace them. H and A sent me the wrong tips. Period. What they sent me the second time was not the same diameter tips they sent me the first time. The second ones fit right on with only a few taps of the rubber mallet. The first ones, simply, did not fit. They were too small. Period. H and A is playing a semantic game.
Have them replace them. It is not a good thing for H and A to behave this way.
I believe you, but I am a little worried, because they keep on stressing returns should be brand new with no signs of install and use. I put it on as best as I can (using rubber mallet) and left it on thinking that it was supposed to be like than until you mentioned it. I am afraid they are not going to accept it back. Oh well, I will send it in and complain if they don't accept.
Remember I told you that it wouldn't play in temps below 40-50 degrees? It also started skipping and freezeing while playing...and I could smell that burnt electronic smell coming from it while playing.
Also, where I have a small black control box for each monitor unlike your single large one, the connector for the monitor inside one of the boxes was broken and caused the screen to flicker on/off.
Well waited my 2 weeks for parts and they replaced both the box and DVD player under seat yesterday and I am happy to report all is well. I got in after it sat all day and it started playing the movie right away, then this AM, it was 26 degrees or so here and it again fired right up.
Annoying that I had two bustedpieces of hardware new out of the box... But at least it works!!
My stereo shop called this morning to let me know the DVD was in. Took my car in in the afternoon. I was in and out in 2 hours. The installer checked for any possible ground noise, and I double checked as well. So far so good. I was able to get the unit installed under the dash and it looks pretty sharp. The DVD unit seemed to be sticking a little out (about 1/4") compared to terumi1's, but the installer said that was due to wires in the back. I will try to take some photos of it in the morning and post it if I can figure out how to do that. Otherwise, I might have to ask Sysadmin to post it on his yahoo site.
Does your DVD unit look like mine or Terumi's? Look closely at the pictures. Since his and mine look so different, they may also have different dimensions as well. Did they have to cut anything in that space in order for it to fit? Just curious, as I may re-loacte mine if it doesn't require any cutting or real talent to get it there.
That's great that all is well with the dvd system. Unbelievable that out of the box, two items were bad. Remarkable.
As far as the cutting of the cubbyhole: there is a finger of plastic on the top of the cubbyhole. That was cut off so the dvd player could fit flush with the roof of the cubbyhole.
As far as why sungchang's is sticking out 1/4". my guess is that there is a ridge that runs the whole length of the back of the cubbyhole, again on the roof of the cubbyhole.
My dvd player is mounted with brackets. Not double sided sticky tape that some installers might want to use. This allows the back of the dvd unit to slide all the way back so it sits flush. It rides up over that ridge along the back. From the front, it sits flush with the top of the cubbyhole, and the face of the dvd sits on the same angle as the radio stack, despite the back of the unit going up over that ridge.
So my guess is that the installer of sungchang's slid the unit back until he hit that ridge, and stopped. That would account for the 1/4" sticking forward.
As far as the wires, well, he cut the back of the cubbyhole anyway, so the wires should have fed through there. BTW...the cubbyhole plastic piece is replaceable from Honda as a genuine Honda part. That is why I didn't mind them cutting the cubbyhole.
As far as the exhaust tips, when I put them on, I hit them so hard with the rubber mallet, that I busted one of the welds. So there was your wear and tear. Send it back to them. They took it back no questions. But it did annoy me that Honda sent them the wrong tips. Sunchang, with the exhaust tips on and snug, are the exhaust tips level with each other? On mine, one pipe is slightly higher than the other one. I prefer they be level. Like looking at a shotgun barrel. The shiny chrome just enhances that angular difference. What about yours?
Sysadmin.......when you got your new dvd player was the new one the same one as mine in the pics I sent?
I believe it's the latest model that they have from Vizualogic.
As far as sticking out that I mentioned before, I looked at Terumi's photo and it's about the same. I had thought that Terumi's was flush with the indented part by the heater switch.
As far as cutting anything, I wasn't able to see it as they wouldn't let me be in the shop area due to insurance issues (it's bs, but I didn't argue). Anyway, what I did notice through the door was that they took out the plastic part around the fan/stereo completely. It's the U shaped piece that surrounds it. Then they put the DVD directly onto it before putting all of them back together. I found it interesting that they did it that way. I will post the pics. My DVD is mounted on a bracket same as Terumi's and it definitely sits flush. As far as cutting up the cubbyhole, I am not sure if they did or not...didn't look carefully enough.
One thing the installer mentioned is that this was the first pilot that they installed the dvd unit on the dash. They typically put it under the seat. He was pretty surprised at how clean the unit looked, and that he will recommend that method to others.
I will take your advice and send the exhaust tips back. Currently the exhaust tips are pretty snug and they are level with each other. Will have to see when I get new ones to see if they continue to be level.
Thats funny that between the three of us getting this setup within 3-4 months, that we woul dall have different DVD units. My guess is they are buying the cheapest models they can get that will work...run out of one style, buy another and re-badge it as Vizuallogic.
I def. think I'll re-mount it (or attempt it) once the damn snow up here and cold goes away...when will it EVER END!
Anybody have any idea if installing an aftermarket sunroof,(it isn't an option on the Pilot) will affect the warranty? I want a Pilot, but I also want a sunroof. I have both picked out, with the sr coming from ASC. But what about the warranty?
Guess what, I put the tips in so tight that it won't budge at all. Maybe I am being a little soft on it as I don't want to damage it while trying to take it off. Since it's on so tight, I decided that I will just keep it and save the headache.
It might sound weird, but would you mind taking a pic of those tips and posting them on your yahoo? I wanted to see how level they sit. Mine, as I said, do not sit level. So I wanted to compare.
BTW...I was unable to use the link you posted for your pics. The link takes you to the sign in page, not the pics.
After seeing both of your units mounted in the dash, I've gotta move mine. Definitely...Looks so much better than having to stretch under the seat. Although, maybe I'll go the easy way out and take it by the local car audio place that did my last vehicle and see how much they quote me to move it and remount it. If it's under $100 bucks, maybe I'm better off than spending the entire afternoon doing it myself.
H and A will accept my tips as it is, so I am going to take it off this weekend. But before I do, I will take couple of pics on it and send it to sysadmin for him to post it up.
rlonn1: Saw a post back in Oct that you are a ham radio operator. Have you installed a radio in the Pilot yet or has anyone else for that matter? Not ready to put holes in a two-week old Pilot for antenna and just starting to look at dashboard options for the radio. Thanks! jansens
Thanks for the pics. Perfect for what I needed to see. My exhaust pipes from my muffler are cockeyed! Well, is an esthetic thing. I don't know that I will do anything from here. But thanks again. It's just the pics I needed to see!
Just returned from a long road trip. I noticed that my dvd player plays all the backup dvds; unfortunately, in the midst of playing it will freeze up. Did you guys have any issues with yours? I am wondering if the dvd unit is bad or that it doesn't play backup dvds well. I didn't take any of the original dvds to compare them. I will do that today. Thanks.
I don't know what a backup disk is. A copy of a dvd you made? I don't have a dvd burner, so don't know. On the regular ones, it works fine.
I finally got my exhaust tips straight. I ended up bending the inner portion in a vice using a bar. Dicey work. But they survived and are now installed completely level and snug with no rattle. So the bending didn't break anything.
I only use regular ones as well. Don;t have a burner just yet. I'm waiting for the HP technology that is coming out later this year that will allow you to actually flip the dic over in the drive and burn/etch a label using the drive. Rather than using a Sharpie pen..hate making a disc and then using a black Sharpie marker to label it...
Just recently picked up a Silver EX and would like to install Hella fog lights in the lower openings just below the grille. Installed Hella's on my previous '02 Accord EXL V6 and they worked great.
Has anyone installed (themselves) foglights in these spaces. There a nice, solid metal mounting surface just behind the fascia of the bumper that I'd like to mount them to, but I can't figure out how to get a drill in their to make the hole for the mounting bracket. My Accord's were mounted into the lower fascia, which is not an ideal spot and they shimmied a bit. Metal to metal is the way to go, if possible.
Honda Pilot would charge a premium for an overhead DVD player that may not play home make VCDs or DVDs. My solution is to get two portable DVD players for each of my two kids so that they don't fight for the only one installed in the car for less. Besides, they are also portable...you bring them with you. So...why do you need to buy a system installed in your car?
Next time, I'll talk about my GPS navigation system solution for much less than the Pilot offers.
I can't seem to find them online right now (i know they are out there), but the instructions for installing the OEM Pilot fog lights tell you how to remove the grille and bumper cover. I just did the install myself yesterday. This gives you access to the metal bar behind the bumper cover.
Its 11 clips up top under the hood, 2 self-tapping screws (1 at each far corner of the bumper above the tires), 4 10-mm bolts (under the lower lip of the bumper cover), and 2 more clips (also underneath). I'm pretty sure that's all of them. Then the entire bumper cover and grille all pops off with a little coaxing.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Wow. That's a bit more than I'm willing to do, or that I'm mechanically inclined to do, to a new Pilot. I was hoping there might be a self tapping metal type screw that I could sink into that metal bar, through the opening, to secure to bracket.
Thanks for your input, though. Obviously you're working with a different level of skillset than I am.
I'm sure you could rig brackets to it without removing the bumper cover, but if a dozen or so fasteners is more than you are willing to deal with, I can't see you wanting to run all the wiring involved and taking the dash apart to install a switch. So my advice is, if you don't like the OEM Honda fogs, go to an aftermarket installer and have a nice 3rd party set installed. Good luck. Let me know how it turns out.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I am considering adding the Honda XM radio. I would like to know if it uses digital input to the radio unit, or FM modulator, and does it respond to control inputs off the steering wheel. Can I also add the underseat CD changer with XM and get digital line input + steering wheel controls?
There a couple of inkjet printers on the market that print labels directly onto CDs. I believe it takes a special CD with a surface made for the inkjet printing. In fact, this is the only option I know of if you want to play CD-Rs in the factory single disk CD player. The heat is too much for stick on labels, and when they melt off, bad things happen. Perhaps there are DVDs available for printing on as well. Wpnder of their are any tricks for modifying standard DC-Rs for a printer (surface prep with scotchbrite, spray-paint prep layer?) $200-$300 is what I last heard these printers cost...but they double as a standard color/photo printer. Very interested in the HP system that etches. Bet it costs a bundle when it comes out.
I'm thinking about adding the OEM Air Deflector to my 04 Sage Brush Pilot.
Does the deflector effect the mpg? How many people experienced the wind noise? Does it effect the wiper washer fluid and wiper performance? Does it do its job well? Any brands you recommend?
The one I have been thinking about getting is the Epson R300. Its going for $179 these days. Works just like a regular photo-quality printer, but has a separate drawer for CD printing. Neat stuff.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Still very pricey at $525 plus install price. One thing of note, this will replace the Vizualogic's AV unit.
Many thanks on the link. THis morning I also came across this site. They have a Tuner/Video unit designed for the same purpose for $525. Still pricey though...just to have the video up front. We'll see.
Comments
H and A responded that they had not had this problem before. I think not. I think they HAVE had this problem before. They were very responsive. See if they say to you that they have never had the problem before, before telling them about me. Just to see what they say.
They sent me new ones, and they fit no problem. Slid right on and snugged up fine with a few taps with the rubber mallet.
Guys just wanted to let you know that I have just gone and ordered the Vizualogic headrest system for my EXL-Navi from AMS Stereo in Northern California. They told me that it should take about 3-4 days for the headset to arrive, so I should plan on bringing in the car this weekend to get it installed. I will keep you posted.
The DVD head unit will be installed in the dash right under the heated seat switch. I stressed about the bad grounding and fuse issues, and they assured me that this won't have that issue...will have to see.
Once it's installed, I will try to take some pics and try to post it.
one thing we've noticed with the exhaust finishers on the Pilot is that they will only go on until just a small portion of the inner ring touches the edge of the exhaust pipe (inner ring indicated by arrow in attached picture), they don't fit flush all the way around on the inside. We've spoken to Honda on this previously, and they say the fit is "normal" and they are not planning on revising the design. You are more than welcome to return the finisher for a refund if you're not satisfied with it, but we've found on a couple of occasions in the past, and through installing them here at the dealership, that any replacement will fit the same way.
Going to get a replacement see if the new one works better.
Have them replace them. It is not a good thing for H and A to behave this way.
Remember I told you that it wouldn't play in temps below 40-50 degrees? It also started skipping and freezeing while playing...and I could smell that burnt electronic smell coming from it while playing.
Also, where I have a small black control box for each monitor unlike your single large one, the connector for the monitor inside one of the boxes was broken and caused the screen to flicker on/off.
Well waited my 2 weeks for parts and they replaced both the box and DVD player under seat yesterday and I am happy to report all is well. I got in after it sat all day and it started playing the movie right away, then this AM, it was 26 degrees or so here and it again fired right up.
Annoying that I had two bustedpieces of hardware new out of the box...
But at least it works!!
Let me know..
As far as the cutting of the cubbyhole: there is a finger of plastic on the top of the cubbyhole. That was cut off so the dvd player could fit flush with the roof of the cubbyhole.
As far as why sungchang's is sticking out 1/4". my guess is that there is a ridge that runs the whole length of the back of the cubbyhole, again on the roof of the cubbyhole.
My dvd player is mounted with brackets. Not double sided sticky tape that some installers might want to use. This allows the back of the dvd unit to slide all the way back so it sits flush. It rides up over that ridge along the back. From the front, it sits flush with the top of the cubbyhole, and the face of the dvd sits on the same angle as the radio stack, despite the back of the unit going up over that ridge.
So my guess is that the installer of sungchang's slid the unit back until he hit that ridge, and stopped. That would account for the 1/4" sticking forward.
As far as the wires, well, he cut the back of the cubbyhole anyway, so the wires should have fed through there. BTW...the cubbyhole plastic piece is replaceable from Honda as a genuine Honda part. That is why I didn't mind them cutting the cubbyhole.
As far as the exhaust tips, when I put them on, I hit them so hard with the rubber mallet, that I busted one of the welds. So there was your wear and tear. Send it back to them. They took it back no questions. But it did annoy me that Honda sent them the wrong tips. Sunchang, with the exhaust tips on and snug, are the exhaust tips level with each other? On mine, one pipe is slightly higher than the other one. I prefer they be level. Like looking at a shotgun barrel. The shiny chrome just enhances that angular difference. What about yours?
Sysadmin.......when you got your new dvd player was the new one the same one as mine in the pics I sent?
http://www.vizualogic.com/accessories/accessories.html
A better picture of it here:
http://store4.yimg.com/I/rodi_1786_2484589
I believe it's the latest model that they have from Vizualogic.
As far as sticking out that I mentioned before, I looked at Terumi's photo and it's about the same. I had thought that Terumi's was flush with the indented part by the heater switch.
As far as cutting anything, I wasn't able to see it as they wouldn't let me be in the shop area due to insurance issues (it's bs, but I didn't argue). Anyway, what I did notice through the door was that they took out the plastic part around the fan/stereo completely. It's the U shaped piece that surrounds it. Then they put the DVD directly onto it before putting all of them back together. I found it interesting that they did it that way. I will post the pics. My DVD is mounted on a bracket same as Terumi's and it definitely sits flush. As far as cutting up the cubbyhole, I am not sure if they did or not...didn't look carefully enough.
One thing the installer mentioned is that this was the first pilot that they installed the dvd unit on the dash. They typically put it under the seat. He was pretty surprised at how clean the unit looked, and that he will recommend that method to others.
I will take your advice and send the exhaust tips back. Currently the exhaust tips are pretty snug and they are level with each other. Will have to see when I get new ones to see if they continue to be level.
I def. think I'll re-mount it (or attempt it) once the damn snow up here and cold goes away...when will it EVER END!
and regarding my moonroof:
qbrozen Jun 13, 2003 4:55pm
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
http://photos.yahoo.com/schang66/my_photos
I didn't get chance to take pics of the headrests. I will add next time.
It might sound weird, but would you mind taking a pic of those tips and posting them on your yahoo? I wanted to see how level they sit. Mine, as I said, do not sit level. So I wanted to compare.
BTW...I was unable to use the link you posted for your pics. The link takes you to the sign in page, not the pics.
Up to you...
http://photos.yahoo.com/mpresseau1
Let me know if you have issues accessing them.
Mike
Thanks for posting the pics. I definitely agree that putting the DVD head unit in the lower console/dash is the way to go.
http://photos.yahoo.com/mpresseau1
Mike
I finally got my exhaust tips straight. I ended up bending the inner portion in a vice using a bar. Dicey work. But they survived and are now installed completely level and snug with no rattle. So the bending didn't break anything.
Has anyone installed (themselves) foglights in these spaces. There a nice, solid metal mounting surface just behind the fascia of the bumper that I'd like to mount them to, but I can't figure out how to get a drill in their to make the hole for the mounting bracket. My Accord's were mounted into the lower fascia, which is not an ideal spot and they shimmied a bit. Metal to metal is the way to go, if possible.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Next time, I'll talk about my GPS navigation system solution for much less than the Pilot offers.
Its 11 clips up top under the hood, 2 self-tapping screws (1 at each far corner of the bumper above the tires), 4 10-mm bolts (under the lower lip of the bumper cover), and 2 more clips (also underneath). I'm pretty sure that's all of them. Then the entire bumper cover and grille all pops off with a little coaxing.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Wow. That's a bit more than I'm willing to do, or that I'm mechanically inclined to do, to a new Pilot. I was hoping there might be a self tapping metal type screw that I could sink into that metal bar, through the opening, to secure to bracket.
Thanks for your input, though. Obviously you're working with a different level of skillset than I am.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Any info is most appreciated!
Does the deflector effect the mpg?
How many people experienced the wind noise?
Does it effect the wiper washer fluid and wiper performance?
Does it do its job well?
Any brands you recommend?
Any input would be appreciated.
I LOVE MY PILOT
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
http://www.avelectronic.com/NavigationVid-Switcher.htm
Still very pricey at $525 plus install price. One thing of note, this will replace the Vizualogic's AV unit.
Many thanks on the link. THis morning I also came across this site. They have a Tuner/Video unit designed for the same purpose for $525. Still pricey though...just to have the video up front. We'll see.
http://avelectronic.com/products.htm