Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

tinatina

I really like the Pilot,and went to test drive it. I will like to thank the previous posters about the lack of adjustment on the head restraints - (front passengers). I could not find a comfortable position. Also, the parking brake was too close to my foot.

I also saw visible fit and finish issues- the A Pillar Panels were sagging on my test vehicle a Pilot EX. They had a whole bunch from Canada. The ones I saw at another dealership and the autoshow months ago did not have this proble, Interestingly enough, none of the EX-Ls, which were U.S. produced, also did not have this problem.

Please note that I really intended on purchasing, but now I have second thoughts.

jimmer33

I have had the same problem since my '04 was new. I tried this suggestion and it worked perfectly...thanks!!

sportymonk

The 70 mph vibration problem has been well noted in another bulletin board. So far there has been no definite fix. Use of a Hunter 9600 (or something like that) has shown that it can be extremely difficult to eliminate. To date Honda does not have a fix. Some have the problem and some don't, there does not appear to be a pattern as to which Pilot has the problem. BTW - the EX-L's come with Goodyears, the cloth seat Pilots come with Bridgestone (doesn't ask me why, I just bought an EX-L and would rather have Bridgestones) Some have managed to eliminate the problem at 79 but it re appears at 75.

jpryb

I have a new 2005 Pilot with about 1,900 miles. I could swear that when driving up a steep hill the engine is knocking and/or pinging. I am NOT getting a check engine light or anything similar. I use regular gas (87 octane), which is what the manual recommends.

Has anyone else heard anything similar? Should I bring it to my dealer for a look-see?

Thanks in advance.

crawfish

Maybe you should try some 91 or 93 gas....bleeding price!!! :mad:

qbrozen

have you checked the oil?

maybe, possibly its a bit low and the steep angle is pushing what oil is in there to the back of the engine and allowing the front valves to make some noise??? I dunno, total guess at an extremely unlikely possibility, but you never know.

jpryb

Oil level is fine. Right up to the top of the proper range. Nice try, though.

qbrozen

well, best thing i can suggest is to take a tech from the dealer up that same incline and let him/her hear it firsthand.

jpryb

So are you really saying that you have NOT heard any knocking in your Pilot? I am afraid that the dealer will say, "They all do that."

qbrozen

Definitely not.

zotto

Pretty sure the knocking you're referring to was a known issue in the '04 pilot. it drove me crazy when I first picked mine last year. They say it is related to "fuel sloshing" around in tank. Now I just try to ignore it because I had brought it to the dealer 3 separate times to complain and they refused to do anything.

qbrozen

I don't think so (by the way, that was on the '03s, too). The fuel slosh was usually a singular noise brought on by an abrupt change in direction on an incline (obviously causing the fuel to actually slosh around in the tank).

The knocking noise posted about above is (in my interpretation of the problem) a steady noise coming from the engine when driving up an incline at a set pace.

btaylor1

I have had my 2004 Pilot for 1 year. In this time the plastic part that houses the brake light and the rear window washer has fallen off 3 times. Has anyone else had this problem and what was the solution? My dealer keeps replacing the part, but I wonder if he will continue for the next 10+ years.

qbrozen

First complaint I've heard like this. Makes me wonder if your dealer is installing it correctly.

laurheis

My 2005 Pilot pings when driving up hills - unless I put in Premium grade gasoline. Ouch.

sportymonk

It sounds like the problem is not in the piece that keeps coming off but the piece it attaches to which is probably expensive which is why he doesn't want to try to tackle that part of it.

leck

I too am having this problem. I have had to drive in D3 to keep it from happening. I have already taken it in for the recall, and was told that there were no issues with mine. Please let me know if you all manage to get a dealer to cover this. (BTW, I am on board with the claim from Honda)

Thanks

Leck

btaylor1

My wife took the 2004 Pilot in for oil change (at 33,000 miles). Dealer wanted to do $300 worth of service. Things like changing air conditioner filter, "inspecting" belts/hoses,etc. This is my first new car after years of driving American made cars. Never changed differential fluid (most cars driven over 100,000 miles). Is it really necessary to do all of these items. Service mgr said it was my choice, had no effect on warranty. How could the filter on the ac need replacing at 30,000 miles without regard to whether it has been one year, two years, etc?

mike2ff99

Can anyone think of a shroud /boot for the second row seat belts. We came from a mini-van and the seatbelt base (the part with the release button) had a hard plastic cover to keep it standing up (just like the driver/pass side). We just bought an EX-L and the second row has the nylon belt only. Normally a stiff plastic cover would get in someone’s way when they sit on the bench. The problem is now our child can’t reach the belt to buckle herself into the booster chair. If I can’t figure something out, I will have to climb over her for the next few years until she can reach it. Please help.

isellhondas

It's not an A/C filter. It's a cabin filter he wants to change. After 30,000 miles it will be so filthy you won't believe it. You breath the air inside your Pilot so decide what you want to do.

tireswitch

I have a 2004 EX Pilot that was delivered with Bridgestone tires that had 60% wear in only 7,500 miles and needed to be replaced.

I contacted Honda Customer Service and was told that I should have Goodyear tires on my Pilot with a Goodyear tire warranty in the glove box.

I have been talking to Honda Customer Service for two months and Honda has done nothing about the worn tires and refuses to release any documentation from the factory to determine whether the Pilot was manufactured out of specification or whether the tire were switched afterwards.

What was the results of the Honda investigation on your Pilot?

tireswitch

I have a 2004 EX Pilot that was delivered with Bridgestone tires that had 60% wear in only 7,500 miles and needed to be replaced.

What I noticed was that the Bridgestone tires wear much faster on the outside tread of the tire than in the center tread.

So every time the dealer has an opportunity during routine service they would over pressurized the tires 10 psi in an attempt to even the tread wear and increase the tire service lifetime.

It should also be noted that this over tire pressurization practice is a serious safety issue (Firestone Forester tire failures).

normkol

I have seen Pilots with both Goodyears and Bridgestones. I don't think the Bridgestones are a mistake, other than the fact that either tire is woefully inadequate for a $30k SUV.

You buy an Accord for far less money and get better Michelin tires than you get on this truck. I'd like to know Honda's thinking on this.

cudoho

Just got an 05 Pilot, is there any breakin period for it ..I am going on a 4K trip in 2 weeks.
thank you

ralph9

I'm a new 2005 Pilot owner and new to this board so please excuse me if I'm repeating a topic. My only issues with the Pilot initially were the inferior tires and the lack of running lights. The tires on my EX-L are Goodyear Integrity which is very poorly rated according to the tire forums at tirerack.com. On the EX model Honda put on Bridgestone Dueler H/T which is also not a top rated tire, although it seems to be better than the Integrity. Does anyone else think that paying $250 more to get Goodyear Fortera or Michelins would have been appropriate?
Running lights are a safety item which can save lives. Since Honda puts them on the Canadian models I'm a bit disappointed in their failure to put them on the U.S version. USAA states that running lights are an item which reduces the auto insurance premium as well. What do you think.
Are either of these items worthy of mentioning to the Honda management? If so can this be done at their on line site? Best wishes.

qbrozen

Yes, stock tires are pretty bad. However, we are now at 47K miles and the stock tires still look OK. So, whereas they don't offer the best traction, they certainly seem to have a long life.

I, for one, am glad not to have daytime running lights. Maybe the option would be nice for those who want it, but I despise buying a car where you have no choice in the matter. And, really, if you like your lights on during the day, then turn them on. You can keep them on all the time if you want because they will turn off when the car is not running. Its much easier for those who want lights during the day to just keep the headlights on than it is for those who don't want DRLs but they came with the car and there's nothing to be done about it (short of pulling a fuse).

Do daytime running lights get a discount? I know they don't on my policy for my Volvo. Maybe it depends on insurance company or state?

ken15

Has anyone developed a square hole in their drivers side front rubber inside fender skirt? After our last oil change, lo and behold a square hole appeared? My dealer is working with me and says "where it came from they don't know ", its located in front of the tire, kind of hard for road debris to punch a square hole. I suspect a square handle tool did the deed, how ever the dealer says they will make it right, we will see.

qbrozen

how big?

is it worn through? punched through? or cut through? you can usually tell by the edges of the hole.

cudoho

2005 EX-L, i notice that when the gas tank is half full I hear gas sloshing when doing a complete breaking stop.
Any advise? Thanks

qbrozen

use the search box on this discussion. I came up with 21 messages mentioning the "slosh."

my advice: get used to it.

sportymonk

$300 isn't bad. isellhondas mentioned that the filter is the inside cabin filter. On another board I can't mention here, one member posted a picture of a filter with only 15,000 miles on it in LA and it was black! Time doesn't matter so much as mileage. A car could sit in a garage for a year and the filter would not need replacing. On the other hand, if you drive a lot in a city like LA or NY etc, you may need to change it often.

BTW - If you choose to replace the filter yourself, there is a plastic piece that you will have to remove or "break" off. Some have been concerned but if you let the dealer do it, they will do the same thing.

As far as diff fluid, remember you are driving (1) a AWD vehicle) and (2) a Honda which requires Honda fluids etc. If you want the quality of a Honda, you have to maintain it like a Honda. Personally I think it is worth it.

Concerning what the service manager said, remember that service dept sometimes recommend work earlier than the manual. As to whether it is justified is an unending debate. Some say it is the service dept trying to make more money for the dealer. Others say it the dealer being aware of factors not in the book based upon local factors. You know the type of driving you do and must ultimately be the judge for what to do. The service department for my wife's Chevy Malibu is worthless beyond words. They never recommend anything and last week they wouldn't call Chevrolet for a goodwill warranty item. (Ignition switch had given problems in past but wasn't fixed as it wasn't doing it at the dealer. When it failed, it was at 101,000 miles. Gggrr. GM said they would consider it as a goodwill thing if the dealer would call them and fax some paperwork in. Service Mgr on vacation. Standin was "busy all week". Had Chevy call them. We let Chevy know we had the homemphone number and address of the dealership owner and were about to use it. Finally got it straigthened out. - Sorry fo th rant. Anyways. Service Magrs come in all sizes and styles. Listen to them but in the end you are the best judge for your vehicle.)

sportymonk

I asked about this and the answer was that the cloth seat Pilots get Bridgestones and the Leather ones get Goodyears. Know that makes no rhyme or reason but it seems to hold true on those I have seen. My 05 Pilot came with warranty paperwork for Goodyears and Bridgestones in the glovebox.

If your tires are wearing on the edges, it sounds like they are under inflated. I typically run 33-34 so that if I loose a little air over time, I will still be ok.

I have looked at www.tirerack.com and it looks like the Michelin Cross Terrains are a good replacement.

sportymonk

Normally you want to take it easy for about 500 miles, especially the brakes. Unfortuneately, due to circumstances I couldn't control, I bought my firs thonda, an 05 Pilot on Wednesday June 29th with 47 miles on it and on Friday had 300 miles on it when I left for a 1400 mile July 4th vacation to the inlaws. Mostly 70 -75 Interstate driving. Averaged about 21.8 mpg. (Got 18.2 the other day in city driving). I wouldn't recommend it but it doens't seem to have hurt it. The more city drifving you can to, the better.

Oh yeah, there is the on-going, never ending debate about when to change the oil. Seems Honda puts a special breakin oil in and wnats it left there for 7500 miles. Some have problems with that. And the debate goes on. I plan to go 7500 for the first oil and then change every 5000 after that.

sportymonk

Daytime running lights si one of the few things I mess from my old Impala. Don't think I runed the lights on more than 3 times in 4 years.

Question: If you leave the lights on, they will go off in 10 minutes IIRC. Can I just leave them on and let them come on when I start the Pilot?

ken15

THE hole is 2 1/2x1 1/2 inch square hole with tearing evident on the bottom of the square. I have no idea how it occurred, it's in the front close to the fender side of the skirting? The dealer is fixing it today, I wait to hear the explanation.

meyervilla

My wife and I both find the existing seats to be very uncomfortable. Getting in and out of the Pilot is extremely difficult due to the short front door. Does anyone know where I can purchase replacement front seats like are used in the MDX? There is some truth in the saying that you get what you pay for. Honda can sell the Pilot for less than the MDX. One of the parts that they "chinced" on was the seats. Two hours in the Pilot and we're all sore.

pilotnotgood

glad to help you tinatina..i have this pilot for a 3 year lease,im counting the days,so is my back...its a shame,otherwise its a nice vehicle..a lesson learned...

rsharp

I posted this in another forum earlier this year:

Just went in for a tire rotation/oil change and at 1 year and 1 month, with 23,000 miles I had to replace two of the Bridgestone Duelers. They were falling apart! I have done no "off-roading" or other abusive things to these tires, they are simply crap tires and Honda should be ashamed to put them on a $30K auto. Very disappointed that after a year I already have to replace tires.

This is the only problem I have had with the Pilot...those tires are awful!

qbrozen

I think its less than 10 minutes, but, yes, you can leave them on all the time and they will just go on when u start the car.

As a matter of fact, and this is kind of a nice feature if you ask me, when you use the remote to unlock the car, the headlights will come on if you left them on when you shut the car off. This is really helpful at night if you parked in a dark area.

rkrk

Bought a new Pilot-EXL and as soon as drove it of the lot, Check-Engine light went on... Took to the service center FOUR times and everytime they assure that they have fixed the problem... need advice..
thanks.

qbrozen

so i'm assuming the "fix it" and you drive away, only to have the light come back on later?

As others here have stated, their similar problem was fixed when the dealer replaced the EGR valve. Has your dealer done this?

sportymonk

Sounds like time to elevate the issue and make a complaint to the area rep or at least try another dealer.

tpd1

I have an 05 Pilot with 1400 miles. I had no 70 MPH vibration until now. While troubleshooting a TPMS light, the dealer swapped the front tires with the back. On the way home, I noticed a slight vibration when I reached 70. I stopped by Butler tire and had them re-check honda's balance work. The tires checked good. I asked Butler tire to high-speed balance all four tires on the car. This did not fix the problem. When I get time, I will swap the tires to their original configuration. I suspect that one of the Duelers, which was on the rear and is now on the front, is bad. At least I hope that is the problem. A 70 MPH vibration, no matter how slight, is very annoying.

qbrozen

also as above, have they checked the EGR?

sportymonk, "Honda Pilot Owners: Problems & Solutions" #1136, 15 Jun 2005 10:52 pm

tpd1

EGR never crossed my mind until you mentioned it. I'll have it checked.

kcksen

My Pilot's rear windows roll all the way down. Should they be like that? I know most of the SUVs have they rear windows roll 2/3 down only for child safety purpose. Any ideas?

qbrozen

Most times, the windows rolling halfway down has more to do with the room inside the door (due to the wheel wells) rather than actual "safety" reasons. Yes, the Pilot's roll all the way down because the rear wheels are set back far enough to allow for a bigger 2nd row of doors, which allows the window to be fully retracted inside. I, for one, love the fact that this is the way it is.

jimn1

I have a 2003 Pilot EX-L and currently get 14 mpg is this normal? How do I improve this? I changed to Mobil1 on Saturday and have not checked gas mileage with this yet.

qbrozen

run 2 searches on this discussion.
mileage
and
idle learn procedure

a good amount of reading for you.

loveipos1234

I have an 03 EXw/NAV. I have averaged 16-17 city in the Summer, several less in the Winter. On the Highway at 60-65 I have gotten as high as 22, but from 70-80, the average drops it 19-20. I wish it was better, but it is a rather heavy SUV at 4400+ pounds, and not the most powerful engine. Overall, it has performed flawlessly.