Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

ajwx3

I have heard that Michelin Cross Terrain are quiet tires for the Honda Pilot with a comfortable ride. Recently, someone told me that Goodyear Fortera Silent Armour's are slightly quieter and have a comfortable ride. Any opinions out there as to the quietest? Please let me know.

ajwx3

Have you had any window vibrations that sound like crackling styrofoam?

ynotem

I have the exact same problem. I took it in to the dealer and they not only didn't fix the problem, the scratched my car. I never curse but this one really got me screaming explitives. I hope someone has had success and can share the secrets with us.

ajwx3

Good news to all. On an old thread at HondaPilot.org I found information about my window vibration rattle. They call is "scrunch noise". Whatever. Although there is no definitive solution from Honda, one brilliant owner suggested weather stripping to get rid of the noise. I tried it and voila - no noise!!!! All three of my four windows are quiet and the interior cabin is actually quieter. I don't here the road noise as much and cars whizzing by are muted and don't sound like my window is open!

Yes, there was something wrong with my car. I know I didn't hear this noise or such pronounced road noise on my two test drives. I also found out that this particular noise worsens the more you open and close the door - something to do with door hinges and jams. Well, that makes sense since I bought the showroom model!! My cars doors have probably been opened and closed more than most.

I am so delirously happy. No scrunchy noise in my ear. I can now stand the wind and road noise.

What I can't understand is that this problem is not new. It has been going on since 2002. Why hasn't Honda fixed it? Why does such a simple and inexpensive fix, fix it?

waiwai88

Hi,

Thanks for posting this issue. Could you help me by showing how you installed the weather stripping at the windows?

Thanks. Again, I really appreciate your help very much.

aidan

My Auxillary Jacks aren't working for all 4 outlets. Brought it into the dealership for a check and they are showing power to them. I can't figure them out.
Has anybody had similar issues with their aux jacks.

ajwx3

The weatherstripping is not put on the windows. If you open the door it is put on in one strip, just under the door seals (on the painted surface. The size you need is 3/8 wide x 5/16 thick x 10'long. I am unable to paste a picture so I will try to explain it.
Start at the top let corner of the door frame, just under the door seal. Put the weatherstripping on the painted part all the way to the extreme right side bottom. You do not need the left vertical side weatherstripped. Just follow the line of the door. If you know how to paste a picture from a word document into this forum let me know. Hope this helps. Let me know

waiwai88

Thanks. where do you get the new weather stripping?
also do you have the link to the honda forum.

i appreciate your help again.

ajwx3

The weatherstripping is common door or window weatherstripping made of rubberized foam. Home Depot has it as do most hardware stores. It is made by Frost King.

Glad to help

toca

I put the Fortera's on last year ('03 Pilot) and they are quite good. Good traction in snow. Handling and overall ride much improved.

ajwx3

Thank you for your response. How quiet are they compared to the OEM tires?

toca

to my ear, they are quieter. One thing you need to remember is the Integrity's are a passenger class tire while the Fortera's are a Light Truck class tire. When I first put them on, the one thing I noticed was the rolling resistance was higher. Gas mileage was a bit lower for the first few months as well due to the resistance. All in all a great tire.

Take a look at these links and will help you with differences:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Integrity&ve- hicleSearch=true&partnum=37SR6INT&fromCompare1=yes

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Fortera+Sile- ntArmor&partnum=37TR6FORTSAOWL&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&place=2

pilotdriver1

I have a 2004 EXL-RES. I have had intermittent problems with the side airbag light while driving around town. It doesn't occur when there is a passenger. However, it does occur when the seat has items (cell phone, brief case, etc.) in the seat AND it happens when the seat is empty. My first thought was that it sensed something lightweight in the seat and assuming it could be a child turned the airbag off. However this doesnt make sense if the seat is empty. The light will go off, briefly, if I reach over and tug on the passenger seatbelt. I have mentioned this at routine services each time and they always tell me there is no problem identified. Anyone else having the problem???? It is driving me nuts - I HATE warning lights when I'm driving - I cannot just ignore them!!

ajwx3

I understand one is a passenger tire and the other is a light truck tire so here is my question - What is the quietest tire on the road, that will fit the Honda Pilot, and will offer a smooth ride without comprising traction? The GY Integrity's are rated as a 3 for noise and ride. The GY Fortera Silent Armour's are rated as 10 for both. Are they in fact quieter or are they quiet compared to other light truck tires. I don't want to make a $600 investment if making the Pilot quieter doesn't happen. Everyone out there please respond.

01mdx

I had the Integrities on my MDX and replaced them with the Silent Armors about 1500 miles ago. To me they are quieter and it's noticeable but it may not be DRAMATIC. I was happy to get a tire that had more traction, better handling and was quieter. I think they are a great balance of the three but I am not sure if they are the absolute quietest tires out there.

rusure

If you really want the "quietest tire on the road" your best bet is to get one of these:
http://www.professionalequipment.com/xq/ASP/ProductID.2919/id.21/qx/default.htm

But seriously, considering there are few, if any Pilot owners that have had more than two sets of tires, the most common response you'll get here is "my [insert brand name] is much quieter than the Goodyear Integrity's". That's not going to help you much.

Besides these two links below, visit your local tire dealers/stores. Although the Firestone or Goodyear guy is going to say his tire is the quietest, just talking to them may help you in your decision as well. Good luck.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HAS

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=AS

schulhof

I don't know if they are the quietest but I replaced the Goodyear Lack of Integritys with Kumho Road Ventures. I also had Kumho Road Ventures on my previous SUV - an Isuzu Trooper.

These tires are excellent wet or dry, look good and are dirty cheap. I think I was around $400 a set.

vlipgyore

Hi, I'm having trouble with my homelink system on my new EX-L and came across your post. Did your dealer resolve your problem or did you figure it out? I've got a Genie opener and have programmed homelink before with ease on my Volvo S80 - not the case with the Pilot.

Also, why are you running 91 octane? Unnecessary and will actually lose you MPG's - try using regular unleaded and see your mileage improve. Good luck and get back to me if you can.

BTW, you getting any creaking noise from the back end over bumps? I do and it's getting worse since Monday when I got the car.

wrascal

I too initially had trouble programing mine, but it was my fault. Initially I was releasing BOTH buttons and then attempting again. (Instructions said something about the original controller only transmitting for 2 seconds, so to release button and then attempt again).

It would have been clearer had the instructions stated to push AND HOLD the vehicles homelink button while performing the procedure (releasing ONLY the original controller after 2 seconds).

Then I had to continue due to the garage door using rolling codes, but all went well.

I was tired the night I first attempted, the next day I found my mistake.

mndriver

We are very close to buying a 2006 Pilot EX L and are a little concerned about the comfort of the 2nd row seat, as it seemed a little stiff. We have three grade school age kids and would generally like them to ride in the second row. Has anyone had any trouble with comfort for the passengers?

wschan

I want to know what you did about the sloshing sound (Fuel Tank) of your car? Did you have the dealer fixed already? or already exchanged the car thru arbitration claim? Can you tell me what to do because I just came across with this sloshing sound after purchase of Toyota Minivan just 8 days. I look forward to receiving your experience telling and advice. Thks

master1

The Pilot has comfortable second row seats but they should be higher. The portion where your back is resting should be higher so it is up to your shoulders. With the Pilot, it's below the shoulders. Not very safe for hard braking but is ok. But comfortwise, it's fine

mgol4

I sometimes get this loud knock (sounds like the car has been hit hard with a snowball)on my 2006 Pilot EXL Nav after it's been sitting after some use and then restarted.
I've had it about 6 weeks and it has about 1900 miles on it. Anybody know what this noise is about?

mgol4

Thank you. I just posted with the same lound knock problem on my 2006 Pilot EXL Nav. I'm going to call American Honda tomorrow. Please let us know if you get to the bottom of this issue. Thanks

master1

Don't contact America. Call or write to Japan instead because American Honda wont do anything about it. Just like how they don't fix the steering wheel vibrations.
Contact the Japanese headquarters first so they will actually do something about your problem. Believe me, America wont do anything about it.

cs85

I know there has been numerous complains about the leather seats sagging and being stretched out so ugly. Does anybody has a solution for this as far as the dealer stepping in and rectifying the problem. If so what did they do to fix the problem??

zen76

i have the exact same problem on my 06 Pilot. They are looking at it... will update when i hear back from the dealership.

dbennett451

Curious to find out if mine is an exception to the rule. I bought my new 2006 EX-L Pilot yesterday afternoon, and the salesman just dumped the keys and owner's manual (s) onto the table from a brown envelope; no case or cover for them. Every other car and truck I've bought had the books in a nice embossed zipper case, complete with business cards and phone numbers.

In addition, I received no checkout on the vehicle. What little I now know, I've learned on my own, reading thru the manuals and brochures. I still don't know how to activate the Cruise Control. My dealership is located in Eugene, Oregon

tsy

Some Honda and Toyota dealers are just miserable. The best way to make them stop? Don't give them business. But it varies. The dealers I go to here have been excellent- they (almost painfully) went over all of the options on the car (indoors, BTW, here in Seattle) and of course gave us a nice case for the manuals. I had my Toyota stolen once, got the car back but they stole the manuals! :mad: The dealer gave me new manuals and a new case for them.

BTW, the main cruise control button is down by your left knee next to the sunroof buttons. Congrats on your new ride. Hope the rest of your ownership experience is much better! (You don't have to go back to the same dealer for service either- your dealer will probably make more money on service than selling you the car! )

Good luck

tom

isellhondas

No, Honda doesn't have fancy cases for their owner's manuals. I guess they figure most customers don't want to pay more for these?

Your salesperson should have gone over that Pilot in great detail with you. Depending on the customer I will spend between 20 minutes to an hour doing this.

I do remember one time, I had such a miserable customer that I just handed him the keys. I didn't care if I ever saw him again.

isellhondas

That's because we are nice people here in Seattle!

steroid

My 2006 EX makes a similar knocking sound if it has been parked outside in very cold weather (<20F). It only happens in the morning when I first start it. I don't notice it the rest of the day until the next morning. I haven't asked my dealer about it because it rarely gets that cold where I live and it would require leaving the car at the dealer overnight. But I'm moving north soon and will likely get quite annoyed with this sound when I start hearing it every morning in winter.

dbennett451

Yesterday morning at 0930, I went online to www.Costco.com and asked for Pilot pricing. Five minutes later I had the name of the approved dealership, and approved credit in hand. I was at the dealer's doing test drives within the hour, and had a signed deal a couple hours later, all hassle-free. I traded in a 1997 Mercury and received a very fair trade-in price. I walked out the door, EX-L in hand, for $27,500 and I'm a happy camper, except for the case for the owner's manuals

I highly recommend Costco on-line services, No Connection

dbennett451

Nice reply and answer.

I'll talk with the dealership manager when I taake their check to them next Tuesday.

tsy

That's because we are nice people here in Seattle!

Yes! True true! Especially after I've had coffee!

user777

Would that be Starbuck's, Seattle's Best or MaxwellHouse?

tsy

No no no! Real coffee! Starbucks is espresso for the masses. There's a place nearby my work, Cafe Vivace. Awesome coffee, makes Starbucks taste like, well, Maxwell House.
They roast their own beans, and make a white chocolate mocha that is sooo smooooth! (It's called a white velvet- if you could drink velvet, this would be it!)

Sorry, way off topic now!

tom

stever

Not to mention that the bitter boys now own Seattle's Best. May as well pilot down the coast and become a Peetnik!

Can you pilot a Pilot?

Steve, Host

ogie271

I just had a 10" aftermarket overhead DVD player installed in my 2006 EX-L NAV. Dealer did not install themselves, but took it to a local place (Samm Sound) that does all their installs for them. Does not interfere w/ moonroof operation at all, but I had a slight problem w/ the headliner sagging just a slight bit on the driver side around the moonroof, which they fixed. But now I am getting a bad rattle when I go over bumps - not all bumps, but enough of them. Does not rattle when I have the moonroof shade opened. Had it back once to have it fixed, they claimed they didn't hear anything unless they went over a "pothole the size of a crater on the moon" (which is B.S.), but they installed some extra foam or something anyways. Did not fix the problem, still happens. Anyone have a similar experience or any ideas on what the source of the rattle could be?

ogie271

not that I have noticed, at least as I approach my 1st 1000 miles. still very happy w/ the Pilot overall, but now I have my own noise problem (see my recent post on overhead DVD player rattling)

pilot_2006

Hi
I have the similar problem. Did you get it fixed. How was your experience on this problem.
Regards

pilot_2006

Irrespective of the built plant, transmission is built in Japan.

master1

This is an update about the letter I sent to Honda's Japan headquarters about the steering wheel vibrations.

Last month:
Honda Headquarters in Japan: RESPONSE LETTER RECIEVED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOW: American Honda responded saying they will look into it. They sent a slightly rude letter which means they probably got into trouble for playing dum about ignoring a problem.

--> Anybody get contacted by Honda about this issue?
--> Anybody having the vibrations with the 06?

*[I will keep updating you with information they tell me.]*

mugenex6

Hey folks. I'm looking to buy a 2006 Pilot EX-L 4WD (NO TRADE-IN) and I've recv'd a quote of 27,888K (includes destination) plus TTL.
Can you folks tell me if this a Good price?
I think this is the lowest price I've seen on this forum for a "EX-L 4WD" IF someone can confirm for me.

tsy

Steve, we have Peet's coffee here too!

I can pilot a Pilot. Too bad when I pilot my Pilot I'm not a pilot.

master1

That's an EXCELLENT price. The invoice for that is 30,000.
Your price is 2,200 below invoice. So yes it's a very good price.
Please respond so I know that you read this and so I know I'm not wasting my time.

coolie

Hi,

I am shopping for EX-L with Nav on it. There are two dealer installed extras, a running board and and cross bar. I have received a quote of $31994, out of the door. I live in Maryland where state taxes are 5%. Is it a good price. Also, what is the best color to choose. Any suggestions???

Coolie

stever

We have a whole discussion dedicated to buying Pilots; please check it out:

Honda Pilot: Prices Paid & Buying Experience

Steve, Host

tphpilot

I had a very similar problem on the drivers side windows near the top left (close to your ear). It had a annoying creaking when driving, even on the slightest rough road. I did that same as you and I could make it stop by pushing against the window. In fact you could hear the sound if you were stopped by pushing on the window. I took to my dealer, showed him the sound. They fixed the problem by realinging the door as well as put that white grease along the rubber seal. I bet it was the door realigning that fixed it however. Sound is completly gone.

cityfishin

We just recently bought a EX-L that comes with the XM radio installed. I noticed that Honda has a option to add a iPod connector, but it's not available on the EX-L model because of the XM radio. I tried to get them to use the LX radio, but they refused to change it out. I could buy one for 1000 bucks if I wanted, but they wouldn't swap them out otherwise. I checked wire-tunes and they don't have anything for the 06 models yet. Any thoughts on an after market solution? Even changing out the radio to one that has a jack on it. The other thought was there's a button for "aux" and I don't know what it's for. Can an iPod be hooked up to that?
Thanks in advance.