Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

drivinmenuts

Honda is going to pay 1/2 of the repair. thatis better than nothing...just be aware if this problem happens to u...go back to the honda motors rep and see if they will help in the cost of repairs!

master1

That's great that Honda is paying half of it! I didn't expect them to pay anything.
Thanks for posting.

feet2fire

I just discovered that there is a "Care and Maintenance" forum on Edmunds. There are lots of recommendations for keeping leather clean and helping it last long, and Lexol is mentioned in a positive way. Basic advice seems to be keep it clean, and keep it conditioned. But couldn't find a reference to tell me if anything (such as the armrest covers) besides the seats and steering wheel are leather....

franella

Still trying to find out what's leather and what's not.

franella

We haven't had much rain since I bought my Honda Pilot (2006 EX-L, 2WD) in May. Yesterday I had to go out in a rain storm and twice I found that the rear end was sliding around on me. I was turning and pulling out into traffic and it got squirrely and the tires spun. I had gunned it but not that much! And later in the same trip I turned right at an intersection, and didn't even give it that much gas, and the rear end slid. Is it my tires (Goodyear Integrity)? Or is it just the vehicle?

master1

It's the garbuage tires. If you can, change to Yokohama Geolander tires. They are EXCELLENT in snow, rain, and dry. The car feels like I put new shocks on it because its a softer tire. It takes turns much better too!

rsharp

I have an 04 Pilot with 55,000 miles. I don't usually do a lot of extended Highway driving. However this summer I have been on the highway a great deal (going to Lake of the Ozarks) and the 70+ vibration is getting worse and now things are pretty loud as well. Long past any coverage at 55K so I am debating what to do. No one seems to have found any solution to the vibration problem that I can find anywhere. I just don't know if I want the hassle and expense of going to the dealer and likely still not getting it fixed. Plus, last week my wife totaled her car and so she will be taking the Pilot full time and I am awaiting a new Fit. She drives almost no highway miles (after the summer is over).

Other than the vibration issue the car has been very good with no other real problems. However if I was driving at highway speeds all the time I think I would be at my wits end with the vibration thing. As it stands I can handle it for short periods of time and the occasional long trip.

martin19

Any updates on the Honda Pilot 2006 LX noise from the Noise Cancellation System?

Please let me know; misery has company.

I found that the noise goes away when I put down one of the two middle row seats. The Honda people say that the microphone is in the back.

homeykat

Yes, me too since the sticker says leather trimmed.

homeykat

Forgive me, but I have not read the entire thread. Have you had a front end alignment performed? Whenever any of our vehicles needed a front end alignment they vibrate at 70-75 MPH.

rsharp

go back and read the thread...
Many many people have this vibration problem and have gone to great lengths to try and solve it, with no luck. Believe me if it was as easy as a simple alignment it wouldn't even be in the thread.

czp

We are very close to purchasing a 2006 4WD Honda Pilot EX-L. While doing some research on this vehicle, I came across "Recall imminent" listed as a con on a Pilot owner's rating of his vehicle on Consumer Reports' website. Is this true? If so, would have anything to do with the steering column vibration I have read about on this forum, or something else? Or is the recall comment a crock? Just wondering. :confuse:

-CZP

stever

The roof rack thread has been moved to Honda Pilot Roof Racks.

Please check it out, especially those of you experiencing dents.

jbl8

My new 2006 PILOT EXL has a light "clicking" noise whenever I am breaking. If I depress the break, at the very beginning it sounds a light "click", then nothing. Sounds like someone pushed a small switch, and it comes from somewhere near the break.

Has anyone had the same problem? Solution?

Thanks :confuse:

master1

I don't think that's a problem. That's just what it does. My Highlander does the samething, it's barely noticeable. My Pilot does the same, but it's difficult to hear because of it's loud interior!

jbl8

Thank you for the reply. Well, I would consider it A PROBLEM. It might be ok, but, it should not be that way. I have other sedans, none of them produce this small clicking sound when breaking. I took a look the thing behind the brake paddle, there is a some kind of pump system behind which make the clicking noise. I think Honda should really do better to eliminate this sound.
:mad:

markjenn

I track a couple Honda forums and like all cars, there are folks who are having issues with this or that and think Honda should recall the car to fix this or that. But I know of no "imminent" recall and I doubt the poster on CR does either.

- Mark

czp

Thanks for the response. We're picking up the new Pilot tomorrow morning.

master1

Most cars do that. I can't even notice it! There has to be some noise's from certain things.

apro

2006 Pilot 4WD with approx. 29,000 miles. Started to experience a very mild but annoying engine knocking noise at 2100~2200 RPM and over 60 MPH. Took to the dealer and they claimed that the noise could not be confirmed. Here you go again! The noise is still there and I am taking my car back to the dealer next week. This time I am going to ask a technician to drive with me. The noise is more pronounced when the car is climbing. I am always using the same gas (Mobil). The noise started a few weeks ago. Any help would be appreciated.

amdr

did you ever find the cause of the flashing drive light. we are experiencing the same

mary28

We are having the same problems with the noise (like a tractor
trailer on your back) at the 1500 - 1700 RPM. Occurs most consistently when there are passengers or a load in the back and also hot outside. Had it into the dealer twice and they were UNABLE to replicate the noise and I cannot afford to take 5 people over to the dealership to make it happpen. Bottom line, i read all of these and we called the 800 number given for Honda tech and they do NOT acknowledge this problem and therefore will not authorize the dealer to disable the "noise" system. How about the rest of you? Did you all "have to" replicate the noise to get the dealership to respond and fix the problem or can you give me someone's name that you spoke to at Honda that is willing to acknowledge this problem and therefore authorize the dealer to fix this. My spouse is ready to call the National Traffic Safety board and identify this as a "safety" issue with this car!!!

brad15

Having same problem with an 06 Pilot. Tightened cap, tried to reset MIL but it won't reset. Just appeared a day or so ago so I will wait and see if it goes out.

Anyone been able to get this resolved?

Thanks.

biscuit1941

My wife (I must avoid blame) backed up and scraped the lower passenger side plastic bumper where it wraps around. Scrape is deep and it appears to be one piece. I assume it will have to be replaced (its a lease). I have found lots of places on the net with front bumpers but not rear. Any suggestions? (scrape also put scratch in outside of mirror module). :sick:

cowboy7

I have a 2006 EX. I also noticed some noise, not sure if it is the same as yours. When I break to stop, sometimes I can hear one or a few light clicking noise, seem to be front the back of the car. If I break and let the car stop very smoothly, I won't hear it.

I brought it back to the dealer but couldn't reproduce it there. Dealer told me the gas tank does not have a baffling system, so I may be hearing the gas hitting inside the tank. I also saw this issue somewhere else on the internet. Not sure if this explains what I hear.

genah

I just purchased the car a month ago and the light for the cas cap has been on and can't get it to go away. Have not used any special gas and it happened a week after i put the gas in. took your advice and waited for the three clicks. Should I take it to the dealer will it cause damage to my car? Do I need to be driving the car around for the light to go away.

markjenn

These systems typically require a few start/stop cycles without fault to clear the code. If they won't clear after a few drives, I'd take it in. It is unlikely to cause a problem if you don't, but if the car's under warranty, why not get it fixed?

- Mark

jbl8

Sounds like different sound. The clicking noise is from the break system. If I depressed the break, the car will produce "a click" at the very beginning, as if a switch is pushed. It happens every time. I guess I will bring it to the dealer for a check.

Dealer always give people lame explanation. Guess they do not know either sometimes.

odie6l

best bet would be try a local salvage yard. You might even luck out and get same color to match your Pilot too.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

montzter

I had a 2005 Odyssey and the front bumper (cover) got scratched by a bike pedal one day. It was along the bottom and it gouged fairly well. My insurance agent said it would have to be replaced and it would cost probably in the neighborhood of $1100. I took it to the shop and it turned out they could fix it and paint it. I think it was like $180. Just take it to a couple of places for estimates.

user777

i don't think it always wise to consult your agent first.

i think it's better to go get estimates from a few places.

if it's under your deductable, even if above, the consequences of a reporting a POTENTIAL claim aren't always to your long-term benefit.

l_tchar

Hi

I just picked up a new 2006 EXL-R; Everything works great, but I do sense a bit of vibration (not so much in the steering wheel) - is it from the road feedback/new tires..it almost feels like the tire wants to "skip" a bit.

I have about 150 miles on it..and just noticed it.

Give it time perhaps for the tires perhaps? - any sugestions?

Thanks

DP

montzter

I disagree. You are always supposed to contact your insurance company if your car is damaged, whether or not they will be paying a claim. Your agent can also advise you what body shops in the area may be preferred providers by your insurance company, etc. If you wait and get estimates first, they may give you problems for not contacting them "in a timely matter" regarding the date of loss.

user777

i hear what you are saying, but having personally been red-lined, and knowing others who have, i politely disagree with you.

if you are not going to be above the deductable - trust me - you are just making your rate or risk of being dropped when reporting a serious claim more likely.

things get even more interesting if the "loss" which you aren't using your policy on is above the deductable.

either way - go ahead and report them if you like and ask if its "worth it" to file a claim.

i could be wrong, but i'm not the only one that thinks this way. and, i'm assuming that if there is a damage or loss, you will take care of getting the unit repaired at your own expense, such that there is no funny business asking that prior damage is repaired under a claim. that is dishonest and would be actionable by your insurance company.

telling them someone scratched your door with a shopping cart, or some jerk keyed your car? i don't think so.

stever

This would be a good question to post over in the Questions About Auto Insurance & Accidents discussion.

kipk

Our '03 4WD Pilot has 21K+ miles on it.

I have noticed lately that at or about 48 mph I feel a "Shutter" in the floorboard as though the Torque converter is locking and unlocking very quickly. 5-6 times per second. This only happens with a very light throttle.

Bought this car new and this problem has just started in the last week or so. Any ideas???

Thanks,

Kip

kipk

At about 18k miles I noticed a strange "stress" sound from the rear when starting from standing still and front wheels turned more than half way. An example would be turning onto the street from my drive way. This would happen even with very light acceleration.

Then it started doing it when backing with the front wheels turned.

I got lucky and the dealer asked me to drive the car with the technician as a passenger. It did it while still on the dealership lot.

The dope in the rear drive unit needed changing.

My book calls for that to be done at 30K I think.

Changing the rear end dope fixed the problem.

Kip

normh

Kip,

I have noticed the same thing with my '03. I have about 29K miles on mine. I purchased the 7 year 100k warranty so I'm not real concerned at this time, although I would like to know what the cause is.

I'am anxious to hear what anyone has to say about this.

Norm H.

roooddy

I need to remove the player on my 03 Pilot. Anyone know the TRICK to removing it or know where I can find that out? I'm told that I need the laser pickup changed and I'd like to take the player into the shop.

homeykat

Hello,

Sadly, I have a cracked windshield on my 2006 pilot due to a loose rock on the freeway. Is the windshield special in any way? Do I need to go to the dealer to get it replaced? I am going to call my insurance company but I wanted to check with you all first.

Thanks!

normh

Go to http://www.handa-accessories.com/index.html and
and select the Honda, then Pilot. Select the 03-05 Pilot
and under Audio and Electronics, select the "In Dash CD Player". When this comes up, it has Honda factory installation instructions, and this will show you how
to get your radio out.

Good luck.

Norm......

franella

I don't know what it's like in the state you live in, but in Florida, insurance covers replacement of the windshield 100%. Call your insurance agent first.

kipk

Sadly, I have a cracked windshield on my 2006 pilot due to a loose rock on the freeway. Is the windshield special in any way?

A reputable automobile glass company can replace that windshield for less than $300. It looks exactly like the Honda product including all the DOTS and shaded areas. It will not have "Honda" imprinted.

They can do it anywhere they can get to the car, home, work, etc...

Your insurance may or may not cover it since your deductible is probably more than the cost of the installed glass.

Kip

odie6l

check with your dealer first. If you got any extended warrenty, it may even cover the window.
The 7 yr / 90k extended warrenty I got covers all windows, and body/paint damage of any kind as long as it's smaller than a quarter in size. I was actually surprised when I found that out.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

mgata1213

Yeah, I drove an Pilot LX 2006 today at the dealership. My wife drove it first, loved it, not a problem. I drove it next with the dealer in the backseat and someone else in the front seat. I am not sure what the RPMs were, but I was doing about 45-50MPH when this LOUD tractor trailer noise came from inside the car...I mean, my uncle and I freaked out, I looked in the rearview mirror expecting to be pushed off the road by a huge truck. Of course, I automatically looked in the mirror and there were no cars within 6-700 yards behind or in front of us. However, on the opposite side of the road, ( the road has 3 lanes one way, 3 lanes the other and is divided by a big grassy area), about a 800 yards behind and going the opposite direction was a big 18 wheeler. The truck was wayyyy far back and was going the opposite direction tobe heard so vividly in the car!! Initially, for a few seconds I dismissed as crazy, but then my uncle looked around and asked "what the hell was that???"
Of course, the only one who didn't hear it was the salesman. "Hmm...noise, what noise ?" It only lasted for 3-4 seconds, but it was truly frightening. I am not an automotive engineer by any means, but I think Honda Pilot has a problem with the noise cancellation system. In my humble opinion, I think the noise gets amplified sometimes instead of being cancelled. I don't know what those circumstances are, but I would love to find out. I didn't buy the car, but not because of that, but because the dealer was not giving me a decent trade in. He basically told me that if you don't trade a Honda...we're not interested, but here you go, I'll give you a crappy price that you can't accept...but that's on another forum. :confuse:

dtabraha

Just a note after reading a lot of the messages about this, Honda's site has an interesting news blurb about the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system and the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The VCM is the ECO thing where it shuts off three cylinders.
Honda News Link

"Vehicles equipped with VCM include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Honda's Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system. The ANC and ACM systems work in cooperation to cancel both noise and vibration that could occur in relation to the cylinder deactivation process."

Not sure if anyone has specifically posted about the direct link between the VCM and the ANC. I have an 06 LX and it pretty much only happens right around when the ECO light comes on, meaning the VCM system has kicked in.

Is there any way to turn off the VCM?
I'd rather deal with poor gas mileage than the annoying sound.

mgata1213

Well, I don't think VCM can be turned off...not by your or me at least, and it would probably void the warranty anyway if a shadetree mechanic woould do it...if possible.
It sure doesn't do it all the time or to all the cars. Three of my co-workers never heard it on theirs, and they have 2006s. I didn't hear it for the first 5 minutes of driving, and the ECO was on most of the time. Well, I sure didn't hear when ECO came on, or even felt it, but I sure heard that loud roar that came from I don't know where.

mikkelborg

Yes. Nearly 5K miles and one of the hydrolics has gone out on the rear hatch. Door doesn't stay open on its own. It's covered under warranty, BUT I'm at the dealer and have been sitter here for THREE hours. I bought a Honda strictly so I would NOT have to be here, so I'm super unhappy about this and can you believe am thinking of selling this car!

mikkelborg

I'm having the hydrolic repaired on my rear door hatch (went out the other day after hardly 5K miles on the car. I have been waiting THREE hours for this simple repair and am not happy. Also, it took 3 tries to get an appointment for this repair.

jbl8

Problem solved. All the Pilot clicks. I checked out few cars at the dealership, it all clicks when you press the break. I was told it is ok.