Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

heart2 · August 2006

I am considering buying 2006 SUV and undecided but narrow down to Pilot or Highlander. The Highlander seems to drive more like a car and even though diminsions slightly smaller than Pilot it seems more comfortable (6'2"). The Pilot is heavier but did have more power. Any comments?

franella · August 2006

I was down to those two vehicles also, and could have gotten an employee discount from Toyota. But I have a 12 yr. old Honda, and when I got in the Pilot, I felt like it was familiar, not to mention that I didn't feel the Highlander was put together as well (interior). It felt more "American". I wanted it loaded, and loaded the Pilot is cheaper. Plus if seating is a consideration, the Pilot holds another person (3rd row), and the 3rd row is easier to get into. You probably can't go too far wrong with either one.

dlc1 · August 2006

I have the same problem with my '06 Pilot. The sound went off 3 seperate times and then came back 20 minutes later with a loud popping sound. The speakers then sounded if they were blown. The dealership replaced the 4 door speakers,but not the sub woofer which sounds awful. They say we just have the bass too high( only on 4). The stereo really sounds bad, has anyone found a solution?

kipk · August 2006

I'm writing this to stress the importance of a good service writer, and a good tech at a good service dept.. And, if this problem should crop up, you will have an idea as to what it is.

A week or so ago I posted a problem developing with my Pilot. It happened when the Torque Converter was trying to lock up at about 50 MPH.

It got much worse. Once the TC locked the chattering and bucking would be almost constant. So it is a good solid failure.

I made an appointment with my Honda dealer and delivered the car to them at 8AM Monday 08/21. The service writer (Steve) that I was suppose to see was coming in late, so another one helped me. The tech I was supposed to see was not there either, but another one got right on the problem. After driving the car he agreed the failure was solid and repeatable but he had NO IDEA as to what it was. :sick:

The Computer showed no "hits" of any kind and transmission fluid was the right color and had no metal particles. This indicated that nothing was coming apart and nothing was slipping in the tranny.

He spent about 4 hr looking but had to stop. They were short handed on techs and customers were stacking up. The dealership gave me a 24 hr "Courtesy" Rental from Enterprise Leasing. I left there about noon.

Note: I think the tech was totally lost on this one and they wanted another one to take over.

I called the dealership about 5pm and ended up talking to Steve. This is the one that I was supposed to see in the 1st place. He said the tech had not found the problem but someone would get on it the 1st thing Tuesday AM.
He was not really aware if what had been going on, so I filled him in.

He instantly said, "That sounds like a classic case of EGR Valve failure to me. We had a rash of those a while back. Honda has even issued an extended warranty on them. They stick open or closed, or are sluggish in operation. It is more noticeable when TC is locked and there is a more solid hook up of the drive line."

I called again at 10am Tuesday. Steve said the a tech had tested the EGR Valve and it failed. He was installing a new one. I got there at Noon and the car was ready to go and FIXED!

Kip

zumik · August 2006

After much deliberation bought a 2006 AWD Pilot. I am very frustrated with the Pilot's ability to stay put on the hill (exit from the parking garage) when I take my foot off the brake (in Drive position). The car basically rolles back freely if I do not slam on gas immediatelly. I park in that garage every day and every day I am stressed about not hitting other people's cars. Is this normal? I thought the automatic transmission should not have this problem, it should in the worst case allow a very minor roll-back and stop, but mine would roll back all the way to the bottom of the hill, I tested it when no cars where behind. My 1996 Jeep would never roll back at all and I fullishly assumed it would be the same in Honda. I called the dealer and asked whether the transmission could be regulated/fine-tuned and they replied that Hondas' (and all Japanese cars') Hill Assist would handle only very mild inclines. This did not sound right to me, from the technical point of view, but may be I am wrong. I polled colleagues and nobody seems to have rolling back problems, but with other makes like Acuras, Lexuses, BMWs, and Jeeps. So, if you Pilot owners could share your experience with me, I would be grateful--even if to just to know that I am asking too much from this vehicle. And if you do not have the problem with rolling back, any advise on how to get my dealer to fix it, would be appreciated as well.

jimmy5150 · August 2006

Sounds like the window is moving slightly at the top, making kind of a "sticky" sounds as the glass moves against the rubber seal....anyone else experience this.? If I press against the top of the glass, I can recreate the sound that happens with larger bumps.

It's an 06 EX-L, 4WD

odie6l · August 2006

I noticed the squeak when I got 'The Beast', but it went away after awhile. I guess it's like when you get new sneakers, you have to wait till the new rubber wears in before it will stop.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

silverpiloto5 · August 2006

2006 exl with the same noise. I went to the dealer, showed the service writter and told him that my research revealed that they just put on some Shin-etsu grease. When he called the parts guy and asked what they heck that was, they just brought out a new tube and gave it to me. I put a little bit on the body seal (lowest part only) at the top of the roof. The sound was immediately gone. I wiped most of the grease off after a few weeks and the noise is still gone.

kipk · August 2006

zumik,

...I am very frustrated with the Pilot's ability to stay put on the hill (exit from the parking garage) when I take my foot off the brake (in Drive position). The car basically rolles back freely....

My 03 Pilot holds just fine on most all hills involving streets. However, coming out of some parking lots with their steep accent will get the same result you are describing.

Your friends cars may not hold on your problem hill either. TEST EM Yourself!

Congratulation on your new Pilot.

Kip

jweis · August 2006

I have a 2004 with the standard wheels (not many with the std wheels)and am experiencing the same problem.

I had it in for servicing last week and bitched about - said they were going to get back to me.

Have you heard from others?

rick778 · August 2006

I have this same problem! Noticed it soon after I purchased it and hoped it would go away. After about a month took it into the dealer and they said they adjusted the door. Also noticed grease on the door seal. After about a week the noise returned and I still have it. The car has about 4000 miles and is about 4 months old. Planning on taking it back to the dealer. It's very irritating!!!!!!!!

2006 EX 4wdr

kabill · August 2006

The steel wheels WILL rust-guaranteed. My CRV looked like hell in less than a year. After putting on a set of alloy wheels from HANDA Accessories it's looked like a million bucks for years. You might also check out ebay, where I've seen some good deals.

Thankfully, HONDA no longer (as of 2006 model) uses steel wheels for their PILOTs. Even the LX now has alloys.

bpilot06 · August 2006

I bought a 2006 Pilot EX-L NAVI end of July and it is having the same issue. The window switch bank on the drivers door keeps popping out. Today dealer replaced the door panel and the switch bank. It looks even worse. They installed door panel for EX instead for EX-L (cloth instead of leather one), so I will go back next week to get right one installed. Very frustrating and disappointing. Have you get the problem solved on your pilot? Thank you.

bpilot06 · August 2006

A/C Front Center vents will not open when switching from down to front down mode on a new pilot 06. Front vents on the right and left sides are OK. Dealer just replaced "mode motor" (?) but did not solve the problem. Anyone had the same issue?

sherbrooke8 · August 2006

Have about 2000 miles on 4 week old Pilot EXL 4WD and also get the single loud knock when started in the morning. Does not make the noise again until at night after work when the engine is started again. If you shut the engine off after starting and restart it, the noise does not happen again until the next morning or evening. Have not tested to see how many hours or minutes the engine needs to be shut off for the noise to reappear.

sherbrooke8 · August 2006

Just called my Honda dealer. Service guy said the noise is caused by liquid freon in the air conditioner being pushed through the system by the air conditioner compressor when the Pilot is first started. Was told to try starting the Pilot with the air conditioner off and I should not hear the sound.

===
earlier post;
Have about 2000 miles on 4 week old Pilot EXL 4WD and also get the single loud knock when started in the morning. Does not make the noise again until at night after work when the engine is started again. If you shut the engine off after starting and restart it, the noise does not happen again until the next morning or evening. Have not tested to see how many hours or minutes the engine needs to be shut off for the noise to reappear.

max53 · August 2006

I've got a 2006 Pilot EX-L with Nav and have put about 1,700 miles on it. Twice now (once at 900+ miles and now at 1,700 miles), the Nav screen has gone dead. Both times the accessories fuse has blown. I'm taking it to Honda service tomorrow, but was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

bcreelman · August 2006

This occurred to me recently; DVD was running and I was listening to radio. Turning off the power switch caused the smoke to dissipate. My wife brought the Pilot (2003, 55K miles) in for service (after a week long vacation without benefit of sound system), and was told dealer would split the $921 cost. I am reengaging tomorrow, because my extended 7 year, 100K mile warranty ought to cover ALL of it. Separate issue - dealer told her the brake pads needed replacing: $250 front, $250 back, with possibility of another $250 front and $250 back for rotors. Should they need work this soon in the vehicles life? Thanks!

normh · August 2006

I appreciate the follow up on your earlier post. After you wrote of the solution to your Torque Converter chattering, I took my Pilot in to our local dealer for repair of the same problem. I told them of the symptoms and how I had read on a Honda forum that the problem was an EGR valve. They called me an hour later and said they could not duplicate the problem and tried to sell me a wheel balance ($39.95) and front end alignment ($69.99) as a possible solution to the vehicle shudder; which I promptly declined. I again emphasized that it occured with light throttle position at about 50 mph. They called back 3 hours later and said that they went ahead and replaced the EGR valve (that Honda had sent out a TSB on), saying that they still did not feel what I had described, but took my word for it anyway.

Again, thanks Kip for your reply

gymshoe · August 2006

Searched through the archibes, but couldn't find this problem mentioned anywhere. Just took delivery of an 06 EXL w/ Nav. I notice when the car is in idle (in Park) ... standing outside you can hear a realllly high pitched whine and it appears to be coming from the left back door and the left rear wheel. It's really high pitched, almost painful. I only have 50 miles on it.

thanks,
-James

gymshoe · August 2006

I meant to say high pitched ...not high pithed..

rekh · September 2006

Hi everboady, As you know in Pilot 2006 the front light has four lights each side( in 2 rows. 2 in the upper and 2 in the lower). Can anybody help me know what the upper inner one is for? How can it be turned on? I appreciate your help.

master1 · September 2006

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/exterior_gallery.asp?ModelName=Pilot

The upper inner light is the directional signal.

rekh · September 2006

Hi everbody. Three days ago I bought a Pilot 2006. The brake works fine expect after complete stop when I decrease the pressure on the pedal( and still not releasing completely) and the car starts moving very slow there is a screech of brakes mainly from front side. Is it because of the disc or the brake shoes? why? My wife has an Accord and it does not produce any noise. Is there any solution? I appreciate your help.

prosource1 · September 2006

My 'check gas cap' warning light flashed today on my 06 Pilot with 2800 miles. The gas cap was in place, I followed all instructions and it keeps flashing upon starting the vehicle. This is the first problem I have had with a Pilot in over 100,000 miles and now two Pilots. According to other Honda owners sites this is happening on 2006's. I believe it to be a malfunction but has anyone had it fixed to find another more serious problem?

mattchalmers · September 2006

I am having the same issue on my new 06. I was getting ready to post when I saw this. On mine it is almost like a "groan."

mattchalmers · September 2006

Take the gas cap off, put it back on, make sure there are multiple "clicks." Light should turn off after a handful of cycles starting and running the vehicle. If it doesn't turn off after a few days of regular driving, call the service department.

prosource1 · September 2006

As explained in my post, I have already done all that is recommended and the problem continues. This appears to be a prominent problem with 2006 Pilots that have over 2,000 miles as I have read of other Pilot owners having this problem with similar mileage. Dealers will tell you to wait 14 days but nothing helps including resetting. Resetting only delays the warning as it reappears upon restarting the vehicle. I have never had the gas cap loose or off while fueling or in any situation that warrants a sensor to fire this warning. It's a plain ol' malfunction.

prosource1 · September 2006

No thanks at bringing my Pilot to a dealer. My 04 never saw a problem or a dealership and neither will my 06? Do you realize what a bunch of rip-off artists these people are. They would have you in their shop spending money and doing their unnecessary 'routine maintenance'. I drove my other Pilot almost 100,000 miles in 2 years and never had a problem. I had my oil, fluids and brakes done by others and never gave the dealer another dime. My truck was fine and I traded it for nearly $17k a month ago. I refuse to pad the pockets of dealerships who look for ways to take my money.

mattchalmers · September 2006

I guess in that case you will just live with repair issues? I am no fan of service departments, but also prefer not to pay for things that are covered by warranty. I am sure you have good reason to avoid the service department.

Good luck getting it fixed. It is probably a minor thing anyway, maybe a bad gasket or something.

normh · September 2006

I agree with you. If my vehicle is still under warranty, I want the dealer to try everything they can to fix a problem. After all, your local mechanic does not have access to the Honda TSB Database and all of the recorded problems and solutions that other customers have complained about.

csoukup · September 2006

I had a similar problem w/ my accord several years ago. Dealership said that there was air in the gas tank & had to reset the light. Make sure you tighten cover & do not let too much air into the tank when filling & this should solve your problem - it did for us.

mropportunity · September 2006

Speaking of NAVI I have a brand new 2006 Pilot and the Navi doesn't show roads close to my home even though the road was built 2 years ago. What edition of DVD does the 2006 models have and is there a NEWER DVD-NAVI available
(say in the 2007). By the way where is the Navi box and is the knob on the roof connected to it?

jlitterer · September 2006

Our 2006 Pilot is just over a month old with 2575 miles on it so far. Two nights ago our gas cap light came on. I always make sure the gas cap is tightened properly (numerous clicks) Tried to clear it per the owners manual (it didn't clear) and will drive it "a few days" as per the owners manual. Anyone have theirs go out after a couple days of driving? Thanks, Jeff

genah · September 2006

My 2006 Pilot is only a month old and have been to the dealers twice because of the gas cap light. They don't understand what might be causing the problem. The only thing you can do is to visit your Honda dealer.

jlitterer · September 2006

So what does the dealer do to extinguish the light? Is it something the owner can do themselves? Jeff

newfrontier · September 2006

Had the same thing happen several years ago to my '99 Odyssey. Turned out to be the dreaded transmission problem. Hopefully that problem was solved, but I'd continue to dog the dealer until they make it right.

jlitterer · September 2006

Does anyone know if the Acura MDX (the Pilot's virtual twin)have the same gas cap light issues? Jeff

alohaliza · September 2006

The Lexus 300 or 330 had a similar problem about 6-7 yrs ago, I forgot what the cure was, but the manufacturer found a way to fix it and passed it on to their dealers.

It can't hurt to call a Lexus service dept, as anyone who's been there long enough should remember the problem.

ibeeshell · September 2006

We bought a 06 PilotEX w/Nav in May, and I love it. After being without my license (medical issues) for a year and a half, this is my "Welcome Back to Freedom" gift from my hubby. I have put 4700 miles on it so far.

We just have one problem. The drivers side seat has come unstitched twice now. The dealership has replaced the entire leather and it held for about 3 weeks, then the back piece came loose. So they once again put on new leather and then replaced the back hard piece also. Yesterday, I drove it back in and showed them, yet again, the stitching is coming loose and the hard piece on the back is gapping. The tech guy looking at it, said he has seen several Pilots with this SAME problem and Honda refuses to send new seats. They can only fix it with new leather and replace the hard backs. So now they are ording in the new pieces to redo my seat again. I am NOT a happy person about it.

Anyone else experience this with their leather seats?

Shelly

hon · September 2006

My rear spoiler on my 2005 Pilot recently has been replaced 2 times now. It now has warped and popped loose. This is a common problem that has been going on for several model years. Why? Isn't it pass due for Honda to have a fix?

odie6l · September 2006

Okay, has anyone else had an issue with their headliners in any of the Pilots. Coming home from the farmers market yesterday, My wife noticed the headliner above the front seat passenger is pulling away from the roofline. Took it straight over to dealer, and has to order an entire new headliner. the service manager didn't think it was a big problem, but had the sales manager and most service techs take a look, he called it a learning experience.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

hon · September 2006

When I went to a local Honda dealer about a service bulletin, including the ID number, that I read about in this forum, I was told they never heard nor read about it ,news to them. It seems that all dealers of all makes do not want to acknowledge these bulletins. Has anyone else ran into this?

kipk · September 2006

I heard on the news there was a TBS and recall on something. I believe it had something to do with the front air bags. I called the Honda dealer about whatever it was and they didn't know what I was talking about.

About a week later I got a notice in the mail from Honda regarding that very problem.

I don't know if maybe Honda doesn't want the dealers to know in advance in case Honda decides to not do the recall, or if the dealers are told to play dumb until the customers have gotten the notices.

Kip

ralph9 · September 2006

I have the Goodyear Integrity tires on my 2005 Pilot (10000 miles driven). I live in the Colorado foothills at 7400 feet, so we get our share of snow during the winter. These Integrity tires rate number 22 out of 26 rated in tirerack's survey as a passenger tire based on 25 million miles travelled by the owners doing the rating. I've had a couple of hydroplaning incidents during the rain, but nothing severe. I'm looking for advice about whether most owners of these tires have bought different ones before their useful life expired.
I'm thinking of buying Goodyear Fortera triple treds which rate as the number one tire in the truck category in the same survey. The $800 cost, which includes mounting, balance, tax etc, means I'll be spending more of our kids' inheritance, but they would deal with it.
Have participants herein had "close calls" or even accidents with these tires due to hydroplaning or other problems. I thank anyone whose has some thoughts on this matter. Best wishes. Ralph

odie6l · September 2006

go with the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires over the Triple Tread. They have a better snow and wet traction plus a more quiet ride.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

franella · September 2006

I sure can't wait to get rid of my Goodyear Integrity tires. I have an 06 Pilot with 4500 mi. on it. Came out of a Honda Civic, and expected for this monster to grip the road. After all, I live in flat Florida. But with the slightest moisture on the road, the rear end slides around and tires "spin". My boyfriend, Mr. Professional Mechanic, and my son, Mr. Automotive Engineer with Toyota (MS in Mech. Engineering), say that it's not going to get any better until the tires are changed. At first they tried to tell me it was because I now have so much power. But funny thing - it happened to both of them, too. I don't know how you could safely drive a car in ice, snow and mountains with this kind of traction. Good luck.

ralph9 · September 2006

Thanks for the responses. I believe that the consensus, like the survey ratings in tirerack, is that these tires are poor and a potential safety hazard. I note that I previously asked the question about the tires, so I guess that my memory is starting to go.
Honda should, at a minimum, put medium grade tires on their Pilots, rather than cutting corners with our safety at stake. It is disappointing to say the least. Best wishes. Ralph

prosource1 · September 2006

I drove it nearly 100,000 miles and had no issues and don't expect to have any issues with this vehicle since it is the same model.

normh · September 2006

This was on the Acura MDX Forum:

#1068 of 1131 Re: Should I buy mdx? - [kmazz] by nivki89 Jul 01, 2006 (9:38 pm)
Bookmark | Reply | E-mail Msg
Replying to: kmazz (Jun 12, 2006 5:47 pm)

kmazz,
I had a similar problem over a year back. My check engine light go on. I Took to the service department - need software update - no problem. Few days later - same problem reapeer again. Only after my third return they figure out that the problem was with a 'goose neck' of a gas tank had loose contact with gas cover cap. They replace 'goose neck' - never had this problem again.

Maybe some help? Normh.

Honda Pilot Maintenance and Repair

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