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The 2nd issue is gas tank "problem" has been described more as a "slosh" and only occurs when the gas is it particular levels. This isn't a problem and, therefore, will never have a solution, IMHO. To some people, its just an annoyance. Personally, I've got much bigger problems in life to worry about like what color shirt to wear with these jeans.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
by the by, no problems with my size 14s. So maybe its for munchkins and giants, but all the in 'tweeners are S.O.L.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Report Date : April 27, 2004 at 12:26 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 04V176000
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ACURA / MDX 2001-2002
HONDA / ODYSSEY 2002-2004
HONDA / PILOT 2003-2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V176000 Recall Date : APR 13, 2004
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 600000
Summary:
ON SOME MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR.
Consequence:
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Notes:
HONDA RECALL NOS. P30 (ODYSSEY AND PILOT) AND P31 (MDX). CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
In any case, Owner's Link does now have some info on it. Not for your individual vehicle, but there is a link on the owner's link homepage to a statement and FAQ from Honda.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I just called Honda and was asked the mileage of my Pilot. I said 15, close to 16 and he said I had nothing to worry about--that it is mostly affecting higher mileage Pilots. I asked how high and he said around 15,000. I told him that I have over 15,000 (he thought I had 1,500) and asked if I could take it to my dealer now or if I have to wait. I told him that I don't see why I have to wait, especially when the consequence of gear failure could result in a crash (!), he suggested to take it and have them look at it.
I sure hope that there isn't any discoloration on mine (or anyone elses) or the transmission will have to be replaced. A new trans on a new car is not a good thing for me. The less this car is messed with, the better. Keeping fingers crossed........
I'm not really too worried about my Pilot. I am a strong believer in listening and knowing ones vehicle and I've not heard any strange sounds from my trans, so I'll probably just have the oil cooler line update done.
we have over 20K now. This ain't good.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I didn't expect this kind of problem so soon from a Honda...
Any idea why this is happening? Of course, I am taking this to the service dept tomorrow...
Thanks
Sam
I've never had a car that DIDN'T do this to some degree. There is slack inherent in all of these joints and bearings and gears working together to move a vehicle. So you are pushing them all in one direction to go forward, then ask them all to change direction and go in reverse. There has to be some amount of slack or flex that needs to be taken up before movement can commence. Am I making sense? Well, regardless, like I said, I can't think of any vehicle I've had that didn't do this. But if its REALLY bad and loud, then maybe you have a problem.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
This noise is really obvious. How bad? I some how feel it is loud enough to make me think something is not right. It sounds like transmission is banging on something when it goes to R. I can hear it even when all the doors/windows are closed. I owned a sedan before and I have never heard any such sound. I believe you have a 2003 Pilot. Do you hear that noise too? Thanks again...
Yes, I do have that noise, but its not all that loud or jarring. i would call it more of a clink than a clunk.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Did you find anything out about it when you took your Pilot in to the service dept?
Pretty sure it's normal...all cars will clunk to some extent but if you are concerned, get it checked by your dealer.
I don't think it's anything.
Thanks
Sam
Actually, I've noticed this same sort of problem in many cars over the years. However, it is a problem caused by the human ability to filter sensory input and to recognize patterns more clearly as a result. The problem is that we sometimes abuse this ability when we focus on a perceived abnormality and then cannot manage to UNfocus off of it.
I have frequently pulled off the side of the road to check my tires and suspension because of a repetitive (and suddenly not-ignorable) noise only to find nothing was amiss but the road was not as smooth as I had assumed (weather can change the severity of the bumps between sections of the road -- the generally equal spacing of the resulting, possibly new, bumps sound very much like a suspension/tire-related problem).
This ability (and sometime-handicap) of selective focus also accounts for widespread superstitions, unfounded fears, unfounded confidences (such as the pre-2001 belief that the stock market would keep going up forever), and continued purchases of lottery tickets....
I needed the car back earlier, but was told this job is a "pain in the butt" so it takes a while. If your Pilot has over 15k miles, they have to take digital pictures of the part in question and document everything. Thankfully, ours won't need the new trans (not yet, anyway) and now I'm trying to see if I can tell any difference in performance. None as of yet.
On another note, I was expecting to pick up my Pilot all washed up. We live in So-Cal and with the recent fires, my white Pilot looked pretty yucky. It was still dirty :-(
They don't wash cars with bras on (like they don't know how to remove it!!) ARGH.
as a matter of fact, my wife is there right now getting the oil changed. Then she is going tomorrow morning to the Honda dealer for the trans issue.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Why would a service customer expect a dealership to wash their car?
We have a new and very expensive car wash at our store, and we do wash service cars but I've always wondered why this is expected?
I know, I had a lot of dealerships work on my cars in the past and I can't remember ever having my car washed nor did I expect them to do this.
I know it's a nice touch and I'm glad we do this but I just wonder why some people expect this.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
So the question is: If there is an increased awareness of the need to attract service customers (and I'm guessing there is), then how do you attract them to your service department instead of the other guys?
Answer: Any way you can!
FYI, my husband was a Honda Tech for several years and then went to Acura and is now a Service Advisor. When my car needs regular service I will always take it to Acura because they really go the extra mile, especially in the delivery of your car. We get a small discount for most services, but the major downside is that we get treated like family---we have to wait---other customers come first...and I'm not able to complain.
Bottom line, I think a simple car wash helps makes customers feel more pampered and willing to go there again instead of joe-blow oil change.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
On the car wash question...Thanks. I understand I guess. a little extra pampering never hurts!
Do you have any idea if I would be able to see the pictures they take of the gears? Do you think if I asked, they could provide that to me?
Since you guys wash the cars you have in, you're in good shape.
Its a competitive market and its the level of service that will keep folks coming back. Oh, and, on that note, the Acura dealer charged my wife over $70 yesterday for an oil change and tire rotation! I asked her to call today and make sure they didn't make a mistake. If they stick to that price, it looks like we'll be changing service departments yet again!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The majority of Hondas aren't affected and the ones that are will be taken care of.
As isellhondas says, look up the other cars in the townhall and see what they are saying about their cars and problems they have. There is no perfect car.
We were going to get the Ody, but didn't like the seating--the back would have to be up all the time as we have 3 kids. So no room for anything extra. Plus, IMHO, the Pilot gives a much better ride!
Keep us posted how it works out for you~
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Suffice it to say, I'm not a real happy camper. I've owned/driven a few vehicles in 30+ years of driving but have never seen this kind of thing right out of the gate. This is my first Honda and one of the reasons for purchase was the fabulous reliability everyone has raved about. Unfortunately, my Pilot is not living up to it's company's reputation. Has anyone seen this kind of electrical issues on their Pilot?
Also, how has everyone's service experience been? Every time I've been in for service the parts are never in stock and I have to blow another day bringing the truck back in when the parts arrive. Is this a universal complaint or this dealer service center just beat? Lemme know...
G^2
Is "everytime I've been in for service" mean just these 2 electrical problems or is it more than that. I can't say I'm completely surprised that an SRS sensor and door switch are not on the shelf, but if you're talking about more than that, it could be the department.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
As someone with many years of experience in service management in the electronics industry, I know that it is unreasonable to expect that a dealership or manufacturer will all parts for all models at all times ad infinitum. In this day and age, companies are on major initiatives to slim down parts inventories. However, I would think that a part like a switch or sensor for a current model should be able to be obtained from an authorized parts distributor within 24 hours. Each time I have to drop this vehicle off for repair, I'm losing time away from the office as well as the cost of taking a car service to the service center. In purchasing the Pilot, I got rid of a '98 Dodge Caravan with 108K on it because IT was starting to spend too much time in the shop (what one might expect from a vehicle with that kind of mileage). This is not what I expect from a new vehicle, especially a Honda.
While I like the way the truck drives, I'm now really having second thoughts about the purchase given the reliability issue and the generally sluggish response by the service center. If these problems continue to crop up over the next few months, I'll probably get rid of it before years end.
With this setup, the entire 40-side of the 60/40 seats is completely free, so there is plenty of room to add a second booster seat.
Be forewarned that you will have to play with the positioning and sizing of booster/infant seats and will loose the ability to easily access the 3rd row, but it absolutely, positively can be done.
Elliot
A few bugs in a new car are rarely an indication of what you will experience in the long run.
There was just a discussion on this (may still be ongoing) on the plain old Honda Pilot board here on Edmunds. Here, you can start with this post and work your way down:
isellhondas "Honda Pilot" May 9, 2004 4:22pm
Provides any insight I would just end up repeating here.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
If that is the situation you are talking about!
Otherwise, no other electrical problems/comments
My guess is that if the dealer is washing a car after servicing it, they are running it through the car wash machine. Which my dealer has on the property.
I wouldn't want them to wash the car if this was how they were going to wash it. It will swirl the paint. Especially on mine, it being a black Pilot.
In my experience, the cloth wipers in a car wash are dirty from previous car washings. That dirt is then rubbed on your car and swirls your paint.
For me, handwashes only. With constantly rinsing and cleaning my wash rag to make sure is grit/grime free. And I take it once a year to get professionally buffed with a buffer to remove the deep road grime that I can't get out with normal washing and waxing. This will keep it looking brand new for many years! A deep, penetrating black is hard to keep as such. And the machine washing will ruin the paint with swirls in one washing. And the scratches might be deep enough that a skilled buffer-guy won't be able to get them all out.
Just another 2 cents worth.
After that, put some high-quality show car polish on (Zaino is one great brand; a single coat kept my Toreador Red F150 glistening better than new for over 3 years) and you'll shine like nothing else on the road with the minimum possible money and effort.
Based upon a search through past messages on this board, it seems this is a known issue. Thanks to qbrozen and all for your feedback thus far as it's very helpful.
ya know, just for the heck of it, and maybe you can turn up a solution to this, you should try a search on hondapilot.org.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Thanks
Sam