Honda Pilot FAQ

Honda Pilot

Question: Honda Pilot??
I have a 2001 civic right now, and I want something a little bigger and newer. I like the way the honda pilot looks, but I don't know anything else a/b it. Anyone love it, anyone hate it?? pros and cons??? thanks!!

Answer: I just purchased a Honda Pilot this weekend...so far I am loving it...so I don't have a lot of history to talk about...I was driving an Explorer Sport for years...it was a 1999 model...so I like the fact that this is a four door, I like the console, they have plenty of storage nooks, the ride is very comfortable...the inside space is roomy...the sound system is nice...the suv sits on a car chasity, so it rides more like a car than a truck...there are more features on it than i know how to operate so far....it is a 8 seater...right now i have 7 avail. and the 8th folded down to allow room for my son's massive stroller. This is my first tank of gas, and I noticed that I have traveled 192 mi so far on this tank and the gage is reading a little less than a half...but by the sticker I think it gets 17/22 mpg....if you want to know more, let me know...the only con that I have found so far, is that I wanted my son's car seat to be in the middle (safest place); but it didn't appear to be designed to safely hold his seat there (according to the fire department); and outside of that the monthly note...but it appears to be a very safe car, several air bags; wide base to prevent an issue with rollover, etc...

Question: What is causing a whistle sound in a 2007 Honda Pilot?
I purchased a 2006 Honda Pilot and it worked fine for the first month, but now I noticing a whistle sound whenever accelerating or I press the gas pedal. I took it to the dealership and the mechanic laughed and said that it was the injectors. I didn't belive the guy cause I didn't hear it for a month and now I do. I am going to go back and make them check it.

Answer: I would look at your antennae, do you have any body accessory that is "catching" air... wipers...

the intake, where your filter connects, check that... think of an engine like an air pump... could be a number of things...

Question: What kind of subwoofer is good for a 2007 Honda Pilot?
I just got a 2007 Honda Pilot LX so it only came with 4 speakers(Alpines). I was wondering what is the best subwoofer that is shallow enough but still big enough to get some DEEP bass and volume. Thanks.

Answer: kickerkomp and the sony xplode are both quality subwoofers. both of them cost alot, but you could find them cheap on ebay. well... cheaper.

the amplifier will cost you some and so will the box, but you can find all of that on ebay for cheaper than what some audio store would sell it to you for.

installation is simple, just a matter of getting the wires from a to b. good luck, but i think you will spend around 350 for the system.

Question: How do I get the film buildup off the windshield on my Honda Pilot?
Hey guys,
My Honda Pilot's windshield (the cockpit side) has this really thin film of grease or something... I didn't do anything bad, like I didn't spill anything. I think everyone has this thin film, but my buildup is kinda visible at night, when the streetlights shine through and diffuse through the grease... does anyone know a good cleaning product, I tried Windex, but that's for household purposes... not automotive applications.

answer: Best window cleaner ever- 1 gallon hot water mix in 1 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon joy dish soap. Use soft cloth and squeege to wipe off.

Question: ANyone know how I can get crayon stain out of a Honda Pilot car seat?
A box of crayons melted through a bag on the front seat of my Honda Pilot. I got the wax off, but there's a blue stain left on the beige leather seat. Anyone know what I could use to try and remove it?

Answer: Basically you have what is known as dye transfer where the colour from the crayons has dyed the leather.

You need to try Maxi Cleaner (this is specifically designed for removing dye transfer) and if this does not work it will require recolouring by a leather technican.

Always use leather protector on pale coloured leathers as this will inhibit this sort of damage and make cleaning easier.

DO NOT try any type of slovents or baby wipes or anything containing waxes or oils as this could make matters worse.

Question: Which wipers blades will be the best for my Honda Pilot?
Hey guys,
Its time for my wipers blades to be replaced on my 2003 Honda Pilot EX-L. Which one is the best in the rain and other types of severe weather? And by the way, is there any store that could potentially install the wiper blades for free or a modest fee (I think AutoZone might do something like this)? I would appreciate the specs of the wiper blades (drivers and passengers).

Answer: Just use Rain X and you'll never need to use your windshield wipers...

If in icy conditions, just use the cheap ones, as you'll ruin them anyhow. Most auto parts stores will install them for you, but it's a really easy install, as it takes all of 30 seconds, if that. If you can't do it, then you shouldn't be driving...

Question: Can my 2007 honda pilot 2wd tow a fishing boat?
I have a 2007 honda pilot 2wd and looking forward to buying a fishing boat, but I dont know how many lbs. the boat and trailer has to be under? And do I need the whole towing package or not for a 30 minutes flate road drive to the lake?

answer: Always refer to your owners manual. Extremely important, as well, is the "category" of "hitch" installed. Traditionally Honda, with tow package, installs a "category I", up to 1500 pounds. If the manual indicates up to 3500 pounds this requires a "category 3" tow package. Always have the tow package professionally installed.

Keep in mind when looking for a boat that your Pilot can tow acording to manual specs. Brochures on boats indicate weight of boat only. Fishing boats will offer outboard motors with different horsepower and weights. The trailer weight must be added also. You will want to fill your tanks before you get to the water and this will add approx. 7 pounds per gallon (actually 6.2 per).

A weight "check list": Weight of boat + motor + trailer + fuel. I typically add another 100 to 300 for coolers, gas tanks and other gear.

DO NOT GO OVER RECOMMENDED WEIGHT indicated by Honda. If you do you will burn up the engine and/or transmission. The "rear end" is not capable of weight over the limit as well and you may "rip" this apart.

I sold a lot of boats over the years. I learned to find out vehicles that customers would be using and 50% + did not have adequate towing capabilities. Warranties on your vehicle will not cover damage due to towing and service centers know immediately if this is the case. Honda Pilots are in no way designed for heavy towing and when shopping for a fishing boat do not go too heavy with all weights I have indicated factored in.

Enjoy your boat and fishing. Remember, "a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work".

Question: What else I need to change if I want to change my timing belt on my Honda Pilot 03?
I need to change my timing belt but don't know what else I have to change. My car have over 100k mileage, 3.5 liter, and is a HONDA PILOT.

Answer: Make sure the water pump is changed out, whether it's still in good working condition or not. For the labor it takes to get past the timing belt to replace a broken pump, you might as well bite the bullet and get it replaced all at once.

Question: Is getting a Honda Pilot a good first car?
My dad and I went "car shopping" the other day and among alot of the cars, I liked the Honda Pilot the most, next to the 2007 Toyota Camry, but he won't get me that. Is the Pilot the right choice or should I keep looking?

answer: To be honest, its a gas guzzler. Try a ford escape. Good everything. Worth a look. Ford Fusions are also great.

Question: What kind of bike rack should i get for a honda pilot?
i would like to take my mountain bike out on bike trails. i have a honda pilot. what make/model of bike rack would fit my car?

Answer: I agree with the hitch mount suggestion. Very easy to install and easy to get the bikes on and off. You should be able to get a 2" hitch receiver installed on your Pilot. U-Haul can install cheaper than the dealership.

Yakima probably has the best racks, but I have a Thule (1-1/4" - 2 bikes) and a Saris (2" - 4 bikes) that are good. They bounce around a little bit, but in all of my travels nothing has ever fallen off.

Question: How are tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS) attached to the wheels of a 2005 Honda Pilot?
I am planning to replace the stock rims on a 2005 Honda Pilot LX with rims from a Pilot EX. I'm told the TPMS light will be lit all the time if you do not have the sensors attached. Are they on the inside or outside of the rim and how are they removed? Thanks.

Answer: the tpms sensors are attatched to the back of the valve stem....they are easy to replace and easy to break so be careful

Question: Any ideas about playing IPOD on Honda Pilot 2007?
I need help playing music from my iPod to my car.
So far in my research I have found that there are 3 car audio solutions: FM transmitter, cassette adapter, and buying a completely new stereo.
I drive a 2007 Honda Pilot and it does not have a cassette player. I just bought a DLO Transpod and i couldn't find a good quality FM channel(I live in Houston, so it's kinda hard.) I just bought this car a few days ago, and not looking to buy a completely new stereo. Are there any other car audio solutions to sync your iPod with your car stereo?

Answer: The switching FM mod Sparky mentioned is a good choice and is the cheapest ~$30. Since it interrupts the FM feed (disables FM stations) and feeds the signal directly into the radio via the antenna plug.

The interface Conejote is talking about is a direct auxillary input. This will be a cleaner input, but it is alot more expensive. The model shown is $150.
Other drawbacks on the aux input are:
First of all, it has not been tested on the '07 models. However, there are generally very few changes between model years unless the vehicle has been redesigned.
These are the limitations listed on the website for this interface.
Honda:
*not for in dash 6cd sysmtem
*factory xm/sirius disabled if present
*factory navigation requires special wring harness made by installer
*subwoofer equipped models require custom harness
*not compatible with navigation systems
*not for rear seat dvd entretaiment

Question: Does the 2008 Honda Pilot come in manual?
I'm thinking about getting a 2008 Honda Pilot and I was looking at it's features online and it did not specify it coming in a manual. I know I have the option to get a 4WD, but normally when the desription states 4WD, it would state manual as well. Does it come in manuel or not?

Answer: No, the 2008 Pilot does not have an option for 5MT, sorry.

Question: When is the next replacement for the Honda Pilot coming out? Will it have the same 3.8 V6 like the MDX?
I am on the market for a new Honda Pilot, but i am hesitant because i dont want to purchase if it will be replace with a new model next year. I will rather wait.

Answer: i know that it won't be a new body style for 2008. they're are going to be several trim levels like the accords (since they are getting a makeover for 2008) have now to help move the inventory along i.e. pilot VP and SE (SE model is something they did on the old body style CR-V as well). i don't however know what the new one will look like or consist of.
The new Accord is slated to be the BIG ticket this year.

i drive an 07 and it is a great car!

i wouldn't trust the above links with the pictures. most of the stories that goes with the links speak of how they are testing the intake with that style of front end. honda likes to keep their new releases very secretive.

Question: What gas milige does the Honda Pilot Get?
I cant find MPG on the honda website for the Honda Pilot. What is it, oh, and also, what is the MPG for the cr-v?

Answer: Should be easy enough to track down...

2006 Honda Pilot (2WD)
City: 16 MPG
Highway: 22 MPG

2006 Honda Pilot (4WD)
City: 15 MPG
Highway: 20 MPG

2006 Honda CR-V (2WD Auto)
City: 20 MPG
Highway: 26 MPG

2006 Honda CR-V (4WD Auto)
City: 20 MPG
Highway: 25 MPG

2006 Honda CR-V (4WD Manual)
City: 19 MPG
Highway: 24 MPG

You can search the reported MPG of almost any production vehicle in the US through the link below....

Question: Is car insurance cheaper for a 2008 Honda Accord then a 2005 Honda Pilot?
I'm considering trading my 2005 Honda pilot for a 2008 Honda Accord do you think my insurance would go up or down?

Answer: It should be cheaper for a 2005 Honda Pilot. The 2008 Honda Accord will be more. Also, it would be cheaper for a 2008 Honda Pilot than the 2008 Honda Accord. I know because I was just recently looking at the insurance rating symbols on these vehicles because I am currently car shopping. The Accord has a higher rating symbol (actually quite a bit higher) than the Pilot. Call your insurance company & get a quote. Also, look at a few vehicles & see what they are to insure.

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