2004 Pilot- "tow package"

[tommyg]

Hello. New to the forum here. I've heard some Pilots come with a "tow package". I just bought a used '04 Pilot that has what looks like it could be an O.E. hitch, but how would I tell, or what else would tell me if i have this "tow package" ?

[sblvro]

Originally posted by tommyg
Hello. New to the forum here. I've heard some Pilots come with a "tow package". I just bought a used '04 Pilot that has what looks like it could be an O.E. hitch, but how would I tell, or what else would tell me if i have this "tow package" ?

oem hitch comes with a specs sticker on the left(facing the tow hitch).

[tommyg]

OK, Thanks. I'll check that tonight. Someone else mentioned to me a power steering "cooler". What to look for there ?

[tommyg]

OK, Thanks. I'll check that tonight. Someone else mentioned to me a power steering "cooler". What to look for there ?

[whizmo]

I don't think Honda has ever bundled all their towing stuff together in a formal "tow package". But their standard bundle of accessories required on the 1st gen models was the hitch, an electrical kit to get you a four-prong flat trailer connector, a transmission fluid cooler, and a power steering fluid cooler.

Don't know about the 2nd gen.

- Mark

[tommyg]

Thanks,Mark. You mentioned 1st & 2ng generation. What is the month/year cut off if that's how they are differenciated? [sp.? ]

[whizmo]

Originally posted by tommyg
You mentioned 1st & 2ng generation. What is the month/year cut off if that's how they are differenciated? [sp.? ]

The changeover to the major new design was the 2009 model year. There was a minor redesign in 2006.

- Mark

[tommyg]

ok. you've got me thinking now. I changed the trans fluid the other day & the dealer told me it took 3 qts. I drained it out & seemed more like 4. I added the three & now it barely shows on the stick. Although i did n't see an extra cooler in front of the radiator- maybe it does & that's where the extra fluid came from ? Would the extra cooler be right behind the grille ? & how about the power steering cooler ?
thanks
Tom

[whizmo]

The coolers are quite obvious, mounted in front of the radiator, near the bottom, visible through the bumper opening above the license plate bracket. Each is a long horitzontal u-shaped tube with cooling fins; I believe the power steering only has fins on one of the tubes but the tranny cooler has fins on both. Some of the mail-order places that sell the coolers have detailed installation instructions online if you want to see exactly what they look like. If you looked through the bumper and all you see is the radiator, you don't have the coolers.

Auto tranny refill capacity after a fluid change is 3.5 qts, so I don't think the fact it took more than 3 tells you much.

- Mark

[tommyg]

THanks,MArk.
I did see two long U-shaped tubes... but neither had fins on them. One started on the lower driver's side & was about a foot long & was horizontal. The other started at the lower pass. side & ran at a 45% angle towards the top of the grille & the tube looked to be smaller in diameter. It sounds like what you're describing. Also, i did find a sticker on the hitch, though on the pass. side.
thanks

[Tom-Troy]

I think you do not have the tow package coolers. I just checked my vehicle and I see the same smooth pipes. I did not get a tow package; just had an aftermarket hitch installed for use with a bike rack. My hitch, as should all hitches, has the weight rating label.

[N_Jay]

Sounds like someone added the trans cooler but did not change the Power Steering cooler.

[carguy07]

Pretty sure this is correct info but someone else please confirm (borrowed these from the MDX site).

Stock OE set up. The 45 degree tube is the AC discharge tube and the lower cooler is the stock power steering cooler with no fins.






Upgraded Honda power steering cooler.





Upgraded Honda tranny cooler and steering cooler.






http://www.bernardiparts.com/Images/...r_AII30475.pdf


Look correct?

[jestmaty]

You know.... I've always wanted to mount a 'before' and 'after' trans temp gauge to see how much it actually cools in that 6 feet of cooler......

I'm talking 2 different gauges just before and after exiting the cooler.

[whizmo]

I don't know what mine looked like before the coolers were added, but the last picture certainly looks like the coolers that are now behind my grill, so yes, I think these are correct.

- Mark