Prep 2003 Pilot for towing?

[MildBill]

Experience is the thing you get right after you need it.

I got a great deal on a tight 2003 EX-L Nav Pilot with factory tow package and 135k miles. It appears to have been used for towing before by the wear on the hitch and screw holes from where one would mount a trailer brake controller.

My intention is to tow a small 5x8 cargo trailer (electric brakes) with my Harley and some other gear in it, < 2.5k lbs max. Newly handicapped I'm towing rather than riding my bike around now.

Then I read here about the transmission problems of 2003

Is there an easy way to see if the necessary transmission modification has been made?

The previous owner has an unlisted number. The local Honda Service Department hasn't seen the car since it's 90k mile check-up. Copies of their service records are on the way. They want $2k to bring maintenance up to date including changing all fluids, timing belt and water pump. My trusted gas station mechanic can do this for much less of course and I'm leaning that way.

Your good thoughts are solicited!

Bill

[N_Jay]

The mod is easy to check.

There is a fill plug on the top of the transmission that is replaced with a jet hooked top the ATF cooler return line.

This mod has nothing to do with the "end of life" transmission problems that people are starting to report.

I would get tec fluids changed.
(Oil change $35, Trans $60 to $100, and VTM4 $60 to $100)

The belt usually is at 110k miles, but some say 7 years.
It is typically $600 to $1000 depending on how much they do.
Many recommend replacing the water pump, the idler, and the other belts while it is all apart for the timing belt.

A good mechanic should give you a fair bundled price for all this.

Dealers usually stick to "book price" which is ridiculous for multiple tasks needing the same set up.
Considering what others (including myself) have experienced, I would replace the 4th gear pressure switch. ($50 part, up to $100 labor)

[osudelt69]

Make sure you have the coolers, power steering and transmission. Could be an aftermarket hitch. Change all fliuds, timing belt, have cooling system tested, and ensure vehicle is working correctly. That should cover you! Happy towing....

[MildBill]

Thanks for the feedback guys! My notes have been updated.

HOWEVER, I don’t know where on the ATF cooler return line to look for this jet. :/
"There is a fill plug on the top of the transmission that is replaced with a jet hooked top the ATF cooler return line."

I’m not sure where on the ATF cooler return line to look and My Google-fu failed me today..

Is this “upgrade” documented? Knowing us Honda buyers this procedure must be thoroughly documented somewhere.

Anyone have a link?

THANKS AGAIN!

[N_Jay]

Someone here must still have the PDF instructions?

[cofetym]

Look straight down from the brake fluid reservoir and you should see this.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...RhPukfyY-tY6-Q

This is from an Acura but should still shows you what to look for.

This shows what the transmission and power steering OEM coolers look like on an Acura. Same style for our Pilots.
2004 Pilot- "tow package"

[ericw352]

If a Dealer performed the TSP for the transmission fix, they should have made punch mark above the 11th digit of the VIN number that is under the hood. Here is a link to the PDF of the orig TSP. I am not sure how long that link will be valid in google docs. The file is to large to post.