Our 2005 1/2 EX-L

[bluefin]

Here are some pics of our 2005 EX-L. We bought it right around the time of the release of the 06's, so we had to make a few choices between which we preferred. While we hated the black door handles of the 05's, we didn't care for the new front end of the 06's, nor did we like the reflectors on the rear bumper. The 06's were also at a premium price as they were just released. We ended up getting a 2005, adding MDX wheels with Honda center caps from an Accord Coupe. I recently changed out the door handles, and removed the badging from the rear liftgate. We're very happy with the clean appearance.

[bluefin]

Rear view w/ emblem removed

[bluefin]

2005 MDX wheels

[bluefin]

Of course, you can't have wheels on the Pilot with a big Acura "A" in the middle!

[humanoid]

Niiiiice! How much did those MDX wheels set you back? I assume you had the TPMS sensors installed on the rims too?

[bluefin]

I got the wheels for around $600. I saw a new MDX with aftermarket wheels parked in a local parking lot and left a note on the window. They had less than 50 miles on them! I also made some money selling the three of the stock Pilot wheels, and kept one for the full size spare. So in the end, I shelled out about $350. Well worth it....and I got to get rid of the crappy Goodyear's!

[aaronmp2315]

how hard was it to replace the door handles. is there a way that you can post a step by step procedure on this. thank you

[bluefin]

The door handles were actually not too bad. I owe it all to fellow member RCRaiders. Do a search for Honda Pilot Limited, and you will see his original post with step by step instructions. The first one (passenger front) door took the longest. You need to eliminate the lock core since the 06's don't have it. It took about 1.5 hours, the two back doors took about 15 min each (after the door panel was removed). The driver front took a bit longer because you have to fumble with the lock core again...about 45 minutes. The toughest part is removing the clip that holds the lock core in on each front door. It is very hard to see, and took about 10 minutes of trying to hook with a bent coat hanger to remove it. You will finally hook it and it pops right out.
The right set of tools is important. You will need assorted screwdrivers, a 10mm socket with a 1/4 inch socket driver and misc extensions (the six inch extension for the 1/4 inch drive is the #1 tool you'll use) A 3/8 drive is a bit too thick to use on the back doors and will require more work. A good small 10mm wrench is the 3rd tool you may need. At the end, I used a small roller (like you use for dynamat) to make the white plastic adhere to the door frame...it worked like a charm. you can't even tell it was ever removed!

I had to reset my power window auto up/down switch after the entire thing. Put ignition key to "acc", roll window down and hold 2 sec, roll up and hold 2 seconds...good to go!

It seems a bit intimidating (I had my doubts if I could do it). But be patient, take a break when you're frustrated, get good kneepads since you'll be on your knees the entire time, and have a cold Corona handy when you're done. All in all, it took me about 4-5 hours including door panel removal, changing the handles, and re-assembly. If I was going to do it again, I think I could do it in about 2.5.

IMHO it was well worth the cost of the new handles and my time. The black handles were the one thing I absolutely hated about the Pilot. Now, I LOVE them!!

BTW, the instructions on the other link have some added work that I didn't need to perform. For instance, on the rear doors, I was able to access the two 10mm bolts holding the handle on with no disassembly of the other mechanisms. All you have to do is disconnect the linkage rod, use the socket and extension to remove the bolts, and reassemble. Piece of cake!

Let me know if you have any other questions!!

[Dina]

Very nice. I always love silver. Congrats

[ikkoku]

Nice...
Do you know which Honda center caps fit the mdx rims? Are they all different sizes?

I'm looking for some too.

[bluefin]

I believe they are all the same size. I just walked the new cars at the dealership and found the one I liked the best. These are off of a 2 door Accord Coupe. I think it's the sporty top of the line one...but I'm not sure. The color is pretty close. Not exact, but pretty good. All of the ones I looked at at the dealership were the same size, so I'm guessing Honda/Acura uses a universal cap.

[GULF]

Looks cooool with body color Bluefin

Is 2004 door handles Fittings the same as in 2006?

How much did you pay for 4 Handles and did that include Fittings?




12

[rlapid]

wow, nice pilot! very clean, OEM-style touches.