2011 Trailer Hitch Harness kit DIY

[2011 Piloten]

I bought this kit from my local dealer (Jerry Damson Honda/Acura). The P/N is 08L91-SZA-100 and the price is higher than others I've seen listed in this forum. The kit is the same across the 2009 - 2011 model years. I paid $154.62 plus tax, receiving a discount for having just bought the car a couple of weeks ago. The kit did NOT come with installation instructions but, thanks to this forum's help, I had already located and downloaded a PDF at Bernardi Honda (http://www.bernardiparts.com/Images/...s_AII43339.pdf). I had done some reconnaissance last night to figure out how to unclip the umbilical connector behind the bumper and how to remove the dummy plug. That being done already, installation took 32 minutes and only required a socket wrench and pocket knife. This kit provides a snappy-looking 7-conductor receptacle with a spring-loaded dust cover. Another $10.49 dropped at my local Advance O'AutoZone got me a 7-blade-to-4-Wire Flat insert with LEDs to test the functionality on the vehicle side of the interface. Go for it!

[DougBok]

I paid $135 for the kit from a Honda dealer that sells on Ebay with the "buy it now" feature, no tax, shipped free. I think it is lousy that an Ebay dealer can sell you a kit for $20 less than the dealer who sold you the new Pilot, pay shipping and Ebay fees, and still (I would assume) make a profit.
I got the same sort of thing from the dealer I bought my Pilot from, and he acted like he was doing me a big favor.
Sure $20 is no big deal when you are spending 35 large on a new car, but if it is no big deal to us it should be no big deal to the dealer either.

[2011 Piloten]

DougBok,
I hear you. I have only a few days remaining before my family departs on a big, cross-country, camper vacation. Else, I would have scoured the internet for the best price. For anyone who has more time, they can do better than I did on price. My main purpose in posting here was to encourage both the experienced DIYer and maybe even the tentative DIYer that this is something that anyone can all tackle.

2011 Piloten

[Gnome1]

Try being in Canada and not being able to buy any Honda accessories from any of the mentioned places in US, they state that there is an agreement with Honda Canada, I say this it is Horses!!!, I paid 190.00 for new harness and that was wit 20 bucks off, then no PID of how to install, luckily this site was able to provide me with what I needed, I am new to site and thank you for assistance already with my new Pilot


Reagrds

[typhoonduster]

The two Columbus, Ohio Honda delears closest to my house are charging $329 and $275 installed. I bought on ebay for $130 plus $13 shipping. It's about 11:00am and I am going to give installation a try myself. I will post if/when I am done. I'm not the most talented with this kind of stuff but it's worth a shot to save that much $$$.

[typhoonduster]

I did this in a little less than 1.5 hours. It is pretty straightforward if you follow the Honda directions. I found step 12 the hardest and could not separate the connector from the connector clip. I finally pulled the connector clip out of its' socket and then figured out how to separate the connector from the connector clip. I then pushed the connector clip back into its' socket. I don't recommend this because you could damage the connector clip by pulling it out of its' socket. I did it out of frustration and got away with it. Other than that everything else went okay. I've got a few scratches on my arms and fingers from the tight working area but have a great sense of satisfaction doing this on my own and saving $186 - $132. The instructions emphasize "do-it-yourselfers" should not try it though. I am now going to try to put on the crossbars that I also bought on ebay that also says "do-it-yourselfers" should not attempt. If I am successfull I will have saved another $120. Here goes.....

[typhoonduster]

Honda Pilot Crossbars - 2011 Honda Pilot EX-L 4wd - Bought the crossbars on ebay for $142.00 free shipping. Instructions said not for "do-it-yourselfers". I don't consider myself mechanically inclined but I found this to not be that challenging following the Honda instructions. You need two flat head screwdrivers and a 15 torx screwdriver (the instructions said 30 torx) and two ladders and thats all for tools. It took less than 30 minutes. Needed my wife's assistance on the other side of the car to help install. Two local dealers were charging $259 and $246 plus sales tax. I saved over $100 and feel pretty good after installing this and the trailer hitch harness together in less than 2 hours. Also bought all season floor mats and cargo tray on ebay. The dealers really rip you off on these items. I don't recommend everyone trying installation but I feel pretty good that I was able to do it based on my skill set.

[thecore]

Originally Posted by DougBok

I paid $135 for the kit from a Honda dealer that sells on Ebay with the "buy it now" feature, no tax, shipped free. I think it is lousy that an Ebay dealer can sell you a kit for $20 less than the dealer who sold you the new Pilot, pay shipping and Ebay fees, and still (I would assume) make a profit.
I got the same sort of thing from the dealer I bought my Pilot from, and he acted like he was doing me a big favor.
Sure $20 is no big deal when you are spending 35 large on a new car, but if it is no big deal to us it should be no big deal to the dealer either.

Who was the dealer? (or do you have the weblink to post?) I cant find anyone who does not charge shipping? thanks!

[rocky]

$20 = 150 miles

[offroader]

Mine came with "Trailer brake controller wire connections" packet inside the box. It has a fuse and a cable with a connector on one side and four open/lose wires on the other.

Any idea where it goes?

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by offroader

Mine came with "Trailer brake controller wire connections" packet inside the box. It has a fuse and a cable with a connector on one side and four open/lose wires on the other.

Any idea where it goes?

If you buy a trailer brake, the loose wires connect to the brake control pigtail, the connector plug end connects to the Pilot wire harness. Fuses go in the appropriate slots. If you are not adding an electric brake control stuff those parts away in a storage cubby. Or install:

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/AI/AII39422.pdf

[offroader]

Originally Posted by RSQ Pilot

If you buy a trailer brake, the loose wires connect to the brake control pigtail, the connector plug end connects to the Pilot wire harness. Fuses go in the appropriate slots. If you are not adding an electric brake control stuff those parts away in a storage cubby. Or install:

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/AI/AII39422.pdf

Thanks!

I guess the installation instructions do not talk about this wire, or maybe I overlooked?

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by offroader

Thanks!

I guess the installation instructions do not talk about this wire, or maybe I overlooked?

maybe this will help clear it up:
trailer brake controller plug-in location???

[Dutchie]

I have also bought the wiring harness for self installation on my 2010 Pilot. Was very straight forward and seem to have done almost everything pretty quickly and easily.

Having finally figured out the 'trick' to release the clip for the umbilical connector, I am completely flummoxed about how to remove the dummy plug. So I have a nice installation, but with two unconnected wires behind my bumper. Any advice on how to release the dummy plug would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[cofetym]

Not sure if this will help you or not.

http://www.handa-accessories.com/pilot/09harness.pdf