you can find the same android unit at aliexpress for half the cost

 

Yeah, I actually am looking at a couple of units on that site. I only posted the ebay link as reference. Thanks though.

 

If you have a 2012 LX (no color screen), then yes, one of those Android units ought to work fir you. Any higher trim with climate control, can't really remove the audio unit without losing climate control display. If you look into 'Audio and Electronics' forum there are a few threads about an afrermarket head mounted in place of the top color display - but that is definitely NOT an easy route.

EDIT: on further research, it will not fit (physically) a 2012 LX either , except maybe with some cutting/modding of the trim panel.

 

If you have a 2012 LX (no color screen), then yes, one of those Android units ought to work fir you. Any higher trim with climate control, can't really remove the audio unit without losing climate control display. If you look into 'Audio and Electronics' forum there are a few threads about an afrermarket head mounted in place of the top color display - but that is definitely NOT an easy route.

Ah, I have an EX-L. I'll take all of that into consideration. Thank you.

 

I don't know why you would want to do this. That screen is too far away to reach comfortably. And even if you do put a unit there, you are still stuck looking at the factory radio controls below.

 

It should be in perfect reaching distance, since it's just replacing the factory unit.

 

My dash mod brings the screen about 3.5 inches in, quite comfy to reach. And yeah, factory audio still there, doesn't bother me. I never touched 90% of those controls even when it was actually used.

 

What year and trim is your pilot and what kit is this? I like it a lot.

 

This is a 2013 EX. And this is not a kit, this is custom.

Pilot 2013 EX Audio overhaul.

No idea what happened to pictures, So here is the album link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/QgAj7EvyLUUBLg3e8 Inspired by DMG's remake, this is my overhaul. We had an older car where I replaced the stock audio with an Alpine ILX-207. We recently traded it in for a new Subaru, but I swapped out...

www.piloteers.org

 

Did you do this? Or have it done somewhere?

 

Just to set things clear, Jicafold argues against my idea to mount the new head unit in place of the display screen. And is absolutely right, cause the factory display is:
1. Behind clear plastic.
2. Out of reach.
Implementing my idea requires extensive modding of the display section of dashboard - which is exactly what I did. I cut away the clear plastic, fabricated a new faceplate, glued in support ribs, and mounted the new head as seen in my post above.

Supreme: since you have a 2012 EX-L, you got climate control info display above your audio controls. This display is integrated into audio unit, and is the main reason why audio upgrade in 2012-15 is such a major pain in the rear. You replace factory audio, you lose the climate control display. Supposedly, maybe, (a very shaky maybe), you might get your climate control readouts on this Android unit via the ODBII connection. However, even if you are willing to lose that display, the trim on that unit is really for the 2009-2011 models. On 2012-15, the sides of the audio unit are more rounded, and that unit will simply not fit physically - just look at the pictures.

Heck, here is another link to that same unit, one actually showing where it can fit and where it will not.

Aftermarket Navigation Radio For Honda Pilot 2009-2013

Honda Pilot Aftermarket Navigation Car Stereo has a 7 inch touch screen, it comes with refitting frame which matches original dashboard perfectly. It is designed to replace stock radio system(non-navi), totally plug and play, no gap installation, no need cut wires, free gps navigation map preloaded.

www.carnaviplayer.com

The first picture there, showing 2012 LX dashboard, is a NO. One might be able to make it fit with some cutting... maybe.

The Todd: as I mentioned above, that unit is really for the 2009-2011 models. One could try stuffing it into a 2012 LX, but it would require cutting.
Now, going further, starting with 2013, LX also has climate control system and color screen, so on 2015, you'll have the same issue with that climate control display as 2012 EX+

In fact, you try looking for head units on Crutchfield for a 2015 Pilot, you get:

Products that fit your Pilot

CAR STEREOS
We don't recommend replacing the radio in your vehicle.

If you try looking for audio upgrades for 2016+, it is a lot simpler. There are trim panel kits available, and pretty much any double DIN head will work.

 

Did it all by myself, faceplate and all.
However, if you are not up to this sort of stuff yourself, I am sure a pro car audio shop can fabricate something like that quite easily.

 

I'm in awe of your talent and perseverence. I can't imagine an audio shop charging less than a billion dollar$$ to do all that custom work!

While it's not something I'd be willing or want to tackle, I still commend you for the fine job you did. I might make a facia to mount my iPad Mini in front of the existing screen so I'll keep this handy as a reference. You're a good man for sharing!

 

A couple other similar installs:
The one that served as inspiration for mine, by DMG:

2012 EXL Stereo Build

2012 EXL Stereo Build This may sound extreme to some people, but I spend a lot of time behind the wheel. I have been known to drive 900 miles a day and listening to music just breaks up time. The original plan was to keep the stock head unit (the cheap non-Navigational head unit) and just build...

www.piloteers.org

Another one I found on the 'net.

2014 Honda Pilot Custom Installation - Boomer Nashua Mobile Electronics

2014 Honda Pilot custom installation makes a sweet ride, Heated seats, XM Radio, Kenwood Navigation. Boomer McLoud New Hampshire

www.nh-car-audio.com

Both cases, idea is the same.
I have to say, I took a harder route there, essentially building the head unit cage from scratch.
Probably way easier would be to get a cage like this:

Universal Double 2 DIN Stereo Car DVD Player Fitting Cage Kit &Release Keys New | eBay

Double 2 DIN Mounting Sleeve/Basket Trim Ring Cage for Car DVD Players Radio. 1.1 Universal. Installation Kit. Compatible Vehicle Make. Compatible Vehicle Model.

www.ebay.com

Also, I strongly recommend getting a used display module to cut into and leave your OEM one intact (what I actually did)

12-15 Honda Pilot Dash Display Screen OEM 39710-sza-a320 Dw883 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 12-15 Honda Pilot Dash Display Screen OEM 39710-sza-a320 Dw883 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Cut a hole in the clear plastic to accommodate the cage, remove the display electronics from the metal box they are housed in, enlarge the opening a bit, set the cage depth/angle as desired and attach the cage to metal box with rivets. The rear of the metal box also would need to be cut to allow for wiring. Once the cage is mounted in desired position, should be pretty easy to make plastic filler pieces for either side. Or, another option, wrap cage in black matte vinyl to hide bare metal. Might consider applying same vinyl to the remaining clear plastic as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Matte-Vinyl-Release-3MIL-VViViD8/dp/B083LGQBCC/ref=sr_1_5

With a bit of brainpower, there definitely are ways...

 

It's a 100% custom job. Built it myself. See discussion above.

 

As mentioned, built it myself. Cut up the dash screen housing module, added retaining tabs too mount the head unit, fabricated a faceplate from thick ABS plastic.

 

Do you have

Hey everyone. I have spent a lot of time searching for a stereo replacement (after market) for the 2012 Honda Pilot. I have come across some units molded specifically for the 2009-2012 series like this one: Android 6.0 Car GPS Navigation Radio Stereo Wifi For Honda Pilot 2009-2012 | eBay I have also been searching for a proper stereo double din/single din dash kit, but can only find for the 2011 Honda Pilot, which is stated to not fit on the 2012 Honda Pilot, like this one: Scosche HA1711B Dash Kit Fits select 2009-up Honda Pilot models single-DIN radios at Crutchfield Has anyone successfully install a stereo upgrade/replacement on their 2012 Honda Pilot?

Do you have the manual for this radio that you are suggesting? I would like to see if I could find a slightly newer model of Android car radio.

 

Do you have Do you have the manual for this radio that you are suggesting? I would like to see if I could find a slightly newer model of Android car radio.

No. I was doing research online for a probable radio unit. I still have the stock radio installed.

 

After lots of back and forth (use a JL Clean sweep, rip out and customize head unit, etc) I went with the Android screen/head unit referenced by the OP. I have a 2012 so the side trims are curved and that is where the fit issues arise. So far the unit works really well and wireless Car Play has been reliable every time. Gotta admit I was expecting a crappy unit / experience. But like another post here mentioned, there is a gap with the tray/trim piece at the top. My 2012 has the curved trims and the Android unit specifically calls out the angular trims of 2011 and earlier. So I ordered 2011 replacement trims parts for the tray and the sides (about$120 total). I figure the engineers wouldn't have redesigned the steel mounts and entire dash top due to cost alone. Chances are it was just a trim piece mod that is molded slightly differently when they moved away from the green glass head unit on the 2011 and prior. My trim parts arrive next week and am hoping everything will come together nice and flush. Will update with photos.

DAMN these engineers for making the 2012-2015 so impossible to upgrade

 

Ok the plan worked. The upper tray was a much better fir, and the 2011 side panels fit flush with no gaps. The only surprise is the power outlet (passenger side) attaches differently so I will need a 2011 version of that part to be complete. I'm really happy with the outcome. Also...I referenced the wrong Head Unit by mistake. I bought this one off Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBF14C9N?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details. I left the GPS, 5G, and Backup camera disconnected since I am mostly using wireless Apple CarPlay. Works fine.

 

Still happy with your setup? The transmission just went out on my 2005 EX (RIP) and I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on a 2012 LX. I am already trying to figure out how I'm going to upgrade the stereo.

I'd already been looking at this head unit before I saw your post and wondered how it was performing for you.

 

UPDATE!!!
New head unit going in tomorrow. Came out 8-22-22. Been waiting 5 yrs for after market head unit.

Amazon.com

Will update after install. Alpine PDX-V9 amp and infinity Kappa Perfect, used all 4 tweeters and EQs, with enclosed box older Infinity Kappa Sub for deeper lows responce.

 

 

So.........is there a good aftermarket, all in one, stereo and kit package for a '12 Pilot EX-L? Looking to add NAV and hopefully a good video for back up camera, pics and movies and such. Is there are certain part numbers or information that anyone can share I would like to look thru them all. I am trying to take the easy way out but I am very appreciative of all of you with the information you are supplying here. Thank you so much.

 

Did you ever find one? I’m currently in this boat

 

you ever find one bro?