I've seen people talking about this here and about their being information on the Facebook Group but thought people might like a writeup here. It's a technically easy job just lots of bolts to keep track off so organization is key. It doesn't require much in the way of tools just patience, time, a place to work and maybe a beer.
Tools:
Optional:
Before installing the lights I cleaned and polished any bugs, scratches and marks off the lenses. I then used [Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating] to put a clear coat on them. This was my first time using this stuff and according to what I've read online you use it once a year and you don't have to restore faded or oxidized headlights in the future.
Required:
I bought the headlights and wiring harness off ebay. For the wiring harness [6spd_ek] was amazing to work with! He contacted me to verify that I actually ordered the correct part and it turned out I had not. There is an EX/ELX/Touring version and an Elite version, I ordered the Elite, oops. I also thought I had a problem when connecting it up as the blinker was running fast, turned out the front blinkers are on the bumper not the headlights, oops. All in he was super fast and even called me when I had a question. Here's his ebay link.
6spd_ek on eBay
Prerequisite :
Also I used the videos from DIYHonda to figure out how to remove the bumper and headlight, I recommend watching those as there is a ton of good information and my write up is more of a supplement.
2016 2017 2018 Honda Pilot - How to Remove Front Bumper Cover Removal Install Replace Replacement
Honda Pilot 2016 2017 2018 2019 Headlight Removal How to Remove Replace Install
Testing
So originally I wanted to test the headlights and wiring harness out before I went through all the trouble of removing the front of the car, especially since I was just buying random stuff of ebay. I very quickly learned there is no extra room or extra cable to make that happen. End the end I just had to hope everything worked...That said we are in love with the end results.
Before/Afters
I'll start with the before/after photos. They are not taken in the same place as my wife has been parking there but wow night and day. Sorry for the pun.
Original Lights
![133745]( "133745")
LED Lights
![133746]( "133746")
Here's the before/after beauty shots.
Original Lights
![133747]( "133747")
Original Lights On
![133749]( "133749")
LED Lights On
![133748]( "133748")
On to the build, I didn't take pictures of the front grill cover but just pull up on it and maneuver it around the hood latch handle.
Remove the Chrome Grill trim 10 mm bolts.
![133750]( "133750")
Anytime I'm prying on something I put on 3M Delicate Surface Tape. In the video he only pries at the top above the light but I put one at the top then a second pry tool to the side. I found the clips under the trim very easy to snap. If the trim clips break you can purchase the bracket from Honda for ~$18 online. You will need a left and a right and the entire light assembly has to come out to change them. The lights I received from ebay had one broken and while cleaning the second light I barely touched the clip and it broke. So I had to transfer the ones from my original lights. A note on that, the screw holes are into hard clear plastic. It is super brittle, make sure when your screws are going in straight. If you feel any resistance and or hear a popping or creaking sound you are cutting new threads, that will likely crack the screw post.
![133758]( "133758")
![133759]( "133759")
Once the front chrome trim piece is off it's time to remove the front bumper. Use the small flat screw driver to pull up the push pins. I actually have the proper tool...from Honda...but find using the screw driver causes less damage to the pins.
![133760]( "133760")
To remove the grill there are two tab on each side that have to be pushed down on. To do this you need a block of word for each side, this provides resistance to prevent the bumper from reattaching, and either a long near dow or very long screw driver. The bottom tabs I could only really see looking in from the back.
This is the top tab and watch the push clip looks like.
![133761]( "133761")
....so I can only attach 10 photos, proceed on to Part Deux.
Tools:
- 10 mm socket
- Ratchet + Extension
- Tiny Flat screwdriver
- Plastic! Pry Tools
- Delicate Tape
- Some spare pieces of wood
- Bean bag or soft place for Front bumper
Optional:
Before installing the lights I cleaned and polished any bugs, scratches and marks off the lenses. I then used [Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating] to put a clear coat on them. This was my first time using this stuff and according to what I've read online you use it once a year and you don't have to restore faded or oxidized headlights in the future.
Required:
I bought the headlights and wiring harness off ebay. For the wiring harness [6spd_ek] was amazing to work with! He contacted me to verify that I actually ordered the correct part and it turned out I had not. There is an EX/ELX/Touring version and an Elite version, I ordered the Elite, oops. I also thought I had a problem when connecting it up as the blinker was running fast, turned out the front blinkers are on the bumper not the headlights, oops. All in he was super fast and even called me when I had a question. Here's his ebay link.
6spd_ek on eBay
Prerequisite :
Also I used the videos from DIYHonda to figure out how to remove the bumper and headlight, I recommend watching those as there is a ton of good information and my write up is more of a supplement.
2016 2017 2018 Honda Pilot - How to Remove Front Bumper Cover Removal Install Replace Replacement
Honda Pilot 2016 2017 2018 2019 Headlight Removal How to Remove Replace Install
Testing
So originally I wanted to test the headlights and wiring harness out before I went through all the trouble of removing the front of the car, especially since I was just buying random stuff of ebay. I very quickly learned there is no extra room or extra cable to make that happen. End the end I just had to hope everything worked...That said we are in love with the end results.
Before/Afters
I'll start with the before/after photos. They are not taken in the same place as my wife has been parking there but wow night and day. Sorry for the pun.
Original Lights
LED Lights
Here's the before/after beauty shots.
Original Lights
Original Lights On
LED Lights On
On to the build, I didn't take pictures of the front grill cover but just pull up on it and maneuver it around the hood latch handle.
Remove the Chrome Grill trim 10 mm bolts.
Anytime I'm prying on something I put on 3M Delicate Surface Tape. In the video he only pries at the top above the light but I put one at the top then a second pry tool to the side. I found the clips under the trim very easy to snap. If the trim clips break you can purchase the bracket from Honda for ~$18 online. You will need a left and a right and the entire light assembly has to come out to change them. The lights I received from ebay had one broken and while cleaning the second light I barely touched the clip and it broke. So I had to transfer the ones from my original lights. A note on that, the screw holes are into hard clear plastic. It is super brittle, make sure when your screws are going in straight. If you feel any resistance and or hear a popping or creaking sound you are cutting new threads, that will likely crack the screw post.
Once the front chrome trim piece is off it's time to remove the front bumper. Use the small flat screw driver to pull up the push pins. I actually have the proper tool...from Honda...but find using the screw driver causes less damage to the pins.
To remove the grill there are two tab on each side that have to be pushed down on. To do this you need a block of word for each side, this provides resistance to prevent the bumper from reattaching, and either a long near dow or very long screw driver. The bottom tabs I could only really see looking in from the back.
This is the top tab and watch the push clip looks like.
....so I can only attach 10 photos, proceed on to Part Deux.
