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171 Posts
For the people who have the back-up sensors, do you think they're worth it? Just interested to hear some feedback since I want to make sure I want this accessory.
Back-Up Sensors
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126 Posts
Put me down for "thumbs up"
I sure love mine. I did the install myself, took about 4 or 5 hrs. I've tested them a number of times, and they work EXACTLY as advertised. Stand more than 6' behind them....nothing happens....move to 6'.....slow beep.....move to 4'.....fast beep......move to 2'......constant tone. The corners have a different pitch tone. And I think it's 2', 1 1/2', and 1'.
I sure love mine. I did the install myself, took about 4 or 5 hrs. I've tested them a number of times, and they work EXACTLY as advertised. Stand more than 6' behind them....nothing happens....move to 6'.....slow beep.....move to 4'.....fast beep......move to 2'......constant tone. The corners have a different pitch tone. And I think it's 2', 1 1/2', and 1'.
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126 Posts
Audible by all?
It's definetly audible to everyone inside the vehicle. The tones come from the rear upper right hand corner of the vehicle. This is where you install the tone generator (two tiny speakers) and the switch to turn off the backup sensor circuitry. It wouldn't be audible to anyone outside the vehicle....unless you had your windows down. It's not connected to the stereo in any way. So if you have the stereo cranked up loud enough....I'm sure it'd be possible to miss the tones. But I've played CD's at moderately loud levels, and you could EASILY hear the backup sensors.
It's definetly audible to everyone inside the vehicle. The tones come from the rear upper right hand corner of the vehicle. This is where you install the tone generator (two tiny speakers) and the switch to turn off the backup sensor circuitry. It wouldn't be audible to anyone outside the vehicle....unless you had your windows down. It's not connected to the stereo in any way. So if you have the stereo cranked up loud enough....I'm sure it'd be possible to miss the tones. But I've played CD's at moderately loud levels, and you could EASILY hear the backup sensors.
Back Up Tone
I am also interested in the Back Up Sensors.
When I test drove one with them installed, they really worked well.
The thing that _really_ iritated me, though is that when you shift into reverse, there is a beep, even if nothing is behind you. Is there anyway to turn off that initial tone when you shift into reverse?
I am also interested in the Back Up Sensors.
When I test drove one with them installed, they really worked well.
The thing that _really_ iritated me, though is that when you shift into reverse, there is a beep, even if nothing is behind you. Is there anyway to turn off that initial tone when you shift into reverse?
Joined
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126 Posts
Nope
Don't think there's anyway to turn off that initial beep when you go into reverse. To be honest, I like it. Let's you know the backup sensors are switched on. You can always turn off the sensors using the switch installed near the speakers. However, that defeats the purpose of having them in the first place. The only time you'd ever really want to turn them off is if you're hauling a trailer and you're backing up....such as backing your JetSki into the water. The backup sensors would be screaming at you when there's nothing wrong.
Don't think there's anyway to turn off that initial beep when you go into reverse. To be honest, I like it. Let's you know the backup sensors are switched on. You can always turn off the sensors using the switch installed near the speakers. However, that defeats the purpose of having them in the first place. The only time you'd ever really want to turn them off is if you're hauling a trailer and you're backing up....such as backing your JetSki into the water. The backup sensors would be screaming at you when there's nothing wrong.
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126 Posts
Drilling holes
Yes, I had to drill the four holes in the bumper. Honda instructions tell you to use two different hole saws....can't remember the sizes....I think 20mm and 26mm. I couldn't find any metric hole saws, so I had to buy "english unit" hole saws that were "close". They were actually 19mm and 25mm equiviants. Again, not sure if I'm remembering the size right, but I do remember for sure the ones I bought were both exactly 1mm smaller than recommended. I figured I'd just file out the hole a little bit if the sensors didn't fit. Well....they fit PERFECTLY.....snug...but not too snug. Don't worry too much about the the holes, the locations of the holes are clearly marked on the inside of the bumper. Just make sure you use the correct saw for the correct hole. The inner two holes use one size, and the outer two holes use the other size. Give yourself at least 4-5 hours for the install.
Yes, I had to drill the four holes in the bumper. Honda instructions tell you to use two different hole saws....can't remember the sizes....I think 20mm and 26mm. I couldn't find any metric hole saws, so I had to buy "english unit" hole saws that were "close". They were actually 19mm and 25mm equiviants. Again, not sure if I'm remembering the size right, but I do remember for sure the ones I bought were both exactly 1mm smaller than recommended. I figured I'd just file out the hole a little bit if the sensors didn't fit. Well....they fit PERFECTLY.....snug...but not too snug. Don't worry too much about the the holes, the locations of the holes are clearly marked on the inside of the bumper. Just make sure you use the correct saw for the correct hole. The inner two holes use one size, and the outer two holes use the other size. Give yourself at least 4-5 hours for the install.
). Use the 1 to 10 scale, 10 to be the most difficult.
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126 Posts
Hmmmm
I'm probably a little more handy than average....I'd give myself an 8. That being said, I didn't have too much problem. The only thing that scared me really was pulling the bumper off. The "clips" didn't really seem to work as I inferred from the manual. I ended up basically yanking the bumper off....and in the process I "slighty" stressed the slots on the bumper. You end up removing a ton of parts/screws from the Pilot. However, it's not really that difficult to get everything back in place again. Just take your time, and read over each step carefully before you perform it...and you'll be fine.
I'm probably a little more handy than average....I'd give myself an 8. That being said, I didn't have too much problem. The only thing that scared me really was pulling the bumper off. The "clips" didn't really seem to work as I inferred from the manual. I ended up basically yanking the bumper off....and in the process I "slighty" stressed the slots on the bumper. You end up removing a ton of parts/screws from the Pilot. However, it's not really that difficult to get everything back in place again. Just take your time, and read over each step carefully before you perform it...and you'll be fine.
Joined
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173 Posts
After-Market Backup Sensors
While the OEM sensors appear to be very well engineered, the installed cost is pretty steep.
Has anyone had any experience with any of the after-market backup sensors? Many of them "talk" in addition to the escalating tones. I've seen the better ones for about $150 or so.
Are they any good?
While the OEM sensors appear to be very well engineered, the installed cost is pretty steep.
Has anyone had any experience with any of the after-market backup sensors? Many of them "talk" in addition to the escalating tones. I've seen the better ones for about $150 or so.
Are they any good?
Re: After-Market Backup Sensors
$150 sounds like about the neighborhood I paid. I'd highly recommend them if you don't wanna go Honda OEM. Install was easy.
Head over to www.acuramdx.org and do a search for Poron and a few threads will pop up.
A handful of us have the aftermarket from PoronUSA on our MDXs. Some of us (including me) have the voice/beep deal; a couple folks installed a beep/digital readout model. We're all quite pleased.ChiefPilot said:
$150 sounds like about the neighborhood I paid. I'd highly recommend them if you don't wanna go Honda OEM. Install was easy.
Head over to www.acuramdx.org and do a search for Poron and a few threads will pop up.
Try this
http://www.poronusa.com/productinfo.htm
Couldn't get the order information page to work though...
http://www.poronusa.com/productinfo.htm
Couldn't get the order information page to work though...
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173 Posts
I broke down...
...and sprung for the OEM back-up sensor. I've only had them for a few days, but I've been pretty impressed so far.
For some reason, I haven't been comfortable in judging the location of the Pilot when backing up, but now I can back up with confidence.
To quote a previous poster, the backup sensor works "exactly as advertised." The beeps increase in frequency as you get closer to the obstruction. When the tone becomes continuous, its time to stop!
Isn't technology great??
...and sprung for the OEM back-up sensor. I've only had them for a few days, but I've been pretty impressed so far.
For some reason, I haven't been comfortable in judging the location of the Pilot when backing up, but now I can back up with confidence.
To quote a previous poster, the backup sensor works "exactly as advertised." The beeps increase in frequency as you get closer to the obstruction. When the tone becomes continuous, its time to stop!
Isn't technology great??
Backup Sensors Self Install
I followed the trail blazed by WNYPilotGuy and installed the Honda Pilot backup sensors myself. I took some photos and timed it along the way.
It took 1 hour to get to the point where the bumper was off (step #5). There are over 19 places the bumper is connected. I had to take off my rear mud guards that I had put on a few months ago as well. I found there are 6 clips instead of the 4 they listed under the bumper. My tow hitch was somewhat in the way of removing one of the center bolt. You pull the sides of the bumper away from the body and release several fender clips on the side and corner and carefully slide the bumper out.
I used a hacksaw blade instead of a utility knife to cut the holes in the bumper absorber.
I too used standard hole saws instead of metric. You will need 3/4" (19mm) and a 1" (25mm). My sensors fit but were snug since these are a bit smaller than what was called for.
It took me 1h 50min to get through step 10. Drilling holes in the bumper and installing the sensors in the bumper.
I followed the trail blazed by WNYPilotGuy and installed the Honda Pilot backup sensors myself. I took some photos and timed it along the way.
It took 1 hour to get to the point where the bumper was off (step #5). There are over 19 places the bumper is connected. I had to take off my rear mud guards that I had put on a few months ago as well. I found there are 6 clips instead of the 4 they listed under the bumper. My tow hitch was somewhat in the way of removing one of the center bolt. You pull the sides of the bumper away from the body and release several fender clips on the side and corner and carefully slide the bumper out.
I used a hacksaw blade instead of a utility knife to cut the holes in the bumper absorber.
I too used standard hole saws instead of metric. You will need 3/4" (19mm) and a 1" (25mm). My sensors fit but were snug since these are a bit smaller than what was called for.
It took me 1h 50min to get through step 10. Drilling holes in the bumper and installing the sensors in the bumper.
Attachments
More backup sensor install notes
After working on the bumper you start on on the inside. You have to remove the right 3rd row single seat, then the rear quarter panel trim and the large plastic cover over the right rear well.
You route the backup wires through the body to the outside which will be under the bumper. The rubber grommet on the wiring has to be pushed through a small hole in the inner wall of the body and put in place in the hole on the outer wall to keep water out. There is a metal bar inside right above the hole making it difficult to get to. I drew a little blood on a sharp edge trying to push the grommet through the inner hole.
It was 3 hours to complete through step #24 in the instructions which is attaching the wiring harness to the bumper beam.
After working on the bumper you start on on the inside. You have to remove the right 3rd row single seat, then the rear quarter panel trim and the large plastic cover over the right rear well.
You route the backup wires through the body to the outside which will be under the bumper. The rubber grommet on the wiring has to be pushed through a small hole in the inner wall of the body and put in place in the hole on the outer wall to keep water out. There is a metal bar inside right above the hole making it difficult to get to. I drew a little blood on a sharp edge trying to push the grommet through the inner hole.
It was 3 hours to complete through step #24 in the instructions which is attaching the wiring harness to the bumper beam.
Attachments
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