I had to take delivery of my pilot "out of state" to avoid paying 2-4k over msrp(Long Is NY).....I purchased our Pilot in PA(at msrp) and thought I did great until we got an "check engine light" at 40 miles (returning home from the dealership)...A NY dealer checked out the vehicle and found nothing wrong so they re-set the light...40 miles later the check engine light was back on....Honda Corp stated I am clear to keep driving tghe Pilot and they are working on new diagnostic software that will take 30 days to get over to dealerships...Anyone else with a similar problem???
Check Engine Light-Faulty
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Gas Cap loose?
Have you checked to make sure your gas cap is fully tightened? Several owners at the MDX forum reported this same event when they had not tightend the gas cap fully. It seems that when the cap is tightened less than three full clicks after it is tight, the Emission Control "stuff" senses a faulty "sealed system" and turns on the check engine light. Don't know if this is your problem; but is an easy check. Others have posted that once the cap is tight the light goes off after about 10 miles or so.
Have you checked to make sure your gas cap is fully tightened? Several owners at the MDX forum reported this same event when they had not tightend the gas cap fully. It seems that when the cap is tightened less than three full clicks after it is tight, the Emission Control "stuff" senses a faulty "sealed system" and turns on the check engine light. Don't know if this is your problem; but is an easy check. Others have posted that once the cap is tight the light goes off after about 10 miles or so.
Thanks for the replys...I actually have put 2 more fill ups and made sure the gas cap clicked 3 times when closing...Still no luck.....The dealership service dept had the Pilot for 2 days and it showed 2 diagnostic codes for the engine light...Both codes were checked out and the light reset...As noted, the check engine light came back on within 1 day...The dealer stated there is nothing more they can do until new diagnostic software for pilot is issued....Honda Cust Service advised software will be at the dealerships within 30 days and they will have the dealership call me to have the vehicle evaluated again ...This is my 1st Honda and this is a frustrating and disappointing 1st impression...Oh well----waxpilot
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15,161 Posts
Don't be so disapointed
The Check Engine Light has to come on in the majority of casses when a problem MAY cause excessive emmissions.
If it does not do this across an average of the fleet the Mfg can be fined.
So the car companies are forced to design them on the conservative side.
My guess is there is no real problem, just somethimng a little further out of spec than the expected range. Maybe the expected range is just a little tighter than it needs to be?
Keep track of the codes every time they are read, and don't worry.
The Check Engine Light has to come on in the majority of casses when a problem MAY cause excessive emmissions.
If it does not do this across an average of the fleet the Mfg can be fined.
So the car companies are forced to design them on the conservative side.
My guess is there is no real problem, just somethimng a little further out of spec than the expected range. Maybe the expected range is just a little tighter than it needs to be?
Keep track of the codes every time they are read, and don't worry.
Update: I stopped by the dealership yesterday..The service mgr advised that the new emissions diagnotic software is in (its been in over 2 weeks-so much for Honda Customer Service advising they would call me when released!)...Pilot going in next Wed ....I'll let you know how it goes...I just want to enjoy the Pilot w/o seeing that check engine light on.....--waxpilot
Update: Pilot sat at dealership service center for 9 hours today..Went to pick up and was advised "sorry, we could not get to your car today, can you leave it overnight?".....This was my "2nd" trip to this service dept and BOTH times they could not get to the car on the scheduled date.....I think these Honda Service Deptartment's are overwhelmed and lack any customer service standards ...This particular dealer is the only Honda dealer for 30 miles and I am losing total respect for Honda after dealing with the "unethical" salespeople during my purchase search........In comparison I go to my local Toyota Dealer for service of my Solara and they BEND OVER BACKWARDS for customers(salespeople decent also).....There are about 10 Toyota dealers in my county on LI, only 5 Honda dealers...I am starting to think Honda around here just doesn't care since there is limited competition from others Honda dealers.....I will NEVER have the dealership do any regular maintenance work based on my recent experiences w/ dealer service dept but this visit was needed for warranty work............Honda Service Departments need Customer Service training.........I took the vehicle home today in disgust, It will be going back in next week....---waxpilot
SAME PROBLEM
Hey, i had the same problem with my Pilot. I had to leave it there for 2 weeks, and i got pissed. Also, it was the catalytic converter which was messed up, so they replaced that as well as the entire exhaust system and muffler. I am happy now with the Pilot, after I got a $2500 rebate from the dealer.
Hey, i had the same problem with my Pilot. I had to leave it there for 2 weeks, and i got pissed. Also, it was the catalytic converter which was messed up, so they replaced that as well as the entire exhaust system and muffler. I am happy now with the Pilot, after I got a $2500 rebate from the dealer.
Update ilot has been at service dept since Monday..The "new" diagnostic software for the Pilot that was supposed to diagnose the problem did not work......Service manager now states vehicle may have to stay in for 3-4 MORE days...Thanks to reply from "hajii83" we will investigate emissions hardware replacement.....Hope this ordeal ends soon!! ---waxpilot
ilot has been at service dept since Monday..The "new" diagnostic software for the Pilot that was supposed to diagnose the problem did not work......Service manager now states vehicle may have to stay in for 3-4 MORE days...Thanks to reply from "hajii83" we will investigate emissions hardware replacement.....Hope this ordeal ends soon!! ---waxpilotSillec---
The dealership that has had the Pilot for the past "8" days was the 1st one I checked out when completing my initial Pilot search(closest to home)...This particular dealer wanted 2k over msrp for "scothguard" ...The service manager at this dealership has been obnoxious and arrogant from day 1 and I sense that even the "dealership" customers get treated the same way.....I called the service manager today and he just stated they are waiting on Honda engineering to make the decision on what repair options will be pursued(they now ruled out a software problem)........Honda Cust Service stated they are waiting for the engineers decision also and did provide us with a free rental car for our "trouble"(Ford Taurus,ugh!)....I just want our Pilot back!!! I am relieved to have this website for help and support because Honda Customer service and the dealership don't seem to care!!!! ----waxpilot
The dealership that has had the Pilot for the past "8" days was the 1st one I checked out when completing my initial Pilot search(closest to home)...This particular dealer wanted 2k over msrp for "scothguard" ...The service manager at this dealership has been obnoxious and arrogant from day 1 and I sense that even the "dealership" customers get treated the same way.....I called the service manager today and he just stated they are waiting on Honda engineering to make the decision on what repair options will be pursued(they now ruled out a software problem)........Honda Cust Service stated they are waiting for the engineers decision also and did provide us with a free rental car for our "trouble"(Ford Taurus,ugh!)....I just want our Pilot back!!! I am relieved to have this website for help and support because Honda Customer service and the dealership don't seem to care!!!! ----waxpilot
It's Fixed!!! 10 days at the local Honda service department and we finally picked up our Pilot late this afternoon with NO check engine light on!....The vehicle needed "5" parts replaced (3 valves/1 control module /1 sensor).....One of the mechanics saw me picking up the keys and advised that they basically needed to change all the emissions equipment...This is the first time since we got the vehicle 2 months ago that the "check engine" light has not been on and I hope this is the end of our ordeal...Maybe we can finally start enjoying our new PILOT!!...---waxpilot
Yes...We were traveling to Hersheypark for a family reunion and I got the idea to call dealers in that area the day before we left to see if any Pilots were available....The NY dealers were charging $2-4k over msrp.....The Hershey dealer advised that someone just cancelled their order on a RR that was in stock and could be had for msrp..I left a deposit over the phone and made an appt to pick up the vehicle the next day....The in- laws dropped us off right at the dealer the next afternoon (in their 2002 Odyssey) and we enjoyed the weekend at Hershey before driving back to NY with our new Pilot......It appears everything has now worked out after several repair attempts but if I had to do it all over again I would have just paid the surcharge over msrp in NY .............---waxpilot
Check engine light
Some of us MDX owners have had the same [?similar] problems. Apparently, some of the failures turn on the Check Engine Light but are not too helpful in pointing at the exact cause. Thus, they know that something is wrong, but not quite sure what!! Soooooo, takes a while to find/fix the problem.
Once ours was fixed, we have had no recurring problems.
Some of us MDX owners have had the same [?similar] problems. Apparently, some of the failures turn on the Check Engine Light but are not too helpful in pointing at the exact cause. Thus, they know that something is wrong, but not quite sure what!! Soooooo, takes a while to find/fix the problem.
Once ours was fixed, we have had no recurring problems.
Update on the "check engine" light ordeal:
2 days after vehicle was returned in early Aug the light came back on(after 2nd fix attempt)...Back to the dealership...Dealer has now had vehicle for 2 weeks and they have replaced the gas tank..Still no fix......Our Pilot has now been out of service for "25" total days including this third fix attempt(car purchased early June) ...I reminded Honda Cust Service today that Honda has 5 more days to fix problem or we will exercise our rights under lemon law for money back or replacement...Customer service rep snapped back "don't you think we are aware of the 30 day issue".....Honda Cust service has been unsatisfactory during past 2 months but service dept manager actually starting to display empathy towards us ..........They are hoping to repair before end of this week but we will see...If not repaired I must decide either to get a refund (Highlander bound?) or let Honda replace the Pilot...If we replace was advised it will take 1-2 months for delivery........Any thoughts fellow piloteers?
:8:
----waxpilot
2 days after vehicle was returned in early Aug the light came back on(after 2nd fix attempt)...Back to the dealership...Dealer has now had vehicle for 2 weeks and they have replaced the gas tank..Still no fix......Our Pilot has now been out of service for "25" total days including this third fix attempt(car purchased early June) ...I reminded Honda Cust Service today that Honda has 5 more days to fix problem or we will exercise our rights under lemon law for money back or replacement...Customer service rep snapped back "don't you think we are aware of the 30 day issue".....Honda Cust service has been unsatisfactory during past 2 months but service dept manager actually starting to display empathy towards us ..........They are hoping to repair before end of this week but we will see...If not repaired I must decide either to get a refund (Highlander bound?) or let Honda replace the Pilot...If we replace was advised it will take 1-2 months for delivery........Any thoughts fellow piloteers?
:8:
----waxpilot
waxpilot,
You may have a "lemon" as defined under law [I assume that you live in California].
If you are successful in the lemon law pursuit, you will be working with American Honda, NOT the dealer. American Honda can procure a vehicle for you "very quickly" [seems they have access to the plant production].
Assuming CA law, the "lemon law" is not automatic. Get ready for the thrill of your life [I've been there and it is less than fun]. And it you think that Honda "snapped back", well you "ain't heard nothin yet". If they are FORCED to honor "lemon law provisions", your old Pilot will be branded "LEMON" on the title == would you buy it? Well, you could get a GREAT PRICE ON IT [couldn't help myself, other threads run deep in my mind].
Tim at Hondacuraworld might be your best bet if you want the problem fixed [he might be able to assist]. An attorney is the other alternative. Good luck.
You may have a "lemon" as defined under law [I assume that you live in California].
If you are successful in the lemon law pursuit, you will be working with American Honda, NOT the dealer. American Honda can procure a vehicle for you "very quickly" [seems they have access to the plant production].
Assuming CA law, the "lemon law" is not automatic. Get ready for the thrill of your life [I've been there and it is less than fun]. And it you think that Honda "snapped back", well you "ain't heard nothin yet". If they are FORCED to honor "lemon law provisions", your old Pilot will be branded "LEMON" on the title == would you buy it? Well, you could get a GREAT PRICE ON IT [couldn't help myself, other threads run deep in my mind].
Tim at Hondacuraworld might be your best bet if you want the problem fixed [he might be able to assist]. An attorney is the other alternative. Good luck.
Pilot now back in the driveway!!!
After 14 days at the service dept we were able to take back the Pilot today after 3rd repair attempt to fix whatever was triggering the "check engine" light....2nd fix attempt involved changing all the emissions equipment, this 3rd repair attempt involved changing the gas tank and all gas lines.....Car was out of service a total of 28 days sine we took delivery in early June........I hope this recent repair will finally fix the problem........They got the vehicle back to us 2 days before "lemon law" would have applied and we could have demanded refund or replacement......We are going to request a 7yr/100k warranty from Honda Corp to compensate for all the aggrevation and to give us a little peace of mind (we want to keep this Pilot for a long time).......Can't wait to get back behind the wheel this weekend.......I'll be out with the tire dressing and wax first thing tomorrow morning!!!! I'll keep you all posted if the problem appears again....----waxpilot
After 14 days at the service dept we were able to take back the Pilot today after 3rd repair attempt to fix whatever was triggering the "check engine" light....2nd fix attempt involved changing all the emissions equipment, this 3rd repair attempt involved changing the gas tank and all gas lines.....Car was out of service a total of 28 days sine we took delivery in early June........I hope this recent repair will finally fix the problem........They got the vehicle back to us 2 days before "lemon law" would have applied and we could have demanded refund or replacement......We are going to request a 7yr/100k warranty from Honda Corp to compensate for all the aggrevation and to give us a little peace of mind (we want to keep this Pilot for a long time).......Can't wait to get back behind the wheel this weekend.......I'll be out with the tire dressing and wax first thing tomorrow morning!!!! I'll keep you all posted if the problem appears again....----waxpilot
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