[TopMomm]

I now have about 175 miles on my new Silver EX-L (picked up yesterday) and wanted to see if anyone else is noticing any problems?

Everyone seems so elated with theirs -- I'm wondering if I'm overly picky or sensitive or what?

First, the glass in the driver's window has too much give in it, and rattles at certain vibrations. It's not terrible but I really would like it fixed. Anyone know if this is an easy fix?

Secondly, and more importantly since I don't really know what is causing it: There is a fair bit of steering column/wheel vibration at certain speeds (usually worse above 60). We checked the tire pressure and made sure all were set at 32 -- according to manual and door frame -- and it's still there. There is also a lot of tread noise -- a galomphing kind of noise -- and the salesman seems to think it's from new tires and will "wear" off.

Third, I took it up some pretty challenging hills tonight -- in the still of the night out in the country -- and, tho it could be my imagination, I think I heard the engine making some pinging/knocking sounds as we climbed some of the steeper ones. Is this normal?

We still haven't signed the papers on this car -- he let us have it for the weekend. Has anyone else had these problems? Do they sound like trouble? Do we bail now? (I love lots of things about the car, tho, and don't know what I'd buy if I don't get this...guess I could wait for the next shipment...

Any similar problems?

 

[Threadhead]

First, the glass in the driver's window has too much give in it, and rattles at certain vibrations. It's not terrible but I really would like it fixed. Anyone know if this is an easy fix?

The dealer will probably have to replace some of the window trim. But unless they has been a change in manufacturing to specifically address the problem since yours was made, it probably won't make a difference.

Secondly, and more importantly since I don't really know what is causing it: There is a fair bit of steering column/wheel vibration at certain speeds (usually worse above 60). We checked the tire pressure and made sure all were set at 32 -- according to manual and door frame -- and it's still there. There is also a lot of tread noise -- a galomphing kind of noise -- and the salesman seems to think it's from new tires and will "wear" off.

It's gonna 'wear off'. Yeah, right. Sounds like a salesman that just doesn't want to do anything about it and is hoping you forget about it over time.

The problem is that the tires are out of balance. Very simple to fix.

Third, I took it up some pretty challenging hills tonight -- in the still of the night out in the country -- and, tho it could be my imagination, I think I heard the engine making some pinging/knocking sounds as we climbed some of the steeper ones. Is this normal?

Probably normal. You could always try a tank of premium gas and see of that reduces the pinging. All of my Hondas have always pingged a little under heavy acceleration or when pulling hard. I wouldn't worry about it.

We still haven't signed the papers on this car -- he let us have it for the weekend. Has anyone else had these problems? Do they sound like trouble? Do we bail now? (I love lots of things about the car, tho, and don't know what I'd buy if I don't get this...guess I could wait for the next shipment...

Like all cars, there are going to be little things that get worked out after customers have had the cars a few months. The advantage the Pilot has is that many of the mechanicals have already been on Ody's and MDX's for a couple of years, so many of those bugs have been worked out. But you can count on finding a few with the Pilot. I doubt that anything serious will come out, but you never know.

 

[03pilot]

Re: Re: Steering wheel vibration

Should these problems be fixed as part of the warranty ? I am starting to get worried. I just finished signing the papers for and am waiting for the running boards to be installed. I am going to get it back on Wednesday and I already hear about these problems

The dealer will probably have to replace some of the window trim. But unless they has been a change in manufacturing to specifically address the problem since yours was made, it probably won't make a difference.



It's gonna 'wear off'. Yeah, right. Sounds like a salesman that just doesn't want to do anything about it and is hoping you forget about it over time.

The problem is that the tires are out of balance. Very simple to fix.



Probably normal. You could always try a tank of premium gas and see of that reduces the pinging. All of my Hondas have always pingged a little under heavy acceleration or when pulling hard. I wouldn't worry about it.



Like all cars, there are going to be little things that get worked out after customers have had the cars a few months. The advantage the Pilot has is that many of the mechanicals have already been on Ody's and MDX's for a couple of years, so many of those bugs have been worked out. But you can count on finding a few with the Pilot. I doubt that anything serious will come out, but you never know.

 

[Threadhead]

Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I would have them fix it, or at least make sure the problems or concerns you have are WRITTEN and SIGNED by the dealer that they will fix them withing a certain period of time before you sign anything.

The tires, that's no biggie, but the window may not be something that they fix right now. It may take Honda a few months and some service bulletins before the can get a handle on it. Of course, it could be something as simple as an installation problem. It's hard to tell without really looking at it. But a couple of other have noted some wind noise from the driver's side window, so I don't think you are in the boat alone on this one.

BTW, I drove 2 Pilots this weekend and none had the window problems (I looked very closely).

 

[Pirate-kat]

Pinging

:31: TopMomm:
If you had pinging, you would know it without a doubt. Sounds like marbles raining on your engine.
Modern engines, including the Honda-Ody/Pilot/MDX 3.5 use knock sensors to retard timing to avoid pinging (pre-detonation of fuel which can damage engine).

 

[TopMomm]

Vibration cured

Well, here's the followup -- and it's good news. Drove up to the dealership after notifying the salesman that we did not want the car and would not sign any papers until the vibration (of steering wheel and driver's window) were fixed.

He assured me that these were "little things" and he was positive his service department could repair them. I remained skeptical, but when I got there, he had me drive around to the service area to meet the service manager for a test drive. As we drove up, one of the service technicians approached us, asked why were there and before he heard the answer, said "Is it the steering? It's shaking, isn't it?"

He explained that he already knew what the problem was ... "I felt it when I drove it Friday," he said, explaining that he was the one who had done the PDI (is that the term?, maybe "pre delivery inspection.")

Said he had felt the shaking and vibration and had thought the tires were out of balance, but it had been 4 p.m. and he was getting ready to leave. He said he "set the vehicle inside the service bay" and "hoped it wouldn't get sold over the weekend."

Well, guess what? It did. The service manager then came up and apologized -- said he had seen it sitting there and assumed it was finished.

When it was checked today, they said both front tires had been angled in 15 "degrees" or something like that.They said they've seen it happen to Odysseys before -- they strap these cars down so tightly when shipping that sometimes the tires get literally flattened down, he said. "When we unfasten them, they really snap up."

Usually the flatness snaps out, too, over a period of time. But this was apparently a more extreme case.

When they balanced the tires, voila, the rattling window disappeared also. (It now has only a very, very slight rattle when going over fairly substantial bumps in the road....I can live with it easily, and I am very picky about rattles.)

The ride is now as you all have described it -- very smooth, and I no longer have the extreme dips and sways that I was attributing to a "softer suspension." Whew

 

[Threadhead]

Glad to hear they worked it out to your satisfaction.

 

[03pilot]

Re: Vibration cured

Is this something that I should have them checked before taking delivery ? I have already signed the papers and did not hear any noise while test-driving. So was wondering if I should have them checked or wait until I find the problem ?

Glad yours got taken care of. Congrats.

Well, here's the followup -- and it's good news. Drove up to the dealership after notifying the salesman that we did not want the car and would not sign any papers until the vibration (of steering wheel and driver's window) were fixed.

He assured me that these were "little things" and he was positive his service department could repair them. I remained skeptical, but when I got there, he had me drive around to the service area to meet the service manager for a test drive. As we drove up, one of the service technicians approached us, asked why were there and before he heard the answer, said "Is it the steering? It's shaking, isn't it?"

He explained that he already knew what the problem was ... "I felt it when I drove it Friday," he said, explaining that he was the one who had done the PDI (is that the term?, maybe "pre delivery inspection.")

Said he had felt the shaking and vibration and had thought the tires were out of balance, but it had been 4 p.m. and he was getting ready to leave. He said he "set the vehicle inside the service bay" and "hoped it wouldn't get sold over the weekend."

Well, guess what? It did. The service manager then came up and apologized -- said he had seen it sitting there and assumed it was finished.

When it was checked today, they said both front tires had been angled in 15 "degrees" or something like that.They said they've seen it happen to Odysseys before -- they strap these cars down so tightly when shipping that sometimes the tires get literally flattened down, he said. "When we unfasten them, they really snap up."

Usually the flatness snaps out, too, over a period of time. But this was apparently a more extreme case.

When they balanced the tires, voila, the rattling window disappeared also. (It now has only a very, very slight rattle when going over fairly substantial bumps in the road....I can live with it easily, and I am very picky about rattles.)

The ride is now as you all have described it -- very smooth, and I no longer have the extreme dips and sways that I was attributing to a "softer suspension." Whew

 

[Threadhead]

Re: Re: Vibration cured

Is this something that I should have them checked before taking delivery ? I have already signed the papers and did not hear any noise while test-driving. So was wondering if I should have them checked or wait until I find the problem ?

You could always just take it in to service once you get it and tell them there is a vibration at 60mph. They'll check the balance real quick and you'll fell better. Get there early and help yourself to the free doughnuts

 

[03pilot]

Re: Re: Re: Vibration cured

The only reason I was asking is because I bought mine from a dealer about 2 1/2 hours away and will have to get it serviced (or covered under warranty) here closer to our home. You know how they are when you haven't bought the vehicle from them !!!!

You could always just take it in to service once you get it and tell them there is a vibration at 60mph. They'll check the balance real quick and you'll fell better. Get there early and help yourself to the free doughnuts

 

[Threadhead]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Vibration cured

You know how they are when you haven't bought the vehicle from them !!!!

Actually, you might be surprised. Service departments make big money off of warranty repairs and most are very happy to do the work.

But I will say, it if is something as simple as a tire balance or alignment you may not have much luck. Or you could take to to a local tire shop and probably have them balanced for $5 each and they'll probably do a much better job.

I have a lot of experience with OOB (out of balance) tires on my Toyota truck. They are very difficult to get right and I had to go to multiple shops and dealer before someone go it right. None of the dealers, including the one I bought it from could do it, in fact is was always much worse after taking it to a dealer. I'm not try to worry you. Honda rims are different and much easier to get right the first time.

 

[03pilot]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Vibration cured

Thanks Threadhead.

I did hear from the salelsguy at the dealership. I asked him if he could get the service dept take a look at this problem and balance the tires if necessary. His response was, everything came out fine without any problems in the tests they do on all vehicles after they arrive.

But, I didnt know that the service dept make big money on repairs under warranty. Is that from the Factory ?

Thanks again.

Actually, you might be surprised. Service departments make big money off of warranty repairs and most are very happy to do the work.

But I will say, it if is something as simple as a tire balance or alignment you may not have much luck. Or you could take to to a local tire shop and probably have them balanced for $5 each and they'll probably do a much better job.

I have a lot of experience with OOB (out of balance) tires on my Toyota truck. They are very difficult to get right and I had to go to multiple shops and dealer before someone go it right. None of the dealers, including the one I bought it from could do it, in fact is was always much worse after taking it to a dealer. I'm not try to worry you. Honda rims are different and much easier to get right the first time.

 

[Threadhead]

All dealers get paid the same for warrany repairs, no matter who does it. Warrany work is reimbursed by Honda direclty to the dealer who does the work. Each repair job has been figured for how much time it will take to do and the dealer is paid based on that time. So it really doesn't matter who does it.

In fact, if you call around to various service departments, you can get them in almost a 'bidding war' to have you bring your warrany repair to them.

Quick story: my Tacoma truck had a recall for replacement of head gaskets ($5 part, $$$ in labor). I called the dealer I bought it from and, no problem bring it in and they would be happy to fix it. So I called 2 other dealers and they promised my a free rental car, free detailing, all fluids changed, one even agreed to do a free brake job (brakes were close to replacement). They were drooling over me to get me to bring the head gasket replacement to them becuase it was big $$$ from Toyota.

But (and this is a big but ) small things, that Honda will not reimburse the dealer for like tire balancing, is usually not covered under warranty and you may find only the dealer you purchased from is willing to go the extra mile for these kinds of things.

It's no different if you moved half way across the country or were on vacation in another state, had a problem and took it to the closes Honda dealer. They would be happy to fix it for you.

 

[03pilot]

Makes sense threadhead. Thanks. Keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow, that this problem does not show up !

All dealers get paid the same for warrany repairs, no matter who does it. Warrany work is reimbursed by Honda direclty to the dealer who does the work. Each repair job has been figured for how much time it will take to do and the dealer is paid based on that time. So it really doesn't matter who does it.

In fact, if you call around to various service departments, you can get them in almost a 'bidding war' to have you bring your warrany repair to them.

Quick story: my Tacoma truck had a recall for replacement of head gaskets ($5 part, $$$ in labor). I called the dealer I bought it from and, no problem bring it in and they would be happy to fix it. So I called 2 other dealers and they promised my a free rental car, free detailing, all fluids changed, one even agreed to do a free brake job (brakes were close to replacement). They were drooling over me to get me to bring the head gasket replacement to them becuase it was big $$$ from Toyota.

But (and this is a big but ) small things, that Honda will not reimburse the dealer for like tire balancing, is usually not covered under warranty and you may find only the dealer you purchased from is willing to go the extra mile for these kinds of things.

It's no different if you moved half way across the country or were on vacation in another state, had a problem and took it to the closes Honda dealer. They would be happy to fix it for you.

 

[jctatman]

I guess this is more for Threadhead but could be useful to others as well.

I have been a Honda technician for over twenty years and can say from experience that one we don't love warranty work and we don't make a ton of money from it. The way Honda bases there warranty flat rate is to have a Technician do the job three times in a row and then take the best time and use that for the flat rate. Well that's fine but it's not real world, first of all the car he is working on is brand new give it 20k miles and the bolts tend to be a little tougher to get out also by the time he has done it twice he has the system down he knows exactly what needs to come off and in what order, he has all the tools out and ready that he will need and no longer needs to look it up in the service manuals. The good thing for you but bad for us is that Honda has very few pattern failures. You might work on a transmission problem and then not see another like it for months so you remember most of what you need to do but you still are not as quick as you would be doing it three times in a rough. I get paid for the work I put out if a six hour job takes me eight I only get paid for the six. If I spend a hour road testing your car to find the problem that is a hour lost because Honda only pays for the fix. If I don't find a problem I get nothing.

Now I do want to state that we will work on any ones car with the same professional attitude no matter where they purchased it for a lot of reasons, the most obvious is that if we take care of your warranty problems then you will be more likely to come back fore services, accessories, and even your next new car purchase. You are also likely to tell friends and family about you experience and we hope it is a good one. That is the only way our dealership will continue to grow.

So don't hesitate to take your new Pilot to any dealer you wish if you are treated well go back and tell a friend. And for TopMomm it sounds like you found a good dealer and a top notch technician. I would keep going back and even ask for that same technician by name it sounds like he did a fine job and went out of his way to make sure you Pilot was all it should be.