What did you do today to your 2003-2008 Pilot?

162593 Views 2523 Replies 97 Participants Last post by plplplpl, 3 d ago

Oh3CoPilot

Discussion Starter · Jul 5, 2020 (Edited)

4

Replaced NGK Laser Platinum spark plugs with NGK Ruthenium HX plugs on my 03'. Oil change with Amsoil 0w-40 Signature Series oil and Amsoil EA filter. Why 0w-40 instead of the recommended 5w-20? The 0w will flow a little faster on cold starts in the winter and the 40 will protect much better on 90F+ (outside air temp.) summer days.

Also, I called NGK and verified that sparkplugs.com is an authorized distributor/seller (they didn't have them listed on their website) so, I get real plugs and not counterfeits. Yes, there is a whole world of fake/counterfeit auto parts out there and I would recommend not buying auto parts off of Ebay. If you're not buying directly from the stealership, definitely go to the manufactures website and look up their authorized distributor/seller's and if they don't have this information posted give them a call.

Here are some fun for the whole family spark plug pics:

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ccbcc

· #383 · Jan 19, 2021

2

Following @aggrex s lead, I replaced the ground cable from the engine to the frame: on the left is the old one, and right is the new one.

Floor Flooring Cable Technology Grey

The two cables from the battery negative to the frame and the starter seem in good working condition, and I decided not to replace them.

(The pilot is a 2004 EXL).

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ccbcc

· #390 · Jan 19, 2021

plplplpl said:
OK, 4 gauge, but which length for the ground cable from the engine to the frame? It's not nearly as far gone as some I've seen , but I did observe the beginning of some fraying and the verdigris patina like the Statue of Liberty. I'd want it long enough, of course, but not dangling too much near that spinning fan. Also, the OEM cable has that bracket pictured above. Any tips on getting it off easily, and did you reuse it with the replacement cable?

I used the 19in one which is a tad longer than the old one.

The bracket needs some persuasion to get off. The metal piece is full of rust and I sprayed WD40 and broke the top clip before it slides out. Once off, I used a small screwdriver to open the top and bottom clip, yes, I re-used the bracket so everything is tied nice and clean.

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ccbcc

· #400 · Jan 31, 2021

2

Finally cleaned the infamous screen: before n after.

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· #478 · Mar 17, 2021

2

I changed oil and replaced the O-ring and 2 gaskets in the oil filter assembly (used Fel Pro 73040). I followed this video and it's an uneventful easy job.

Cliff notes:
1. The Fel Pro part 73040 contains the gasket with the metal filter only, if it was manufactured before July'20202, and it has 3 pieces if it was produced after July'2020. RockAuto first sent me one with one gasket and I had to ask them to redo it. Later on I called FelPro and was told the evolution history of their part 73040.
2. The wire harness is tight and you have to be patient. I tackled from above, following the FixAngel's video.
3. After the assembly came off, there was sign of oil leak behind the oil filter assembly. it's the right time to fix one place that leaks oil.
4. Also examined the LCA and the rubber of the compliance bushing is torn (see the picture); the ball joint looks OK.

Question to piloteers: I don't hear clunks while driving the pilot. CanI continue to drive it with causing concerns of safety?

Wood Creative arts Artifact Art Bone

Tire Automotive tire Hood Tread Wheel

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ccbcc

· #482 · Mar 19, 2021

Irish Pilot Mender said:
Not a difficult job to replace the LCA, I replaced both of mine a few years ago. Don't wait to have a failure. I assume that compliance bushing helps keep tires aligned, so a compromised or worn bushing could lead to other issues.

Yes, I may give it a try when weather warms up.

Do you have a recommendation for LCA? RockAuto carries Moog, and Movotech. OEM is ~$300 apiece before tax and shipping. My goal is to make it to the 200k-mile club and I am only 15k short. 😂 So I figure any new LCA will be more than adequate.

ccbcc

· #489 · Mar 19, 2021

Irish Pilot Mender said:
I bought the cheapest available on ebay, I think it was Detroit axle. 2 years and no issues. I also did the drop links and bushings for the anti-roll bar.

Thanks! How many miles have you driven since replacing LCA?

aggrex said:
Moog / Mevotech should be fine for your plans for the Pilot. I went with Mevotech

Good to know that you like Mevotech. How many miles since the replacement?

There is no noise from suspension of my Pilot yet, and I figure the deterioration is going to be a process and it won't cause safety concern overnight. For now I will hold on replacing LCAs and will keep a close eye on them. I am a firm believer of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

ccbcc

· #607 · May 2, 2021

2

Replaced two O-rings of the camshaft covers; Part No 91301-P8A-A00 .

Replacing the front one is straightforward; the rear one has 2 10mm bolts that are hard to see, but once located, it's easy to take them out.I found this YT video very helpful.

There is quite a bit of oil leak in the front one -- this is a before-image:

And after:

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ccbcc

· #1,173 · Aug 7, 2021

Redferris said:
Changed out the timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, drive belt tensioner, drive belt, coolant… and I understand why the mechanics I asked quoted me in the $1500s (although, that was just water pump/timing belt)

Glad I don’t need to do that again for another 105k

What did you do to get off that crank bolt?

ccbcc

· #1,194 · Aug 28, 2021

Replaced the ATF filter on my 04 pilot with a wix one. Getting the 2 10mm bolts back is a PITA, and I lost one in the engine bay and had to buy a replacement one.

Also drained atf and replaced it with new maxlife synthetic. I let it drain overnight and got 4.2 quarts and replaced with a gallon. The new fluid level is right in the middle of min and max, this I don't feel like to add that 0.2 quarts. Any one can convince me otherwise.

I also attempted to remove the battery and the plastic tray n the metal base to take a look at the filters of 2 linear solenoids. There is a 4th 12mm bolt fastening the battery base, facing towards the engine bay horizontally that has been so rusted that it was about to strip, so I decided not to pursue further. Any tips for how to loosen it?

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ccbcc

· #1,196 · Aug 28, 2021

@aggrex thanks for the tip. I will make a note of it.

ccbcc

· #1,397 · Oct 20, 2021

Restored two front lights with the cerakote kit.

Automotive parking light Vehicle Land vehicle Automotive tail & brake light Photograph

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· #1,430 · Nov 4, 2021

Replaced the cabin air filter. Last time it was done 2 years ago. It's pain in the a** to remove the horizontal metal bar and
reinstall the glove box, even I have done it many times.

(Re) rebuilt the air mix motor after it stated to gurgle again. The same cleaning and regreasing were done in 2107.

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ccbcc

· #1,547 · Dec 22, 2021

Replaced the stock radio/CD/DVD player with a Kenwood DMX4707S + Crux SWRHN-62D Wiring Interface (for volume/mode control on the steering wheel) and added/wired a backup camera mounted on top of the license plate. The backup camera is wired to the reverse power so the image only shows up on Kenwood when the pilot is in reverse.

It's super nice to have CarPlay and Android Auto in an aged vehicle.

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ccbcc

· #1,563 · Dec 29, 2021

plplplpl said:
Sorry for jumping in and answering for him, but yes, he'll tell you he lost the factory subwoofer, which is powered by the factory head unit.

But perhaps he added a separate subwoofer amp. Some folks put one under a seat, or even in the rear headrest storage cubby.

@plplplpl yes, indeed I lost the subwoofer. I did it to get the backup camera and CarPlay and Android Auto.

I bought the headunit and accessories from crutchfield before the holiday season when it was in stock. The camera was bought from Amazon. The Kenwood unit can only take one video as input. So yeah, no luck if one wants to mount n connect multiple cameras.

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ccbcc

· #2,295 · 7 mo ago (Edited)

Did tire rotation n balancing at Costco.

Replaced the battery which was installed new in Nov of 2016. I got 6 full years out of the old battery so no complaints.

On another note: the price of the Interstate battery in Nov of 2016 was $65 and in 2022 it's $120.

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ccbcc

· #2,300 · 7 mo ago

I got the tires new from Costco so rotation n balancing are free. The annoying part is often long wait in the region I live: the store is always packed with shoppers who drop their cars for service while roaming inside the store.

Pilotwagon said:
and

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ccbcc

· #2,360 · 5 mo ago

I didn't do any repair but made an effort to pull aside and shot a pic when she reached 200k miles!

After 18 years, the '04 reached this mile stone yesterday!

I took over maintenance from a trusted mechanic after he moved out of the area in 2017.

Replaced the radiator, condenser, stock radio with a head unit supporting android auto and apple car play, installed a backup camera hooked to the head unit. The above-mentioned mechanic did timing belt n water pump at 156k miles. I did valve lash adjustment in 2021.

Still have original suspension, starter, alternator. Smooth transmission. Shall I set another goal of 250k miles?

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· #2,363 · 5 mo ago

@ConrodM
This one:

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Shop JVC 6.8" Android Auto/Apple® CarPlay™ Built-in Bluetooth In-Dash Digital Media Receiver Black at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

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