[CPTDaniel]

I got a new windshield put in. I'm the proud, new owner of a not-so-new 2006 EX-L, and I'm getting it ready to pass inspections so I can get tags and DRIVE THAT THING.

You can't see it, but I'm excited af, lol...I've wanted a Honda since the 90s!

 

[CPTDaniel]

So post pics. Of your Pilot, I mean.

See, my problem here is that I keep forgetting to take the "before" pictures of the thing. I did remember to get some of the interior before I started deep cleaning last weekend, so here are those. I'll try to remember to get some of the exterior, though I gave it a good washing that it needed already. This can be a good comparison point! Once I finish getting it cleaned as best as I can for now, I'll update these so you can sleep easier.

 

[CPTDaniel]

I had no idea it snowed that much in Ireland!

 

[CPTDaniel]

I was busy last night! I installed replacement KYB shocks on my wife's 2013 Hyundai, then for my Pilot I put in a new headlight assembly on the passenger's side, replaced the washer reservoir and pump, put in new trim and fender clips in every spot under the hood and put on a new side marker light housing. But then I found that the "repairs" done to the front quarter were pretty crap, and whoever put a new fender on just cut the wires leading to the side marker lamp socket rather than spending $12 on a new housing.

Sigh.

So...on a related note, anyone know where I can find a side marker lamp socket to replace that one? I already have the bulb, lol...

 

[CPTDaniel]

Related, anyone know where I can find a housing/lens for the passenger side reverse lamp on a 2006 EX-L? I found some online for a small fortune, so I'm not sure it needs fixed just yet, ya know?

 

[CPTDaniel]

That's a thought. It's a low priority at the moment, but I might keep an eye out at the local yards.

Thanks!

 

[CPTDaniel]

The only place I found online was here, but as you said it was mighty expensive. I fixed the crack on the lens housing with clear packing tape instead. The tape needs to be replaced every couple years, but that’s not a huge task.

OEM Honda Parts at Majestic Honda | Majestic Honda Automotive Parts

Great deals on genuine OEM Honda replacement parts and accessories. Get factory direct Honda parts shipped quickly to your door.

www.hondaautomotiveparts.com

Side note, I found the wiring harness for that side marker light on here for only $7.20. Hmmm, that's pretty cheap.

 

[CPTDaniel]

Today I tackled the Rear blower motor not working situation. I used the methodical troubleshooting advised in my thread on it. I cleaned the filter screen for it and checked the fuse under the hood, passenger side.
The next step is to order the thermal resistor- which was ordered Amazon Prime- arrives tomorrow. Hopefully that will fix it. The next step is replacing the blower motor.

I'd almost bet it's your resistor. The blower motor would have given you notice if it were to fail, most likely...you'd have heard it complaining. But, I could be wrong. Happens all the time, lol.

 

[CPTDaniel]

I spent most of the weekend pulling out seats and deep scrubbing the carpet and upholstery on my new old 2006 EX-L. It feels as if I'm finally getting all the old gunk out of the nooks and crannies. I'm also wondering how people can be so gross, lol. Next stop: headliner replacement!

 

[CPTDaniel]

So, about that emblem....

Seriously, anyone have a good fix for that chrome being completely gone? Mine's as yellow as John Wayne.

 

[CPTDaniel]

I replaced my headliner with fresh material and fixed my map lights in the front that didn't work. Now the interior roof of my pilot looks like it should, and the crisp white LEDs I put in all the fixtures up top really illuminate the inside brightly.

 

[CPTDaniel]

I chose these:

Amazon.com: iBrightstar Newest 9-30V Extremely Bright DE3175 DE3021 Festoon LED Bulbs Error Free 1.25" 31mm for Interior Map Dome Lights and License Plate Courtesy Lights, Xenon White : Automotive

Buy iBrightstar Newest 9-30V Extremely Bright DE3175 DE3021 Festoon LED Bulbs Error Free 1.25" 31mm for Interior Map Dome Lights and License Plate Courtesy Lights, Xenon White: Courtesy Step Lights - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Fair warning, they are bright. I'm not sure if they're too bright yet, but it's a concern. I'll have to see how I feel after some night driving.

I also bought these switches to replace the ones in my map light housings:

Amazon.com: Koauto Compatible with 2/Set Dome Lamp Switches Crosstour Accord CR-V Element Odyssey Pilot New : Automotive

Buy Koauto Compatible with 2/Set Dome Lamp Switches Crosstour Accord CR-V Element Odyssey Pilot New: Interior Light - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

The contacts required a little sanding to remove rust on them, but it was an easy job overall, thanks to our sticky on the subject.

For the other LEDs, I used these in the dome lights and the doors:

Amazon.com: 10-Pack 194 LED Bulb, LBRST Error Free T10 LED Bulb, White 6000K Super Bright 168 LED Bulb, 921 2825 W5W LED Replacement Bulb for Dome Map Door Instrument Licenses Plate Light : Automotive

Buy 10-Pack 194 LED Bulb, LBRST Error Free T10 LED Bulb, White 6000K Super Bright 168 LED Bulb, 921 2825 W5W LED Replacement Bulb for Dome Map Door Instrument Licenses Plate Light: Lighting - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

They're not too bright, but they illuminate very well. I'm happy with them so far.

 

[CPTDaniel]

I sort of look at this kind of choice as a mild cosmetic risk. You might pay a few bucks for a package of bulbs that look awful or perform poorly in the vehicle, but they also might be perfect.

I think I'm in between on these. The switches worked great, however.

 

[CPTDaniel]

Last weekend I did the plugs finally. Tomorrow I'm adjusting the valves and cleaning out the EGR passages and valve.

 

[CPTDaniel]

Valves are all adjusted, engine feels great. Anyone else get their hood latch stuck shut after they took it loose from its mount? I just need to figure out why it's stuck shut. The release handle in the cab works fine, but it doesn't seem to be actuating the rotating lock mechanism that holds the hood fully shut. It's stuck in the closed position, and I don't see why it won't move. Thankfully, the hood isn't fully closed so I can get it open at will, just can't get it to accept the bar part of the latch.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[CPTDaniel]

Does it do anything to try to pop the hood from inside? Maybe a dumb question 🤷‍♂️

The cable moves, I can feel the resistance. I watched several YouTube vids on the issue, and apparently it's just stuck due to age and corrosion. When I get home from work I'm going to lube the hell out of it and work the action back and forth until it works again. Apparently this is just a Thing That Happens.

I'll keep us posted once I've fixed it!

 

[CPTDaniel]

Final update on the hood latch issue: It was definitely sticking and needed some lube and action, which helped immensely.

However, what finally did the trick was lifting the assembly as high up as I could and then tightening it again...I had it low enough in its positional range that the latch wasn't able to grab the bar from the hood and lock down into place. So now it's all good and in working order.

 

[CPTDaniel]

Are the bump stops even adjustable? I have one side of the hood that sits about .200" higher than it should, but I didn't think I could fix the height of the stops to help it out.

 

[CPTDaniel]

Thanks for the Tips 😊👍
I applied direct power to Fan lead and gots nuthin’. Also checked for incoming voltage from relay and had 14 v.
The radiator was replaced at the same time by the local shop that did my Timing belt so I will be looking for broken wires too. May have to get that cool Scanner Danner tool that pierces the insulation and checks for voltage in very hard to reach spots 😉😊. Looks to be a level 3 out of 5 job, but has to be done.
I am considering replacing the condenser fan while in there for a piece of mind too. We run AC 350 days out of the year typically. Rock auto is where I’m looking to buy from.
Will keep y’all posted

I just ordered my AC compressor from Rock Auto, can't wait to swap it out. This will be the first car I've owned in about 20 years with working air.

 

[CPTDaniel]

I used the Meguiar's trim restore a few months ago and it's starting to fade in spots now, so I'd say it's good for a few washes. Stuff's pretty easy to put on, so it's no biggie to me either. I'm impressed with the results though!