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

163592 Views 2525 Replies 98 Participants Last post by kellym, 21 h 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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661 - 680 of 2526 Posts

ConrodM

· #661 · May 27, 2021

Replaced my 225k ATF Filter- Next AC Diagnosis continuation and Repair 🤭🤞🤞

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ImBroke

· #662 · May 27, 2021

The Pilot completed the drive from VA to NY. I forgot to take a pic of it loaded down. Maybe when I repack for the return trip.

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crokett

· #663 · May 27, 2021

plplplpl said:
Same for the 2006 and 2007 I've done it on, and pretty sure it's the same on all 1st gens. That one improvement they made on the second gens.

Here's the method I used, with a how-to literally from the archives of the internet.

Easier Diy Cabin Air Filter Replacement - Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot Forums

Empty out your glove box and locate the clips on the inside left and right side of the glove box (GB). Tools 8mm socket 1/4 drive Rachet 1/4 drive

web.archive.org

Yeah... I disagree on 'easier'. First, the screws on mine were tight enough that a phillps screwdriver wasn't doing anything. Second, on the right hand side, its way too tight with the fuse box there to get my impact driver in. Third, there was barely enough room for a socket and a wrench with the fuse box where it is. Fourth, you're working blind, or at least I was.

So, at some point I'll cut the middle of that bar out, then add a piece of metal that bolts across it.

mschflbn

· #664 · May 28, 2021

Today I did the PS inlet O-Ring. Very tight space. I ended up getting my 12 point wrench at it by angling the handle down instead of to the side. Seemed to help give a little extra room. 👍

Reactions: 4

ImBroke

· #665 · May 28, 2021

Did my first drain and fill with Valvoline Max Life. Since I got the trans from a junkyard, I wanted to run it a little bit before I did the first one. Nothing like doing it this far from home.

Reactions: 5

Nail Grease

· #666 · May 28, 2021

xGS said:
The anti-seize is not for the hub screws, but to keep corrosion from causing the wheels to stick to the rotors.
If you left the hub screws out and put anti-seize on the back of the wheel, some of might fill the hole where the hub screw normally goes and prevent the mud/dirt you were worried about from filling that hole.

Or I can just put the screw back in, as I always do.

CPTDaniel

· #667 · May 28, 2021

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

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PHM

· #668 · May 29, 2021

Power steering pump, Oil change, installed my summer tires.

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plplplpl

· #669 · May 30, 2021

PHM said:
installed my summer tires.

But summer isn't until next month.

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CPTDaniel

· #670 · May 30, 2021

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?

mschflbn

· #671 · May 31, 2021

CPTDaniel said:
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?

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

Reactions: 1

mschflbn

· #672 · May 31, 2021

Today I sealed my headlights with Meguiar's headlight sealant. Nothing special. But I put up a trampoline!

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Krayziefoo

· #673 · May 31, 2021

4

mschflbn said:
Today I sealed my headlights with Meguiar's headlight sealant. Nothing special. But I put up a trampoline!

Same here. I ordered this one off Amazon: Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit - G2980C [New Version] - Headlights stay clear for one year: Amazon.ca: Automotive
It came with a small 1000grit pad, so I bought some sheets of 3M 1000grit wet/dry because I knew I needed to put in some elbow grease on these headlights. I spent about 2 hours on them and they turned out nice. You can see the clear coat was peeling in spots which required a lot of sanding.

Before:

After:

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Krayziefoo

· #674 · May 31, 2021

7

The other night I also replaced the interior lights with 6k LED. $20 off ebay in China and only a couple weeks to get here. I like it nice and bright.

Before:

After:

Comparison:

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Krayziefoo

· #675 · May 31, 2021

Krayziefoo said:
The other night I also replaced the interior lights with 6k LED. $20 off ebay in China and only a couple weeks to get here. I like it nice and bright.

Also, one of the map light switches didn't work so I pulled it and cracked it open out of curiosity if I could clean it up but, burnt and melted. New ones on the way from China now, $5.

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plplplpl

· #676 · May 31, 2021

Krayziefoo said:
The other night I also replaced the interior lights with 6k LED. $20 off ebay in China and only a couple weeks to get here. I like it nice and bright.

Before:
View attachment 149212 View attachment 149213

After:

View attachment 149214 View attachment 149216 View attachment 149217 View attachment 149215

Comparison:
View attachment 149218

To each his own, but to me that looks like the harsh emetic light that hits you when you walk into a subway station after an evening at a bar.

Krayziefoo said:
Also, one of the map light switches didn't work so I pulled it and cracked it open out of curiosity if I could clean it up but, burnt and melted. New ones on the way from China now, $5.

View attachment 149219

That's a good fix that is easier than a lot of people who ignore it think.

Reactions: 1

ImBroke

· #677 · May 31, 2021

I got a set of crossbars. Then I looked at mine, and I already have them. Oh well, time to sell. I replaced my seat belt because I was tired of the clip part falling to the floor. Nice to be able to reach it.

Reactions: 1

Krayziefoo

· #678 · Jun 1, 2021

plplplpl said:
To each his own, but to me that looks like the harsh emetic light that hits you when you walk into a subway station after an evening at a bar.

Yeah I agree it's a personal preference for most. I saved the old bulbs incase we change our minds. Right now I'm liking the bright fresh look, plus they might help keep me awake and wake sleepy passengers during long drives

Reactions: 3

Oh3CoPilot

Discussion Starter · #679 · Jun 1, 2021

crokett said:
Yesterday I de-moused it. Saturday I changed the cabin filter and remembered why I paid someone to do it the last time. Honda usually engineers things well. I have no idea who's idea it was to decide that metal bar needs to be in the way, and who decided to angle the glove box screws backwards. It took 45 minutes with me working blind. I tried lying on the passenger seat with my head under there and almost passed out. Then I tried my cellphone and the camera, but my hands kept getting in the way. I'm thinking if there's a next time, cut out a section of the metal bar, and then get some replacement metal and drill bolt holes so that all I have to do is drop the glove box and unbolt the center section.

Same here, took about 45min. my first time and get it done now in about 25min. Good thing is that it's a very large filter (as far as cabin air filters go) and if you run with the recirculate on you won't be pulling in outside air (like pollen etc.. this time of the year) thus keeping it cleaner for longer. I change mine every year (after the pollen season) and if you stick to running in recirculate mode you could probably go every two years.

CPTDaniel

· #680 · Jun 1, 2021

mschflbn said:
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!

Reactions: 2

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