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

164060 Views 2525 Replies 98 Participants Last post by kellym, 3 d ago

Oh3CoPilot

Discussion Starter · Jul 5, 2020 (Edited)

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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aggrex

· #305 · Dec 22, 2020

plplplpl said:
What are you planning to tow?

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aggrex

· #318 · Jan 1, 2021

ImBroke said:
Installed the AVS bug shield. Not sure it does anything, but looks good.

If anything it will keep the leading edge of the hood rock chip-free

aggrex

· #345 · Jan 10, 2021

road2cycle said:
The windshield on the wife’s Pilot suffered a rock hit crack on the freeway earlier this week. I finally had time to use one of those DIY kits on it. It doesn’t look professional, but if it holds just like the previous repairs I’ve made to the windshield then she’ll be happy.

Every windshield chip or crack has different outcomes +\- so hopefully your repair lasts a long time. My wife uses clear nail polish to “seal” the chip hoping to limit the damage and sometimes it works and other times the crack gets bigger.

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aggrex

· #351 · Jan 12, 2021

ImBroke said:
Since the PO of the Acura MDX rims Plasti Dipped them black, I am going to get them stripped and powder coated before I put the new stuff on. Not sure if I want to do black or dark grey. Working on that decision now.

Either color choice will have your Pilot looking great. The AT tires should give you plenty of traction. I'm bias towards gun metal grey. What kind of prices have you gotten for powder coating wheels in your area?

aggrex

· #362 · Jan 13, 2021

ImBroke said:
Yes I am. I need to order a hoist now. It just keeps piling up.

One day the expenses will be a distant memory as you start to enjoy your ride ;}

Reactions: 1

aggrex

· #363 · Jan 13, 2021

ImBroke said:
too late, already ordered

Keep it clean, lubed and check it periodically

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aggrex

· #369 · Jan 15, 2021

ImBroke said:
Replaced the spare tire hoist

So that's what a new hoist looks like...lube it up

aggrex

· #384 · Jan 19, 2021

ccbcc said:
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.

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aggrex

· #386 · Jan 19, 2021

plplplpl said:
What length NeverStart cable did you end up using? Can't see from the glare.

Go for the 4 gauge for a buck or so more
I

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aggrex

· #389 · 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?

Use either wire 4G or 6G as both make a great replacement. Both are longer than the OEM wire. I just zip tied the cable to the fan shroud plus an optional protective wire wrap. The OEM bracket was too rusty to deal with so I simply zip tie the cable to the same spot.

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aggrex

· #413 · Feb 8, 2021

ganiflan said:
Changed the rear brake pads and rotors this afternoon. With the prevailing advice on this forum, went with Centric kit and everything went pretty well. Turns out, apparently, I didn't have a 14mm wrench. Had all other sizes, but that was the only tool I needed to acquire. The pads were wearing unevenly, and the caliper pins were somewhat stuck, so greased those while I was at it. The pin bolts were a bit finicky. I am assuming the last person to change them, did not align the caliper heads properly in the calipers, as no manner of orientation would provide the resistance when tightening any of the pin bolts. Anyone else suffer from that? So, had to tighten against another wrench holding onto the pins. Not all that bad actually. Setting-in driving around the neighborhood with no problems. Quiet. So far, so good.

Good job. With the $$ saved get yourself a nice set of metric ratcheting wrenches as the 10-12-14 are commonly used.

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aggrex

· #432 · Mar 8, 2021

OhthreeHondaCoPilot said:
Converted all exterior lights (except headlights) to LED. Replacing the blinker relay was a bit fussy due to the replacement relay being slightly bigger making it a very tight fit but, I managed to get it in.

When I converted all exterior bulbs on the Pilot to LED bulbs hyper flash became an issue even with more expensive resister-free bulbs. The vender offered replacement bulbs and even a resister add-on. I didn’t want to wire anything extra so I removed the front LED turn signal bulbs and that stopped the hyper flash. All rear tail lights are 100% LED for brighter brake lights (safety). Perhaps I could replace the blinker relay next time.

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aggrex

· #437 · Mar 9, 2021

plplplpl said:
Yeah, I found myself cussin' at my hands in an auto parts parking lot where I erroneously predicted I would make quick of it and be on my way.

I heard it just takes practice, steady hands and some u-tube

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aggrex

· #438 · Mar 9, 2021

20Piloteer07 said:
How much are you into it for just the rear lights as LEDs? Was it plug and play for the rears, or was it more? Would you be willing to link the products you used?

I probably overspent (only the best for my Pilot) on the RED GTR resistor free 7443s, T10s and clear T15 backups from Amazon. If I need to replace the 7443s I'd look at Amazon for similar resister free types. Definitely buy the RED LEDs for a truer red.
Check out the link for more info. Prices have gone up since my purchase but there is a March promo going on

www.headlightrevolution.com

GTR Lighting Carbide Series 2.0 7440/7443 LED Bulbs | HR

GTR Lighting Carbide Series 2.0 7440/7443 LED Bulbs are bright, long-lasting, and don't require you to use resistors to get them working. Headlight Revolution

www.headlightrevolution.com

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aggrex

· #443 · Mar 10, 2021

20Piloteer07 said:
How much are you into it for just the rear lights as LEDs? Was it plug and play for the rears, or was it more? Would you be willing to link the products you used?

Like NIKE....just do it because the difference is huge! The LED bulb from Amazon was @plplplpl approved

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aggrex

· #446 · Mar 10, 2021

OhthreeHondaCoPilot said:
I plan on doing the interior but, wondering if the bulbs vary in size a lot or does one size pretty much fit all for the interior?

Generally a T10 should replace the 168 etc bulbs but on my ‘04 the map light bulbs didn’t like the regular T10 LED bulbs. The vender sent me a different low profile set and then it finally worked. I want to change the rear “handle” lights to led but I don’t want to break them so I’m waiting a bit.

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aggrex

· #453 · Mar 11, 2021

ConrodM said:
Now That’s a Kool Setup!!!! Wish I had one of those when I flew RC Helicopters !!!!

Not too early to prepare your Pilot for the hot summer

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aggrex

· #457 · Mar 11, 2021

Irish Pilot Mender said:
What difference did replacing these make? Mine look corroded, but I haven't bothered to replace em. If its beneficial I'll do it tomorrow.

The corroded detached trans ground wire on the Pilot caused no symptoms while the corroded engine to frame ground wire on the Bimmer caused erratic startup and charging. That nearly cost me a spendy day at the bring-my-wallet dealer. I’m a firm believer a good solid ground is as important as the positive wire.

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aggrex

· #459 · Mar 11, 2021

OhthreeHondaCoPilot said:
After the LED up

I'm getting a "Rear brake light" idiot light on the dash. Checked the brake lights and everything else and they are working fine. I guess I'll just live with it.

Yup the LEDs need low power compared to regular bulbs and the system thinks a bulb is out. Have to ignore for now.

aggrex

· #461 · Mar 11, 2021

Just can’t wait to post some more pics in my TLC Pilot thread but I’m making some custom brackets installing this Prinsu rack. The struggle is real but will be worth it. More to come. Hang tight.

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