[swamper8]

Can anyone tell me the recommended interval to change the timing belt on the Pilot? (2006) I read the manual and the timing belt is mentioned two places. Both places it says something like "If you are in any of these conditions: ABOVE 105 degrees, BELOW -25 OR tow regularly you should change the timing belt at 60K. I couldn't find where it says the change interval for the other 99% of Pilots that are just driven in regular conditions.
And yes, I did do a search for "timing" and "timing belt" and found no posts mentioning the official recommended Honda mileage. I'm a little PO'd that the owners manual doesn't give the acual mileage, it seems ridiculous.

 

[Pilot-Matt]

105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2006 Honda Pilot:

Replace engine oil filter

Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
(I would replace the water pump at this time)

Check front and rear brake wear

Check parking brake adjustment

Inspect tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots

Inspect suspension components

Inspect driveshaft boots

Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS)

Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids

Inspect exhaust system#

Inspect fuel lines and connections#

Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop.

Check tire inflation and condition once a month.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you used the Honda Ownerslink to log your maintenance performed and service scheduals? Get way to keep records of all the service done on your Pilot and the recommended service.
https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/login.asp?page=/prod_home.asp

 

[samc]

I think the 60k was written just for extreme climate pilot owners. West Springfield, MA is probably just like any other town in USA so don't worry.

BTW I wouldn't wait till 105k miles on the dot to have all that work done above. I'll probably aim for 90-95k miles myself.

 

[swamper8]

Thanks for the responses. Does everyone agree with the list of replacement parts in this post:

http://www.piloteers.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25712&highlight=timing+belt

when doing the timing belt job?
I'm big on preventative maintenance so I will probably do the water pump while I'm in there.

 

[ltinder]

Timing Belt @ 7 yrs with 62,000 miles?

My 2007 Pilot EXL is now 7 years old, but only has 62,000 miles on it. No towing, no extreme temps, and regular service. Should I have the timing belt and water pump replaced now? My Northern California Honda dealer estimated the cost to be about $1500.... Seems a bit steep. Am currently canvassing the independent service providers that I trust. I value your opinions and advice.

 

[HangFire]

My 2007 Pilot EXL is now 7 years old, but only has 62,000 miles on it. No towing, no extreme temps, and regular service. Should I have the timing belt and water pump replaced now? My Northern California Honda dealer estimated the cost to be about $1500.... Seems a bit steep. Am currently canvassing the independent service providers that I trust. I value your opinions and advice.

Very steep. Shop around. Most dealers can beat that price.

 

[whizmo]

The 2006 and later models have NO calendar-based timing belt replacement schedule. According to Honda, you can ignore the calendar all-together.

In severe service, the replacement interval is 60K miles. In non-severe service, the interval is when code "4" appears in the MM system. The 105K recommendation is obsolete on MM-equipped cars, although we've had a few reports that code 4 appears around this mileage.

- Mark

 

[MA_Pilot]

My 2004 Pilot is from the pre-MM era, but I had mine changed at the ~9 year/84k mile mark. The timing belt tensioner was already leaking by that point, so it probably would have been wise to actually follow the manual in my case.

And $1500 is nuts, even a Honda dealer should be able to do the timing belt and water pump for less than $1000. A good independent shop around here should be able to do both for about $600.

 

[TomStromie]

My Northern California Honda dealer estimated the cost to be about $1500..

I had a coupon and paid a little over half that amount 3 years ago. The prices haven't gone up that much. I checked two dealers (both had deals) and the difference was over $150. I buy the fluids from the dealer with the higher service cost because the fluids are about 25% less expensive there. You have to shop around if you want to save money.

 

[wvridgerunner]

That's a crazy price. I paid a little under $900 out the door for the service with all Honda fluids, belts and tensioner replaced. I felt that was a fair price. Shop around and also ask what's included in the service.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[J-Nay]

The 2006 and later models have NO calendar-based timing belt replacement schedule. According to Honda, you can ignore the calendar all-together.

In severe service, the replacement interval is 60K miles. In non-severe service, the interval is when code "4" appears in the MM system. The 105K recommendation is obsolete on MM-equipped cars, although we've had a few reports that code 4 appears around this mileage.

- Mark

I have a 2007 that had the MM indicator on for oil change that just went past 100k with this going on. It now has the "4" code next to it as well. So looks like it pops up at the next MM reminder as soon as you pass 100k.

 

[whizmo]

So looks like it pops up at the next MM reminder as soon as you pass 100k.

Someone else recently posted that their code was around 100K. It may be as simple as what you're saying.

- Mark

 

[keepclam]

I'm at 109k on my 2006 EX-L 4WD (no towing or extreme conditions), but no MM code yet. Should I be nervous? Can I really rely on MM? Would Honda actually cover it if the belt went before the MM code was displayed? (If not, MM is actually a detriment after the warranty is up!)

 

[xGS]

I'm at 109k on my 2006 EX-L 4WD (no towing or extreme conditions), but no MM code yet. Should I be nervous? Can I really rely on MM?

At what mileage did the MM last indicate that an oil change was due?
What is your typical mileage between oil changes?
IMO, if the code for the timing belt doesn't appear by the time you see the prompt for the next oil change, then you might want to consider having it replaced at that time - unless you're planning to trade/sell the vehicle in the immediate future.

Would Honda actually cover it if the belt went before the MM code was displayed? (If not, MM is actually a detriment after the warranty is up!)

Good question.
I've been wondering if we'll start to see a rash of timing belt failures on 2006+ low-mileage V6 Hondas.
Suppose someone drives, for example, only 5K miles per year, will the timing belt last for 20+ years until that #4 code finally comes up?

 

[keepclam]

At what mileage did the MM last indicate that an oil change was due?
What is your typical mileage between oil changes?
IMO, if the code for the timing belt doesn't appear by the time you see the prompt for the next oil change, then you might want to consider having it replaced at that time - unless you're planning to trade/sell the vehicle in the immediate future.


Good question.
I've been wondering if we'll start to see a rash of timing belt failures on 2006+ low-mileage V6 Hondas.
Suppose someone drives, for example, only 5K miles per year, will the timing belt last for 20+ years until that #4 code finally comes up?

Thanks for the reply. It's usually around 6k between oil changes, last one was at about 106k. (So maybe I'll get MM code 4 around 112k, with the oil change reminder.) Exceeding the standard replacement interval just makes me a bit nervous. :13:

 

[harrymx5]

Just turned 120K miles on a 2007 Pilot. For some reason I thought the VTEC used a chain. Anyway, I just had a B1 maintenance minder light and changed the oil. No B4.

Since we're planning on a 3K mile road trip, I plan to change it before we leave. Probably have them do the plus too.

By the way, is this an interference design?

As far as longevity, I think it's wear rather than age that determines the life. If you walk into a NAPA and buy a belt, it may have been hanging from the rafters for 5 years.

 

[csmonte]

As far as longevity, I think it's wear rather than age that determines the life. If you walk into a NAPA and buy a belt, it may have been hanging from the rafters for 5 years.

Which is probably not good. tires have a time limit on them without factoring mileage, things just dry out over time i think. I'm currently getting nervous myself. I have 105k on my 06. I called today and got a "sale" price of $950. timing belt, tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt, fluid flush and fill. This is expensive routine maintenance but I like my pilot sooooo, I gotta do it soon

 

[JSP]

Just turned 120K miles on a 2007 Pilot. For some reason I thought the VTEC used a chain. Anyway, I just had a B1 maintenance minder light and changed the oil. No B4.

Since we're planning on a 3K mile road trip, I plan to change it before we leave. Probably have them do the plus too.

By the way, is this an interference design?

As far as longevity, I think it's wear rather than age that determines the life. If you walk into a NAPA and buy a belt, it may have been hanging from the rafters for 5 years.

Yes, interference motor... You are pushing it at 120k... I would absolutely get it done.

 

[harrymx5]

Sorry. I didn't have 120K miles. That was another car. I'm at 106K.

I just dropped it off today at a dealer after finding an internet coupon for $875 vs their normal $1200. I was going to have the plugs replaced, but the quote was $330. I can do that myself in my driveway, so I passed.

You know, when I do the timing belts on mazda 4 cylinders, I always pull the plugs so I could turn the crank with a socket wrench. I would think those darn plugs are coming out anyway for the same reason. I should have mentioned that. That $330 must be the flat rate price. I'm sure they will call tomorrow to point out cam seals, etc. I'll haggle the plugs then.

The other service suggested was valve adjustment. About $550. Engine is quiet. I passed. Again, a lot of the labor for that overlaps with the timing belt. I wish they could be a little more reasonable. I would have had both done, but not for $880.

 

[xGS]

I just dropped it off today at a dealer after finding an internet coupon for $875 vs their normal $1200. I was going to have the plugs replaced, but the quote was $330. That $330 must be the flat rate price. I'm sure they will call tomorrow to point out cam seals, etc. I'll haggle the plugs then.

The other service suggested was valve adjustment. About $550. I would have had both done, but not for $880.

For reference, this dealer has the spark plug replacement priced at $260 and does the valve adjustment for $320:
Recommended Honda Automobile service and maintenance schedules