How to replace Honda Pilot Starter

[@maysaraabdo5339]

Dude you are awesome by far this is the best DIY video for the Honda Pilot starter replacement nothing else comes close with the way your video is with the close ups and clear views and wild descriptions. Very educational and far from boring. Very to the point love it. I just got done replacing it you made it very easy!!!! One thing though the ground is a clip that gets pulled out next to the power that is screwed I think yours broke off due to wear.

[@GarageKing]

Thank you soo much for the comment!!!! I really do appreciate it, A LOT!!!! Most people just watch and never really say anything, so these comments like yours are rare and very appreciated!!!! They are what keeps me going. I really do appreciate the time you took to thank me. Much appreciated :) I think you are right about the ground clip, good eye!!!!!!

[@donaldong2201]

This was the best instructional reference for a first time starter swap out. Lots of tight spots but thanks for detailed and step by step for a perfect fix. I recommend viewing this a few times and even opening up your hood and looking at the replacement starter to get a feel of everything required to remove the non-working starter and replace. Thanks GarageKing for posting this great video!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks soo much!!!!! Really appreciate the great comment. It take a lot of work to make a great video so really happy it was helpful to you. Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

[@JeremySchultz]

Thank you for this! I just replaced the starter in my 2009 Pilot in part thanks to your help. The 2009 is even tighter and requires you to take the whole battery mount out. Your tip to use the silicone on the gasket was golden...I would've lost my mind trying to keep the gasket in place.

[@GarageKing]

So glad I was able to help you out, thank you for the great comment !!!

[@jayrussell3796]

What a really great video. Thanks ! But I do think I'll leave this project for the pros with patience !

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment, I do my best :) If you take your time you can probably do it, you don't need many tools, but you have to be patient as its a tight fit !!!

[@mohandasu43]

Thank You Sir for the excellent service shown to us and to the world for the 2006 Honda Pilot 👍 and please accept my special thanks for classifying the three types of bolt fittings based on year which was very helpful to me for 2013 Honda Pilot we own.

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment !!! I do appreciate it :)

[@Drumbuoy545]

Nice job! Excellent detailed description with no BS or rambling on. Thanks for posting... I will have this video open right beside me when I do mine for reference. Dig the puppy cam footage too!

[@GarageKing]

That is awesome !!! Appreciate the great comment, and I do my best to get to the point right away as I know everyones time is valuable. Glad to know I helped :) Good luck :)

[@tutranrealtor]

Thank you for helpful tips. I was able to change starter for my Ridgeline in 2 hours.

[@GarageKing]

That's awesome buddy, thanks for the comment, and glad you were able to change that starter, well done !!!

[@scottschuett7765]

I could not find anything about whether I needed a new gasket for starter replacement. (New OEM metal gaskets are $25 with shipping and taxes) you showed how to reuse the old gasket with the silicone hold down. Excellent video!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment brother!!! You don't need a new gasket, only if its rusted away LOL :) FYI - I have never had to order a new starter gasket. If your are really good with your hands you can avoid the silicone and get the old gasket back in, but I found its just way easier to use silicone. Thanks for the positive feedback!!!

[@bornnkang]

Great video and I appreciate your detailed and highly informative instructions!! Thank You Sooo..much!!!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much for the great comment!!! Its comments like this that keep me going :) Thank you :)

[@matthewortiz1192]

Great video, about to change the starter in mines today

[@GarageKing]

Awesome brother !!! So empowering to fix your own vehicle !! The starter is a tight fit, but take your time and you will be fine !!!

[@rasheemjackson1987]

Thanks bro very helpful video😊

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment !! Appreciate it :)

[@olivermarcelo9010]

Thanks for making this video! Really a big help!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you so much for the comment brother !!! I do appreciate it :)

[@DannySchneible]

Thanks for doing this. my 2007 was working hard to start, and then last night it stopped working hard and just refused to crank - no clicking, just the happy ready start mode smiling back at me as I frown and turn the key repeatedly. I'm going to pick up a starter today. Hopefully I won't need the breaker bar either!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks soo much for the comment brother!!! I do appreciate it :) I find for some reason these Honda starter bolts are all tight, so you may want to have that breaker bar handy :) Happy holidays and if you need anything let me know!!! Thanks

[@DannySchneible]

@@GarageKing you were right! About five years ago I bought a large steel pipe that slips over the handle of my wrench so I could loosen some rotor bolts, and it came through again for this project. Great video! Happy New Year to ya!

[@GarageKing]

@@DannySchneible I'm glad you got it all done, and that large steel pipe sure came in handy!!! Don't know what it is, but every Honda starter I do is always really tight. I'm glad you got it all done and Happy New year to you!!!!!

[@MorrisBurch]

Yes, a really GREAT video. So useful. Thank you.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment brother!!! Appreciate it :)

[@Daneil779]

Hey man love the video! I was having the same issue of the battery turning on but no crank. I had my insurance company come out and try to jump the car and still nothing. He even tested the battery and said that was good so I was pretty sure it was the starter. Replaced the starter today and still the same issue! :/ any advice or suggestions?

[@GarageKing]

Hey there, and thanks for the great comment. There are a few other things to test. Your fuel pump relay runs on the same circuit as other things and can cause problems. Also your neutral safety switch can cause it. See this vid, its short kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5jQgHhvZb2go9k and also try to start your vehicle in neutral with your foot on the brake.

[@Daneil779]

@@GarageKing thanks for the tip! I was able to get the car started in neutral so does that mean my neutral safety switch is bad?

[@GarageKing]

@@Daneil779 It could be, I'm not sure what a switch is worth. If its cheap then sometimes its worth it to just buy one and replace it. But if its costly then better to test it.

[@Musiclover5258]

This is fantastic and lucid. Thank you so much. I am going to perform the invasive surgery on my 08 Pilot tomorrow, and this video is going to be my master reference:-) I have a quick question, which I hope you will be able to answer. When you removed the 10" nut for the main power connector (7:05-7:16 min), it appears in the video that you were turning the wrench clockwise (for removal). Did I get it right, and if so, is this particular bolt reverse threaded (i.e., clockwise to losen and counterclockwise to tighten)? If so I better be careful. Thank you.

[@GarageKing]

Hey Hey my friend!!!! You watched the vid closely!!!! That nut is a regular nut, lefty loosie, righty tighty. I was concerned when I looked at the video and man it does look backwards so I had to do some investigation. I went to the raw unedited footage and what happened is when I filmed that it was not in wide screen because of the way the camera is and when I transformed that footage I spun it 180 degrees so that clip is actually upside down, that's why it looks backwards!!!! I have to congratulate you on pointing that out, but mystery solved, its just a regular nut so no worries!!!! Thanks for the comment, I really enjoyed this one. Good luck tomorrow and if you need anything just comment and I'll get back to you. Thanks!!!

[@Musiclover5258]

@@GarageKing Thank you so much for the prompt reply. Yes, I had watched your video multiple times with "religious fervor" :-) . And good luck I do need, lots of it!! Thanks again. ps. Since I am not critically dependent on this vehicle for the moment, I am going to remove the starter first, test it outside to make sure it is indeed faulty (though I am pretty sure that's were the fault is, since I am getting full voltage at the solenoid connector when the ignition key is rotated to the crank position) and then order the right replacement. If all fail, I have the tow truck guys on my speed dial :-)

[@GarageKing]

​@@Musiclover5258 Hey buddy, was thinking of you yesterday, but wanted to give you some time before I replied. Was wondering how the job turned out? Were you able to get the starter motor out ok?

[@Musiclover5258]

@@GarageKing Hello friend, thank you for following up. The operation yesterday was a success, thanks to your video, short of which I certainly would not have managed it without breaking things or possibly even hurting myself :-) I successfully removed the starter - the two bolts came off with a longish (~15 inches) flexhead wrench that I went and purchased at Home Depot, but didn't need a breaker bar. Verified that it is indeed defective by connecting to the battery externally, and ordered a replacement (Denso remanufactured), which will be arriving on Tuesday. Hopefully the rest of it should also go well. One small outstanding issue though; I simply could not separate that rusted metallic clip from the plastic fastener around the main power cable (even after detaching the 8mm bolt holding the clip, per your instructions, and taking the starter out - see 8:56-9:35min). How exactly did you do it? I applied generous amounts of WD40 yesterday, and I am planning to try again later today - failing which I was planning to reach out to you. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I will also confirm after the re-installation is complete.

[@Musiclover5258]

@@GarageKing Just wondering if you missed the second half of my earlier reply (hidden under the "Read More" trailer).

[@taihunt3609]

Geat video, Thank you!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment, appreciate it !!!

[@drstevenbrule]

Thanks for this. What was wrong with the starter?

[@GarageKing]

It sometimes just clicked. It did intermittently start. I did the checks and decided to replace it. Here is the vid for the checks if you wish kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5jQgHhvZb2go9k Thanks for the reach out and hope you have a great day !!!

[@drstevenbrule]

Mine done it once and was done. No click. Hopefully I'm replacing the right part lol Thanks

[@GarageKing]

@@drstevenbrule That's what it usually is most of the time. I have my fingers crossed for you !!!

[@miguelhuesca2551]

My mechanic did not placed the shim on the new starter from the old one. Does it matter? He also said since the new ones don’t come with it is not need it. is it true?...... after two days I noticed oil on my drive way, so when I checked under sure enough oil dripping. Could that be the reason?. In other words could the oil now be leaking now from the starter?. Please respond....... The mechanic thinks is the transmission leaking oil. I really need these 4 answers. Great video.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment brother. The shim should have been put on. I always put the shim back on, if you didn't need it then why did the factory put it on? It will work without the shim, but the starter will not be sealed as well. As far as the oil leak, that would have nothing to do with the starter, as the starter should be dry in there. See if you can tell the colour of the oil coming off the powertrain. If it's red it's transmission, black is oil. Also they smell different. The oil leak would not have anything to do with the starter change. Hope I helped you out :)

[@miguelhuesca2551]

Thank you for the quick response I really appreciate your concern. You have taken a big doubt off my mind. Also thank you for calling me brother.

[@GarageKing]

Anytime, that’s what I’m here for :) glad I could help you out :)

[@rossratliff8185]

I actually had the same issue with also not using the shim. Transmission fluid leaking - is not using the shim the cause?

[@dipankarsd]

Hi @7:05 to 7:20, is that reverse threaded?

[@GarageKing]

Hey there, you have very good eyes !!! It’s not reversed. It’s my fault. During editing I wanted to show a close up so I flipped the screen. It is regular threads.

[@dipankarsd]

@@GarageKing Thank you for clarifying.

[@GarageKing]

@@dipankarsd For sure !!

[@mrtoronto3512]

Nice vid buddy

[@GarageKing]

Thanks!!! Glad you enjoyed

[@RileyNA]

I think I got my big old breaker bar at Harbor Freight for like 15 bucks. Honestly probably the best investment for the money ever.

[@GarageKing]

You know it, and you need it for those starter bolts!!!! Don't know why, but they are always so tight!! Thanks for the comment :)

[@RileyNA]

@@GarageKing Nah thanks for video bud! I'm a mechanic starting out and I'm doing a pilot starter tomorrow. This was just the familiarization I needed sir.

[@GarageKing]

@@RileyNA Well thank you, and if you ever need anything just let me know :) I'm a Red Seal and have been around for a bit :) Enjoy your weekend and good luck with the starter tomorrow !!!

[@Jcaban]

Would it be easier if you attached the wiring to the starter before bolting it on to the body? How did you get the plastic clip off the rusty bracket?

[@GarageKing]

Hey thanks for the comment. I don’t think you can attach the wire to the starter first as there is not enough there. If I remember correctly there was barely enough there to attach the wire with the starter on an angle. You are free to try :) as for the clip on the rusted bracket I use a small flathead screwdriver and took my time slowly wiggling it back and forth. Each time you do that it will get more loose. You can’t rush it, it takes time :)

[@Jcaban]

Thanks for the reply. I could not take the clip off so I just used the old bracket. My contribution to this post is to suggest you remove the transmission dipstick for more room. You can connect the electrical cables to the starter before bolting it to the body. There was enough slack in the electric cable to hold the starter sideways and connect them first rather than struggle in the cramped space after bolting the starter in. Great video!

[@GarageKing]

@@Jcaban That's great to know and thanks for the feedback!!! I do appreciate the follow up. Most guys do their thing and leave so I do appreciate you sharing that. Thanks brother !!!!

[@customcarworker]

Thanks for doing this

[@GarageKing]

Any time!

[@ctuck4074]

I have a 2019 touring and that starter is different. It's a mitsuba. I haven't found a video of that removal/installation.l So there's yet another starter to look out for.

[@GarageKing]

Hey Thanks for the comment, I haven't had to change one on a 19 yet, that's pretty new. You would think the vehicle should still be on warranty?

[@tuckny7]

@GarageKing Normally would be, but I got a fixer upper. No warranty. I wrench on my vehicles. I'll get it done though.

[@GarageKing]

@@tuckny7 I see, sometimes those are the best deals !!

[@randythompson3922]

Thanks very informative

[@randythompson3922]

I'll use this tomorrow for my 06😁

[@GarageKing]

@@randythompson3922 Thanks soo much for the comment brother!!! Much appreciated :)

[@GarageKing]

Thank you :)

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

323 Like Playlist support check in great video I am sure I be need this sometime down the road . Thanks for share with us

[@GarageKing]

You may LOL :) These Honda engines are popular. Well built engine, but I do see starter problems with them, not too much else goes wrong with them.

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

@@GarageKing we have 2012 Honda civic buy it new at the dealer have been a great care put about 200 miles a days every day no leak great gas

[@GarageKing]

@@shahnawazvlog6266 That is awesome, Civic is very good car and usually not too many repairs needed. They are good on gas, and with the prices now they are even better. In Canada gas is $2 per litre so that would be about $8 per gallon !!!

[@ronthemogul]

Ever had it crank by itself once battery terminal was connected?

[@GarageKing]

Never had that, I'm surprised that would even happen as you should have to turn the key to start (which is a spring position that flips back when you take your hand off) I don't know how it would do this or why, thats very puzzling.

[@pfernandez]

Dang this must be near the ocean!

[@GarageKing]

I live in Canada, where they use A LOT of salt on the road LOL :) Thanks for the comment and happy Saturday to you !!

[@Celexanomnom]

i just did my cv axles last Saturday and now this happened on my 07 honda pilot :/

[@GarageKing]

Oh Crap!!!!! Sorry to hear that buddy, but at least the starter is not really too bad to do. You are going to be a Honda Pro in no time :)

[@goysb4jays566]

Well this is fucking tedious. Im looking to replace the starter in one im going to buy for cheap but hellllllll no. This is a day long job full of anxiety i can feel it

[@GarageKing]

OMG, I just got your comment and love it hahaha. For some reason it was not posted to me when you made it. Totally made my day haha. I hope you got it all fixed up :) Love you comment buddy!!!!!!

[@goysb4jays566]

Why do manufacturers do this nonsense. This should bd at the top of the engine

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment brother, and you are too right!!!! I think the reason they do stuff like this is to try to stop me and you from fixing our vehicles!!!!!

[@GarageKing]

To diagnose starter see this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5jQgHhvZb2go9k

[@majjesty456]

Wow you are good at this

[@GarageKing]

Thank you soo much