Replacing Flasher Relay and Turn Bulbs in a 2003 Honda Pilot

I wanted to update the turn-indicator bulbs on my 2003 Honda Pilot to LEDs because I find them to be sharper and more noticeable. However, most folks know that if you just pop in the LED bulbs the turn indicators will flash very rapidly - aka hyper-flashing. This is due to the fact that the flasher relay expects a certain amount of current to be drawn by the high-power incandescent bulbs and the LED bulbs don't draw that kind of current. There is a hack to simply add load resistors in parallel with the turn indicator bulbs but I think the better solution is to replace the flasher relay with a new one that is amenable to LED bulbs.
Unfortunately, the flasher relay is on the backside of a fuse box in the driver's footwell - not the easiest access point. I'm not sure I'd tackle this again but if you decide you want to try this, you might learn from my effort.

[@jeromejeronimo9807]

I have just replaced that replay! Without your video I would not have made it because without seeing where was the relay, I would not have taken the risk to remove all the connectors and knowing that there is no room to reach it... But it immensely helped me. I could removed it without actually seeing it by fishing with my hand (after having removed all the connectors as shown on your video, of course). Thank you!

[@ravraid]

Congratulations and thanks for the comment! I really appreciate this feedback as it is my main motivation for making videos!

[@boussoleviajes1870]

I just did it on my Pilot 2007. Thanks¡¡¡ Greetings from Cuenca-Ecuador

[@ravraid]

Glad you got this done and greetings from California!

[@jeffmtb558]

I have the 2007 pilot as well. What LED flash relay did you use?

[@torres5037]

Well explain and Record..

[@jeromejeronimo9807]

It is working now with Front turn signals in the front. My mistake was to buy NAPA EP34 Relay... It was not the right one, they have also the EP34L (L as in LED) for this purpose. So I exchanged it and it is working fine! Pfffff ... I had to swap this ^%@&-ing relay twice, but happy now.

[@ravraid]

Congratulations! I applaud your perseverance!

[@1800A]

I can’t find the location on the 2015 pilot you think it’s the same location ?

[@ravraid]

Ah, that's a couple generations later than mine so I'm not sure where it would be. You might inquire at piloteers.org as that forum has lots of good info.

[@jeromejeronimo9807]

Hi! I just bought the some similar LED light (switchback) for the FRONT turn signal. Do you know if it is going to need the same relay? Have you changed your front turn signal too? Thanks! PS: How about the brake lights... I guess for this one there is no solution... or is there one?

[@ravraid]

I'm not sure but I believe a change of the front or rear turn indicator bulbs to LEDs will result in faster flashing so yes, to avoid "hyperflashing" you'll either need to use the resistors or a new relay. As for brake lights, there should be no problem with replacing them with LED lights if that is what you are asking.

[@jeromejeronimo9807]

@@ravraid Thank you for your reply! I am investigating already to buy that relay (I prefer it than a hot resistor a every corner) Concerning the Brake light.. The issue apparently is the "brake light" indicator on the dash board that stay on and is a little annoying. I am surprised you have not change the brake light too. What do you think?

[@ravraid]

@@jeromejeronimo9807 You're right! I remember running into that problem with LED brake bulbs. I tried one, very hacky fix: I modified an incandescent bulb to have an LED next to it. I can't recommend this as it is so janky but it solves the problem: you get instant-on light from the LED and the incandescent bulb draws the required current to keep the sensor happy.

[@jeromejeronimo9807]

@@ravraid That is such a crazy hack!

[@mariodiy4517]

Thanks for the video, but it was still a pain in the ass with the rear connectors. This is the dumbest way to engineer this fuse/relay box. I also wanted to add there are locking tabs that go into a metal braket on the side. I am not sure if you push in or pull away the plastic tabs to remove the box. I accidentally broke the bottom one. These help hold it in due to the wires pushing it out slightly after reassembly. The 10mm nut will hold everything in place if you accidentally break those plastic tabs. If anyone can chime in the best way to clear the mounting tab? Thanks.

[@rats10001]

Could you link the relay that you had used?

[@ravraid]

Sure. I got mine at O'Reilly but you can get the elsewhere. www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/novita-technologies/novita-technologies-13-5-amp-3-terminal-turn-signal-flasher/nov0/ep34

[@Francisco22Morales]

I put my connectors back on and the car won’t start, what do you think is the problem?

[@ravraid]

Well, lots of important connections go through that same fuse box and those big connectors are difficult to remove and put back. I'd go back to check all the connectors to make sure they are fully seated and clipped in.

[@maxxmich]

show the front light changed as well

[@boomboompao411]

Is this more convenient than putting resistors? I'm scared to do it because of all the connections.

[@ravraid]

Oh no, I think putting in the resistors is much easier. I can just be pig-headed so I wanted to do it this way! 🙂

[@boomboompao411]

@@ravraid any chance i can just drop off my Pilot at your place? 😅 i can buy lunch

[@ravraid]

@@boomboompao411 Hah! It would have to be a pretty darn nice lunch! I always bang my head under the dash on stuff like this and then swear a lot. But, no kidding, the resistor thing should be straightforward if you just want to use LED bulbs.

[@garylancelot]

What a stupid way to have to change out a simple flasher relay. Do better, Honda!