2003-2008 Honda Pilot
2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008

In a nutshell: This article discusses how to install car audio gear in your Honda Pilot. Check it out and then use our vehicle selector to find audio gear that will fit your truck.
Installing a new receiver and new speakers will makeall your music sound better pretty good. You can also expand your system with amps and a subwoofer.
Ready to shop? Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Honda Pilot.
Overview of the Honda Pilot
Honda didn't go from obscure Japanese motorcycle manufacturer to worldwide automotive titan by ignoring the needs of the people -- especially the people in North America. In the early 2000's, those people needed (and/or wanted) mid-size SUV's and, alas, Honda didn't have one. Knowing they had to have something to compete in that segment, they reworked an Isuzu, called it the Honda Passport, and did their best to ignore the "Joe Isuzu" jokes until a proper Honda SUV was ready.
The Pilot turned out to be worth the wait. It had everything customers wanted, including all-wheel drive (later augmented by a front-wheel drive model), a solid V-6 engine, third-row seating, and, most importantly perhaps, a real Honda pedigree.
The first-gen Pilot has been a suburban staple ever since, and this handsome hauler remains a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable, comfortable SUV with plenty of room for people and stuff. The Pilot's stock stereo equipment wasn't terrible for the time, but if you're a real music lover, you'll want to upgrade. There are some challenging aspects to the process, but we have the advice and gear you need to make your Pilot sound better than ever.
This article is an overview of your vehicle's audio system and its upgrade options. If you're looking for step-by-step instructions on how to install a car stereo or speakers in your Pilot, there's nothing better than our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™. This detailed, well-illustrated document is free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for $9.99.

One of the Honda Pilot factory stereos (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Factory stereo system
The Pilot's standard stereo was the expected AM/FM/CD player, located in the upper center of the dash. The upper trim levels could be had with a DVD-based navigation system with a 7" screen and a back-up camera, or a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch flip-down LCD screen -- just not both at the same time. With the nav option, the radio moved south, under the HVAC controls, while the nav screen settled into the spot occupied by the base receiver.
In 2006, Honda gave the Pilot a mid-cycle facelift inside and out, adding new front and rear fascias, plus a revised dash design. The look changed, but the basic layout for each audio system stayed the same. We'll break down the various differences below.
Replacing your factory radio
The techniques you use to remove your Pilot's factory stereo depend entirely on the factory stereo you're removing, but overall, the radio replacement process is pretty uncomplicated.
The dash redesign didn't change the basic layout of the various systems, but it did change the process a bit. We'll hit the high points in this article, but when you order your new stereo from Crutchfield, we'll include a free MasterSheet that provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on replacing the stereo equipment in your Pilot. We'll also give you a very nice discount on the dash kit and wiring harness you need to connect your new receiver to the car's wiring.
Replacing the factory radio means losing (if present to begin with) factory features like satellite radio, navigation, and DVD entertainment. You can get all or most of them back (and better than ever) with the right aftermarket receiver. One of our Crutchfield Advisors will be happy to help you choose the right single-DIN (2" tall) or double-DIN (4" tall) receiver for your needs.
Just a note before you start: In order to unlock the factory radio after the battery has been reconnected, you will need the radio security code. If you can't find the code, the radio must be unlocked at a dealership. The owner's manual is usually a good place to start.
2003-2005 Pilot
Replacing the base receiver is pretty simple. Pry the radio trim out from the dash to release five metal clips, then disconnect the harness and remove it. You'll then remove four Phillips screws from the radio brackets, then pull the radio out and disconnect the harnesses and antenna. You'll need to purchase a mounting kit and a wiring harness, but both are deeply discounted with your stereo purchase.
Replacing the nav receiver is a smidge more involved, but not too much. It's certainly nothing the average car audio DIY-er can't handle.
The key difference in these 2003-05 vehicles is the location of the stock receiver, so make sure you enter your vehicle info before you start stereo shopping.
Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver
2006-2008 Pilot
The "new" dash layout is also relatively uncomplicated. To remove the non-nav receiver, start by removing two Phillips screws from the trim panel above the instrument cluster, then setting them aside. Tilt the steering wheel to its lowest possible position, then (after setting the emergency brake) place the shifter in the lowest position.
Pull the instrument cluster trim panel towards the rear of vehicle and remove it, then carefully pry around the perimeter of the radio trim panel to release the retaining clips. Set the trim panel to the side, remove the four Phillips screws securing the radio, then disconnect the harnesses and remove the radio.
The navigation receiver isn't that hard to deal with, either, and a mounting kit and wiring harness are available at a discount with most receiver purchases.
Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver
Steering wheel audio controls
It's relatively easy to retain your Pilot's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with your new receiver.
Shop for car stereos that fit your Honda Pilot
Replacing your factory speakers
Honda left the door design alone during the mid-cycle refresher, so the speaker replacement instructions are the same for all models.
The tweeters are located in the dash (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Tweeters
All Pilots, no matter what model or year, have a set of (roughly) 1-1/2", 4-ohm tweeters wired in parallel with the front door speakers. They're mounted on the top of the dash, near the base of the windshield, and they're relatively easy to reach. That's good news if you want to install a set of aftermarket component speakers in your Pilot, which we highly recommend.
The tweeters are reasonably easy to reach and replace. You'll need to either fabricate your own speaker mounting bracket, or use our universal back straps to install your new component tweeters. There are also speaker wiring adapters available that plug straight into the vehicle's speaker harness.
Tools needed: Panel tool, small Phillips screwdriver

The Pilot's front door (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Front door speakers
The stock front speakers are 6-1/2" 4-ohm Alpine models that can be replaced with 5-1/4" or same-size aftermarket speakers. You'll need to remove the door panel, of course, and while that's not an especially difficult procedure, we do recommend that you take your time and use care when prying off the panels. It's also a good idea to make sure you have a clean, safe place to store the panels when they're out of the car.
If you're going to install 6-1/2" aftermarket speakers, you'll need to cut out the back of the plastic factory cup or mounting bracket to provide enough depth or magnet diameter for your new speakers.
You'll also need to break off the locating tabs on the factory speaker bracket before mounting an aftermarket speaker or bracket. Removing the tabs isn't too hard to do, and it won't affect the bracket's structural integrity.
If you install 5-1/4" speakers, you'll need adapter brackets, which are available at a special discount with your Crutchfield speaker purchase.
Rear door speakers
Conveniently enough, everything you just read about the front door woofers is also true for the rear door speakers.
Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, small flat blade screwdriver
Shop for speakers that fit your Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot's rear subwoofer is easy to spot, but hard to replace. (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Bass in your Honda Pilot
Your Pilot's 10", 2-ohm factory sub (if equipped) can be found behind a speaker grille on the far-right side of the cargo area. The subwoofer is powered directly from a woofer channel on the factory radio, so if you replace that unit, you'll lose the sub. Unfortunately, this factory sub is a rather thin model, and there's not enough space behind the opening to install most aftermarket subs without some modification.
There are a couple of subs that are within a few hundredths of an inch of fitting, but just getting to the sub is a challenging process involving extensive disassembly. That innocent-looking speaker grille is actually part of a lengthy plastic trim piece that extends all the way from the rear corner of the Pilot to just behind the back seat.
There aren't any real tricks to removing it, but there sure are a lot of steps. It's a time-consuming job, so your best — and easiest — bet for better bass is a powered sub. You'll get better sound in a compact package that won't eat up your cargo space.
If you have something bigger in mind, there's plenty of room for a dedicated subwoofer enclosure and an amp or two. The Pilot can hold a sub box up to 48" W x 17" H x 15"/6" D, so you can build a truly massive system back there if you want to.
Shop for vehicle-specific subwoofers for your Honda Pilot
Other options for your Pilot
Perfecting your Pilot starts with quality electronic gear. Here are a few suggestions:
iPod® and satellite radio adapters
If you don't want to replace the factory receiver (and if you have factory nav, you really don't), you can still add versatility and great sound to your Pilot. We offer several adapters that will allow you to use an iPod, MP3 player, or satellite radio with the factory system.
Dynamat
The Dynamat 10435 Xtreme Door Kit is the perfect way to seal in sound. This heavy-duty noise-damping material is easy to install, and it really makes a difference. One kit will take care of the front doors in your Pilot.
Security
Installing a security system in your Pilot isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.
Shop for car security systems for your Honda Pilot
Building your system
If you're thinking about a used Honda Pilot and you're serious about car audio, you should look for one with the base stereo. The base receiver's "all-in-one" location makes it much, much easier to build a great system on your own. As we mentioned above, replacing the upmarket nav system is complicated enormously by the need to fabricate a custom trim plate to house the screen, HVAC controls, and radio.
If you already have a nav-equipped Pilot, though, you can still build a very impressive system using other components. Start by replacing the speakers, a reasonably easy and generally affordable process that's the same on every model. You'll be surprised at how much better that factory receiver sounds once it's playing through a nice set of speakers.

Even with third-row seating, there's room for a powered subwoofer and an amplifier (Crutchfield Research Photo)
The Pilot gives you plenty of room to work with, so if you really want to maximize your sound, you can add a new subwoofer and an amplifier. If it's all about expanding your musical options, you can add an iPod or MP3 adapter, or connect a SiriusXM satellite radio tuner (subscription required).
Any or all of these options will give you improved sound and performance, without disturbing your Honda's factory nav system. If you're looking for better, newer maps, you can always add a portable GPS receiver with lifetime map updates.
Find the audio gear that fits your car or truck
Visit our Outfit My Car page and enter your vehicle information to see stereos, speakers, subs, and other audio accessories that will work in your vehicle.
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Stephen from Houston, TX
Posted on 9/15/2015The factory tweeters are wired in parallel, and a component speaker system instructs/recommends wiring the woofer and tweeter in series. If the crossover is wired in line at the tweeter in the dash, can you use the factory wiring? This article seems to say you can.
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Andre D. Jarboe from Clemson
Posted on 9/28/2015How do I get my DVD player to work again?
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Amanda from Charlotte
Posted on 10/1/2015Help please!! My DVD player had no sound. We bought the 2003 Pilot used and it came with headsets, but after installing new batteries to the headsets we have no sound still. What can I do?
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Andrew from New haven
Posted on 11/21/2015Hey I just bought a simple dual stereo so that I can use my iPod with the factory audio system but the usb isn't recognized and the aux input doesn't play the entire song. Are they in compatible or am I missing something? I also tried a slightly higher end pioneer stereo with the same result.
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dalton from SPRINGFIELD
Posted on 11/23/2015if you change the factory head unit to a after market and you have the screen above that tells you what channel an temp ect.. do you lose the functions of the temp and other functions on the upper screen? i figure you will lose the radio channel txt (saying what channel you are on and volume ect) but anything else? is it going to be completely dead?
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Andy from Bend
Posted on 12/6/2015What is the easiest way to keep the factory sub with an aftermarket double din head unit.
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savan from nj
Posted on 12/9/2015I want to do the same as andy on my 2003 honda pilot
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Nick from Vegas
Posted on 2/26/2016Is there anyway I can replace the factory stereo with an aftermarket one and keep the dvd player working?
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Amauri from Bronx
Posted on 4/7/2016Jon would the screen for the did player be able to work as a video out for a quad core HU?
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Adam from Lee
Posted on 4/11/2016How can I hook an amp up to my 2007 ex-l factory stereo it has DVD system and stock sub, I have looked everywhere but can't figure out how to? Remote amp turn on and rca??
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Robert from Spencerville
Posted on 11/24/2016Hey I have a 08 pilot and was wondering if I wanted to put a 10 in the back could I hook up the rca cable to the stock sub or would you have to get a lone out converter if I wanted to run my rca cable to hook to the factory sub connector? Thank you
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John from Denver
Posted on 12/11/2016Do the factory speakers have a good bass sound ?
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Wayne from Philadelphia
Posted on 12/26/2016I have a 2003 Honda Pilot. For some reason the rear door speakers and woofer are not working. I tried everything. I tried fading the audio to the back and discovered this about a year ago. I ordered new speakers for the rear doors, but I'm not messing with the woofer any time soon. But I have 2 questions : 1. Before I go taking door panels off, will I need adapter cables for the speakers I'm replacing? 2. Do u think it's a problem with the stereo itself and I'm just wasting my time?
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Frank Marino from New York, NY
Posted on 3/24/2017I have pretty bad reception on my 2005 Pilot. I replaced the original stereo (no navigation) because I wanted to have Bluetooth capabilities plus USB. The reception is still bad obviously. My question is: where is the OEM antenna located? Are they any Instructions anywhere to replace it? Thank you
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Joshua
Posted on 4/17/2017I have a 2006 Pilot with nav and XM. I want to install a GTA Bluetooth and AUX kit, but the XM might cause interference. So I would like to remove or at least unplug power to the xm receiver. Only problem is I dont know where it is located. It is factory installed not dealer. Would you happen to know where it could be?
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kurt from houston
Posted on 5/6/2017does the 2007 Honda pilot 4Dr EX-L have a aux input? if not can i easily install a radio with one?
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Robert Marshyti
Posted on 5/18/2017Hi, I have a 2006 Honda pilot without navigation and i would like to install CD and Tape players as the 2005 Honda has. Can it be done?
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Ben H from Fallbrook
Posted on 5/22/2017Very helpful site! 2005 Pilot EX-L, no navigation but has multi-disk changer. I'd like to find a double Din Stereo that includes GPS, backup camera availability, and Bluetooth while still retaining steering wheel controls AND the multi disk CD changer. Is this possible?? Thanks
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Rich Parico from New London,Pa.
Posted on 7/2/2017I have a 2004 Honda Pilot with factory stereo without navigation. How can I get XM radio? What do I need and how do I do it?
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Vaitribe from Maui Hawaii
Posted on 7/15/2017I have a 2015 Pilot, attempted to hook up a sub and a amp. It works perfectly fine when car is turned on, however when I change gears either drive or reverse, my sub Hums and plays out of control. We tapped LOC to the front speakers and Rear speakers, same result. Also when I step on gas pedal, sound almost mimics the engine. Could it be the Factory amp? Do I need to bypass?
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John from Columbus
Posted on 9/5/2017I have a 2005 honda pilot. I purchased an aftermarket radio but returned it for one reason. First, I did not see this area and wish I had because I know you could have answered this for me. But when I installed the aftermarket radio, the one-touch driver side window quit working. I do not have the nav or anything, but when I put the factory radio back in it works. So I am sure it has something to do with the one large plug that does the wheel controls and probably with a volume increase when the window is down. So my question, is there a way to keep the one-touch window working with an aftermarket system? Thanks,
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Patrick from Alameda
Posted on 12/17/2017I have a 2005 Pilot EX with Navigation. I want to replace my stereo with Diuble DIN and install it where the Navigation is and leave the factory stereo as is. I know the factory stereo won't work. Could I buy the bracket for the standard Pilot without Navigation so I could put my stereo there?
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Chris
Posted on 3/16/2018I have a 2004 pilot with a standard radio unit. Is it possible to purchase a new double din head unit and buy a small amp to run the back sub? I read in your article that it is a pain to get to the back sub let alone trying to replace it with something that would fit in the same place. Due to these reasons I would like to just get a unit with good sound output and possibly still keep my stock sub working.
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Chang from Fresno
Posted on 3/29/2018Where is the best place to mount the alpine universal power pack in a 2007 Honda pilot
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Justin from Acworth
Posted on 3/30/20182003 pilot with dvd system. I want to install Bluetooth, what would you recommend?
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Steve from DAYTON, NV
Posted on 4/8/2018Am buying an '05 pilot, w/o nav. I'm asking the dealer to put in Bluetooth and a backup camera. I did an aftermarket Bluetooth before, but it wasn't integrated into the stereo. I'm not sure what an ideal configuration is for this vehicle. The existing system looks/works well. But I know that technology has changed sufficiently that integration isn't likely. I am an android phone user, and prefer a system that would retain connection with the components which would not be required to be removed. It has the dvd player (drop down screen in back), and a 6 disc changer. What are your thoughts on how I can maximize my benefit here? I really appreciate your help and support here. Thank you.
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