How to access the 2018 Honda Pilot EGR Valve?

2018 HONDA PILOT
181,500 MILES • 3.5L • AUTOMATIC
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MARK_IN_MN
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Good Evening

I would like to remove and clean the EGR valve on my 2018 Honda Pilot Elite. However, there is a connector on top of the EGR valve (in addition to the one connected to the EGR valve) that I would like to disconnect to make it easier to get to the EGR valve, but I can’t figure out how to disconnect it. I have included a photo of this connector circled in red. Can anyone tell me how to disconnect it?
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Jun 29, 2026 at 10:17 PM
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STRAILER
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The connector should release by pressing the locking tab and pulling the connector straight off, it helps to first push the connector slightly inward, then press the release tab, and then pull it back off the sensor/valve. This should enable you to remove the connector. Here is a diagrams below to help you as well. Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.
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Jun 30, 2026 at 6:40 PM
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MARK_IN_MN
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I can get the connector loose that you’re referring to. I’m asking about the big connector on top of the EGR valve.
Jun 30, 2026 at 6:48 PM
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MARK_IN_MN
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Just to clarify, the connector that I have circled is not connected to the EGR valve. It’s above the EGR valve and I don’t know how to get it loose.
Jun 30, 2026 at 7:06 PM
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STRAILER
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Got it, yes push down or pull up on the tab where I marked it on the arrow. Check out the images (below). Let me know how it goes
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Jul 1, 2026 at 6:27 AM
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MARK_IN_MN
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No luck. And if I got that connector free there are other parts under it that are on top of the EGR valve.
Jul 1, 2026 at 6:01 PM
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STRAILER
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The plastic clip on top is the release for the connector, you might need to work it a little because they can be become stuck due to the weather pack seal.
Jul 2, 2026 at 6:52 AM
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MARK_IN_MN
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Still no luck and I don’t wanna break anything so mission aborted. Thanks for your advice though.
Jul 2, 2026 at 10:29 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, sorry I was not more help. let me know what happens and if you get it disconnected.
Jul 2, 2026 at 12:26 PM
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MARK_IN_MN
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Update Sep 19, 2026

The wire harness I mentioned earlier was not the issue as it was not movable by itself. What I did was disconnect the two bolts along the wire harness assembly, which are shown in the photos. This allowed me to lift up the wire harness assembly just barely enough to remove the EGR valve.
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Sep 19, 2026 at 1:32 PM
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MARK_IN_MN
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I meant I removed the two bolts, not disconnected.
Sep 19, 2026 at 1:33 PM
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STRAILER
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Nice work, thanks for letting us know, did replacing the EGR valve fix the problem?
Sep 20, 2026 at 9:25 AM
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MARK_IN_MN
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Yes, the hesitating is gone. Before I installed the new EGR valve, I cleaned the ports with throttle-body and air intake cleaner. I could’ve cleaned the old EGR valve and put it back in and I think the hesitating would’ve been gone also, but it had enough corrosion that I decided to replace it.
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Sep 20, 2026 at 11:49 AM
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MARK_IN_MN
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Sorry, I accidentally sent a video on save a photo I meant to send.
Sep 20, 2026 at 12:06 PM
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MARK_IN_MN
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Sorry. I meant to send a photo instead of a video. Please disregard the last reply. No more voice typing for me.
Sep 20, 2026 at 9:08 PM
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STRAILER
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Haha, no worries I do that all the time. Glad you got it fixed, we are here for you anytime you need us.
Sep 21, 2026 at 7:09 AM
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