Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions:(1995-2004 Models)

madijo

How hard is it to back up at night with the limo tint? I had it installed on an extended cab pickup and it was not very easy to see out of the back window at night. Other than that I too liked it. I never had to adjust the mirror at night for headlights shining in!

fibber2

Bruce,

You accidently stumbled into the 'clear the code' function of one of the onboard computers. The door failed to operate because some logic function fouled, and it threw an error code that prevented further operation to prevent damage to the door, or personal injury. Removal of the fuse cut standby power, shutting down the processor, and clearing the code. If there had been a real malfunction, it would have logged again, and disabled the door. As it was probably 'fake' (as probably 99% of them are), restoration of the fuse (original or a new one) allowed it to all reset and work again.

Steve

alkanx

Hi all, I have tranny recall on my 03 Odyssey & dealership would be doing the fix next week, if the vehicle needs to be kept for few days, Honda does not cover the charges for rental car, I even talked to Honda customer service & they said NO. The van only has 16k miles, is that how it is with recalls, any suggestions…?

Thx..
Shawn.

sakinosh

What about if the door warning chime just starts going off while you're driving?

We just bought a 2000 EX and while driving one day the door chime just started ringing constantly as if the door was open. It would happen as long as the van was in gear, once in park it would stop...or if we turned the power sliders off. Could I also take out the fuse to reset the computer?

Apparently the manual says to take it to Honda as it could be a "door malfunction" - we took it but of course it would not ring for them so they think it's ok. Any suggestions?

auburn63

with low miles on your vehicle they will most likely only need the car for about1.5 - 2.0 hours.

fibber2

Scott,

I could only guess.... One thing you might try would be to use a pencil eraser and try cleaning all of the contacts (pin ends and receivers). Lack of a clean signal might suggest to the computer that a door was ajar. I seem to remember that some had to have these replaced on earlier vans because they malfunctioned? Or maybe realigned? Our man in the field, Mr. Auburn, might be able to fill in for my fading memory.

Steve

bkingtexan

In the past few months my 99 Odyssey LX has, without warning, had a complete electrical shutdown while moving. Everything (all of it: radio, AC, lights, engine) suddenly quits. After pulling over, waiting about one minute, it starts up again just fine, goes right on. Check engine light has not come on, Honda dealer says they cannot diagnose if they cannot replicate, and this is VERY intermittent. Anybody had anything like it? If so, what was the culprit, solution? Thanks!

suavechavo

My sister has had it with the "lack" of service from the dealerships in her area (Fontana). Can anyone recommend a good dealership? Shes having problems w/ her brake lite coming on at times and has had to have her brake fliud topped a few times.

Also, she's worried about the recall on her Pilot, due to its early VIN # and the higher mileage it has, ~ 50K.

Also, does anyone know of a dealer that offers loaner cars? We usually had no problem getting loaners for our VWs in Dallas while our cars were in the shop for service or warranty work, even tho the cars were bought used.

Thanks

igiban

On a trip to LA from No. Cal when close to LA in a few uphill I-5 drives, I felt my 00 EX kind of powerless and then the engine light turned on. I stopped the car on shoulder for a few seconds and started the car again and then the light went off. The van was quite loaded then. Anyone has a clue?

I also started to notice steering wheel shudder when applying brake from higher speed. Is that a known Oddy problem or just a worn rotor/brake part? Mine had about 51K miles and the rotors were serviced/pads replaced around 38K.

leonmacha1

First tranny went at 45000, now second at 63000. Honda replaced first at no charge (some hassle with dealer) but Honda reimbursed for unnecessary repairs. Now that official recall is officially on the street, we'll see if they have a real fix.
At 54000 AC compressor bearing started to squeal/chirp. This will be a $1000 fix when it fails. At 46000 the switch ($80) for the remote mirrors failed.
Go to NHTSA website for real up-to-date listing of all recalls and service bulletins published for your vehicle or one you plan to buy. Its free information that is invaluable. Having this information lets the dealer know that you are informed. Call Honda Customer Relations at 800-999-1009 to register your major problems and get a case number assigned. Once again, it tells the dealer that you are informed.

leonmacha1

Loss of power is common symptom of transmission failure. As transmission hunts for proper gear range, the interconnect to fuel injection system reduces engine RPM. Classic early symptom. Engine and other warning lights are common.

edinbelgium

I have a 04 odyssey and when we start that van there is a bad smell from the vents. It only has 1000 miles on it... One question is when we pull up and stop the van the only water I see from A/C is in the rear passenger side of the van which I think is for the rear A/C. I do not see ant water anywhere in the front. I think the line may be clogged.

Is water suppose to come from somewhere in the front if so where?

After awhile it goes away as you are driving or we get use to it.
Any help is Appreciated.....

buddyzuniga

I have an 04 Odyssey. Water from A/C drips down from front passenger side, just behind the front right tire I have 12,600 miles and the only water that comes from the rear is from the tail pipe when the van hasn't been driven for a while or when the engine hasn't been warmed up. No orders from vents. That doesn't sound normal. Call Honda customer care 1-800-999-1009. Report the problem to them before you go to the dealership. It is my understanding that they will give you an incedent number. Then go into the dealership. This will let the dealership know you are serious and that you have already reported the problem at a higher level. Hopefully this will get the problem solved, whatever it may be, without any runaround. Good luck to you. Remember to keep us posted. Thank you in advance. Happy trails.

goyankees

2000 EX with 102,000 miles, AM Radio reception has failed and only works if real close to AM station antenna. FM signals are weak and fade in and out. Pulled the radio to check if antenna wire was loose, and it was OK. This happen overnight, one day was working next was not. Any suggestions?

Anyone have an 2000 am/fm cd Honda radio they pulled to install an aftermarket radio and want to sell the old one? Let me know.

stever

Try eBay - Town Hall isn't set up for ads. Thanks,

Steve, Host

jipster

Recently considering purchasing Honda Odyssey LX.
While researching seeing a lot of complaints with the transmission being a problem and being recalled. Have read this only affects prior than 2002 models. Have read that Honda has placed extended warranty on the transmission for up 7 years/100,000 miles. I am just getting bits and pieces and am somewhat confused. Whats the whole story? I couldn't find any links that explained in detail what was going on. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

arjav

I recently bought 99 ody at 90K miles. Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated and stayed on.

I took it to the dealer to get it checked, who found out P1457 code and mentioned that he needed to fix the valve. He charged me for diag and labor/parts for the valve. I also asked him to fix recalls (ignition switch and sliding door). After he gave me the van back, in a day, the CEL came back on.

I took it back to the dealer and he saw P1456 (which is loose gas tank cap issue). He tighten the gas tank cap, reset the light and gave the van back to me.

It came back on again in 2 days. I took it back and he mentioned sometimes a hard reset is necessary for the van to erase the problem code from the hard disk. He did a reset by taking battery out and put them back in. CEL disappeared for a day and after a day's driving it is back again.

I called the dealer and he is asking to bring van back to him and he said he would call national technical support line and run the tests and try to resolve it.

He kept saying that everything is fine with the Ody. He ran all other diagnostic tests and it looks like everything is working as it should. But he is unable to tell me how to resolve the CEL issue. He is working on it, but I would like to find out more from this group.

Is there anybody who is having similar issue?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

wpalkowski

Jipster
  '99 thru '01 4 speed transmissions had a quality/inspection problem. Small percentage of castings in transmission came through out of spec and were not caught by quality/manufacturing inspection. Over time, this out-of-spec condition results in too much play in gears, causing premature wear and eventual transmission failures. This only affected ~ 2 - 3% of all transmissions ( Accord, and Acura MDX too). Honda extended the transmission warranty on all vehicles in these years to 7 yrs, 100K miles to appease owners. They will also reimburse folks for repair costs incurred before the warranty extension.
  '02 thru early '04 5 speed transmissions have a legit design flaw. Evidently transmission fluid bathing 2nd gear is inadequate. Gear gets subjected too much heat under certain driving conditions, such as hill climbing while towing, and extended highway runs at constant speed. As vehicle accumulates miles, heat damage builds up and failure occurs. Evidently transmissions have failed and locked up while moving in about 10 vehicles - don't believe there were any resultant injuries. There are lesser degrees of failures, but all are recalled.
   If '02 thru '04 van has under 10K miles, they will install a fix which sends more fluid to 2nd gear and also add more transmission cooling. Evidently no damage has been found by Honda investigations of low mileage vans. If >10K miles, Honda will open transmission and inspect the gears. If there is evidence of overheating (discoloration of parts, burned fluid, etc.), they will replace transmission with new design that has modified cooling and fluid distribution. If there is no evidence of damage, they will retrofit the cooling and fluid fix and send you on your way. Not sure if they extend the warranty on the trannies that they fix. Honda is notifying owners when to come in for recall inspection.

98van

5/25/04 I need help? We purchased a new 03 Odyssey EXL W/DVD last fall. I recently discovered the two passenger doors had been re painted. Went to local dealer, (not where purchased) and had the Honda factory rep come and look at van. He agreed the two doors were not original paint and agreed to repaint doors. After thinking about this, I researched my papers and there is no mention in any buyers agreements that I purchased a new van with repaint or body damage. I have requested they give me a full trade in allowance for a new 04 or 05 when available. Please note that my van is still new in looks and interior with only 6300 miles on it, other than the paint does not match on the two doors. Can anybody help me with what my legal rights are? I now have a 03 that is going to be re painted for the second time and the value is not the same? Upon more conversation with the Honda rep he has advised me to talk with the owner of the dealership that I purchased from. He is also going to speak to the owner directly. I agreed to talking with the owner later this week, but, does anybody have any advise. So far the rep seems to be willing to carry this farther and help me resolve this issue. What advise can the forum give me and do I have a claim worth moving on rather than just letting them repaint the van again if they do decide to hold their ground on just re painting? Once again, the Honda factory rep has been helpful and I think Honda will do the right thing. Please help and advise? Thanks, 98van

stever

I don't know what your rights are, but from what I've read around Town Hall, dealers in most states can fix stuff without telling you and still call the car new. Thank the car dealer lobby I guess.

Remember the Alabama BMW case? Lots of links about it (mostly lawyer ones), including this one:

The BMW vs Gore "Paint Job" Case

Who knows if your situation is extreme enough to warrant an new van.

Steve, Host

auburn63

There is usally two causes, one is the antenna in the rear glass has an open or two the coax has gone bad. I use a cheap manual antenna that I plug into the back of the radio as a test and if better then I go back to the rear glass and check the grid with an ohm meter..

arjav
 You shouldnt be having so much trouble with either of those two codes as they are easy to diag with the Honda tester and once completed have the ability to run a self check to verify repair. So sounds as if someone isnt doing all they can as of yet. Since money has already been invested all you can really do is ask that a differant tech look at the car and double check that things were done correctly..

rbell2

I think you have ground to stand on for a full trade for a new one. I bought an '03 Ody in TN in 9/03. After I test drove the car and we agreed on a price, the salesman brought me a paper stating where the rear bumper panel had been replaced on this van due to a deep scratch it encountered during loading/unloading. The paper clearly stated it was a deep scratch not sustained from a collision. This van which I had test driven only had 3 miles on it when I originally drove it. I went and looked at the rear bumper and could see nothing at all - looked perfect. It was the color and package we wanted and so I stuck with it as there were no others similar on the lot.

My point is - they told me B-4 I signed purchase papers which I was OK with - I could have walked. In your case, a much more significant "repair" was made which you detected and you were not told about B-4 you bought the car. Personally, had that been shown me about the car I was about to purchase, I would have passed. Why would BOTH doors need painting?? Painting versus replacing a fiberglass panel are 2 different things in my book.

This is what I would do . . .
1 - Tell the dealer the only solution you will accept is for them to give you a brand new 2004, identical vehicle and you will pay for it what you owe on this van only.
2 - If they do not accept this, be prepared to walk away with the van and keys left in their possession and tell them you will continue this issue with Honda Customer Service and will involve an attorney if necessary but you will not drive that van again.

Good luck!

branch15_5

My 99 Ody recently sent a code that the catalytic converter had failed. The dealer wants $750 to replace it. My mechanic recommended resetting the Check Engine Light, as sometimes this particular code isn't accurate. He also said that an aftermarket CC would be $400 (better than the Honda part, certainly).

I'm getting ready to sell the van, and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with resetting this particular code as opposed to replacing the CC. Did the CEL stay off, or did it recode fairly soon after being reset?

As always, thanks for the info.

jipster

Thanks for the info wpalkowski! You stated that '02 to "early" '04 transmission had design flaw.Does this mean that those manufactured after early '04 were redesigned or just retrofitted? I'm wondering if I should reconsider purchasing one of these vans.

robr2

As noted earlier, every state has specific laws regarding the threshold for disclosure of damage. If the threshold was not met, they did nothing wrong.

I'd try the state consumer protection board of the state you bought in to find out the number and then contact the GM of the dealership.

buddyzuniga

Was your van making any abnormal noises?

branch15_5

No. The only symptom was the Check Engine light coming on.

sbrandon

according to the honda care sight there is no recall based on my VIN #. I'm hope that is correct. I'll talk with the dealer today and verify. The 04 is awesome!

goyankees

Auburn63

Thanks for the tip. My antenna is located on the passenger side fender. Any tips on how to replace the antenna? Looks like you have to remove a lot of stuff to get to the antenna. Can you just replace the coax or do you have to replace the entire antenna assembly?

mtbiker1

Early 4th Qtr this year I will be in the market for a minivan. Not a "full size minivan". If I were to find a good pre-99 Ody, which is Accord-based, what would be the prospect of dropping in a newer Accord V-6 powertrain? Just asking....

wpalkowski

  If you're gonna take the power train out of a pre-99 Accord, then you've got a reasonable chance of getting it to fit since they share the same chassis. Whether it works well is another question. I wouldn't be surprised if the engine controls and transmission were probably programmed differently for the sedan vs. the van.
  
  If on the other hand, you want a new power train from current generation car, I believe the Accord power train has evolved over the past 5 years such that the motor mounts, etc. aren't gonna line up with previous generation Odyssey. If you've got the team from "Monster Garage" working for you, they can probably fabricate new sub frames, motor mounts, etc. to make it work. For everybody else, it would be cheaper just to buy a new van. Some folks like the Kia Sedona because it's smaller than the Ody.

yugoboy

DOES it ever end with these guys!!!!!

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/040528-1.htm

stever

That's getting to be old news now. Don't overlook the bottom paragraph - the one about the Ford, GM, BMW, Nissan, Isuzu, etc. recalls :-)

Stuff goes wrong. What really matters is how the manufacturer and dealer network addresses problems. In this case, be sure to get your tranny checked - you wouldn't want to be one of the few locking up on the highway.

Steve, Host

buddyzuniga

My 04' Ody was making a strange noise. I took it in to the dealer after letting them know first, that I had contacted Honda Costumer Care. I went in to the dealership with a case number and I told them that I didn't want to bring the van home until they found out what the problem was, so not to call me telling me that they couldn't find the source of the noise. The service tech I took a road test with said it would probably take about two days. I heard the noise but he tried to minimise it by saying that he could hear something but barely. I called the dealership two hours after dropping it off and wanted to know if my van was being worked on. They said that I needed to have my muffler replaced. I ask it if was safe to drive the van and they said it was. As soon as the part comes in they will call me to come in and have it installed. I will keep you all posted. The question is will the sound go away. P.S They said they pin pointed the sound to the muffler and that a baffle inside was the source of the sound. The van sort of sounds like a go cart from first to third gear.

98van

Update, well it has Honda and the dealership scratching their heads on what to do. Thanks to all on the issue and to host on the BMW case. Now Honda is in the process of working out the details with the original dealer and we will have a conclusion by this Friday of next week? They know we have them in a bad position and they are discussing who is at fault and who will have to make up the difference of an 03 to a 04? I told them thats not my problem its theirs. Advise was good and I will let the forum know the final outcome. If anybody else has experience or comments they are still welcome. Thanks, 98van

gjay1170

I have an '01 Odyssey EX. Lately, my van is doing some weird stuff. Today, I shut off my car, took out the keys, and the CD was still playing? What is up with that? Also last week, I put the van in gear and the sliding door alarm was on. All the doors were closed and checked 10 times. My husband, wiped down the connectors, and it seemed to stop the alarm. But the CD playing when the keys are out, freaks me out.

rushing1

My 1999 Odyssey Check Engine light came on with 99,750 miles while I was out of state on vacation. I stopped at a nearby Honda dealer to get the code checked to ensure it was not my transmission (I would be over 100,000 by the time I got home). They said it was the catalytic converter, but since I did not have any performance issues it would be fine to drive the van back home before replacing the converter. This was in March 2004. A local muffler shop will replace the converter for $390, but before I could leave the van for repair, the light went back off. It has not been on since, and I now have 105,000 miles. My mileage has remained the same and there is no detectable performance difference. I will wait and see what happens. I am getting the timing belt/water pump/accessioy belts/spark plugs/oil change/trans fluid change/valve clearance check/tire rotation/105,000 inspection done($1000 - 15% discount) this week and will ask the dealer if the oxygen sensors can be tested if there is no code set. I have had no transmission issues and plan to drive this van at least another 50,000 miles.

arjav

auburn63,

Thanks very much for your response. I was out on vacation and hence couldn't reply sooner.

Here is the latest update. Honda Dealer told me after he ran the 4th diagnostic test that O2 sensor and catalytic convertor need to be replaced. Parts and labor would cost $1,349.

I drove about add'l 2000 miles while we were going back and forth on the issue. Van seems to be running fine. A local mechanic tells me that everything is fine and I should learn to live with CEL light on.

Any recommendations?

Best Regards,
arjav

alkanx

I have read thru many past complaints about shimmy on this forum - same issue on my 2003 Odyssey, it has got about 20k miles, have recently replaced the tires & still shimmy that seems to be infested in the steering/rack design. No way out for now, have tested 3 different sets of tires & half a dozen wheel balance shops including road-force. Anyone knows if other vans have shimmy issues...

buddyzuniga

Sorry for asking what you may think is a dumb question, but what are you refering to when you say shimmy?

branch15_5

Rushing, thanks for the input.

When I was back at the dealer today, I asked them to reset the CEL. He said it wouldn't do any good, because the computer would most likely code again in short order.

I left the dealer and went to my usual mechanic. He checked the code, and it's not the CC, it's the O2 sensor. Now, I wouldn't suggest shadiness on the part of the dealer (they've always been straight with me before), but the CC is a $750 repair job, and the sensor is $230. Hmmm. Anyway, my mechanic reset the code, and thus far, the CEL light is off.

branch15_5

See my post 3464.

The only input I can give is that the price sounds about $300 too high. My mechanic said that a Honda cc would run $750 installed, and an aftermarket/salvage cc would be about $400 installed. The O2 sensor would be $230 installed.

He cautioned me against using an aftermarket O2 sensor.

I'm with your mechanic. I'm beginning to wonder if the CEL light is a dealer profitability enhancement device. My dealer, on the (alleged) cc code, asked if it was running rough/dying while driving. It wasn't -- it's running like a top.

sreiss

Any recommendations for tires? I have an 01 Ody EX with the original tires and it's time to replace them. I have dedicated snows and I run them from roughly December through March/April here in CT. So these would be for the other 8 months or so of the year. Looking on Tirerack.com I see tires ranging from 58 to 111 per tire ... I never mind paying a little more if it's worth it but with a range that wide I always figure there's something of pretty good value down towards the 58 end of the range. I'd be interested if anyone has a set they've used they're happy with. thx- SAR

auburn63

I would have the code cleared and see how long it takes for a re-code.

stever

And you might be able to get the code cleared for free at an autoparts store like AutoZone.

Steve, Host

alkanx

Shimmy is somewhat of a technical name for steering wheel vibration....

dch

My CEL periodically will stay on along with the traction control light. I know that the CEL stems from a variety of things such as the gas cap but has anyone ever had both lights on at the same time? I have an 01 EX with 60k miles.

goyankees

I will have 105,000 miles in a few weeks. Book says replace the timing belt, tune up, fluid change. I am thinking about changing the water pump,and accessory belts. Do you think I should change the spark plug wires? Anything else I should do? Perhaps radiator hoses?

Also how far over the 105,000 can you go before having the service? Going on vacation and will be close if not past 105,000 when done. I hope to get another 100K out of the van.

Thanks for your help.

arjav

If you just disconnect and reconnect batteries, it will reset the computer used by on board diagnostics. Just one word of caution, resetting this way would make you reenter your radio codes, so you may want to keep them handy. It takes couple seconds to put the codes in.

If the CEL is indicating a real problem, resetting the code would just not display the CEL for couple days (or little longer) for the CEL to lit back again. It took two days and about 150 miles for the CEL to lit back again in my case. Your mileage may vary.

grapevinetx

I would get the service before going on vacation. There's nothing like breaking down in the boonies with the whole family on board to give new meaning to those relaxing and restful vacation plans. If the hoses are over 5 years old, change 'em. They do wear out and replacements are relatively inexpensive. Actually, I go on vacation in some pretty out-of-the-way places and for the belts and hoses that I can change myself, I carry spares and enough tools to do the job on the road if comes to it.