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

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  • dolphindolphin Member Posts: 71
    The 'Better-Half' wanted the 2000 LX...she is very happy. My only concern is the seats are very short on thigh support, but hey, she will be driving it 95% of the time...we are counting on that Honda relaibility...will let you know.
  • dst421dst421 Member Posts: 1
    I have similar problem of noise on passenger side sliding door when i drive on bumpy road or hit a bump, very annoying. This vehicle have only 200 miles on it. Have your vehicle problem taken care off & how ?

    Thanks,

    Dave
  • emmgeeeemmgeee Member Posts: 1
    I have the same rattle. Going in to the dealer tomorrow night ?????
  • chi-odychi-ody Member Posts: 3
    We purchased our '05 Odyssey 12-31-04 in the Chicago area. As soon as the temps got cold, the driver-side passenger door would no longer automatically open. We brought it back in, but the door worked for less than 24 hours before it wouldn't open automatically again. Then, if we try to close the door manually, it is very difficult, and no matter how hard we close it, the sliding door sign is lit up on the dash. We called another dealership and they said Honda has no "fix" for this problem. This is very bothersome considering this is a brand new car, and we have to manually, with much difficulty, open and close the door (sometimes we have to try several times before it works) while our children are freezing inside.

     

    Has anyone heard of a "fix" for this problem, or any possible compensation for this problem until this serious problem is fixed?

     

    Thanks.
  • mom2threemom2three Member Posts: 10
    My touring has black leather seats but the other day while vacuming the van I noticed that the back of the seats have grey leather. Has anyone else encountered this? It seems like a mistake to me to have half grey/half black leather..
  • scottybscottyb Member Posts: 83
    Chi-ody

    "We purchased our '05 Odyssey 12-31-04 in the Chicago area. As soon as the temps got cold, the driver-side passenger door would no longer automatically open."

     

    Same thing happened to us--same door. Van was delivered last Thursday; a couple of days later, on a very cold day, the "sliding door" light illuminated. We are taking the van in tomorrow and will let you know what the problem is. According to the service manual, it could be a number of things; we need to wait until the tech can download the diagnostic codes.

     

    I don't have a problem operating the doors manually. Be sure that the switch that controls the electric doors--to the left of the steering wheel--is not set to "on." Turning the switch off disables the power doors and permits them to move manually. (These are the instructions in the owners manual.)

     

    Good luck--to us too.
  • sorrellsorrell Member Posts: 1
    i have the same trouble with my clock. i don't know how to find the answer that you got on this forum. can you tell me what you did to fix yours?
  • cartalkcartalk Member Posts: 147
    You do not need to remove the console to replace the clock light bulb.

     

    Pry the clock from the bottom with a screw-driver, its designed to snap in and out (be careful not to scratch the plastic). The light for the clock looks like a set screw in the back. Just turn it 90 degrees and it will come out.
  • foxhoundmefoxhoundme Member Posts: 29
    I don't want to make it sound like I am complaining, but I purchased this HONDA product with the conception of quality and value. The vehicle had 91K on the odometer and given the history of Honda's reliability I did not view this as a problem. I have had the van for about a 18 months and the last 2 months have just been pure HELL. The service tech., tells me that it will be $5K to fix the problem however, there is no guarantee the problem will be fixed completely. After reviewing all of the other post regarding transmission problems, I just want to fix the problem, but not fork over another 5K for a transmission job. I still owe about $10K on the balance to the bank. My question to anyone who can help, is there any sound justification I can used to have Honda to support and fix this problem?
  • hkatarhkatar Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I picked my van on 12/20/4 and observed the same problem. I called the delareship and they just did some lubrication and told me that the problem have been fixed. But when I cam back home and noticed the same again. I called dealership again, this time they told that the door was misaligned. but this this will not resolve the problem Now they are saying that Honda is aware of this problem I called Honda and opened up a case for my Van but even after one week there is no response from American Honda. I will wait for another few days then I may take up this case with the LEMON law because I have already taken my Vehicle to the dealership three times. I can't waste anymore time. This rattling noise from the Passenger side sliding door kills.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    How many miles are on the van now? If the orginal tranny was never replaced under the 100k extended warranty, then I would take it to another dealer and see if they would file a case with Honda. I'm assuming if you bought the van with 91k 18 months ago you probably have 120k now. In my opinion that is a premature failure.

     

    It has been my experience that Honda wants to live up to their outstanding reputation for reliablity. If my old '94 Camry made it to 160k with the original trans, then Honda should also. Look for another dealer for servcice.
  • dolphindolphin Member Posts: 71
    Where are you located? We just purchased a used 2000 LX, so I am on edge reading your post...
  • jedelsteinjedelstein Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey EXL w/38,000 miles.

    Occasionally, when I brake either at an intersection or getting off the freeway, the car will accelerate when I brake. This double action causes the car to slow but not stop completely. Luckily, I have not been in an accident.

    Because it is intermittent, the dealership cannot find the problem. Help?
  • touring-4touring-4 Member Posts: 4
    We just got our new Touring on Friday and this morning after DH finshed swimming lesson with our two year old, the van wouldn't start?

     

    It may be something really stupid on our part but has anyone had a similar problem or have any idea what could have happened?

     

    BTW he tried boosting battery with our other car (after carrying our son home in -31 Celcius weather) but no luck - though he said the slidinig door did start working again.

     

    Waiting for Hond roadside assistance to show up...
  • sportymonksportymonk Member Posts: 258
    It could be the EGR valve which acts to keep the engine from slowing down too quickly thereby producing unburned emissions. When it works properly, there is no problem but your description sounds like it may be hanging up when you slow down quickly from high speed.
  • rockycow33rockycow33 Member Posts: 76
    Is there a possibility that you are catching the accelerator with your shoe when braking?
  • marine2marine2 Member Posts: 1,155
    "The service tech., tells me that it will be $5K to fix the problem however, there is no guarantee the problem will be fixed completely."

     

    You have got to be kidding about a tranny job costing 5K. I have never heard of any costing even half that much.
  • foxhoundmefoxhoundme Member Posts: 29
    We are located in North Carolina. I felt the same way you did when we first ventured out to purchase our Odyssey. However, I do not want you to think all Honda's are like the purchase I may have acquired. I just want to make sure I did not get slighted and if so, how can I get American Honda management to help if any.
  • foxhoundmefoxhoundme Member Posts: 29
    I do not know if the original transmission has been replaced under the original warranty. I will have the Honda rep. look into this possibility and determine if there is an opportunity to pursue a case with Honda.
  • jedelsteinjedelstein Member Posts: 2
    No regarding catching my shoe when braking. I thought that too at first!
  • rick21rick21 Member Posts: 1
    I believe that Honda extended the warranty on the tranmissions to 100K miles do to all the failures they were having with them. I had to replace the one in our 2001EX at 87K.
  • marine2marine2 Member Posts: 1,155
    Are people saying if the transmission goes out at say 115,000 miles, it could cost 5K to fix it if Honda won't under the 100,000 warranty? How could any transmission cost that much and why?
  • kfosburgkfosburg Member Posts: 1
    My wife and I have both complained about this to Honda on my 2002 Odyssey since it was new. The dealer said something about it downshifting into first gear for emmissions reasons and said "they all do that". I polled two other owners at my work and they said theirs do the same thing... I've learned to live with it and just keep my foot firmly planted on the brake... It will also surge when totally stopped if you come to a relatively quick stop.

     

    If anyone finds a tech service bulletin for this, I'd love to see it.

     

    Karl
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    They don't fix transmissions - they replace them. It's an OEM part with dealer labor.

     

    Call your local Chrysler/Dodge dealer and ask them how much for a replacement transmission.
  • marine2marine2 Member Posts: 1,155
    I think I would be going to a transmission specialist if that's the case.( Checking with the dealership first to make sure it isn't covered.)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I fully agree that one should find a competent transmission specialist as opposed to using the dealer if it was coming out of my pocket.

     

    I just was pointing out that it's just not Honda trannies that run that much - it's all brands.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You can do an Advanced Search on replacement automatic transmissions and find prices all over the map; the recent low seems to be $1,375 for a Voyager, then $1,500 for a Quest, $3,000 for a Windstar, $4,000 for GM.

     

    Steve, Host
  • marine2marine2 Member Posts: 1,155
    Are these dealer replacements? Or from basic transmission repair shops? One has to wonder if they are comparing all new or rebuilt.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Hard to say - some were from the dealer; others weren't. Doubtful that any were new, since most replacements are rebuilds.

     

    Steve, Host
  • sportymonksportymonk Member Posts: 258
    Just as a reference, my daughter had the transmission in our 91 Astro fail and I had AAmco replace the insides with new parts except the torque converter which they said could only be done with rebuilt parts. Total cost = $2000. For $5 -$7 K there must be something inside I don't know about.
  • sportymonksportymonk Member Posts: 258
    I had a Plymouth Voyager (84) A/C fail 12 months and 5 days after the warranty went out. Had 15,000 miles on it. Called and Plymouth agreed to pay parts ($500) if I paid labor ($150). Since I had already paid the dealer, I accepted the offer.

     

    Point is, call and take it politely to a higher level, it never hurts to try.
  • foxhoundmefoxhoundme Member Posts: 29
    Marine2

    I confirmed the cost of the transmission and this is the cost for a new transmission and of course dealer's installation rate. I did some more research and saw costs of rebuilt transmissions around $2900.00 and labor cost is extra.
  • goyankeesgoyankees Member Posts: 12
    I just had our 2000 EX transmission rebuilt at 116,000 miles was $2500 at a local Goodyear dealer. I am in NJ. Honda was no help at all. First thing they asked was how many Honda cars have you owned (this is the first and LAST ONE ) and do you always take the car to the dealer for repair. ( NEVER)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Just as a reference, my daughter had the transmission in our 91 Astro fail and I had AAmco replace the insides with new parts except the torque converter which they said could only be done with rebuilt parts. Total cost = $2000. For $5 -$7 K there must be something inside I don't know about.

     

    The Honda replacement transmissions are all new components inside a used housing - they replace everything with new OEM parts. The labor to swap is about 8 hours.
  • dano585dano585 Member Posts: 1
    I am new to this forum and have reviewed as many articles as I possibly could, so forgive me if this question has been asked and answered.

    I have a 2001 Odyssey with Automatic Sliding doors, I live in North Carolina where the winters are quite mild. However every year when the temps dip belowing freezing our Honda's sliding doors freeze closed to the point where they can not be opened either electricaly or manually. Local service center advised using Vasaline on the rubber seals. I tried that one year. That was nothing but a mess!!! Surely there are Odyssey's in the North East and Middle Northen states where the winters are longer and worse than we have. Can you direct me to where this has been discussed before or offer any advice please, my kids are tired of climbing out the front doors and the lift door. Thanks dano585
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The only time our doors have frozen here in Boston is during events of freezing rain. Otherwise, no issues. I think it might be related to humidity. It hasn't been above freezing in about a week and even with 30" of snow, the doors operate flawlessly. It is also very dry here in the winter.

     

    Try getting some Shinitsu grease from the parts dept at the dealer and apply it to the seals on the sliders. Dealers use it to prevent sticking - perhaps it will keep moisture from forming on the seals as well.

     

    Good Luck.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Remember that the Astro is decidedly old tech, using a conventional for-&-aft mounted transmission that has been in service for 20 years. Labor to drop it is probably on the order of 2 hours.

     

    Honda Automotive Parts, one of the internet parts retailers, lists the current 5 spd Ody tranny at $4100. What you get for that price is pretty much new guts in a salvaged case, and bench tested. That large aluminum casting is a few hundred $$, and assuming it is not cracked or damaged by spun bearings, is cleaned and reused.

     

    Yes, I am sure that a private shop can rebuild it in the back room for much less. But what you get is only as good as the skill of the rebuilder. They have to inspect and mic each and every part, and assess it's suitability, ordering what is deemed not salvageable. The results range from great to poor. I have gone both routes, and in part, it depends on the value of the vehicle, and how long you plan on keeping it.

     

    Steve
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    Makes me wish they'd offer a 5 speed manual :)
  • paguy2paguy2 Member Posts: 26
    I have 2002 Ody (EX)with factory installed alarm. Van's battery got drained and when I try to jump start it the Alarm or Panic Alarm comes on and won't go away till I remove the jumper source. Therefore I cannot charge the battery.

     

    Is there a way to bypass the alarm or reset it?
  • merrobmerrob Member Posts: 10
    I have a 2000 EX but it's gone dead even when it was just a few days old in it's first winter when you accidentally leave the cabin lights on. I've done it 4-6 times, always in winter. When it's warm you'll have enough juice to start the car.
  • scottybscottyb Member Posts: 83
    "Makes me wish they'd offer a 5 speed manual :)"

     

    I seriously would want a manual in my '05; my right arm twitches every time I stomp on the gas.
  • touring-4touring-4 Member Posts: 4
    fyi - to all honda owners with a chip in your key

     

    Maybe you already knew this but the service manager told when I took it in that the proper way to start a Honda was to turn the key then wait fo the green key light to disappear "before" starting the engine. Takes a couple of seconds. Apparently it goes through a self diagnostic and while you can start the car before the green key light disappears it depends on where in the diagnostic you cut it off. He said that if you happen to try and start it when it's checking thefuel line that you can shut it off and therefore the car won't start.

     

    I'm not sure if this is what happened since we also had no juice for the sliding door but that could hae been a coincidence with our freezing weather.

     

    Been fine since.

     

    Who knew after years of owning Hondas?
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    Jeez, and I thought cell phone use was bad.....
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    Lesson learnt: Burglars should not use getaway cars with a chip in the keys!
  • pezmanpezman Member Posts: 5
    I'm going to try and keep this long story brief...

     

    We have 79k miles on our '00 EX. Last week we had the transmission replaced for the third time. So, we are now on tranny #4. In addition to tranny problems we had the same door problems etc. that other Ody owners have experienced. We just counted that we have had the van in the service department for 19 different repairs in total.

     

    Our concern is that when it comes time to sell to a third party, our car is not going to be worth what it should be.

     

    We told the Atlanta service department that we want something beyond them just replacing the transmission. They sent us on to someone in Honda corporate who handles decisions about extending warranties. She told us that extending our 100k mile warranty is not an option. So, that was a pretty quick dead-end.

     

    The only other thing that we think would make us happy is if they (I'm not sure if "they" is Honda, or the dealership) give us retail value on our van (KBB assuming the car had a good service record) and sell us an '05 at invoice.

     

    1st, do you think our expectations are unreasonable? If not, what is a reasonable expectation?

     

    2nd, who do we deal with? Does anyone have specific names for people we could contact?
  • masterpaul1masterpaul1 Member Posts: 421
    I'm just curious. Why would you want to buy another Ody. with all the problems. You have had 4 transmissions at only 79K and have been in the shop for 19 repairs, I'm assuming these are not routine service repairs. I don't know this for sure, but doesn't the 2005 Ody. have the same trans. as the previous year Ody's? Also, have you seen some of the problems mentioned about the 05 Ody. that isn't even 6 months old yet. Most of these problems have happened within a month of ownership. (Door rattles, doors not closing all the way, ABS recall, Road and wind noise.) Who knows how many other problems will show up later this year or next year. My advice to you would be to do some research on other make and model minivans first before you make your choice and see what problems you are willing to live with should it happen to you.
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    If I had the same experience you have had, I wouldn't even be inclined to buy a Honda lawnmower, much less another Honda Odyssey!

     

    We are still on the original transmission on our 1996 Caravan at 80K miles, and other than a few minor recalls and two major air conditioning repairs, almost all maintenance has been the routine preventative sort; one set of brakes, one set of tires, two batteries, oil changes, one transmission fluid change, two or three radiator flush and fills, and one fairly minor transmission output shaft seal leak.

     

    This good performance from a brand of minivan that is supposedly below average in reliability.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You never know.

     

    I've NEVER heard of an Odyssey going through transmissions like that! I have to wonder if there is another side to the story, an abusive teenage driver (like I was)or if it's been used like a beast of burden, pulling trailers etc.

     

    I have no idea.

     

    I can see maybe one rebuilt where the job wasn't done right causing early failure, but THREE?

     

    Even so, anything is possible. I could win the lottery tonight too.

     

    Very unusual.
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    It is always someone else's fault!!! It can't be Honda's fault. I sell them and know them very well! Seats too hard? Some people just like to complain. Doors won't shut unless you give them a good slam? People should work out more and build up their bodies.

     

    3 Transmissions replaced? It must be abuse! Ok!

     

    Almost 4000 posts on the Honda Ody Problems board. Naw, it's just my imagination. ;)
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I've never heard of an Odyssey that required four transmission replacements.

     

    I think that's what I said while just considering that there just possibly could be factors contributing to the high failure rate.

     

    Can you even consider such a possibility?

     

    When I was in high school I distroyed the transmission on my parent's Buick one night when I was out street racing it.

     

    I managed to limp it into our garage. Neither my parents, nor the Buick dealer could understand why it had failed at I think, 30,000 miles.

     

    I wish you wouldn't put words into my mouth.
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