Honda Odyssey Care and Maintenance

stickguy

the simplest thing is to do it when the maintenance minder says to (when it gets to 15%). On our '05, that ends up being about 6,000 miles (or 6 months) anyway.

Personally, I wouldn't let it go past 6 months if you don't drive a lot, especially a lot of short hopr driving which is hard on the oil

jwb18t

Wondering what people are buying for replacement tires for the 2007 Ody? My local tire guy is suggesting Firestone Destination LE or Bridgestone Turanza's. Also a Kumho KR 21. And...he can get the Michelin Energy LX4(that is what came with mine originally). Thx.

magicmelvin

It's in the manual and for 2007 it's on page 352: Here it is
1) Turn the ignition switch to ON position
2) Press the Select/Reset knob until the engine oil life indicator is displayed.
3) Press the select/reset knob for about 10 seconds. The engine oil life indicator and maintenance code(s) will blink
4) Release the knob and then press for more than 5 seconds . The maintenance item(s) code will disappear and reset to 100%. Be sure to release it after the initial blinking before you press it a second time. MagicMelvin

magicmelvin

100,000 miles so leave them alone. MagicMelvin

carell

I need to store my 2005 Odyssey indoors for a few months. I have searched in vain for a company or retailer that sells simple vehicle covers that will fit this unit.
Can anyone give me a lead as to where to go or contact.

Thank you,

Carell

faxthat

Try www.autoanything.com.

Go to indoor covers and put in your vehicle. They show 5 for an 05 Ody.

I just got a sunscreen for my 08. Fits perfectly.

dsrtrat2

I was dreading changing my a/c in cabin filter as I remember all the to do on my '04 ODY. My '06 ODY change is a piece of cake. Pop the two stops out of the side of the glove box, slide the clip off the end of the "tether" and it slides off. Drop the door of the glove box and there is a panel with air flow arrows on it. Squeze the end tabs in, pull out the drawer, remove old filter, drop in the new one with air flow arrows going the right way, push the drawer in till it snaps. Put the glove box together and you're done.

The dealer I bought the filter at wanted $60.00 for my 5-10 minutes of light "labor".

dsrtrat2

It's like I have a new a/c. I can't believe the difference, but then it is the first time in 97k miles. Dumb me!

mom2alexis04

I have a 2006 Honda Odyssey with 38,000 miles. I get the oil changed, rotate tires , alignment every 5000 miles or so when the light indicator comes on. I have not had any other maintenance done becuase Honda tells me to wait until the maintance minder comes on asking for something other than a oil change. I took the car into Firestone today because my battery was showing signs of being weak. I do my service there for oil changes etc. They called and said I need to do the required maintence for the honda according to their computer it should have been done at 30,000 miles but I told them Honda told me to wait until the minder tells me to do something. Nothing is wrong with the vehicle but should I have it done.

Any advice would be appreciated

dsrtrat2

I would change the transmission fluid every 30k miles. BTW Honda checks my battery at every oil change and have replaced two of them under warranty.

dsrtrat2

Also the air filter every 30k.

bhasin

I drove a 2006 odyssey to buy from a friend.

At speeds over 50 mph and when braking the vehicle, there is significantly vibration in the steering wheel.

I could feel and see my hand shake significantly holding the wheel.

The vehicle felt stable, the engine was smooth too. The vehicle was well planted on the highway at speeds around 75 mph except for the constant vibration.

The vibration is the only thing that bothered me.
Is this normal?

bigdadi118

check tire/wheel balance and front brake disc warpage.

dsrtrat2

I've had to have tires balanced several times before they got them right. They do a "hurry up" balance and if you are satisfied then that's it. I've even had a new tire replaced because they couldn't get the balance corrected.

carell

Does anyone have any idea how many miles/kilometers remain when the oil life indicates 30%. I have always changed oil when the maintenance reminder says so and my Honda dealer is very reluctant to change oil early as it will affect other mileage measured procedures. I am planning a 500 mile highway trip and I was hoping to do the scheduled maintenance when I return.

bigdadi118

I think the oil change on MM is not based only on mileage. It combines many different things, like rpm, in order to come up the count down to 20%, 15%, 10%, etc. The others MM like transmission oil change is based on mileage and will notify on whichever closest to the coming oil change, so it can be done together during the oil change service.

dsrtrat2

Help! I just want to put on new blades. How do I get 'em off? Where is a good place to buy new ones that are reasonably priced? Thanks in advance. An '06 ODY.

bigdadi118

You can get inserts from any Honda dealers. If you change the whole blade, that is just a inward push of the clip in the middle. In case you still have problem, full service gas station staff can do it for you. I used Rain-X baldes bought at Pepboys and change the pair once a year to maintain blades in top condition.

chops4

I have a 2006 Ody. (EX with Nav and RES) I wanted to know if I should get the oil change done only when the MM tells or should I follow the 5K miles routine (irrespective of the MM).

hondalova

I have an '07 Odyssey EX. My wife recently complaint that the four buttons to the right of the LED display (fan speed, A/C on/off) are not backlit at night when the headlights are turned on like the rest of the buttons in that panel.

I don't remember them EVER being lit and so my question is: Do I have a burnt out bulb or a burnt out memory?!

Thanks!

-FS

new2008

Just bought a new LX 2008 two weeks ago. I want to have a long trip (1300 miles) at around 75-80 mph. My new odyssey LX 2008 just has 400 miles ODO. Wander if the trip may hurt the van? need some special care?
Thank you very much for your responses

ilh

We have a 2005 Honda Odyssey.
Last week we had the tires rotated and oil changed.
When I asked if the brake fluid needed to be topped off, I was told to wait until a light indicator on my dash turns on, showing me that the brake fluid needs to be refilled.
Reason being was (according to them) that replenishing the brake fluid without waiting for the light to come on, may suppress a warning that the brake pads have worn out.
Having the light come on means the brake pads need to be checked, according to the repair shop.

I am confused.

Don't we need to simply keep the brake fluid topped of, independent on whether the brake pads need replacement or not (btw - my brake pads checked out fine).

Right now my brake fluid container is about 3/5 full.
What should I do - refill or wait until the light comes on?

speterson1

FS -

I have the same vehicle as you ('07 EX) and after reading your post last week I checked the other night when we were driving - sounds like you have a burned out bulb, since our fan speed and A/C on/off buttons were indeed backlit.

Your Odyssey should still be under warranty so that should be easily fixed by your dealership.

- Steve

jwb18t

I changed my cabin air filter today. Just as dsrtrat2 mentioned in the post. No Problem. Took me about 15 minutes because when i went to reassemble I forgot the tether inside/behind the glove box so had to take out side clips again to get the tether out. Also, inside my airfilter box were detailed instructions with pictures(I didn't use them because I was using the post), it was Purolator brand. My filter after 39k was pretty dirty, glad I did it.

bigdadi118

What year model is yours?

I think the OEM cabin air filter is activated charcoal added so they like dark since brand new, while the replacement filter, white looks, does not have that.

jwb18t

I have a 2007 EX L. There was quite a bit of dust, lint, a few leaves, ect in there. Did mine have the activated charcoal? If so, can I get that type at the Honda dealer? Thx.

bigdadi118

Yes you can get it from Bosch brand ...

http://www.autobarn.net/boschcabinairfilters.html

tampahonda

07 Touring R&N with 15k miles. Considering replacing the air filter with a K&N, in order to squueze a few more HP out of the engine (not that it's needed). Does anyone have any experience with the K&N with the VTEC and ECO (VCC) engine?

Also, preparing myself for the PAX tire change. Does anyone know the 'going' Honda price?

runnerdoc

I want to report a major fire in my 2001 honda odyssey van that was parked on my drive overnight. The entire van just slowly burnt down from the inside and the fire marshal thinks it is from the front drivers seat power motor or wiring issue. This is a very nicely maintained van with no other maje issues except transmission changes based on recall from Honda.
I was horrified to see how badly the whole van was burnt down, because the van was parked just below the bedrooms of my children. What is surprising is that Honda of America did not bother even to inspect or investigate this issue. I sent them a letter, and got a cold uninterested phone call. Imagine the number of kids that use these vans on a daily basis. I wanted Honda to actually send their safety enginners to and investigate the fire and got no interest what so ever. I am contemplating a safety related lawsuit against Honda over this.

jwb18t

Thanks very much for the information.

feilo

I have been running a K&N on our 04 since we had it - its been ~80K miles since. No problems - I use K&N on all my vehicles so that I don't have to keep buying filters. You don't [well least least I didn't] "feel" any difference, but your experience may be different ...

feilo

My 04 has the backlight for the Odometer/Tripmeter window go out. Does anyone have instructions on how to change out the bulb behind there?

Thanks in advance.

vamomtobe

I hope this hasn't been asked before. I used to have a 99 accord. According to the old manual, in addition to the regular oil changes, they had regular scheduled maintenance at 7,500, 15,000, 30,000, etc mile intervals. I know have a 07 Odyssey. Now it simply has the maintenance codes A or B and then 1, 2, 3, 4. Is that all I need to follow to maintain the car? My dealer is pushing maintance at the 7,500, 15,000 + levels as well and I haven't done it.

dsrtrat2

Change oil & filter when the minder is between 0 and 20%. Change air filter, in cabin filter and transmission fluid at 30, 60, etc. You can visually inspect your own fluids, and if they change find out why. The brake pads will squeal when they are worn down.

Rotate tires every 5 to 10,000 miles. Discount Tire out here sells a package for newer tires that includes rotating, flats fixed, replacing damaged tires, etc for $23.00 per tire. Check tire pressures at least once a month.

I like to use Honda oil and air filters as I feel they are engineered for their engines.

Other people have different ideas, so maybe they will chime in to give you different points of view.

bigdadi118

Let's look at dealer's scheduled maintenance 7,500 as example ...

* You got 1st 5,000 miles Maintenance Minder oil change, or may be with tire rotation
* You are looking at 2nd 5,000 miles Maintenance Minder oil change will be around 10,000 miles. The code will be "B" oil change plus a bunch of other inspection and or adjustment.

* Why do you need the scheduled maintenance 7,500 in between? It just doesn't make sense

I think this dealer just pitch the money making balls to you as many as they can find.

vamomtobe

Thanks. I think I will just go with the maintenance reminder on my dashboard. I just wasnt't sure because there is nothing mentioned in the manual. What annoys me the most, is that my dealer noted it in my service history that I declined this service reminder.

dsrtrat2

You can have everything done by anybody, just keep your receipts. Your dealer is a bit underhanded, as some tend to be, especially when dealing with the fairer sex.

Just like an infant, you need to become atuned to the contented sounds, the hungry cries (mileage minder) and the in pain cries (something is making unusual noises and acting differently).

Enjoy your well made, reliable vehicle and follow Alfred E. Newman's advice, "What, me worry!".

tsw2

We have a 2008 Odyssey and have driven it only 1,500 miles over the last year and a half (we use public transportation as much as possible). The maintenance minder reads 80% for oil life. We haven't gotten our first oil change yet. Should we get it now or wait until the oil life goes down more to about 15% or so?

Does the maintenance minder factor in time elapsed as well as miles driven? If so, shouldn't our oil life be lower than 80% by now?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

faxthat

Time can also degrade oil. I would change it now. I used to have a BMW and ran into a similar situation of not driving much and needing to replace oil on a time basis instead of miles.

We typically wait until our 08 Odyssey maintenance minder reads 15% or less, but we drive more -- 18000 miles in last 13 months. Congrats on using public transport!

FYI, when you get ready for a road trip to somewhere public transportation doesn't go, you'll love the Odyssey even more. It's very comfortable on longer trips.

dsrtrat2

I'd ask Honda, being this is the "break in" oil. I would make it a point to put a bunch more miles on it first.

After the first oil change, then definitely go on the time or mileage route.

faxthat

You're right about the break-in oil. I hadn't considered that. But I might not be inclined to call a dealer. Our service managers wasn't aware of the need to keep break-in oil in the engine for a longer period and actually recommended 1st oil change at 3,500, at which point the mileage minder was a long way from indicated need for an oil change.

>

Why should I wait to change the oil the first time?

Your Honda engine was delivered with an oil that is specially formulated for new engines that have not yet developed their "natural" wear patterns and may contain minute particles from the manufacturing process.

American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions.

hondalova

I have a 2007 Odyssey EX. The light underneath the fanspeed/AC/Mode buttons on the right side of the dash HVAC panel went out at 35,000 miles. Car is under 5 yr./100k mile HondaCares warranty. Went to dealer, who at 45,000 miles (my wife never noticed - I finally did) tried to tell me it's a maintenance item and that I should pay $25 for the bulb. I argued it wasn't and persuaded them to order and comp/install the bulb.

After a week of calling and them not knowing what the hell we were talking about, they finally told my wife the bulb was in and to come in for an appointment. My wife waited almost three hours on Friday to install a stupid light bulb. When I drove the car Friday nite, the bad bulb was finally lit again, but now the top row on the left side of the panel (where the defroster buttons are) is now unlit. Conclusion? Nimrod mechanic didn't have the bulb (or the new one didn't work) and he simply switched the bad bulb from one socket with another that worked from the car.

I'm so sick of fighting with incompetent boobs who have no pride in their workmanship - it seems to pervade every service sector employee I come into contact with. :mad:

How hard is it to just buy the bulb and do this myself? Is there anybody who can send me the diagram for how to replace it and/or explain it to me?

Thanks.

-FS

bigdadi118

If you have few mileage, change the motor oil once a year.

alnoor

I have the same problem right now. My 05 Touring (45K miles) is at dealer. I have several lights out: recirculate, rear def, front def, both seat heaters. Park distance switch indicator light does not work. Illuminator lights for window switches work intermittently.

I have the Honda Care Warranty, but the dealer tells me bulbs are not covered. They are charging $120 labor just to test the bulbs and will advise.

I retrospect, considering all the other problems I have had with this 05, I would not buy another Honda again.

I have a 10 year old BMW540 which still feels solid when I drive it. The dealer never argued with me like Honda. Honda service sucks.

Will keep you posted.

hondalova

I got angry after my last post. REALLY angry. $27,000 for a new car and the lights are just the latest in a series of ongoing problems - my tranny would delay in neutral when shifting from P or N to D and my engine was pinging so bad it sounded like a pack of clydesdales unless I put premium in it. I've posted on both of these problems several times before and my dealer spent hundreds of hours (literally weeks I was without my car) only to tell me "normal operating condition" for the tranny and "put premium in" for the pinging.

So, this past weekend, I began researching TSBs on the web. They're harder to find since Honda pulled them off a few sites, but I found two TSBs that speak directly to the exact same tranny and pinging issues I've described repeatedly to my dealer. Both are more than a year old. Didn't he check? Doesn't he get those? Doesn't Honda train their techs to recognize these? I mean, DUH!!

Anyway - to my dealer's credit (new service dept. manager now) - they took my car right back in when I called and complained, gave me a loaner for the 5 days they had it, and fixed EVERYTHING per TSB (including the lightbulbs, for which they comped me on both the parts and the labor). So far, the tranny transmits, the engine is not pinging (even when I power-braked it at 1500-2000 rpm to check), and all the lights light.

Even the losers get lucky sometimes.....! :P

-FS

tbrewster1

I own a 2007 Odyssey and the maintanence minder drives me INSANE. Does anyone have a clue as to what the schedule is in mileage? I am not much for the just wait until the little wrench shows up then go shell out $100 at you local dealer schedule......hard to work that into a budget.

speterson1

I don't know what it is for your particular Odyssey but it's easy to figure out. If you push the button by the odometer it will cycle through the display settings, and one of them is where your maintenance minder is currently at. So as long as you know what the mileage was when you last changed your oil, you can get an idea of how long the mileage cycle lasts.

For example: let's say you got your oil changed & they reset the maintenance minder (ie, it's reading 100%) when your Ody had 13,500 miles on it. Right now your odometer reads 16,000 miles and when you cycle through the display the maintenance minder reads 60%. So that means in 2500 miles you've gone through 40% of the maintenance minder. 2500 miles / 0.40 = 6250 miles. So that means your maintenance minder is based on a 6250 mile cycle. Plug in your numbers to get the answer for your van. If you don't know the mileage when you last had the minder reset you're temporarily hosed and will have to wait until after you take it in the next time.

I like the maintenance minder because it's generally less pushy than what the dealers suggest for bringing in your vehicle regarding oil changes. On our '07 Odyssey our mileage cycle has been ~7500 miles.

jpmnova

I fully agree and I also have an '07 Odyssey. I know how to reset the maintenance minder as the previous poster responded but it drives me crazy that I can't even open the manual and see a clear schedule of what needs to be done at what mileage. They make it very confusing - 'A' schedule, 'B' schedule, items 1-5, etc. Appreciate if anyone knows how to find a clear document showing the maintenance schedule!

Karen_S

Perhaps the Edmunds maintenance schedule for you Odyssey will be helpful.

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/select.html

bigdadi118

After you register ownership with www.honda.com, then you can sign in owner link to access this page from maintenance/ service (note: I don't know whether you can reach bleow page without sign-in)

https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Maintenance/maint_schedule.asp