Honda Odyssey 2005+

eman

There are two 12 volt outlets in the dash suitable for cell phones but both shut off when key is removed.

 

This is a dilemna for me since my house/garage get weak or no signal. So the phone works overtime to find a signal and thereby drains the cell battery overnight. The undesireable solution is to turn off the cell phone nightly and forget to turn it on the next day.

 

MY T&C had two outlets but one was always on so this was not a problem and never killed the car battery.

 

After looking at the Oddly wiring diagram today the solution is simple for anyone handy. Although both outlets in the front are close together, the one closer to the driver has a relay in the fuse panel on the left side and the other one has the relay in the right passenger footwell fuse panel.

 

While the fuses are accessible the 'plug in relays' are not and the trim panels need to be removed. Pick either the right or left panel. For the drivers side remove the foot sill panel and then the wall panel. there is a blue plug on the panel on top, pull that out and then pull the panel toward you.

 

In the left panel there are two rows of relays, the 'power outlet' is the top right black relay. IN the right panel there is only one row of relays and it si the right one (looking at it). If you pull the relays out the power to the outlet will go out.

 

Both relays are identical, when looking at the 4 prongs on the relay they will look like:

 

ll= with a directional knub on the left side

 

By putting a jumper wire across the l1 (gold color copper)you power the outlet to be always ON. The = prongs (yellow gold) are the power to hold IN the relay when the ignition is on. It might be easier to wrap a solid copper wire, 18 20 gage, tightly around the two ll prongs and reinsert the relay. voila the power is on all the time. Just don't plug in your laptop and leave it on.

eman

thanks for the follow up. I thought I read diversity antenna in the manual but I will stand corrected. See my subsequent post that the antenna has an amplifier just under it and a unique prong plug.

w210

You can connect the iPod to the AUX input in the 3rd row driver's side armrest.

 

It has the audio (red/white) and video (yellow) jacks.

jnt

If this radio head unit has no traditional coax cable plug for antenna input then it is tougher for anyone to use the whip antenna option. I am surprised that Honda does not use coax cable since it shields the weak RF signals from other vehicle electrical noises. But if one is desperate enough, he can modify the coax cable to work with the new Honda antenna connection. There are only two signals required: RF signal (center conductor of the coax cable) and RF Ground (the shield part of the cable). You need to find the equivalent input wires on the head unit. Typical RF Ground is normally connected to the Chassis Ground (sheet metal of the radio).

 

BTW, traditional window glass antenna requires an RF Amplifier module. This module is designed to compensate for the lousy gain of the glass antenna across the entire FM band. So for FM, they have an RF amplifier to boost signal up. For AM portion, I doubt they have any boost. It is normally tougher to design the glass antenna system since it requires customed tuning for each type of vehicle. With the whip antenna, you just stick on any fender and make sure the coax cable has the right length and right material so that there is little signal loss on the coax cable. And overall, one can't go wrong with the good old whip antenna regardless its "Low Tech" image.

 

On the connection between radio head and the Antenna module: the likely signals are RF signal (input to radio), Ground (share between RF and Power) and probably 12V to power up the antenna module (output from radio). Note that if one uses the whip antenna, the 12V is not needed for this option.

 

JNT

eman

I am recalling from memeory, I think they caled this a 3P plug, ie 3 pins, 1 for power anoe common ground and one the antenna. I dont know if this wire is shielded since it comes from the amp.

 

Anyway, it unfortunately seems like a lot of trouble to convert the antenna wires to the whip.

 

If there is an easy solution or someone actually tries it I would love to know

scottyb

I have requested that my dealer ship my van with 4.13A or have it sent to me. Have no idea of the difference between that and 4.12. Interested in any info.

scottyb

Replying to old post.

 

Sounds like cargo board not worth it unless 3d row seats always up. Am I correct in assuming you would not recommend purchasing one for someone who will often have at least one 3d row seat down?

 

Would like some type of cover for packages placed in rear well, but doesn't appear that Honda offers one for the '05. Any suggestions welcome.

scottyb

Anyone have or have seen the PlusOne Console (tray and beverage holders to fit on top of folded down plusone seat)? Is it worth the $260 (discounted) it costs?

scottyb

Anyone have the Cargo Organizer? Worth it?

scottyb

Pardon my ignorance, but are the Odyssey splash guards worthwhile? One service manager explained that they protect an important area on the body, but I'm having trouble getting it.

 

Thanks.

algernon

If its like my ACURA NAV, it probably means that the GPS DVD company has just released the newest version of SW ie.4.13A would be most current with road changes /additions /new addresses etc.

macakava

If you travel over roads that are gravel or have lots of fine gravel, it should help to prevent the "sanding" of the paint in the under carriage area behind the wheels. I have seen vehicles with exposed paint in that area.

eman

I have the factory add-on guards. They are better than nothing. But for real effectiveness they should have been longer both in the front and back. My conclusion - another Honda shortcomming!

 

The dealers like to add them for extra profit. Check HandA or other internet sites for costs and make sure you don't pay the dealer more for them

eman

what they protect are the sides of the van from stones getting kicked up fromt he wheels. also, minimizs road tar splashing up

 

but to be effective they need to be longer

majordad

How do you obtain the upgrade for the NAV? From my understanding of the 6-disc DVD player it does work with the NAV.

 

I live in a new development and travel to alot of areas which were not mapped on the 4.12 version.

skiyalader

Now, why wouldn't the dealer have either done that or told me that?

 

Thanks robr2.

robr2

Did it work?

s2000fever

Looks like you already received an answer on this but I will embellish. I have an EXL with NAV/RES and just purchased a "Y" cord from Radio Shack. You can plug it into the audio jacks (red + white) in the armrest on the driver's side of the 3rd row. Just hit AUX on the radio and it works very well and probably much better than any FM modulator will perform based on the limited frequency response of FM vs. the AUX input. I purchased a 6' cord so that a middle seat passenger could still control the iPod. I just leave the audio jacks plugged in, neatly bundle up the wires, and close the compartment when not in use. Belkin, Monster, etc. make similar cables and cost between $20-30. Theoretically, they probably improve the sound over the $6 cables that I purchased but the stuff my kids are playing doesn't need to sound any clearer from my perspective if you get what I mean. The cable has a mini stereo headphone plug on one end (plugs into the iPod headphone jack) and two RCA connectors on the other end. Should be an identical configuration with the Touring model.

cccompson

No, the navigation system has a separate DVD player that holds a single disk. Periodic updates are available from Honda's website. Present cost is $185 plus shipping.

burta10

Whoever said to check the tire pressures in case of a bumpy ride on their Ody was right. Mine were 10 psi too high in front (43 psi instead of 33 psi) and 8 psi too high in back (43 instead of 35). The difference in ride is noticeable. It is now much less hard-edged over expansion joints and similar small bumps. I wonder who is over-inflating the tires, is it the factory or the dealers?

jeffinrtp

I believe it is the factory that is inflating the tires to 43-44 psi, since a few people have indicated the same. I posted earlier that my tires were 44 when I picked up the vehicle. Deflating them to about 36-37 helped my ride. Since Michelin indicates that the max pressure is 44, Honda probably does not want the liability of underinflating the tires at the factory - given the Ford / Firestone incident. Just my guess.

jeffinrtp

A few folks were asking earlier whether you could buy extra headphones for the DVD. I see that H and A (and a couple other web sites) now has factory headphones for sale. Price is $74.53 per set.

 

http://www.handa-accessories.com/odyelec05.html

stever

I always heard that the tires are over inflated by the factory for shipping purposes. The dealer is supposed to correct the tire pressure as part of the new vehicle prep, but it's commonly overlooked.

 

It makes you wonder how many car sales have been lost because the customer test drove a demo with rock hard tires that made the car bounce over every crack in the road.

 

 

(Jeff, there's a great big blue generic H and A link at the top of the forum too <g>).

 

Steve, Host

isellhondas

That's true. The PDI tech is required to adjust the air pressure. I've driven new cars before the PDI and they bounce like a basketball.

innorristn

It took parts of 3 days, but they found my rattle around passenger sliding door. Their description of problem and fix is: "Had loose bolt right under sliding door in kick panel and door track. Tightened loose bolts." This seems to have taken care of it. Good luck getting your rattle fixed!

minivanguy

Is the Touring model eqipped for the extra seat. I took the console out of mine, and it seems like there is hooks for another seat.The dealer said they'll give me an answer monday. "They obviously have no idea either".

stever

The PDI tech

 

Ok, I give up Craig. What's dealer lingo for PDI - Pretty Darn Inefficient?

 

Steve, Host

jeffinrtp

How does overinflation help the shipping process? Increased ground clearance on the trucks?

scottyb

Two dealers told me that while the plusone seat will fit in the Touring and LX, there is no seat belt for it; I didn't check for myself. (Don't understand why Honda does not make it an option.) One dealer told me if I bought a Touring they would swap the console for the plusone seat (but couldn't help with the seat belt).

 

According to post 316 in the Honda Odyssey Owners- Accessories & Modifications forum, one dealer recommended a shop that makes accessbility modifications, to install a seat belt for that seat.

 

My local dealer's parts department told me that Honda does not sell the seat intact; rather they separately sold the 18 parts that comprise the seat; those parts cost $812. Since the seat is not "available" on the Touring, it is not available in black.

 

As with one other poster, the lack of that seat tipped the balance for me to purchase an EX (L RES/NAV) instead of the Touring.

mr_t

Pre-Delivery Inspection

stever

iirc, over inflation prevents flat spotting of the tires while the cars are sitting around in transit.

 

I remember when the new Odyssey came out in '99 and several people met their new van at the dealer so the PDI techs couldn't get their hands on them. The new owners wanted to pull the plastic off themselves and make sure their new vans didn't get scratched or swirl marks when the techs washed them (and every other car on the lot) with the same rag.

 

Thanks Mr_t.

 
Steve, Host

just4fun2

Now I understand why Honda is so advanced, they have PDI Techs, my dealer is still using old fashion porters. ;-)

isellhondas

The porters typically clean the new cars, take of the plastic etc. Shop technicians do the Pre Delivery Inspections.

 

At least, that's the way it should work.

just4fun2

Yes, I agree. You need a Tech not a porter to handle tire pressure. I hear they are using digital tire gauges these days.

scs_13

Hi everyone!

 

I am going to pickup my Odyssey 2005 up tomorrow. It got traded between dealers. So how many miles on the odometer are acceptable in order for it to be considered a new vehicle? I do not want to buy a car that has been extensively demo ed and than is being sold as "new".

 

Thank's for any input !

 

scs_13

heywood1

IMO, less than 100 miles is acceptable. Any bank considers it to be new if it's never been titled, even if the mileage is four figures.

just4fun2

I think it would depend on how far the trading dealer is away from the receiving dealer. When I bought my new van the two dealers were about 100 miles apart and the van was delivered to me with about 115 miles on it. So, the van would have had 15 miles or so at the other dealer.I felt that the van was still new when I purchased it.

mgp2

Has anyone done a thorough analysis and figured out which trim level gets the most value for the dollar. I want to buy an Odyssey but price is important to me. I like bettter milage which suggests the Touring but it is expensive and I don't even like leather seats. The LX price is good but I really like a 6-CD player as opposed to a single CD. Yet $3000 sounds like a lot to pay to upgrade to the EX just for a 6 CD-player.

 

Does anyone know if there is much of a difference in the sound quality between the LX and EX? I heard the the EX has better speakers. Is that true? How does the sound of the Touring (likely beyond my means) compare?

 

Also how expensive would it be to pop a certified Honda 6-in-dash CD player into the LX?

 

I know someone with a 6-in-dash CD player from a 2000 Odyssey. Would that player fit in a 2005 Odyssey?

 

I would appreciate any suggestions.

eman

same engine and drivetrain in ex and touring.

 

I woud worry less about the CD player thatn the quality of the radio and the lousy antenna.

 

Take your Honda for a good test drive befor buying. Radio stinks and so does road noise. buyer beware

isellhondas

I disagree and have no idea what you are talking about when you say the radio "stinks".

 

After reading about this "problem" in this forum, I made it a point to listen for poor reception and I don't see what you are talking about?

 

Of course, I'm in a metro area. Perhaps in fringe areas it's different?

 

I also totally disagree about the road noise but people will have to judge for themselves.

dave594

for $3000 I can get a helluva setup at an audio shop with professional installation, probably get a DVD player thrown in with that price.

s2000fever

I, too, am not impressed by the sound of the radio in my EXL Nav/Res. In general, factory radios are less than stellar. What I have done in previous Hondas is change out the factory speakers with a higher quality product keeping in mind to make sure that the replacement units are efficient (i.e., they don't need extra amplifiers to deliver reasonable sound levels). This change has always resulted in a remarkable improvement in sound quality. I will be making this modification to my Ody (at least the front door and rear speakers). If you go to Crutchfield.com, they already have listings for speakers that will fit perfectly along with all the hardware/plugs required for for plug and play installation. My Factory service manual is scheduled to arrive any day so I will be able to properly install the speakers without major heartburn.

heywood1

I don't know what this 'Inside Line' is all about-- and I dont' really care. All I know is that this red-tinted text is VERY difficult to read. The old blue was much better. Based on the newly-discreet font of the Edmunds logo ('ala 'Datsun by Nissan'), I'm assuming the Edmunds owners have sold out, and are 'outta here'--if not already, then probably soon. Good for them, but I'm outta here too--unless this website gets easier on the eyes in a hurry....

stever

Please see the Forums Software! Your Questions Answered... board for the latest, and that's the best place to express the fact that you're seeing red over the fonts.

 

thanks,

 

Steve, Host

sportymonk

Just curious but I have noticed that the Pilot doesn't seem to have the problems of seats the ody has. Seems like they ought to be about the same. If not, maybe that is a clue to the Ody "problem". Also, I don't remember a lot about the radio like the Ody seems to have.Could be wrong, just my observation.

minivanguy

I also agree I've only owned my touring for over a week now, and had no problem with the reception at all. I think the sound quality of the speakers can be a little better though.

eman

For proper fit you will have difficulty getting a straight answere from the HOnda dealer because they they they can't make any changes since it will void the warranty. So you may go through a lot of money and not get the right answere.

 

I suggest you go to the onda dealer and ask the parts department or service department if you can look at the 2005 Oddly service manual. IN the audio section you will see the wiring diagrams and available pin connectors for the LX and the EX and above that have the 6 disc changer. Compare the EX and LX radio connectors.

 

I am doing this from memory because I looked at the book last week. I think the EX has at least three sets of plugs- one for the antenna, one for the speakers and one for the streering wheeel audio controls.

 

the LX may not the steering wheel audio controls but chances are the 6CD radio will work without it.

 

But rather than changing the original indash single cd radio for the 6cd radio look at HandA you will see a Honda 6 cd player that goes into the space of the dash cup holder. they want $530 plus you will need local dealer installation for another $100.

 

Problem is that the speakers and the basic radio still stink after all that money.

 

I recently installed the HandA subwoofer for the eXL, it sounds better but all in all it wasn't worth $350 for parts and installation.

 

for this kind of money I would try to find a qualtiy radio shop in your area and have a better radio, speakers and amp installed either in the same cup holder space.

 

witht eh Honda stuff you are throwing good money on a poor foundation

eman

I'M in central New Jersey, where one should have strong signals from either Philly or NYC. this is not an area where radio reception should be a problem. It is just too diretional sensitive, enough so that FM for me is out - it is just annoying. the dealer agreed with me but "it is within factory specs" as they like to say. I wouldn't waste my time on this subject if it wasn't a problem as otheres are quick to point out.

 

Ditto on road noise.

 

Another problem that is starting to annoy me is the sensitivity of the plastic finish used on the interior. The dealer who installed the subwoofer left a few marks around the dash and the kids are increasingly leaving more marks.

eman

I will be interested to hear of your transformation with new speakers.

 

what I would also like to know if there is a way to use a conventional stalk antenna. One is to have a plug capable adapting the conventional plug to the current radio. The other if there is any internal incompatibilty to doing so.

 

Keep us advised.

eman

There are two reasons why I monitor this board:

 

I am clearly a dissatisfied customer and had greater expectations of the items that should not have ones to worry about in 2005. Road noise shouldn't be an issue these days. electronics are getting better every day so why are we regressing with this Honda radio crap - are we expected to solve the antenna problem or poor speakers?? So I want to hear what otheres have to say and solutions they might have found.

 

The other is point out to prospective buyers the problems actual buyers have found. Also this board is monitored by HOnda sellers like yourself and the tech folks from HOnda who want to hear what folks like us are saying. Clearly they need to make some very real improvements (road noise, air buffeting from open windows, poor stereo, interior trim scuffing etc.)

 

LIke I said before, the drivetrain and handling are superb and I can only assume that the safety features are state of the art as well - that is why I bought the van. But you can't be annoyed by the vehicle you want to like.