Honda Odyssey 2005+

nabber

Thanks for all the great advice everyone! We actually pulled the trigger and got the van this weekend. Sadly, the dealer did try to add a few last minute additions and surprise fees, but we managed to "talk" them out of the additions and get the deal we originally agreed to. It took about 3-1/2 somewhat painful hours to close the deal, but with all that we are quite happy, the van is in perfect shape and the starting mileage is now a distant memory. They could have done a better job with the final prep (I think all they really did was pull the plastic off the floor and put in the mats). But it's not like that is a big deal since it rained on the way home and it likely won't be long before the back seats and floors are nicely coated with crushed Cheerios, shredded napkins, crayon bits, miscellaneous toys and apple juice anyway....heh...

jsnewhonda

My back is killing me after one day! I just bought this van on Saturday night, and drove around today, Monday, and it is killing my lower back. I have adjusted it a thousand ways and cant find a way to get it comfortable. It feels like there is too much lumbar support near my lower back but it's on the most minimal setting. Please tell me it got better after a few days??? Does your wife's back still hurt? What did you do?

jimbob1

One thing I've noticed with Honda seating positions is that if you're sitting far enough back that your legs are comfortable, you end up "reaching" for the steering wheel. You might try moving the seat forward more than you want to.
YMMV

Hmm... since you have the 07, you have the telescoping wheel, right? Maybe you need to pull it back closer to you?

nabber

I had the same problem with the seating until about half way home (when I figured out that you could actually adjust the lump ....I was able to get the lumbar support to basically disappear. Are you sure you got it to go ALL the way in? When I adjusted it all the way "in" it actually felt like there was a small depression in the seat. Between the up/down/in/out/tilt/lumbar properties of the seat and the tilt/telescope feature of the steering column, I'm betting you can eventually find a comfy position. It just might take a bit of time..

kiminc

I can hear some kinds of metal noise from the brake pedal when I press and depress, specially when I first press brake pedal in the cold morning. After a while of driving (after several times of pressing & depressing of brake pedal), that noise disappears. I suspected brake light release switch. but It turned out not.
Is there anyone who experienced similar problem?

mgutai

Just bought a new 07 Odyssey LX 3 weeks ago. This morning, tried to start it but nothing happened. (van was sitting in 30ish degree garage all night). The lights worked, but starter did not turnover. Tried a few times. Had to go to work, so took another vehicle. When returned 3 hours later, it started up the first time.

Has anyone experienced any starting issues like this? Starter, electrical?

Thanks in advance for any help.

htt

I have a '07 Odyssey EXL and a '04 Accord EX V6. The Odyssey's brake seems require a lot more effort pressing the pedal for the van to stop. On the other hand, the Accord's brake seems working a lot better. When step on the pedal, it stops quickly. Does any one have any experience with both vehicles? Thanks in advance.

sebring95

Different vehicles have different brake feels. As far as Accord brakes go (usually mid-packed performance wise) the EX Coupes generally have better braking performance. A standard accord stops in about the same 190' from 70mph as the Odyssey, but the EX Coupes are about 10' shorter (car and driver). Does it actually take the Odyssey much longer to stop, or is it just a pedal feel thing?

htt

I feel it takes longer to stop. And I have to push the pedal all the way for it to stop. I just called the dealer and they told me to take it in tomorrow. I'd like to know if someone owns both cars and how he/she compares the brake feel of each car.

cccompson

It sounds like a loose battery connection.

allison5

After many many months of trying to decide what kind of vehicle to buy I ended up buying the Honda Odyessy. I traded in my suv even though I was very upside down on my payments. However after having it for less than 24 hrs my back was in horrible pain. I did not know what I was going to do and then I ended up getting sciatic pain and all. So guess what?? I was VERY VERY lucky!! After several phone discussions with the owner of the Honda dealer they let me return it and I got my SUV back with every single penny that put down. I did not belieive it until I actually was there, I have never heard of a dealer doing this but they did and I hope that I never have a problem again. Now I am back to the drawing board and starting again..I hope that you do not have the experience I had and your back is better, I highly doubt that mine would of improved but you never know. Good luck!!

sanelpa

My '05 does the exact same thing. I have taken to the shop and of course it doesnt do it then. Have you gotten any further on a resolution?

lookdenfer

Nope. This seems to be quite common on '05s but it is very hard to track down because it is so intermittent. My car stopped doing it for the last two months but started again a couple of days ago... Very frustrating.

brekscar

I am having the same problem with my power steering - a whining noise that is intermittent. I took it to my dealer (when it was not making the noise) and he said they have had quite a few Odysseys in with same problem. He replaced the power steering pump and reservior per published service listing. He also flushed the system while it was disassembled. I was told that this is the first step of the repair process and to return if I hear the noise again! Sounds like Honda knows they have a problem.

sanelpa

Do you have the reference number for the service listing? I'd love to reference it when I take it back to the dealer?

Also, let us know if the sound stays away.

brekscar

The dealer didn't list the bulletin # on the work order. But the NHTSA has Item Number 10013661 - Service Bulletin Number 11012004 listed on its web site. I feel fortunate that my dealer didn't give me the run around. Hopefully I'll be treated the same way if I have to take the van back!

ac2000

there is a TSB out there for this problem:
Service Bulletin
© 2007 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved ATB 34472 (0701) 1 of 2
CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
January 26, 2007
07-005
Applies To: 2005–06 Odyssey – ALL
Power Steering Pump Whines, Buzzes, or Hums
SYMPTOM
The power steering pump makes a whining, buzzing, or
humming noise after the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
PROBABLE CAUSE
An internal problem in the power steering pump
contaminates the P/S fluid.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Flush the P/S fluid, then replace the power steering
reservoir and the power steering pump.
PARTS INFORMATION
Power Steering Pump:
P/N 56110-RGL-A02, H/C 8536757
Power Steering Reservoir:
P/N 53701-SHJ-A01, H/C 7711450
Pump Outlet Hose O-ring:
P/N 91370-SV4-000, H/C 4326773
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid:
P/N 08206-9002, H/C 3747284
(Four bottles per vehicle are needed.)
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 512100
Flat Rate Time: 1.2 hours
Failed Part: P/N 56110-RGL-A01
H/C 7711666
Defect Code: 03214
Symptom Code: 04208
Template ID: 07-005A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a
decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice).
2. Listen for a noise from the power steering pump
while the steering wheel is centered and not being
turned.
• If the pump whines, buzzes, or hums, go to
REPAIR PROCEDURE.
• If the noise is not coming from the pump, this
service bulletin does not apply. Check for other
possible causes of the noise.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Drain the power steering reservoir:
• Remove the reservoir from its holder.
• Raise the reservoir, and disconnect its return
hose.
• Drain the reservoir fluid into a suitable container.
Take care not to spill any fluid on the body or
other parts. Wipe off any spilled fluid
immediately.
2 of 2 07-005
2. Drain the fluid from the power steering system:
• Connect a suitable diameter drain hose to the
disconnected return hose.
• Hold the end of the hose in a suitable container.
• Start the engine, and run it at idle while you turn
the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times.
• When the fluid stops running out of the hose,
shut off the engine.
• Discard the used fluid.
3. Reinstall the return hose on the reservoir, then
reattach the reservoir to its holder and fill the
reservoir to its upper level line.
4. Bleed the air from the power steering system:
• Start the engine.
• With the engine at a fast idle, turn the steering
wheel lock-to-lock several times.
5. Check the condition of the fluid in the reservoir.
• If the fluid looks contaminated, dark, or
discolored, repeat steps 1 thru 5.
• If the fluid is clear, go to step 6.
6. Place a suitable container under the vehicle to
catch any fluid.
7. Replace the power steering reservoir:
• Remove the reservoir from its holder.
• Disconnect the return hose from the reservoir,
and pour the fluid from the reservoir into a
container.
• Disconnect the outlet hose from the reservoir,
and remove the reservoir.
• Install a new reservoir in the reverse order of
removal.
8. Replace the power steering pump:
• Refer to steps 3 thru 13 on page 17-14 of the
service manual, or
• Online, enter keyword PUMP and select Power
Steering Pump Replacement from the list.
9. Start the engine and run it at a fast idle, then turn
the steering from lock-to-lock several times to bleed
any air from the system.
10. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir, and add
more if needed. Do not fill the reservoir beyond its
upper level line.
RETURN HOSE
POWER STEERING
RESERVOIR
DRAIN HOSE
UPPER LEVEL LINE
UPPER LEVEL LINE
RETURN HOSE
OUTLET HOSE

sanelpa

thanks, my dealer ordered the parts and was very cooperative.

exb0

I have a month old 07 EXL w/ 600 miles on it. My wife is the primary driver, but I have driven it a few times. The van has an interesting intermittent problem with it, that I am not sure if it’s a problem or a “characteristic” of this van.

When the van is coasting or braking it “jerks” or shutters. What I mean is that it feels like it sharply slows down and then starts moving again. My wife says that it is as if it is ‘choking” as if it's about to stall and then the power kicks in. When I drove it the other day, I noticed that the RPM drops just below 1K, the van jerks and then RPM goes back up. At first I thought that the van downshifts and that’s why the van slows down and jerks and RPM goes up; but then again maybe it is about to stall and the onboard computer prevents it from doing it by increasing the RPM.

Has anybody had this problem? Is it normal? Any suggestions on what it could be?

sebring95

It's downshifting. This tranny will downshift in certain conditions and it's rough depending on the speed/throttle position, etc.. It's particularly noticeable if going down-hill. For some reason, it does it a lot to me, but not my wife. I'm not sure why, but try braking differently. My wife says I'm trying to break it, but I drive it the same as I do anything else.

glevitt

I have a 05 touring and I am thinking about getting a hitch and using it to tow a small popup trailer. Anyone have any experience doing this with Honda? We live in Colorado so we are typical pulling up mountain highways. I would really like to dump my V-8 Yukon so I can afford to go camping and not just buy gasoline.

sgdhouston

There is a plastic black tray right behind the fender under the engine. I'm not sure if it is a splash tray, but that's what I'll call it. It is one piece that is as wide as the car. It has come unscrewed TWICE and fallen down, dragging on the ground. The first time I took it to the dealer who replaced it (said it was not salvageable) for $150. I DO NOT want to do that again.

Do I need to put it back on? What is the risk if I don't?

After the first instance I have been very careful when parking (I think that when I knock the underside against the parking blocks it helps to shake this piece loose.) So now that I am very careful, and it did it again, I no longer attribute this to operator error.

p.s. It's a 2006 that I've owned for 14 months.

sebring95

I've never seen this problem reported before, and I also check out another much more popular Odyssey site. I have to wonder if there's not something along your normal route (drive entrance, etc.) that you use that could cause this? I drove some very rough, chip/seal/gravel roads and regularly peg some dead road-kill but have had no issues with the belly pan on this vehicle. The truth is, the Odyssey sits very low to the ground and does require special attention. Perhaps the dealer didn't properly attach the new shield? Most of these belly pans have plastic "screws" and if the female end has been damaged they won't hold right in the future. My daughters Celica has a pan like this and it's now held up with zip-ties.....

chriswb1

Will the 2008 Ody be the 1st 4th generation Ody or same as 2007 w/ few changes? If the 4th gen is 2009, is buying a 2008 Ody better or getting the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Any input or advice is very much welcome.

cccompson

The next generation Odyssey isn't likely until the '10 or '11 MY.

genboy

My '01 Ody has suddenly started experiencing this problem, just after the 150k service. Thanks to you posters, I looked for service bulletins and there are three that mention power steering: one about the noise in general; one that implies it's due to a clogged filter in the reservoir (which is why this could be a recurring problem with higher mileage?); and finally a bulletin about properly setting the belt tension.

*INFORMATION ON WHETHER TO REPLACE THE RESERVOIR ON A NOISY POWER STEERING PUMP. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10003135 )*

*POWER STEERING PUMP NOISE DUE TO OBSTRUCTED POWER STEERING RESERVOIR FILTER. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10001834 )*

*POWER STEERING BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10013782 )*

Is it possible this is a belt tension issue (e.g., too tight?)

Ideas -- ?

penguin008

We have recently purchased a used 05 Odyssey.
While driving at 50 km/h or above, pressing the brake pedal lightly to decrease speed, I notice a pulsing / clicking sound coming from the brakes. But as soon as I release the brake pedal, the noise is gone. I used to own a 2000 Accord EX and this noise sounded like the clicking sound while the ABS come on. While in the Odyssey, I could not feel any vibration from the brake pedal unlike the Accord. The vehicle stops well also.

It's just the clicking / pulsing sound annoys me & worries my wife. She's driving it most of the time. I took it back to the Honda dealership and they told me it's normal. Does anyone out there encounters the same or similar problem? Or has a solution for it?

faxpaw

genboy:
Replacing the reservoir worked for me (posting #4885) but I have 100,000 fewer miles on my 2005 Odyssey. Gave my 2000 Odyssey to my daughter it has 170,000 miles with no power steering issues so far. It's possible that you may need to replace the pump. But I would first check the belt (is it the original?). If the belt is in good shape then checking the tension would be the next step. Best of luck and let us know what you find!

vrm

Folks,

Your prayers have been answered! Honda has issued a recall today: http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/20/autos/honda_recall.reut/index.htm?source=yahoo_q- uote

Along with the Odyssey, a lot of other Honda models are impacted: Accord, Ridgeline, Acura etc.

lookdenfer

Uhhh... thanks, but this recall is about Fuel pump not Power Steering pump...
I have been trying to get on NPR's Car Talk radio program about this but without success so far. Maybe if others tried also...

zoozeek

About to buy a 2007 Odyssey (I hope) and would appreciate some advice:

1. Is the cylinder de-activation feature on the EX-L worth the extra money? Is it better (or noisier) than the EX engine?

2. Are there high-quality (good for kids) seat covers for the Odyssey? I prefer leather but it only comes with the much more expensive EX-L, so I'm considering saving some money.

Thanks for the help.

sebring95

I would never pay extra for the cylinder deactivation. IMHO, it's just for EPA testing only...... Oh it might save a little fuel but not enough to measure unless you typically drive very very very slow

dsrtrat2

I will second that!

loncray

As the owner of an '06 Touring, I can say the cylinder de-activation has been completely seamless every time. No noise, no loss of power (per my senses), no problem.

carfun888

I purchased an 07 Touring 2 states away and drove it home. On a 300+ mile trip at 70mph highway I got 26mpg on a NEW engine! There was 100mi on the odometer when I started out.

In other words IMHO VCM works well!

For those who get low mpg around town do the math. A 4500+ pound vehicle will suck gas when you use it for frequent short trips. Take it for a long (100mi+) drive and then look at your mileage. I can push mine up from 14mpg to almost 20mpg in one trip!

Love the van!

bobber1

Not to burst your bubble, but I got 26 one time with my 2007 EX with out the VCM system with about 2,000 miles on the van

carfun888

How does that burst my bubble? You just supported my reply to the previous posters.

sebring95

I got 27mpg once with my VCM equipped Ody and I had to really try. It was a 100 mile RT out a 2-lane 55mph road and I topped off just to see how it did in those conditions. Otherwise, my 70mph highway trips average 23-24mpg. Overall we average 18-19mpg with very little stop-n-go. 80% of our driving is either highway or rural roads. Comparatively, our V8 4x4 and much heavier vehicles average about 1-3mpg less in the same situations. If VCM does anything, it's barely measurable unless driving 55mph all day long. IMHO, what messes with this good idea is that they put a lower gear ratio on the VCM Odysseys. So if you're driving fast enough that VCM is not operating, you're sucking more fuel than the non-VCM model, all things being equal. At the lower speeds (that nobody drives but the EPA performs their tests.....) the VCM would be at an advantage even with the lower gear ratio.

bobber1

Well you said you had the cylinder de activation system and got 26 MPG. I'm saying I don't have the cylinder de activations system on my van and I got 26 mpg.

I will say that was the best I've gotten, but it does make one wonder if the cylinder de activation system is worth the extra money(my personal opinion is no, but I'm biased.)

carfun888

Oops - missed that you have the EX.

How loaded were you at the time? The EX starts 200 pounds lighter than the Touring (more of that math stuff).

vrm

I believe the 2008 model year Ody is due for a "refresh".
Will Honda be making only cosmetic/exterior changes?

Thanks!

bobber1

Carfun888,

The van was pretty loaded. My wife, I and three kids(under4), their car seats, strollers etc etc. What I found interesting was how much the mileage seemed to drop over 70 MPG. At 75 MPG of constant driving we got 22 MPG one time, but like I said when I backed it off to 70 we got 26 MPG on one stretch. I think that's pretty good for an EX with none of the gee whiz cylinder deaactivation stuff and the engine being barely broken in.

Mileage is important, but it confuses me a bit why people think these vans should get a lot better mileage then they do. They weigh 1,000 pounds more then most cars. It's amazing they get the mileage they do out of them.

carfun888

That was great mileage!

I wholeheartedly agree with your last point. Before buying the van my wife checked out through big SUV's (including the new Arcadia. Gas mileage wasn't a big factor for us but for her practicality like a short step up and being able to walk through the vehicle were!

bobber1

Yeah the walking back is real important particularly for young parents. It's really hard to beat the space and mileage combination you get with minivans. We didn't check out SUV's but I remember seeing a friends Ford Expedition last summer and thinking it really wasn't that roomy.

The Arcadia looks like a sweet ride, but I dont' think you can walk between the front seats and back? I also could picture young kids just slamming those doors open in a parking lot and banging a car whereas you don't have to worry about that with minivan sliding doors.

Karen_S

A reporter with a national newspaper is hoping to talk to Honda owners who researched safety ratings before making their purchase. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, March 29, 2007 with your daytime contact info.

Claires

Hi, folks,

I've moved the posts about mileage to our existing Honda Odyssey Gas Mileage topic, which is a fairly active one.

zoozeek

Finally, I test-drove both the 2007 EX and EX-L. My impression is that the EX feels faster, sportier, friskier, and the EX-L often sounds buzzy, like a motorcycle (I assume, when running on three cylinder). However, I felt the EX transmission was a little jumpier, thrashier, less fluid than the EX-L's. It's possible that I drove the cars differently, but I don't think so. I would be curious to know the impressions of others, especially those who have been driving these minvans for a while.

Thanks greatly.

chipo2

You're right EX is more jumpier. I've been driving mine for 2 months now and still very unhappy about it. My 99 Ody is much more smoother than this 07 one. Also I'm having problem with my homelink (overhead garage door opener) until now it's not working and it seems like the code is not getting transfer over from the remote control(handheld) to the homelink. Anybody have the same problem???

blackexv6

My 99 Ody is much more smoother than this 07 one

I second the notion, my 2000 Ody EX is much, much smoother. Our '06 EXL/NAV/RES is a POS. Not worth anything to us other than the safety features & better braking system. NAV database is 10years out of date & the gas MPG's are the same. The active engine mount vibration problems & droning defect make our '06 Ody the worst car we've owned yet. Oh...forgot the road noise but lets not go down that road again.

moeharri

Try doing this: hold the first and third Homelink buttons for 30 seconds. I believe the light will start to blink. Then, release the Homelink buttons. Next, hold down a button (such as the first button) and immediately press and hold your garage door opener button (you should hold the opener a few inches from Homelink). It should take about 10 seconds or so to program Homelink. After about 10 seconds, try out the button and see if it works. If it doesn't, you may have a "rolling" code in which case you need to follow a bit different instructions. Let us know if this works :-)