2008 Honda Odyssey

rv65

I would say about 4 to 5,000 miles.

beaglesid

I was wondering... Does the 2008 Odyssey have a key head remote, like the Accord, or does it still have a fob that dangles from the key?

jtk152

My 2008 LX has a key head style remote. No dangling FOB.

kohyuta

Our 08 EXL has a fob. I suspect Honda couldn't fit the extra buttons for the power doors on a key head comfortably nor cost-effectively.

jchan2

The LX has the Accord-like fob; EX and up has a separate key and remote fob because of the additional buttons for the power sliding doors. (Touring adds the liftgate button)

nboerner

I am interested in purchasing an 08 odyssey. Does anyone know if you can pick up a call on your cel phone (as a passenger, of course) without having to unlink the phone from the car. When I am the driver I will use the handsfree link but if my husband is driving I would like to just answer my phone as usual. Has anyone actually tried this. If so which system do you have the nav one or the one in the ceiling. Thanks

coolpete

I am about to buy the EX and was test driving it yesterday and just wanted to check with you owners about some observations that I made about the van when driving it, as to whether if this is normal behavior or if there is an issue with the one that I was driving.

Ifound that when I was cruising at around 60 MPH and if I let my foot off the gas pedal, the van after a slight delay would shift a gear up (thats what it felt like) as if applying engine braking, or i don't exactly know how to describe it but it would not exactly glide after that point but what I felt was that it was slowing down faster than I would have imagined (I was comparing to what I am used to, which is my sedan), almost abrupt compared to my sedan as it rolls on forever.

Is this normal behavior or could this be a transmission issue?

I would imagine it doing so if there was a slightest of an incline, but this was more like straight road to downhill kind of track.

I don't know if this makes any sense or if I am just paranoid after reading too much on the "Transmission Issues" thread and am starting to imagine things.

Please chime in with your 2 cents.

thegraduate

Ifound that when I was cruising at around 60 MPH and if I let my foot off the gas pedal, the van after a slight delay would shift a gear up (thats what it felt like) as if applying engine braking...

It may have to do with the grade-logic transmission. My aunt has a 2005 Odyssey EX (same basic powertrain as the 08) and I've noticed that it will sometimes raise RPMs by downshifting (shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear causes more engine braking). This keeps the van from picking up speed when going down a hill, which is easy to do in a 4,500lb vehicle!

Perhaps that is what you felt?

pmickle

I know exactly what you are talking about. It is the variable cylinder managment system. That is the system where the engine shuts down either two or three cylinders when cruising. The way you described it, you stopped accelerating at 60 so that would explain why you felt it at this time. The same thing will happen when ever the engine determines that the circumstances are right. Whether it is with the cruise control set at 75 on the interstate, or slowing down at a stop sign at an intersection. When I got mine, the description you gave is exactly the same one I used to explain what I felt, "a slight brake on the engine". If you were familiar with the car, you would have noticed the green "ECO" light come on on the dashboard whenever that happened. This system is now standard on every Odyssey. I thought that it could get annoying but I just got used to it extremly quickly and now, I don't even notice it or the light on the dashboard.

Hope this helps,
Paul.

coupedncal

I believe the OP had tried an EX trim and there is no VCM in EX. I have heard others describe the same problem of deceleration when you lift off the gas. I believe this is expected behavior in this van but let's see if others can chime in and explain reason behind this.

angelchicago

I thought I read another thread on this topic. It is my understanding the Honda van does not coast by design. The reason is Honda had to make a choice to keep the transimssion in a lower gear which will have less coast but more response to the driver in the event they choose to hit the gas pedal again. The other design option, which Honda choose not to pursue, is have the trans go into a higher gear which would give the coast we are all acustomed too, but the trade off is if you hit the gas pedal you will be in a higher gear (like a 10 speed bike) and the van will not be very responsive. So keeping with the Honda design theme where the van has more drivers feel touch to it, like the steering, low center of gravity, Honda choose to keep the pedal acceleration touchy too.

cccompson

What you experienced is entirely normal and a characteristic of the vehicle.

nboerner

I am interested in buying a 2008 Odyssey Touring and was wondering if anyone knows if there is a headphone jack that can be used with the hands free cell phone and still allow the passengers to hear the radio.
Also, can the rear passengers listen to the dvd and the front passengers listen to the radio.

tnguyen74

I had my 08 Odyssey EX-L RES for about 2 weeks now and noticed the passenger side airbag cover warped. It's suppose to be flush with the dash but if you look closely from the driver's seat it is slightly warped and wavy. It's bothering me and I'm going to take it in on monday. Has anyone else seen this on their Odyssey's yet? I hope that it's just a cover they order and replace and not have to tear down my dashboard to repair. Besides that I only have 500 miles on mine no other problems. The back-up camera built into the mirror is a very nice feature.

ggersten

Purchased my odyssey last month. Want to purchase a discounted subwoofer for my 08 EXL w/DVD. Anyone know where i can get a break and not pay retail? Thank you!

ggersten

I purchased my EXL w/dvd last month and also noticed the slight warping of the passenger airbag on dash. Dealer said it usually is not perfectly flush - let me know what they tell you - i really didn't give it a second thought - now you have me wondering.

kp1pbr

Well, dealer said they fixed it but when I arrived it looke the same or slightly worse. My passenger leather seats was all dirty also when I got the car back. I looked at a few Odyssey's on the lot and the problem seems to be more than just my vehicle.

I just noticed that the upper glove compartment looks loose when you open the passenger door and view it from the side. If you push on it it doesn't seem right. But again when I looked at other Odyssey's it was the same. I don't think this should be normal but Honda fit & finish quality is going downhill. Perhaps it's the assembly in Alabama. When I purchased my 03 Accord 20% of them were assembled in Japan. I made sure I got one with a "J" VIN number and to this day all the trim and finish are just like new.

thegraduate

Consider yourself lucky. Our 2003 Japan-Made EX I4 Accord required numerous trips to the dealer for rattles to be fixed, and even had to have the headliner replaced because of the rattles. Our 2005 Ohio-Made Accord was much better over the 70k miles we had it. My 1996 Ohio-Made Accord LX I4 has been as trouble free as anyone could ever ask of a 13 year old car with over 180k miles. And yes, I even drove it today.

nlwalden

I have been looking for a new van for a few weeks and had narrowed it down to the Odyssey when I noticed that a couple I test-drove had the warped airbag cover. I then went up and down the rows on the Honda lot to see if it was a general problem. Every Odyssey I looked in had the same problem. I don't think I'm going to be able to stare at that every time I get into the car. Unbelievable they could let that problem ride. Probably isn't a functional problem but it makes you wonder is there's something wrong with the airbag mechanism itself.

elmerfudd3000

We have a 2002 EXL RES and just bought a 2008 EXL RES. I was looking to buy a Priority Start device for the 2002 to protect the battery from being discharged if an interior light is left on (darn kids, yeah that's it dear, it was the kids!), after having killed a few batteries over the years (although with the Wal-Mart 3 year battery I have not had to actually pay for a new one). I was wondering if that is still an issue with the 2008 and should I get one for each Odyssey?

Thanks for any advice.

elmerfudd3000

Tried a test tonight, I clicked on one of the rear reading lights, it was still on over 1 hour later ...

dmkraz

Just bought a 2008 EX-L and noticed a fist sized thing on the center top of the roof (exterior) near the back. I can't find anything that tells me what it is. Anyone know?

Also, I'm a detail guy so if you have an idea on where I could have found this out myself, that would be even better. Thx in advance.

bigdadi118

My best guess is XM Radio antenna.

ziggy_odyssey

you are correct; it is the XM radio antenna, in addition to the NAV if it is in your vehicle

jojobird

I've had a 08 touring since January and I have to tell you that the side mirrors return to the original setting when the car is shifted into drive or park,

I recommend you bring this up to Honda.

jojobird

Does anyone else owning a Touring with non-pax tires experienced a vibration problem??

This problem is more pronounce on some ocassions, but it doesn't seem to be consistant.

naam4ever

Hello everyone, just bought a 08' Odyssey EX...on my 2nd day driving I started to hear this very light rattling/lose screw vibrating type of noise...its hard to explain. The noise can be heard properly with windows up, it comes from the right front side of the vehicle. Its not a everyday noise but heard once a while; Best heard when the van is warmed up and switches to 2nd and 3rd gears when applying gas pedal. My wife told me that I was just hearing things until we both heard it. So, I took it to the dealer. 1st mech took a ride with me dint hear anything. Then the service mgr heard it and the 2nd mech confirmed it. I was told that its a electronic component "knock sensor" correcting itself. It has to do something with emissions egr sensor and honda gas saving regulations applied to the engine. I was also told that this issue is experienced by many other EX Odyssey owners and cannot be fixed. So, thats why Im sharing my issue with everyone and would like to know if anyone out there have had a similar experience. I would appreciate any feedbacks on this forum or just email me... thanks...(eric61775@hotmail.com).

dsrtrat2

Look for the thread here on pinging, it might be on the second page.

jojobird

I owned my 08 Touring since January and have about 6,000 miles. Haven't notice what you are this. I'll listen for this and advise.

sd_dad

I have an '08 Touring. After driving for about 5 minutes on city streets, my brakes begin to make an elephant-like sound toward the end of a stop. They feel responsive and safe, but the sound is unacceptable and embarrassing. I have taken it to the dealer twice. Both times they said it's normal for brakes to do that when they get hot. I don't believe it and am tempted to bring the van to another dealer to get it checked out.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does anyone have any advice to offer?

Thanks

jojobird

I haven't experienced what you describe, but I only have about 6,000 miles on my van. I do think more pressure has to be applied to the brake pedal than is normal.

I would try to work with the Service Manager, or try another dealer that may have a more responsive SM.

Don't accept the "normal" argument. That is just insulting. I had that same response on 05 Touring. You might also want to check out alldata.com to see if any TSB have been issued.

thegraduate

I haven't experienced what you describe, but I only have about 6,000 miles on my van. I do think more pressure has to be applied to the brake pedal than is normal.

On what do you base "normal" in this situation? Just curious.

jojobird

"Normal", in my judgement, is a small amount of pressure and you can feel the car's master cylinder multiply that force to bring the car to a stop. I believe Honda calls this EBD or electronic brake distribution (EBD).

I own an '04 Accord that has excellent brakes. I don't understand whyHhonda doesn't use a proven setup that works.

sd_dad

The brakes feel fine, they just sound terrible. In my view, it's absolutely unacceptable for a $38,000 Touring model to make such a horrendous sound. The service tech said that because the vehicle is so heavy, the brakes heat up quickly and it's the heat that makes the noise. Well, our other car is a heavy Acura MDX and its brakes are silent; my prior X5 was heavy and it's brakes were silent; plus, in my suburb filled with Oddys, mine is the only one I've ever heard make noise when stopping. I'm going to try another dealer to see if the answer changes.

thegraduate

Having driven both a 2000 Odyssey and a 2005 Odyssey (the newest generation), I know that brakes should NOT make abnormal noise (no more so than other vehicles). Go to a different dealer, if possible, and have their techs look at them. Let them ride with you, and suggest riding in a different Odyssey for comparison.

How many miles are on the brakes?

thegraduate

A setup that works on a 3,100 lb sedan won't necessarily work on a 4,600 pound minivan. Plus, you don't want the touchy brakes from a sporty-ish sedan in a people-hauler. I have an 06 Accord, so I know the brakes you're talking about in your Accord.

bigdadi118

SO Heavy ... Heat up fast making noise ...

If ALL the Odyssey Tourings are making same noise then I will accept this Tech's explanation .... other than that ... ALL BOLONEY!

vlentz

Bought 2008 LX about six weeks ago. In 5th gear around 1500 rpms I get a droning noise with vibration from around 40 mph to over 55 mph. Service manager says it is when the engine goes down to three cylinders, but I have the V-Tech engine which doesn't have cylinder management. Complained around 500 miles and was told it was normal. Just returned for first oil change and complained again. Again told it was normal, but they didn't have another Odyssey to show me that "they all do it."

coupedncal

As you stated, you do not have VCM in your LX. Try another dealer and do it soon. It could be something as simple as heat shield plate or something more complex.

akirod

I think we have the same problem with my 2008 Odyssey EX. I have this droning noise & vibration when I go to around 70 to 80 km/hr. I don't have this VCM on my car either. My wife drives it most of the time but yesterday I noticed it and she did confirm she had this experience just lately. I'm planning to call the dealer and have it check. Just wondering if you have fixed this problem on your car. Thanks.

yak33

Our 2008 EXL has a low brake pedal. The brakes work and stop fine, but I'm not used to having the pedal that close to the floor when stopping. Also, the fronts get pretty hot and I've already noticed a bit of brake dust on the front wheels and a hot pad/disc smell just after parking. We've only got around 200 miles on it so some of this could be break-in, and while nothing seems defective, I'm leery of the low pedal. Are all Odysseys this way?

Yak33

davidingilbert

Hey all.
Can anyone confirm or deny that adjustable brake / gas pedals are still available on the 08 Odyssey.
My wife & I are looking to purchase one and would like to know.
I thought they were dropped after the '07 model year...but yet, someone at a dealership says it is still available.

If they are, could you please advise what trim levels please.

Thanks.
Dave

scottinky

my Odyssey has not even 11K on it, and my rotors are already warped.
it has the vibration and is loud as hell on the highway. I love the utility this
van offers for my family, but I can't wait to get rid of it. glad I leased.

bigdadi118

I got rid of 07 Ody (leased) in just 7 mos, dealer buy-out for 08 Pilot AWD. Pilot is much better vehicle than Ody.

thegraduate

Check the Honda website and see for yourself. I don't know.

sd_dad

I've had a similar issue in my '08 Touring. Brakes heat up easily and I get an elephant-like noise coming from the front toward the end of a brake. One dealer told me twice that "that's normal." I took it to another dealer who said that it happens sometimes, and he resurfaced the rotors and put on new pads. Worked for about a week. It still does it, but not nearly as much. Shouldn't happen on such an expensive vehicle.

Carzonly

Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are ONLY available on touring models.

andya729

I have a 2008 Odyssey EX. In the brochure and online it is supposed to have an external temperature monitor, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I can't figure out if I'm being very dense or if the brochures are wrong and just the Touring has the feature.
Help?

dsrtrat2

Push the right hand button on the speedometer until the temp comes up.

andya729

So I was being dense - that worked perfectly.
Thank you.