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

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  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    ck55:

    "Change the transmission fluid every 15,000 miles screw the owner's manual"
    Did he mean change 3 qts of transmission fluid or completely flush the transmission fluid which is about 8 qts?

    Thanks,

    bjk
  • ohloneohlone Member Posts: 55
    with all the problems the Odyssey is experiencing with '99, '00 & '01 models, it's amaizing how popular they are. I have a very new '02 with no problems to report. I'm thankful for the new tranny in the '02 model -

    I hope it works out for those with tranny problems. Isn't there a lemon law that says the manufacturer has to buy the car back after so many chances to fix a recurring problem?
  • shootmenowshootmenow Member Posts: 5
    Read post #2043. There have been no teen-age drivers, no towing, NOTHING but TLC since I bought it. Drove it 15k miles in the first 2.5 years, then took it on its first trip out of town 4 weeks ago. Guess it couldn't take the stress of long days of driving, high altitude, etc.

    The 1st failure (banging while backing-up) occured at 3200 miles and was repaired. It was almost 2 years later that I had the 2nd and 3rd failures (4 hours apart) while out of town on vacation - this is the reason I haven't been back to the dealer about it until this 3rd failure.

    Have the tranny problems associated with '99 and '00 models been resolved with the '01, '02 and/or '03 models? If anyone has insight into the current status of Honda transmission, please post it. Thanx
  • shootmenowshootmenow Member Posts: 5
    Read post #2043. There have been no teen-age drivers, no towing, NOTHING but TLC since I bought it. Drove it 15k miles in the first 2.5 years, then took it on its first trip out of town 4 weeks ago. Guess it couldn't take the stress of long days of driving, high altitude, etc.

    The 1st failure (banging while backing-up) occured at 3200 miles and was repaired. It was almost 2 years later that I had the 2nd and 3rd failures (4 hours apart) while out of town on vacation - this is the reason I haven't been back to the dealer about it until this 3rd failure.

    Have the tranny problems associated with '99 and '00 models been resolved with the '01, '02 and/or '03 models? If anyone has insight into the current status of Honda transmissions, please post it. Thanx
  • pat84pat84 Member Posts: 817
    There were some bad parts furnished to Honda that caused some transmission failures in 99 and 00. These were repaired under warranty. It may be that you just got 3 of them, although that seems unlikely. Perhaps there is some other problem that is causing the transmissions to fail. Were all the transmissions repaired by Honda ? You might check out your states lemon laws.
    I have a 99 with over 60K miles that still runs like new. The only thing I have replaced are front brakes and tires. I get about 20.5 MPG with about equal city and Interstate driving on my daily commute. I get about 24 MPG on all Interstate at 80- 85.
  • shootmenowshootmenow Member Posts: 5
    I don't know what would be causing the transmissions to fail. I have taken the best of care of this vehicle - serviced always by Honda and on time. Honda dealers have done all the maintenance and service work on this van.

    I have been looking at the lemon laws here in TN. They seem to pertain to problems only within the first 1 year. Although I only have 20k miles on the car, I have owned it 2 years 8 months. Most driving prior to my June vacation had been relatively short trips within the city, approx 6k miles/year.

    Thanks for responding.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    Was there any "sign" about your transmission failure? Did you see any overheat or discolor of your transmission fluid?
  • shootmenowshootmenow Member Posts: 5
    I never noticed any overheat or discoloration of transmission fluid. My first solid indication was during vacation driving. Upon starting the engine after a refueling stop, I had new "check engine" and "TCS" (traction control system) lights. The transmission failed shortly thereafter.

    Several days before that there had been a barely noticeable whine/hum coming from the engine area, only at highway speeds and only with the transmission in D4(not in neutral). After conferring long distance with my home town dealer, they said the van should make it home OK and they'd look at it when I got back. As a precaution, I had a dealership in SLC look at it. They confirmed the noise and agreed it should make it back home (another 2000 miles).
  • fhorowitzfhorowitz Member Posts: 4
    My air conditioning went out a few weeks ago and I have been informed that the problem is the heater control panel. Anybody had a similar problem. My '99 Odyssey has 24000 miles on it and otherwise runs very well, with no problems.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    Someone posted to change transmission fluid every 15,000 miles to solve the transmission failure problem. What do your think? Did you change your transmission fluid every 15,000 miles? Do you think to change tranny fluid every 15k miles makes any difference?
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    The owners manual calls for the tranny fluid to be changed at the 30k interval. I certainly don't think that it's harmful to change it more often. If spending $200 or so every 15-24 months will put off a $5000 expense, then it's absolutely worth it. And I wouldn't just drain the tranny, I'd go for one of the tranny flush machines like the BG that exchanges all the old fluid for new ATF.
  • pat84pat84 Member Posts: 817
    You could have changed it as often as you liked. but it may not have changed the outcome. I have mine dealer maintained and they drained it at the 30 and 60 K services., You may want to invest in a transmission oil cooler. I would suggest that you have Honda install it as it will then be under warranty
  • crownhondacrownhonda Member Posts: 1
    I'm a service writer at a dealership in North Carolina and I need your help on resolving an Odyssey trans problem similar to the one you had. I would greatly appreciate a response on this board. We could possibly meet in a chatroom where I could get your E-mail address. I need to get your VIN number in order to reference your repair with our technician assistance line. Your info may help another Odyssey owner resolve their problem!
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    What is the problem/symptoms you are having with your customers van?
  • jnash2jnash2 Member Posts: 31
    #2050 of 2073 Hard to get in gear. by jnash2 Jul 07, 2002 (04:55 pm)
    Sometimes my shifter is hard to get out of park. As I try, it feels like it's sorta stuck and it squeaks as I'm moving it. Other times the shifter will slide very easily out of park. I also hear a pop in the steering colmn as I take out the key sometimes. I think it's related to this. The hard shift seems to happen about every other trip. I always put the van in neutral then apply the parking brake then take my foot off the brake before I shut down. My dealer service once lubed something in the steering column, but now they refuse to even recognize the problem still exists. Any one have/had anything similar or have any ideas what it could be? Thanks.
    Anybody?
  • vannerlifevannerlife Member Posts: 2
    Your posting about the rumble in the Odyssey at 51mph helped me to further substantiate the problem with my dealer. At first the technician said is was normal. However, after learning about other similar complaints in this town hall, and learning about your "fix" to the problem, my dealer is willing to continue to search for a solution to my noise problem. A computer fix seems logical -- so I was thrilled to see that you were able to get Honda to do it on yours. Three trips to the dealer, however, indicates to me that you had to be very persistent. Would you please help me solve my problem, too, by responding to "crownhonda" on #2072? I just bought this Odyssey 1 month ago, so I was very disappointed to find such a problem right from the start. I see #2046 had this same problem after many miles. Thank you for speaking up for the benefit of the rest of us.
  • mamajamamamajama Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 LX with 10,050 miles and was told my the dealer last week I had a leak in the trans. After cleaning if off and rechecking it, I was told they will have to replace, as the dealer is not allowed to make any repairs they need to send back the complete unit. I too have trouble with the doors sticking at the most un-opportune times.
    I am seriously thinking about looking into trading in for a 2002 EX with the entertainment system.
  • mwcarlsomwcarlso Member Posts: 85
    We have a 2000 Odyssey with about 53000 miles on it. About 6 months ago the rear brakes started to squeal very loudly a few times a month when almost at a stop. The noise sounds like metal hitting metal, or the sound of brakes when making a panic stop. I would say the noise is on par with truck and bus brakes. I originally thought the brakes were locking up, but the van does not skid. Honda dealer has checked and cleaned brakes but could not duplicate sound and say the brakes are fine. The car may stop o.k. but the noise is not o.k.. We still have an 87 Accord with almost 200,000 miles on it and the rear drum brakes are much quieter than the ones on the van. Has anyone else had this problem and gotten a fix for it? The noise is driving me nuts and it concerns me that the brakes might fail.
  • mwcarlsomwcarlso Member Posts: 85
    Our 2000 Odyssey EX has 53000 miles on it and the Michelin Symmetry tires need to be replaced pretty soon. Has anyone replaced the Symmetry with X-Ones or MX4's? I was under the impression that the x-one would be a better tire but I would like some advice, since they are a little more expensive.
    Thanks.
  • gessgess Member Posts: 90
    My understanding is that the X-Ones will last a little longer than the MX4s but the MX4's being softer have better rain traction. Depends on what you need I guess.

    I've found that with my Affinity's even though there is plenty of tread left the wet traction is almost non exisitent, so long tread life may not be as important as wet traction if it rains a lot where you live.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    mwcarlso;

    Check out Honda Odussey Thread (Van Board), I posted Michelin Tire comparison from Michelin Website. X-one is best.

    gess:

    X-one has better wet traction than Rainforce MX4

    regards,

    Bjk
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    bjk2001 "Honda Odyssey" Jul 11, 2002 11:58pm

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  • tnadomantnadoman Member Posts: 1
    After engaging reverse, then driving and stopping I'm getting some undesireable noises possibly in the brakes. Anyway, the problem stops if I keep driving and stopping. Aparantly, its only after reverse is engaged and then drive and stop.

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks
    Dave
  • liebesiliebesi Member Posts: 33
    I went to install the mud guards on my 02 ODY and had trouble getting one of the bolts to screw in, the guard stays on but is loose, the real problem is I tried to take another bolt from just above that hole and use that screw, it did not work and I think I tightened it too much and now the plastic molding in the wheel well is split around the srew and breaking off! Since my van is only 2 weeks old and I bought it out of state will a local dealer replace the broken part under warranty? nothing major just a bone head move on my part, instead of paying $179 to have the dealer install them I bought them for $58 online and messed up my new van!
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    liebesi:

    Sorry to hear about your cracked molding, I didn't have any problem to put mudguards on my 01 EX. It was my first time ever done it.
    Why don't you call your local dealer to see if they will honor the part warranty? Or eles try the out of state dealer you ordered it from.

    Good luck,

    Bjk
  • ohloneohlone Member Posts: 55
    while it can't hurt to ask about if the dealer will help you out, why would you think it would be covered?

    This doesn't sound like a defective part, it unfortunately sounds like something you accidently broke.

    If the dealer agrees to replace something you broke and cover it under warranty, consider it a gift.
  • gessgess Member Posts: 90
    Yes, I agree that the X-ones are rated higher but my Firestone's are rated high for wet traction as well and they are absolute crap. It makes you wonder how they rate these things and if the ratings stay true over the life span of the tire. My tire dealer explained that the MX4's are softer and the tread pattern channels water better than the X-ones so maybe they hold there traction better later in their life span. I dunno. Leaves me wondering why they call them rainforce.
  • carl2058carl2058 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2000 LX with 34000miles. The other day I noticed a long diagonal groove in the windshield where the passenger side wiper reverses direction to go back down. You can feel the groove with your finger nail. The driver side is OK. The dealer claims there must have been "something" on the blade and he will not replace the windshield under warranty. The wiper blades are less than a year old and work fine in rain. Has anyone else had this problem, and how was it resolved?
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Sounds like a blade problem to me also. I also have a grove in my work vehicle that was caused by a faulty blade.
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    No comparison-X-One is vastly better-When the MXV-4's break loose-it is virtually impossible to recover and they break loose quickly. Some of the worst wet traction tires I have ever owned-on an accord. Check out the ratings on tirerack. Lots of good tires out there-some not so good and some are guaranteed to provide lots of unwanted thrills.
  • wellphytwellphyt Member Posts: 28
    I have a 1999 Odyssey with 51,000 miles. The drivers side sliding door stopped working. It's at the dealer right now. They said the electronic touch pad needs to be replaced. I've had problems with both sliding doors sticking in the past. This is the first time one completely stopped working. Get this. Honda is recommending replacing both touch pads. And the new pads are a different design than the old ones.
    I believe this is an indication that the electronic pads are poorly designed and Honda is aware of the problem.

    I have a theory and would appreciate any feedback. I believe rain water is causing damage to the electronic pads. Each time I have had problems with my doors it was during a heavy rain. I opened the door to get my child out, which took about a minute, and when I closed the door it went part way and stopped. I believe if enough moisture gets on these pads they short out or something. Am I way off in left field on this?

    Honda said they would pay for the parts. The labor to put the parts in will cost me $300. I am not happy. I think they should do a complete recall on these pads.
  • wellphytwellphyt Member Posts: 28
    Just went through my service records. At 26922 miles I brought the vehicle in to the dealer because the drivers side door wasn't closing properly.

    I told this to the service manager, he pulled up my records and sure enough there it was. He then tells me that because they couldn't duplicate the problem at the time it wasn't technically broken.

    I quess as far as Honda is concerned the sliding doors not working properly is ok. They don't have to work all the time. Just most of the time. The only way for the doors to be fixed under warranty is if they completely fail.

    What a joke.
  • dkovachdkovach Member Posts: 5
    I just replaced my Symmetrys with the MXV4 Plus 225/60-16 on my Odyssey. I absolutely love them! They are a bit quieter than the Symmetrys and ride much better. Handeling of the van seems to be slightly better (not much). I guess that should be expected for a 4000lb vehicle. We recently took a trip and hit alot of heavy rain. These tires stuck to the road like glue.
  • wellphytwellphyt Member Posts: 28
    The price to replace the electronic pads for both doors is now down to $189. Honda is strongly recommending that I replace both pads, not just the one that is broke. Apparently the other one is destined to fail.

    Of course they have a service bulletin out on the electronic pads.

    Come on Honda. You know there is a problem with these electronic pads. Honda you really should consider a recall on these pads. Let me tell you why. When these pads fail they generally fail when the door is open. The only way to close the door is manually. And these doors are not designed to close manually. It is very difficult to get the door completely closed doing it manually. Somebody eventually is going to get in a wreck with a door that isn't closed properly because the pad failed, and somebody's child is going to get killed. Think about it.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    The pads have had a problem since 1999. The 2002 have better ones. Suggested maintenance is cleaning them with a pencil erasure periodically.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    Considering that you are 15k miles out of warranty, $189 is a very cheap bill to get the doors fixed. I understand that you had it in before and complained about the problem but I bet you are getting about $700 worth of work done for $189. If I were you I would accept their offer and then write a letter to the Honda and to the NHTSA explaining the problem you had with the door.
  • wellphytwellphyt Member Posts: 28
    I did accept the $189 offer. And yes I will write Honda.

    I still believe they need to do a recall.

    And yes it could have cost me more money. But to me that's not the point. I believe Honda should have designed doors to work longer than 50,000 miles. Don't you? I mean the sliding doors are kind of important since it is the only practical way to get to the rear seats.
  • krauserj1krauserj1 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone experienced (and corrected) a loud whistling noise (2002 LX) that originates in the front driver side air intake (in the front cowling) and travels through the channel to the second row vent? Dealer told me it was the roof rack. Several other owners (and myself) have removed the crossbars on the roof rack to no avail. Have had dealer check twice, told each time "it is just the front end design, unfortunately." Thanks.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Another alternative is to disconnect the the door gear assy. and bingo you now have mechanical doors. On the Town and Country you just throw a switch to change from electrical to mechanical.
  • cap99cap99 Member Posts: 4
    Brand new 2002 Honda Odyssey EX with non-Honda viper alarm and remote start installed. Recurring clicking sound heard on driver's side (sounds like coming from the wheel well or under the hood). Always audible going over a bump on the driver's side front wheel. Honda dealer claims they can't hear it or is blaming it on the alarm installers.They have wrapped a few loose wires here and there but the noise continues. Anyone experience any noise like this? Thanks.
  • lindammlindamm Member Posts: 1
    My 2000 Odyssey is in the shop right now for this exact problem (as well as new front brakes, mileage 35,800). I've told the dealer about it twice before, they claim they don't hear it, and as you know it's hard to explain. In frustration I started checking all the message boards this morning, and found on autofan.com that there is a service bulletin (#00-065) on 1999-2000 Odysseys for (what sounds like) this problem. I've read many horror stories this morning about people on their 3rd or 4th transmissions, so good luck to us all.
  • jmgregory5jmgregory5 Member Posts: 48
    I have a 2000 Ody EX with 29000 miles on it and I have been noticing a thrumming sound coming from what sounds like right front when going between 30 and 40. I took it into the dealer today to have it checked, after reading some of the posts here. They confirmed what some of you have been saying. A bearing in the tranny is bad - there is apparently a bulletin on it from Honda.

    Being covered under warranty was the good news. The service manager mentioned that Honda is now holding all replacement tranny's until they figure out why the bearing is defective. He couldn't give me time frame of when a replacement would be in (bad news). He of course assured me that it is safe to drive - although he said the sound would probably get worse and I would start to see an oil leak.

    Of course I already sense that it is making the sound more frequently and louder than when I took it in. Hopefully Honda will address this issue quickly.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    gregory:

    Did he give you the service bulletin number?

    bjk
  • jmgregory5jmgregory5 Member Posts: 48
    bjk,

    He didn't give me the bulletin number and I just grabbed my service invoice and it has no mention of the number either. To be specific on the problem - it is a faulty differential carrier bearing.
    jmg
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    jmg:

    Mmm, my 01 EX has the same 4 speed tranny as your 00. I have almost 15k on it, I don't have any problem yet. Not sure how extensive problem is this faulty differential carrier bearing affected? I better keep my eyes on mine!

    Thanks,

    bjk
  • jmgregory5jmgregory5 Member Posts: 48
    To my amazement, the service department called me today and left a message saying they got my replacement tranny in!

    It sounded like the service tech was just as amazed by this as I was at hearing the message. I will let everyone know how the replacement works. BTW the dealership said Honda would cover a rental for the day while they make the switch.

    jmg
  • hondafan7hondafan7 Member Posts: 1
    tires on '99 Odyssey EX worn out unsafely at 28,601 miles. All inside shoulder wear but dealer says alignment is OK. Any one else experience unusual or excessive tire wear? These were so bad they could easily blow & yet vehicle was in alignment. Had to replace all 4 already. Would love feedback.
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    Could you be carrying excessive weight in the rear? That will cause your tires to splay out at the bottom and ride on the inside shoulders.

    My 99EX got 65k miles on the original tires before they had to be replaced.
  • ppenkalppenkal Member Posts: 1
    The cruise control on my 1999 odyssey just stopped working. The dash board button is depressed and the LED illuminated, but the steering wheel controls do not function. I haven't determined the cause yet. Has anyone else had a problem like this?
  • cstarcstar Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 EX Odyssey. My 3rd row seat does not collapse into the back 'well'. I can push forward the 3rd row seat back support bench. But when I pull the release handle and pull strap to release the 3rd row seat and fold it over into the well, it does not move. It is staying stuck in that position.

    Has this happened to anyone else? Do you have any suggestions to fix it?
    Thank you in advance for your advise.
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