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Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions:(1995-2004 Models)
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If that's what it's doing, don't bother replacing the transmission, it isn't at fault. The problem seems to be that, in order to eke out a bit higher gas mileage, the shift computer upshifts very soon, causing a resonance to be transmitted up the shift cable. On mine, the fix was to better isolate the shift cable and to replace the "dynamic dampner," which is that block attached to the front crossmember next to the front motor mount, with one off a V6 Accord. Didn't get rid of the noise completely, but made it much less noticable.
As far as the rpm's going up and down, it may be that you are tipping in to the accelerator, causing the torque converter to unlock and the rpms to go up, and then you let off the accelerator and they come back down (my brother does this habitually at steady speeds, and he doesn't even know he's doing it). Try making a concious effort to hold the accelerator steady and see if that stops it from hunting up and down.
Now, if they would only fix my pull to the right...
We did have one accidental sliding door incident last spring - my wife took my daughter's Girl Scout troop camping. In the parking lot as they were loading up there were girls in the back and my daughter in the front passenger seat. A girl was leaned against the van talking to my daughter with her hand on the pillar between the doors. You guessed it, the girls in the back pulled the rear door closed and *smash* went the poor girls hand. It wasn't too terrible and I did a low-speed test on my own hand to see just how much pressure the doors put on (no I'm not a masochist!). It's enough to scare a 10 year old to tears but it won't cut fingers off or break bones - I'm just talking about having a finger stuck in the seal/door area - not the latch. Ever since I've thought about putting a "No Step" kind of sticker on the pillar like they put on airplane wings. It is tempting to lean on that pillar with both doors open...
keith r.
Warrenton, VA USA
I notice that if I step on the brakes in my 02-EX even lightly, there is a noticeable air sound like compressing an air cylinder. In sedans I've driven in the past you have to step on the brakes quickly and hard to hear this compression sound. In normal stop and go driving, you never heard the brake pedal being depressed. In my EX, the passengers hear when you've tapped the brakes.
As this is my first minivan, I don't know if this sound is normal. I'd much rather get laughed off this discussion board than find out I could've prevented something bad due to a misadjustment
From the LA Times,
"Mike Spencer, a spokesman for Acura, Honda's sport-luxury division, confirmed that there has been a "higher than normal incidence" of problems with two Honda-built automatic transmissions. Although many involve high-performance models such as the 260-horsepower Acura Type-S, others afflict 200-horsepower V-6 Honda Accords and 240-horsepower Odyssey minivans not usually associated with racing and speeding abuses.
The two transmissions are the five-speed used in V-6-equipped Acuras since the 2000 model year and in Honda Odysseys since the 2002 model year; and the four-speed automatic used in V-6 Honda Accords since 2000 and in 2000 and 2001 Odysseys. "
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020914/1036070.asp
What turned me off of the Caravans was the vaunted reputation for transmission problems. This definitely levels the playing fields to Daimler's, I mean, Chrysler's advantage.
Who wants to buy a new car, then get a rebuilt tranny put in it?
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020914/1036070.asp
The four-speed models were afflicted with a bad bearing that could break apart, scattering fragments of metal that clogged fluid passageways in the transmission, causing it to shift erratically, he said.
The five-speed models typically were damaged by premature wear of the third-gear clutch pack. As the clutch friction material abraded, it scattered bits inside the transmission case, clogging fluid lines and causing erratic shifting.
Honda and Acura dealers are replacing affected transmissions under warranty - typically with factory rebuilt transmissions, a standard industry practice, Spencer said. He said customers such as Lammens have been caught in an unusual situation because Honda has never had a run of bad transmissions and thus has never had to stockpile replacement parts. When the four- and five-speed automatics started breaking, he said, a backlog quickly developed.
"But we are trying to get parts into the system, and in the meantime we are providing loaners at no cost so our customers won't be without transportation," he said.
When I complained about the rear brakes squealing my dealer immediately changed out both linings and inspected the system. No Charge!. Our Ody is a very late model 2000 with about 22k.
Before my transmission is recalled I would like to ask whether this issue has been discussed before, or the mileage is nothing out of the ordinary? Thanks a lot for any help.
Hans.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Hans.
1. Fuel tank slosh noise: extremely annoying
and not within my tolerance. I've set up a case
with Honda North America to look into this.
2. Brake noise. When brake pedal is pressed, there is noise coming from the back. Again, very
very annoying.
So far, no transmission or sliding door issues.
However, I'm losing confidence in this car. My 83
Accord is better built. Things change, I guess :-(
The 10 mpg story is worrisome, but these other recent issues sound more like new car jitters. Most cars (even brand new ones) have some issues but your dealers should be able to easily address this stuff. It may be as simple as blowing out some brake dust and adjusting the door latches.
Odyssey's are great vans; enjoy them!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
After the fifth year of its production, there is still no other minivan like this one. I guess the selling points for this minivan are the Magic 3rd seat for huge cargo space, power sliding doors and the rear entertainment system. Others can remove the seats for more cargo space. I believe Honda can do a much better job to fix its reputation by replacing the defective transmission as their first priority (and build a better one for the new Odys), giving the owners some sort of relief like low interest rate, gift certificate toward parts, service or even their next Honda (if they still have faith in Honda).
I've called the Honda Customer Service center but no one contated me. I'm even thinking about not sending in my credit card payment, if no one calls me ... As you see, I'm pretty mad.
This morning, I found that the FM radio has a lot of static noise :-( So one more problem.
Overall, this is a very disappointing experience.
I don't think the gas tank sloshing problem happens to EVERY Odyssey. Does it????????
It sounds like some of the initial problems people are having is due to poor dealer prep. My dealer had the service department prep the van (as well as the detailers). Any quirks were fixed before I took delivery. I paid MSRP but the dealer was a class act all the way (David Michael's in Freehold, NJ).
You guys must have very good ears. I have never heard any gas tank noise. None of my kids heard it either. My radio works perfect, most static came from AM station when near power line or waiting for traffic light, FM only got static when I was driving way under freeway tunnel pretty much same as my other Honda, Toyota, Mercury. My Toyota Avalon is worse when you turn on rear window defrost your AM signal is nothing but static. I did replace both front and rear Odyssey OEM speakers with Pioneer speakers. They did improve sound quality but didn't change (improve) any radio signals.
I'll convey to him the following:
1. The fuel tank slosh noise is not happening to every one. So I'd like to have mine fixed.
2. The FM radio static noise needs to be investigated and fixed.
3. New problem: the passenger side sliding door has rattles while on somewhat rough road.
I'll post after the conversation. Thanks again!!!
I just thought prep meant "installing" (what a joke) floor mats & running it through a car wash kind of thing...
I forget - did someone mention checking your tire pressure too? Tires usually are over inflated for transport to prevent flat spots, and the dealers often forget to set them to the correct pressure when they prep them. That can cause pulling. Older Odysseys do have a "pulling" reputation, so you need to pay a bit of attention to this so you can get it fixed now.
You don't want to know about the "yard techs" removing the protective plastic and washing the new cars with the same power scrubber that they use to wash every other car on the lot. Some prep is best skipped :-)
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Maybe they should work through a checklist?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002-09-20-honda-warranty_x.htm
I heard a tech explain it as a side-effect of having the engine slightly off center to the right of the car.
Instead they are giving a warranty that is less than Hyundai or Kia's standard warranty and hoping people will accept it.
People are still going to be playing Russian roulette driving around in a Honda with these defective parts in the transmission, which by Honda's own admission are failing due to a defect.
Warranties don't solve defects.
Good customer service would.
I think the extension was the best way they can make ammends to this bad situation. Warranties fix the defect if it happens to the unlucky 2%.
on a 01 ody?