Does your noise fit the following description?: At just below 50 mph, as soon as the transmission upshifts to the highest gear and the rpm's drop to about 1400-1500, you hear a low pitched droning noise. It persists until about 55 mph, at which point it gradually disappears as speed increases. If you accelerate enough to make the trans downshift or unlock the torque converter, the noise goes away immediately.
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...
Our 2000 LX popped a 'bang!' a few times on tight right inclined turns. I attributed it to the spring perch or another suspension piece that rarely gets extended to a maximum. I had the dealer look and they saw nothing broken. I have not had the problem all summer either.
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...
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
We will soon be taking delivery of an '03 which is now waiting for us at the dealer. When I test drove it last week I also noticed the air sound and questioned my salesman about it. He wanted to know if my '01 does the same thing. It does not; I only hear a clicking sound when I depress the brake while in park. When I questioned that last year I was told it was some sort of safety mechanism. I don't remember the explanation.
I posted a message in August about my 2002 EXL that pulled to the left. Four visits to the dealer and no fix. Finally, after a lemon law letter and repeated badgering the honda "tech" came out ot look at my car. He ended up installing specially manufactured camber bolts in the front end. I picked it up and immediately took it on a business trip for 140 miles on the highway. It's fixed enough so my lemon law case is probably moot, but it's not right. Still pulls to the left from the middle lane of a three lane highway EVERY time. it used to pull to the left even from the right lane of the highway, now it doesn't, so clearly there is some improvement. I'm too tired to keep fighting though. Basically, I feel disappointed in the car and certainly with American Honda customer service(though the service person at Executive Honda was a nice guy)-I'm guessing it's inappropriate to name names in their National customer service dept, but let's just say this person is in the wrong line of work--he made people at the DMV look incredibly helpful. I will write aletter and see if anyone cares. Now I feel like I should have bought the Kia Sedona for 20K instead of the Honda for 28K. At least then I would have expected some minor issues--you get what you pay for. But with Honda...I clearly haven't. My last comment has to be that for anyone taking delivery of a car--drive that darn thing and test everything--and don't even think about accepting it unless everything works--you just never know. I bet if people stopped taking delivery of cars there would be some very quick attention to these defects.
I was wondering if it would be feasible to change the rear drum brakes to disc brakes like the 2002 model has. The rear brakes make a very loud, embarrasing noise right before the van stops, and Honda is aware but hasn't solved the problem. I would also think the van would stop better with disc brakes anyway. Also, the van has an extended warranty through Honda, so I wonder if this would void it. I would rather spend money upgrading the brakes than have to buy a new one, since everything else seems fine. Any thoughts.
Honda has finally acknowledged there is a problem, but they refuse to recall them!!
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. "
With all these problems about the Odyssey, how come people are still buying them? This is the reason why Honda is selling them at MSRP--because of the high demand. Is it loyalty or just plain old ...
Honda has a reputation for reliability. Unfortunately, this will be one really big black eye against the company.
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.
Spencer said Honda engineers identified the root of the problems a few months ago and have redesigned the transmissions.
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.
I think that would pretty costly due to new axle shafts and all the brake component parts. Not to mention possible ABS sensors or the hydraulic system.
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.
I'm getting around 10 miles/gallon in a 2002 Odyssey EX. The driving is almost entirely in the city with frequent four-way stops and traffic lights (that for some reason are always red when I come) and the A/C is on but load is light. Nevertheless the low mileage surprises me as I seem to recall 18 mpg officially rated and I'm fairly minivan-like dull in driving style.
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.
City driving and the A/C can hammer mpg, but 10 sounds too low. Is your van brand new? Mileage generally improves as it gets broken in. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Anyone else surprised at fit between joints in above? Sliding doors do not seem to align 100% with rest of body/front door when closed, which with domestic vans wouldn't surprise me (ha), but Honda? Rear bumper also somewhat off from rear lower quarter body panel. I'm talking millimeters here but it catches my eye & is not very Honda-like.
The gas sloshing noise is pretty well documented and is caused by the flat tank design (Honda did add a baffle to the tank in '99 or so). Most people report that they just tune it out after a short while.
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
Despite the problems about the Odyssey, people are still buying the Odyssey because there is no other minivan like this. My relative had to wait four months and paid MSRP for his new 2000 EX in spring 2000. The right power sliding door didn't close completely and the rear wiper motor was broke, all happened within one year of driving. The TCS and Engine lights were on for unkown reasons. The dealership didn't figure it out what's wrong. However, there is no problem with the transmission. They are now consider the Honda Care before the factory warranty expire next spring. 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).
Thanks for replying. This morning, my wife has come to a point that she doesn't want to drive the van anymore because of the gas tank sloshing noise. So she's back to her Camry and I'm driving the van now.
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????????
As far as I've heard (monitoring this board and others for the past 3 years), the gas tank sloshing noise happens to everyone as it is the result of the shallow depth of the gas tank to accomodate the magic seat. In the dozen or so friend's Ody's I've driven in, the sound is present and just as loud. It should occur only until the tank empties to around 7/8 or so, and it should sound like a watermelon rolling around in the back (best description I ever heard). Anything louder or longer than that could be another problem.
They all do it, after a while you don't notice it. The radio is poor on them all too. What sort of noise do you get from the rear brakes? Probably just the pads shifting which they all seem to do as well to a greater or lesser extent. None of these things are particularly good things but they are characteristic of the vehicle and your best bet is to get used to them and then enjoy all that is good about the Odyssey.
I have over 4500 miles on my 2002 EX-L and have never heard any sloshing/rolling watermelon sounds. I have driven in the city, on the highway, up and down hills, over bumps and with the tank at different fill levels. It is either non-existent, very faint or I am partially deaf. Also, my radio reception is the same as any other car I have owned, brakes are quiet, wheels are aligned, transmission is smooth and doors work. Hopefully it will stay that way.
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).
is not very loud, it only occurs when the tank is almost full, and I only seem to hear it when I'm backing up slowly, say when backing out of a garage (which involves short backward lurches and seems to really get that gas sloshing. It would easily get drowned out by someone talking or the radio on. When you combine all those factors, you can understand why some people have never heard it...
I too have heard the slosh and like Phil, I experience it when backing up. It is not loud, to the point I don't think I'd hear it with the radio on. The radio is just fine - I enjoy the wheel mounted controls. It is the speakers, particularly the front door mounted ones that are the problem. Very little lower bass extension. A cheap fix that I have read about is to substitute a pair of Pioneer speakers (forget the model - under $100) in the doors. It is a plug and play type of installation. Forget the ones in the back - they aren't heard up front and only provide fill in sound. The tweets in the dash should be just fine. Haven't tried it myself because whenever I drive the van, there's kids in it and better speakers would be pointless.
I have my 01 EX since 7/01 17k miles on it now, so far no complaint. Gas mileage is between 17- 22 MPH close to my old much smaller Mercury Villager. 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.
The fuel tank slosh does happen to every vehicle, it's just that not everyone hears it or notices it. Even if they change out your radio I don't think you'll get any improvement, it's reception is just poor. It's quite likely that your sliding door seals need to be lubricated with "shin-etsu" grease which your dealer should have. That will likely stop your door making a rattling sound (yes, really!).
If you think no one is listen to your problems, try to write to the Customer Affair at your regional office. The addresses are printed on the back of your owner's manual. This maybe your last resource. I first wrote the Honda about my relative long-waited Odyssey. He finally got his in spring 2000 (was ordered around Thanksgiving Day 2001). No one from the dealer had called about the waiting ever since. We called and got no response. Honda sent him $100 certificate toward parts and services. I contacted the Honda second time about a misleading pricing information on a newspaper ad on the same dealership. He thought he was going to lose his $200 deposit. He later got his $200 back. Don't know if they will listen to your problems about tranny failure this time.
I suggest people have problem with their Odyssey to call or write your regional Customer Affair center. They are listed on the back on the owner's manual. It properly gives some pressure to them.
for your advice, I will try having the dealer adjust the door latches. I drove my new 02 home late in evening 3 weeks ago & have not had chance to go back & have them prep it. the other thing I hope they can adjust is, when I tilt the power driver seat, it seems to catch on something (feels internal, mechanical) & then break free. also, i hope they'll balance steering which pulls a bit to one side. that is, if they'll still prep it considering it's been 3 weeks? knowing my luck they'll prob tell me there'd be a charge for prep.
I just thought prep meant "installing" (what a joke) floor mats & running it through a car wash kind of thing...
The steering pull could be an alignment issue (happened to me in my 1st month of ownership of my MV). That (and your other issues) should be covered under warranty (assuming there's a "fit and finish" warranty for the first year, as is common).
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
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.
I do not think there are any differences between the transmissions in 1999 and 2000, but starting in 2000 the manufacturing process or materials of a specific component must have changed, causing the higher failure rate.
Was the transmission that much different in the 2000 vs. the 99? I thought it didn't change until 2002. I had a 99 transmission go bad out of warranty and paid $1200 out of pocket for Honda to replace it. Wonder why 99's aren't included in this refund/extended warranty deal???? My first Honda - and I have been totally unimpressed with service.
Too bad Honda didn't choose to fix the defect in the transmission.
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.
Recalling a tranny for replacement isn't as easy as a Firestone tire... That's like a heart bypass surgery - you don't want to do it unless you really have to.
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%.
This has been my only problem on my 01 ody gg The light went out on the clock on the dash, the clock still works, but at night you can't see the time. Does anyone know of a fix? It is not mentioned in the manual, the fuse is for the clock. Thanks
Can't help you but it made me laugh. A couple years back, I read on this forum about a guy that had the same problem and his solution was to carry a small flashlight. When he wants to know the time, he shines the flashlight on the clock. I wonder what he would do if he lost a headlight.
You need to remove the panel around the radio to gain access to the screws that hold the intrument panel/vent panel in place. Once you get this out then the bulb is the easy part.
Peter, do have any suggestions on how I can get the info from TSB 01-097 Digital Clock Light? The bulb in it burned out and the dealer wants about $80.00 to replace it. My warranty on my ODY 2000 EX expired last month. Thanks.
Comments
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?