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

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Comments

  • wpalkowskiwpalkowski Member Posts: 493
    Did you check that bottom track of the door. My kids once dropped a small rubber toy that got caught in the very end of the track. It didn't cause the door to auto-reverse, but it wouldn't fully latch either.
  • hellodnthellodnt Member Posts: 1
    Hi there,

    I just purchased a Honda Odyssey Ex. And wonder what type of gasoline should I put. The sales person sold the van said put the cheapest gasoline because it all the same.

    Thanks
  • daisydavidaisydavi Member Posts: 5
    Update to message #3024
     Honda Carland in Alpharetta GA finally replaced my squeaky,grinding rear brake drums with the updated drums. (maybe wearing the low cut shirt helped after all)
     At first they informed me they did not honor the Honda Care Extended warranty as the original. I replied the Extended warranty covered everything exactly as the original. This is how it was sold to me.
     Then they replied that I had to call Honda (regional-corporate) to get the repair approved. I told them that was their job considering I have always been a good customer from day 1 of receiving my vehicle and finally, I was very unhappy with their treatment.
      I called Honda and within hours the dealer called back and told me they would do the repair at no charge to me. ($250) The dealer would pay the labor and Honda paid for the parts.
     Now, if only Honda developed a better,longer lasting brake pad for the front brakes, I'd be a very happy woman.
  • bryannbryann Member Posts: 54
    about the front brake issue, did you experience the warping and the shaking in the pedal and steering wheel when braking from moderate speeds? i got so fed up with the honda parts, i went to tireack and bought the brembo rotors and forgot the brand of the semi metallic pads, but that seemed to really help. i still have a little shake in the pedal and that must be from the rear drums. when the time is up for those, i will just replace with aftermarket as well. good luck.
  • lbking2lbking2 Member Posts: 1
    Need help with an engine diagnosis. Had two trouble codes initally appear:
    P0524 - no decription and P0118 Engine Cooling Temp Circuit High Input. At the same time the TCS light stayed lit for longer than normal after start up. Now also get P0481 Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit Malfuntion.

    Anyone else experience this ? Any good web sites to help me work through diagnosing components and repairing? Any good diagnostic guides out there?

    I have Chilton's manual but it isn't this specific.

    Thanks!!
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Thats typical of Honda and next time buy the extended warranty. Honda is not as reliable as you think.
  • pat84pat84 Member Posts: 817
    Thats typical of Honda and next time buy the extended warranty. Honda is not as reliable as you think.
    That's why I traded my 99 Odyssey in on a Toyota. After 21 days in the shop and 3 replacement transmissions before they got one worth installing, I lost confidence.
  • merscwogmerscwog Member Posts: 12
    Finally got my power inverter. Still get a ghosting problem, and as expected, interference lines showing up due to a modulated sine wave.

    If there is nothing in the DVD player, you can only select AUX input. If there is a DVD inserted, then either DVD or AUX may be selected.

    I tried everything I could, but was unable to cause ghosting or any other kind of distortion when the DVD player was supplying input to the LCD screen. I tried a camcorder on/off in the AUX jacks, and it didn't make any difference at all to the DVD sourced images. Of course, there was still ghosting on the AUX sourced images with or without anything in the DVD player.

    I'm starting to wonder if the A/V jack inputs on the LCD are grounded to anything other than themselves. That might explain why only the AUX inputs exhibit ghosting (except when I use a straight DC plug, and then I only get rolling bands).

    I really need to find time to test out some other Odysseys. I also need to check out the Sienna, and Grand Caravan installed packages to see if they behave any better.

    -merscwog
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    the quality of the cable from the DVD source up front (i presume in the dash) was poorly shielded and very long...acting like a nice antenna for any stray emf on one of the signal lines.

    if the DVD input source was "active", it would most surely stomp on any secondary EMF riding on it, but if the source was the AUX inputs, maybe secondary induction on the DVD cable because of the length of the cable run?

    any chance to disconnect that input (at the display) so that all you're running into the thing is your aux input, power, and control signals?

    i realize there has to be power comming into the display, and I presume a control signal that says "switch between DVD source and AUX source". I doubt the aux inputs run up to the front of the car, and then back to the display...but since I don't own one, I suppose you'd check that too (ie, when you switch between the sources, where is the switching being done (at the display) or at the head-end unit?

    does this make any sense?

    I guess, you'd have to see if the dealer were willing to dis-mount one of these things, and inpsect / let you see if there isn't a DVD input you could unplug (at the display) to run another test with your camcorder.

    If you could disconnect it, and if your aux input was then displayed as expected, then perhaps the issue is with a long cable run between the head-end and the display.

    sorry, I'm only guessing. ((for all i know, maybe the head end is converting DVD into a 1volt p-p signal on an RCA cable)). Yikes.

    good luck.
  • merscwogmerscwog Member Posts: 12
    I don't believe that I'm allowed to mess with the display or the dash components without voiding the warranty, and the dealership will not work on the problem any more until I can convince Honda I have a legitimate problem (although I may be able to find someone sympathetic at the dealership if I can point to a properly functioning vehicle on their lot).

    From a yahoo message board, I've gotten confirmation from a 2003 and a 2004 EXL Ody owner that both have clear displays when using a camcorder. There is another 2003 poster who seems to have had similar problems as myself, but I haven't heard back from that person.

    I think I'm at the point where the only thing I can do is find another Ody where there is no problem (using my equipment) and then demonstrate the poor visual quality in my van. Now it's just a matter of having time and hauling around a few test devices.

    -merscwog
  • tnanatnana Member Posts: 10
    Following message by auburn63 saved me some bucks:
    (BTW, the fuse is "Clock Backup". auburn63 did post a correction few messages later)

    Thanks auburn63

    ==== how to re-learn the doors ===========
    Start with the doors fully closed. In the passenger side under dash fuse box remove the 4th fuse in on the top row, note the clock should go out when fuse is removed. Leave out for 30 seconds. Reinstall fuse, using the door buttons on the dash relearn one door at a time by pushing the door button and holding it until the door is fully open, then push and hold the close button until it is fully closed. Then repeat for the other door. Now try them and they should work normally. It is also a good idea to clean your door contacts with a pencil eraser every now and then..Good luck
    ======================
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There are some wrench turners over in the Maintenance & Repair board.

    Steve, Host
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    2000 ODYSSEY - DTC Troubleshooting: P0118 (6)
    DTC P0118-'99-00, '02-03 Models: ECT Sensor Circuit High Voltage

    NOTE: Information marked with an asterisk (*) applies to '02-03 models.

    Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
    The other two codes didnt come up while looking for them so I would try and diag this one first, also make sure your coolant is full, Good luck,
    Check the ECT with the scan tool.

    Is -4 ºF (-20 ºC) or less (or L-Limit in Honda mode of PGM Tester), or 5 V indicated? YES - Go to step 3.
     
    NO - Intermittent failure, system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the ECT sensor and the PCM.n
     

    Turn the ignition switch OFF.

    Disconnect the ECT sensor 2P connector.

    Connect ECT sensor 2P connector terminals No. 1 and No. 2 with a jumper wire.

    Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

    Check the ECT with the scan tool.

    Is -4 ºF (-20 ºC) or less (or L-Limit in Honda mode of PGM Tester) or 5 V indicated? YES - Go to step 8.
     
    NO - Replace the ECT sensor.n
     

    Turn the ignition switch OFF.

    Remove the jumper wire.

    Connect PCM connector terminals C18 and C26 with a jumper wire.

    Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

    Check the ECT with the scan tool.

    Is -4 ºF (-20 ºC) or less (or L-Limit in Honda mode of PGM Tester), or 5 V indicated? YES - Substitute a known-good PCM and recheck. If normal ECT readings are indicated, replace the original PCM.n
     
    NO - Repair open in the wire between the PCM (C18, C26) and the ECT sensor.n
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    glad to have helped in some way...
  • lauroblaurob Member Posts: 9
    Bought brand new 03, was back in shop before 1200 miles. Stayed there 18 days & we drove rental while waiting for “Honda Tech” from Calif. Transmission slips/bucks while driving at a steady 45-55 while tachometer is jumping from 0 to 3. "Thrumming" noise from drive train(?) at same speed. Gear shift lever won't go in D3 at times. Worst part... when accelerating from stop engine revs, but car won’t go, then it “catches” and shoots out. VERY dangerous when entering roadway/trying to pass. Also getting 14mpg city & highway combined.
    Windshield, rearview mirror, and driver’s side mirror all had to be replaced due to huge distortions. New windshield NO BETTER!
    Here’s the best part, the dealership says, “We drove it, & it didn’t happen to us. You must come drive w/us to prove it.” WE DID... Now they say, we admit there is a problem, but we don’t know what’s causing it, and if we don’t know what’s causing it, we can’t fix it... Here’s your car back!!!! All done very politely, but still a smokescreen to avoid responsibility. We have a brand new $30,000 car that we’re afraid to drive w/our children.

    Has anyone else out there had these specific problems? What was done to fix them? Any advice/suggestions on where to go from here with Honda Company? Thanks in advance for any ideas/help...
  • wpalkowskiwpalkowski Member Posts: 493
    First off, I might try a different Honda service department. Explain to them that you're having this difficulty with your van and XYZ Honda hasn't been able to fix it. Give them a shot, some times a different mechanic sees something, the other missed.
      If other dealership can't give you satisfaction, I'd start contacting Honda Corporate. If they brought in a tech from CA, does this mean that the Honda Regional Rep is involved with the problem? If not, look in back of owner's/warranty manual, there should be a listing of contact numbers for your region. They are there in case you have warranty issues that dealer's having difficulty resolving.
      Keep track of all your visits to dealer, keep & copy of all your work orders and receipts. Take copious notes on conversations, & phone calls with service people/managers. And start looking into the Lemon Law requirements for your particular state. You will need all of the documentation to back up your case. If you can present your case clearly, and logically to the Honda Rep
      Most of all, try to stay calm about it. I realize $30K is not chump change, but if you go in screaming, people are less inclined to help you.
  • lexusrocklexusrock Member Posts: 74
    and managed to have Honda paid at least some of it. I had a Honda service rep inspected the noise around 35K and was told that it's just wear and tear and can be fixed by resurfacing drums on next service. Well now (45K) I know it's really a defective rear drum material and SB 03-013 applies to it, but the dealer would not do anything saying it's OOW. The SB did mention so-called goodwill consideration may be possible by District Parts and Service Manager or my Zone Office to fix this thing. Has anyone had any luck with that?
  • lexusrocklexusrock Member Posts: 74
    Is the $250 quoted for both part (both drums) and labor? Do you happen to know how much is for each?
  • crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    My wife's '95 Ody had its SRS light come on and stay on a couple months back. Then, about a week ago, the battery died and was replaced. SRS light was still on after new battery. Finally took it to dealer this past Sat. to get light checked out. They supposedly put it on the computer, checked some codes, reset something, light went out, and charged $40. I then asked two different service people(not mechanics)if the bags would still have deployed as long as the battery was good. They said, no, that if the SRS light is burning then the bags will not work. I have some trouble believing them. Do you suppose they've been told to always give such answers concerning the SRS light. You know, CYA. Given all the litagation these days it wouldn't surprise me. I've just got to believe the bags would work with a good battery and no other damage to the system and that the light in this case was just registering the low voltage of the old battery. Any opinions out there? Thanks.
  • mwcarlsomwcarlso Member Posts: 85
    My mom has a 2000 Odyssey EX that had this same screeching rear brakes problem. She had her brakes fixed last January and they have been fine ever since. The dealership was happy to fix them at no charge probably because of the Honda Care Extended Warranty. I hope Honda will step up and do the right thing. It would be stupid to lose a customer over a repair costing only a few hundred dollars. Good luck.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Your post is puzzling to me.

    Why would you want to even take a chance of the airbags not working?

    If the SRS light is on, theu means there is a good chance the airbags will not deploy.

    You can assume they won't and any smart dealership employee will tell you that!

    The condition of the battery has nothing to do with this!
  • crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    What's to be puzzled about? I was merely looking for an answer to my question. Is it true that the airbags will definitely not work if the SRS light is on? You seem to indicate by your response that it is not absolute. I am also a bit annoyed that I am forced to return to the Honda dealer for this problem to be resolved. Will I have to have the light reset by only Honda every time I change the battery. Apparently no one else can obtain the necessary equipment to perform this service. Finally, while I like having airbags, I feel seat belts are even more important and would not hesitate to drive without the SRS. Of course, in that regard, I'm not speaking for my wife.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    My sister had some recall work done on her VW's brake lights the other day. 50 miles later her airbag light comes on.

    When she called the dealer she was told not to worry about it.

    I gave her VW's 800 number and the customer service person freaked and told her to get it to the dealer ASAP.

    The dealer is expecting her :-)

    Steve, Host
  • crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    I neglected to explain in the earlier post that the only reason I mentioned the battery was because an independent shop and the Honda dealer both suggested that to be the cause of the tripped SRS light.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I guess if it were my wife's car I would want to make very sure her airbags were working.

    Of course, she drove a lot of cars a lot of years without airbags for that matter.

    Still,I would want them to work. I wouldn't guess or just hope that
    they would deploy if needed.

    I've never heard of a battery swap triggering an airbag light to come on but I guess it's possible.
  • rfoxnerfoxne Member Posts: 4
    How do you replace the light for the odometer(99 EX)? Is it worth the trouble? It's a minor inconvenience (all the other dash lights work), but nice to have on trips.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    laurob
     I have seen a few problems that act as yours that ended up being the EGR valve lift sensor giving out incorrect readings to the computer. One other thought that I have seen in S2000s that act this way is bad connections at the map sensor. As for the hesitation taking off is this from a dead stop or a rolling stop or reaccel without coming to a complete stop?

     crissman
     The SRS is not and should not be able to deploy with the SRS light on. Once the light is on the control unit stops communicating with its controllers which makes it disabled. A low battery condition can cause the SRS light to come on and unit to set a power failure code or SRS unit failure code. These codes can be reset by a manual procedure or by a Honda diag tool.
  • crissmancrissman Member Posts: 145
    Thank you for the explanation regarding the SRS light. I'm glad we got that taken care of. This also restores a bit of faith in our local Honda dealership who I've never totally trusted.
  • milo99milo99 Member Posts: 2
    I have the new radio (the back lighting went dead on my old radio) - I just need some rough guidance as to how to remove the factory radio/cassette player that came with my 2000 Odyssey. That is - how do you remove the panel that is encased around the radio?

    All help appreciated
    Thanks
    markmiller_99@hotmail.com
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    I usally put the shifter in low gear, pop out the little accesory switch cover on the left, grab inside the opening and pull outward. The entire panel is held in by about 10 clips, then the radio screws are on each side. good luck
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    The weather stripping between the rear spoiler / center brake light assmbly and the rear hatch window has been coming loose and is now about to fall out. Has anyone else had this problem? I want to replace this myself, so is it just a simple matter of taking off the spoiler from the hatch and removing/replacing the weather strip? Can anybody help with a part number of that particular weather strip? Thanks.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    There's a TSB out on it...so if you can get your hands on it, it will clearly outline the repair.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Occasionally you can get the full text of a TSB from the NHTSA. There are ~215 TSBs listed there for the '99 Ody, and I didn't have patience to search through them. Here's the link if you want to take a look; probably easier to ask your service writer to give you a copy.

    NHTSA

    Steve, Host
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    It's TSB #01061, dated June 26, 2001.
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    Thanks a lot folks. Does that mean I can try to get to dealer to fix this for free even though the van's out of warranty?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Nope :-( Unless you've bribed the service manager with donuts lately....

    You, Your Vehicle and the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)

    Steve, Host
  • wpalkowskiwpalkowski Member Posts: 493
    To remove the rear spoiler: Open the rear hatch, look way up at top of hatch, near the hinges, there're four little plastic covers. Underneath are the four nuts that hold the rear spoiler in place. Take 'em off. You also need to detach the rear windshield washer supply hose at the connector.

    Gently close the hatch. Now grasp spoiler from the sides and lift it gently upwards. Bolts are captive in the spoiler, so you may have
    to wiggle assembly to get spoiler to come away from hatch. Be careful not to scratch up the back of the van.

    Loose rubber strip can be glued back on with automotive gasket cement available at autoparts stores. Give glue time to set, then reinstall spoiler in reverse order of above.
  • stebustebu Member Posts: 204
    Thanks for the tip. The strip on my '00 is also loose and popping out. This sounds like a fairly painless DIY project.
  • vitaliykvitaliyk Member Posts: 1
    I've got Check Engine light for the third time on my Honda Odyssey 2000 EX in about two month period. First time my dealer charge me for about $100 and looks like just reset computer. After one week I got it again and bought the new tank cup from the dealership. The dealer did something and charge me the same money again. Now I've got it again and I do not want to pay another $100 dollars for the dealer's test procedure. My car under 7 year Honda's warranty so if there is a real engine problem I guess Honda have to replace the whole engine.
    Any comments will be appreciated.
  • rbell2rbell2 Member Posts: 180
    Some of them will read the engine code for you to see why it says you have a check light on. I think most do it for free. This happened on my '98 Accord and the service guy recommended I first fill it back up with gas and be sure to tighten the cap. He said he would check it but it would cost $85. I did what he said and the light went out in a couple of days. Good luck.
  • uncletruncletr Member Posts: 8
    Why do you have to pay anything? Shouldn't the light being on be a "problem" they need to fix under the warranty? Do warrantees cover fixing the problem but not diagnosing what the problem is?
  • wpalkowskiwpalkowski Member Posts: 493
    "Shouldn't the light being on be a "problem" they need to fix under the warranty?"

    They hit you for their time to do the diagnosis. Since it isn't a repair, it's not covered.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    If you are under the 3yr 36k warranty then the code is pulled, diag is done and repair is made without a charge to the customer.
      If you have an extended waranty since they all are a little different most places will get diag time first in case of non coverage by the extended warranty company.
      If you have a emissions extension warranty (95 V6, 96-97 all except passport) and it is still valid then again it is the same as the regular warranty their should be no charge as long as their is a failed part due to the fact that the extension will not cover wire or connector problems it must be a component failure.
      If the vehicle is found to have a bad catalytic converter or a bad ECM/PCM then the diag time should be returned as they are covered for 8yr/80k on most Hondas.
      One other exception is if the vehicle is in the EGR extension which is also 8yr/80k on certain models.
       So as you can see with so many options and conditions most places try to get the money first then return it if it is under one of the warranties as a covered component.
  • remset65remset65 Member Posts: 4
    Spent last hour going through 1,000 messages trying to find out how to turn off that annoying "Maintenance Reqd" dash indicator. I recall reading a post once about it. Can anyone help me?

    Also, has anyone experienced the infamous "skreeching-rear-drums-when-coming-to-a-stop-problem" and replaced the drums themselves? I've been blessed with this problem and am considering purchasing the new drums (P/N 42610-S0X-305, I believe)and replacing myself but first would like to hear if someone else has done this and whether it solved the problem? At 109,000 miles, I'm not going to even attempt a "goodwill consideration." (Maybe if I was 20-yr-old co-ed). Anyone know what the drums cost?

    Just FYI: I've had my EGR Valve and Sleeve replaced and cleaned about every 35K for about $200.00 per trip. I'm a pro now: Engine light comes on, have dealer order part, take van in, replace. Honda really blew that one.

    Also, I've never had any transmission problems (yet). Interesting it affects some but not others.

    Thanks to anyone that can assist. Mark
  • tcasboytcasboy Member Posts: 214
    The owner's manual describes how to reset the maintenance required light. If I remember correctly, you simply hold down the odometer reset knob and then start the vehicle while holding it in for about 5 seconds. The light will reset.

    I haven't had any problem with the brakes on my 2000.

    Hope that helps some.
  • desertkevdesertkev Member Posts: 76
    I have read all posts and after several trips to honda service about difficulty opening the sliding doors intermittently, they replaced the "subseals" allegedly. I will let you know if this doesn't work. Otherwise we just drove it to Florida and back (2400 miles roundtrip)...avg 26mph using 87 octane gasoline. Just replaced alternator because all dash lights would flash occassionally. Good luck all.
  • abiggieabiggie Member Posts: 3
    Belated thanks for your suggestion (message #3118)on sliding door problem. That wasn't the problem but "my rear end" is now calibrated to easily push the sliding door closed, so I'll live with as a continuing reminder of the reality of Honda's true reputation for reliability and quality and support for their products once you buy them. As I look at these messages of Odyssey problems and Honda's response to them, I wonder what has happened to Honda and their reputation for customer support.
  • bernpbernp Member Posts: 2
    I tried to turn off the need servace light with my OBD2 code reader. Instead, I somehow disconnected the passenger window and the vent windows from the driver's door control panel. How can I re-establish window control? (The driver's window still works.)
  • bernpbernp Member Posts: 2
    The need service light comes on periodically in my 99 Odyessy. It has less than 20,000 miles and doesn't need it's belts and liquids checkd for $150 dollars. I find this marketing ploy annoying and would like to know how to turn off or permanently dissable this marketing tool. The dealer won't turn off the light without getting their pound of flesh. I suggested a piece of electrical tape over the bulb, but it drives my wife crazy knowing it's on. Any comments would be appreciated.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    RTM - read the manual!!

    The procedure for turning off the maint rqd light is there. It goes something like this: hold down trip meter reset stalk and turn ignition to the on position. Hold until light goes out. This may not be it exactly so as I noted - RTM.

    Also, it's not a marketing tool. It's designed to come on every 7,500 miles to remind you to do the minimum recommended service in order to maintain good working order or your warranty at a minimum.
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