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Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions:(1995-2004 Models)
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this has brought about a problem i have never heard of, nor could ever imagine, and one that is downright scary.
as you know, the sliding doors on the van now have windows that come down (not all of the way, but maybe half?).
i'm still not sure which conditions create the following problem, but when those middle windows are down it is creating excruciating pressure on our ears. that includes all passengers. it is frightening---like something out of a movie. the kids were real shook up when we first discovered it......grasping their heads and ears and screaming for the pain to 'go away'.
i thought our eardrums were going to burst.
it also created a creepy, audible repetitive pattern of air circulating (trying to circulate?).
i can't recall if the front windows are up, down, or half-way down in this scenario.
i want to do some more 're-creating' of this situation so i can relay the EXACT conditions that create this effect, and then discuss with Honda's corporate team.
but i already know this: i didn't spend $30K on a new vehicle that can't travel with the windows down. gotta take action.
two questions:
1. has anybody had this happen?
2. any advice as to how i should proceed with Honda?
The air buffeting effect (sometimes called "helicoptoring", but I think there is another name for it) is common in a lot of cars, due to the pressure differential. Sort of like blowing air across the top of a bottle.
This actually happens quite often if you have a moonroof open, and the rest of the car sealed up.
usually, the solution is to equalize the pressure by opening another window, even if only a crack. With the EX-L, the first thing I would try is to tilt up the back edge of the moonroof, or you can open a front window too. Either one should equalize the pressure.
You will get a bit of buffeting in the slding door windows, just because of the size of the openings. Good way to collect all the loose trash in the far back (if it doesn't blow out of the window). Can't really say how this will be at highway speeds, since it hasn't been warm enough to drive with them down since we bought the van.
Actually, the best way in a van to balance the air pressure is to crack the rear vent pop-out windows, especially when you just have the moonroof open. Dumb idea by Honda to eliminate this feature.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
ETA
I would prefer an XM unit that is meant to work with the existing head unit. I'm leasing the vehicle and don't want to make any permanent modifications to it.
Thanks!
There has to be something going on here, I mean come on it's a HONDA!.
#1). roll one window down slightly and try closing the driver's door. easier?
i've heard VW bugs (remember, "it floats"), were so well sealed that you had to lower a window to close them. back in the late 60's, i seem to recall this was true on the bug my family owned.
maybe the cabin ventilation system to the outside doesn't pass enough volume quickly enough.
#2). try closing the door much more slowly.
If you get a choice between one with and without outside temperature, I recommend you skip the temperature feature since it's highly unreliable.
The cheapest way is to get a portable unit, and play it through the FM modulation. That can be picked up form not much over $100, and used in any car.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
i realize that having a middle window down (or partly down) is likely to cause some type of air flow issue, but, i assure you, this hardly seems quite as normal as some suggest.
our effect is pretty intense. the "helicoptering" sound is there and the pressure on what feels like the inner ear is very uncomfortable, especially on young children.
remember when (before things were new & improved), you could drive around in your vehicle with the windows down? now, it seems as though you need an instruction book telling you which windows to open, by how much, and how fast to drive or not drive, in order to avoid this disturbing sensation.
by the way, we traded in a '97 Grand Caravan for our '05 Odyssey purchase and that minivan did NOT produce this situation at all. that model did have rear windows that tilted open, operated by controls on the driver's door.
the only conclusion i've reached thus far: Honda likely made a mistake on its '05 Odyssey design by not having the rear side windows tilt open.
our effect is pretty intense. the "helicoptering" sound is there and the pressure on what feels like the inner ear is very uncomfortable, especially on young children."
Trust me, I know exactly the effect you're describing and the answer is still "it's absolutely normal". Try driving at highway speeds with rear windows opened in any 4-door sedan and you will experience the exact same effect. It's very loud and very scary but it's absolutely the way nature intented!
I am really worried and upset and was not expecting such a poor quality workman ship from Honda. I have insisted my dealership to replace the van but they won't do it saying that Honda would fix it under warranty.
Any one else had similar issues with 05 Odyssey, What should I do next?
Seems to be common on cars built in the last few years. Maybe the lack of rain gutters? (Doubt it really). Suspect it is a result of the aerodynamic flow as car makers struggle to get the best miles per gallon.
Only 22 days left, and they have to take the van back as a lemon (at least here in CA, that is the law)...
Frankly, I hardly ever open any windows ever. Who wants to be buffeted by high winds and hear all that outside and wind noise when you can ride quietly and comfortably in a heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer vehicle?
http://www.handa-accessories.com/odyssey/pollenfilter.gif
That is correct. Most factory alarm systems work like that. There are aftermarket alarms that can do more but remember - it's not like any actually pays attention to car alarms anyway.
I heard the procedure was simple. Anyone know how to do this?
We purchased one of the very first off the line - took it right off the truck. We have determined we will never do that again no matter how much we like the vehicle. We are entering into arbitration with Honda now, since we are leasing and technically they own this van. Our dealer here has backed us every step of the way - their service department has gone out of their way to work this through, and has told us if Honda won't take the van back, they will and will provide us with a brand new one.
PS - they have rented us a new Pilot - and that car rattles even more than the van! Every door on that rattles!
I have one important question for the others who have had Odyssey transmission problems. Did your transmission completely fail on you or are you all just plagued by vibrations and shuttering of a slipping transmission/torque converter?
My vehicle is being shipped to L.A. and I driving across the country and am wondering if I am asking for a transmission failure in Death Valley.
I am calling the Dealer tommorrow and asking them to contact Honda directly. I want a brand new unit this time...a thiird replacement within 5k miles is asking too much of someone.
On the Odyssey, with a bunch of fooling with the lumbar support backrest and seat tilt, it is possible to reach a fairly comfortable setting. Lucky my wife and I leave it at the same sttings (except as to how close the seat is to the steering wheel) so we don't have to deal with it changing all the time.
Hopefully Honda will give you a brand new trans instead of the rebuilt.
Good Luck.
My Dad purchased the 2005 Odyssey EX-L RES last week. Today we took the vehicle with barely 12 miles back to the dealer because it was making a strange noise. The service dept told us that they had to replace the steering pump. then shortly afterwards, they informed us that the alternator had to be replaced. My question is does this warrant our rights as consumer to request a replacement for a new vehicle? My Dad is very upset because a BRAND NEW car is giving us trouble already. The dealer is giving us the run around saying that problem is expected from any new vehicle and giving us a hard time. Any advice is appreciated.
Regards, John
My Dad purchased the 2005 Odyssey EX-L RES last week. Today we took the vehicle with barely 12 miles back to the dealer because it was making a strange noise. The service dept told us that they had to replace the steering pump. then shortly afterwards, they informed us that the alternator had to be replaced. My question is does this warrant our rights as consumer to request a replacement for a new vehicle? My Dad is very upset because a BRAND NEW car is giving us trouble already. The dealer is giving us the run around saying that problem is expected from any new vehicle and giving us a hard time. Any advice is appreciated.
Regards, John
Probably not - check the lemon laws of your state but most typically follow the out of service 30 days or 3 attempts to repair.
Good Luck.
Thanks! :confuse: