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

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  • agreenagreen Member Posts: 2
    Hi. I have just read through this topic after being away for a while. Looks like a lot more of the same problems.

    My 2000 LX had a little run in with a deer. This suicidal dear ran into the front right panel of my van, but it is fixed now.

    The problem is my drivers side window is the only one that will open and close. The other three windows don't work from the switches on either side of the car. From what I think I read in the users manual, it says that the three windows are controlled by 3 different fuses, so I doubt it is that. Has anyone ever heard of this?

    I don't know whether to ask the body work shop, maybe they could have caused the problem? Or the dealer in that it could be a warranty issue.

    Also, two of the lines on my defroster don't work. The dealer said it was from damage to the window and it is not warranty work??? They said that I should get a window repair place to try to fix the lines. If they did the work, it would be much more expensive.

    Impressions?
    Amy
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    Amy, Those three inoperable windows are all controlled by one master switch in the drivers door arm rest. My guess would be to start there.

    As to the rear window defroster wires, you can find do-it-yourself repair kits in most auto supply stores.
  • cardingtrcardingtr Member Posts: 23
    My NAV screen is white with black lines at startup. I doesn't show the "normal" screen at times, now it happens 90% of the time. I called the dealer yesterday and they said "never heard of it"..
    Is this a known problem? I need some info before I go to the dealer on monday. It is very frustrating considering I bought this model just for this feature..
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    My understanding of your post was the deer hit the right front panel (right fender) of your van. How could that effect the rear defogger. I would tell your Honda serviceman that he is wrong unless after the deer hit the front of your van you slammed on the brakes and backed into the deer after he flew over your van and you backed into him on the second bounce. He may be right on the opening etc. of the 3 windows but I doubt that too unless there is a wire harness in the area they repaired that came loose or they broke a wire. I would tell them to repair the windows and unless there was something wrong near the damaged fender it is under warranty. The rear window is surely under warranty.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Could it be the window lock switch is on? If not then does everything else seem to be ok such as door locks? Sometimes the multiplex can get out of sync and need a reset however if it is just the windows it sure does sound like the window lock is on in the drivers side master switch..
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    Once again we seem to be on the same page. See my message #503.

    Speaking of the same page, has anyone seen 2k1ody?

    *:o))
  • odyfanodyfan Member Posts: 40
    I think he is busy taking apart his transmission! just kidding :)
  • agreenagreen Member Posts: 2
    Hi guys. Talk about pilot error about my windows!!! Yup, it was the master switch. I forgot that that stopped even the drivers switches to work (silly, silly) and honestly, I don't think I ever shut it!

    I haven't decided what to do about the defroster lines. I don't remember hitting anything against it... except for normal slam the door things.

    Amy
  • bluffbluff Member Posts: 6
    A while back someone, I'm not sure Who but I suspect 2k1ody, was working on a soluton to getting the spray nozzle on the rear window to "spray" and not stream onto the window. Does anyone know how to get the spray to spray!!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Someone has modified the one on the CRV - see instructions at"

    www.honadsuv.com

    click on "Under the Hood" over on the right

    then click on "Rear Nozzle Upgrade" on the left.

    I planned on seeing how much similarity there is with the Ody. I was going to try once winter was over (and my wife not around), but since winter has decided to dump on us today, it'll be a couple more weeks.

    Perhaps 2k1ody could start there.
  • pododebpododeb Member Posts: 4
    I too am experiencing the flunking. Can someone get the TB number? I have hit many roadblocks.

    I have already got the dealer to replace my tires and put on alloy wheels on my 2000LX. But, I intend to have them fix this issue too. Luckily we purchased the 100,000 warranty. I am also having them replace my molding on the right passenger sliding door. It sticks so badly that my children and sometimes I can't even open it. Finally, does replacing the rear motors really fix the loud squeaking? or are they all like that.

    Thanks to everyone for all of their comments, especially auburn63. Whoever you are - I consider you the guardian angel of problematic odd owner. (smile)
  • pododebpododeb Member Posts: 4
    I meant to say CLUNKING when going in reverse. I guess I'm the only one flunking - in typing!
    Sorry, and thanks
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    I was just telling a co-worker the other day (who had ask if I had seen him) that I haven't seen him on. I wondered too where he went..Don't know how I missed your post, sorry to duplicate..
  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
  • olmanwifnoteefolmanwifnoteef Member Posts: 3
    I've made several posts in the past 6 months regarding problems with my 2000 Ody LX. To date:

    1. New Transmission. After 3 visits regarding reverse clunk, dealer responds!

    2. Creaking in front suspension. 4 visits. Lubricated strut bushings twice, now creaking is much worse.

    3. Sliding Door rattles. 4 visits. Adjusted twice, new seals just installed. Not much better.

    4. Clunk in front suspension. 4 visits, several bolt tightenings later, still exists.

    5. Vibration in steering wheel. 5 visits. 4 wheel balances, 3 full alignments, new Michelin tires, new rims, problem is diminished but not gone.

    6. Grinding in the front brakes. Told this is normal?

    Note that all these problems occurred between 4K and 7K (vehicle now has 7K).

    I think I have a case for the Ohio Lemon Law, anyone have any thoughts on this? Have these problems been engineered out of this vehicle for 2001?
  • scmelvinscmelvin Member Posts: 5
    This morning, the passenger side door on my 99OdyEX suddenly stopped working. No power at all! My first thought was the fuse, but the driver's side door works fine. I remember from reading this site when I first purchased this van that there is something I can do to clean the sensors or contacts or whatever they are. Instructions on how to do that? Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance. I have 23K miles on my 99 and this is the first problem I have had.....I love this van!
    SCMelvin
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    I don't have the manual in front of me, but I'm pretty sure that each side is fused. Check your fuses first. Cleaning the door contacts probably won't fix this one.
  • scmelvinscmelvin Member Posts: 5
    I did check the fuse....there is only one fuse and it works both doors. I looked through the manual to find troubleshooting directions re cleaning the contacts and did not find anything. I do remember someone posting here as to how to clean the contacts....does anyone remember how? Also, later today the door worked just fine....mysterious?
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    I haven't had any trouble yet with my doors but the ones who have said to clean each one with the eraser on a pencil. Just rub each one of them. I think a q-tip and alcohol first wouldn't hurt to get rid of the dirt and grease, etc.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Usally when the slidding door stops working it is either because it set a code or became out of sync( got confused). If it set a code you may want to access this before resetting.If you like doing your own work then I can try to help you access the code but it can be tricky.However since you said it started working in the afternoon then it may have just got out of sync and you closing it and time passing may have put it back in sync. If you want to be sure there is also a procedure for this.
    This one is a bit easier, first it is easier to do this with both doors shut. Then remove fuse 13 a 7.5 fuse in the passenger side under dash fuse box.(the clock should go out if that is the right fuse).Leave out for 15 secounds and then re-install. Now with main power switch on dash on, go to each door one at a time and manually pull the door open all the way, then start to pull it closed, about half way closed the door will(should)take over and finish closing itself. Repeat for the other door.
    As said before an eraser works well to clean the contacts in the junction switches.Good luck
  • odyfanodyfan Member Posts: 40
    Hello Auburn63,
    Unlike other major auto manufacturers(Ford,GM,Toyota,Maza,Nissan ...,) Honda automatic transaxle does not employ planetary gear system; instead, it use a pararell shaft system similar to manual transaxle. Are there any technical advantages of such a design? or just for the cost saving, perhaps?
    During reverse engagement with this system, the countershaft reverse gear is engaged by the movement of the reverse selector onto reverse selector hub by a shift fork activated by a servo valve. Is the reverse selector hub being used as a manual transaxle synchronizer in this case? Perhaps the reverse engagement noise that I've heard is caused by the impact of reverse selector onto reverse selector hub. I am still wondering why the noise only occur if the D4 is engaged first.
    Onto towing an Ody, Honda warns that gear should be engaged at N from D4, not from R, or damages to transaxle will occur. Is this because the gears are meshed differently At N eventhough all clutchs are released?
    Thanks you for your comments!
    Happy driving
  • hopfamhopfam Member Posts: 1
    We just ordered a 2001 Honda Odyssey-One thing I forget to check was the location of the spare tire. With the deep well in the back, where is the spare tire located, on the side behind a panel or underneath the chassis.
    Can someone give me an answer to the easy question
    Thanks

    Pat
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    The spare is in the floor between the fronts seats and ssecond row seats. There is also a bag to put the flat tire in so you won't get the inside of the van dirty. The jack, etc. is located in the left rear compartment at the very back. Which reminds me, I should look to see if I even got a spare.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Honda does feel that their trans design will last longer than that of a stacked trans. I don't think it is a dollar thing because Honda transmissions parts are some what expensive.
    Internaly they are set up alot like a manual trans is but the clutch packs don't do as good of a job as a syncro does.Most of the engagement noise is because of a lack of a syncro of some sort and the straight cut of a reverse gear.They don't always line up and as the gear is trying to engage it sometimes loads up until it pops in.In the older ones it would make a bad ratcheting sound as it played roulet falling into gear : ).
    Don't know the answer the the towing question so i will have to check out the book and if I remember I will ask tech line..
  • rswartzrswartz Member Posts: 3
    We have had our 2001 for a couple of weeks. Just turned over 1K miles. When backing up and turning a popping noise that the kids say is like "running over something" happens. Anyone else have this happen.

    Thanks,
  • odyfanodyfan Member Posts: 40
    Since you mention the van is moving in reverse when you hear the noise, the noise could be caused by the gas sloshing if it is coming from underneath the van which is normal. However, if noise is a real "loud bang" and come from inside engine compartment, the van might have the infamous "Bang in Reverse" problem which unfortunately is caused by a defective transmission.
  • odyfanodyfan Member Posts: 40
    Auburn63,
    Thanks again for the quick response! Last few weeks, I've learned quite a bit about the inner working of honda automatic transaxle in my Ody by studying the service manual and asking and reading your various posts. I hope you won't mind if I keep bothering you with detail technical questions in the future. It is hard to find someone with knowledges on inner working of honda vehicles. Your involvements have provided great services to this forum. Thanks!
    Well, it's time for me to trace that hydraulic circuits :)
    Happy driving
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    No problem, ask all the questions you want. I come here to try to help and answer to the best that I can. Some things for me are easier done than said. Other than the the unfortunate trans problems of the 99 and early 2000, Honda's transmissions have been long lasting and problem free. They take some getting used to with the quality of the shift but that positive shift characteristic is what makes it last.Happy reading and thanks
  • lsg1lsg1 Member Posts: 42
    I have about 1600 miles on my 01 EX. I have been noticing that when I apply the brakes slowly, and just before the van comes to a stop, I hear a squeal or squeak in the front brakes. I do not hear it when stopping fast, and do not hear it before the van stops while the brakes are applied. This is my 4th van in a little over 4 years, and have never heard the brakes squeal on the other vans. Why would this be happening?
    Thanks in advance.
  • chaucerchaucer Member Posts: 6
    Here are the problems that have come up - so far - with my 2001 LX.

    1) Right seat belt in 3rd row does not lock up after it has been pulled out all the way. (This should be added to the checklist)

    2) Cannot shift into D3, 2, or 1.

    3) Battery inexplicably went dead.

    After waiting nearly 5 months and getting the van in the wrong color I'm somewhat upset. But I'm still hopeful that these problems can be easily corrected.

    Now one issue is that the dealer is 50 miles away and my wife does not want to drive that distance with our 2 month old. There are Honda dealers closer.

    What's the experience of bringing the Ody to a dealer other than the one you bought from for warranty work?
  • sarmelisarmeli Member Posts: 2
    I know I've seen a few posts on Odysseys having poor milage. I think there is a definite problems but I took it to a dealer here and he said I don't. I've asked 4 people I don't even know and asked them about their mileage. They all said between 19 and 22 mpg. I have calculated my milage by filling up the tank setting the tripmeter driving until empty filling it up. The gas I put in the tank - (let the nozzle cut off wait a second fill 1 more time until click) is what I calculte againts the tripmeter. I then start again. Here are my results.

    204.7 fillup 2 10 01 14.8 gal 13.83 mpg
    227.4 fillup 2 17 01 15.84 14.35 mpg
    219.8 fillup 2 25 01 14.89 14.76 mpg
    207.5 fillup 3 4 01 15.25 13.6 mpg
    162.8 fillup 3 9 01 11.20 14.53 mpg
    234.9 fillup 3 11 01 12.34 highway all 19.03 mpg

    THe March 4th through the 9th I swapped with a friends 2000 Odyssey and with her driving mine it got 14.53 and with me driving hers I got 19.8 mpg. This is in Florida it hasn't been windy and it's flat weather mostly in the 70s and 80s. I checked my tire pressure and they are at 35 psi.

    The estimated mpg is suppose to be 18 to 25 mpg. The best I got was 19.03 and that was ALL highway.

    Anybody got any suggestions??
  • gleamcgleamc Member Posts: 9
    auburn,
    You wrote in post #521 "Power slidding door by auburn63 Mar 09, 2001 (04:57 pm) Usally when the slidding door stops working it is either because it set a code or became out of sync( got confused). If it set a code you may want to access this before resetting.If you like doing your own work then I can try to help you access the code but it can be tricky."

    Please explain how I can access the codes, I should be able to handle the tricky part. I have modified the doors to be able to open them when the van is stopped put not in park. I havn't had any problems but I'd like to make sure they are not sending any problems codes Thanks, Gene
  • johng14johng14 Member Posts: 31
    You can take your van to any Honda Dealer. As far as your problems.

    The problems you are having are unusual, not being able to shift into D3-2-1. What this a problem that you noticed when you picked up the van?

    As far as the battery going dead, I bet the interior lighting was left on for a period of time.
  • ckonckon Member Posts: 22
    "not being able to shift into D3-2-1."

    Are you pulling the lever all the way to the steering wheel as you move it downward? If you do, it wont move any further than D4. You have to let it restore toward the dash before it will move any further.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Brake noise is probably normal metalic brake noise but you may want to have them inspected just to be sure.There is a high metal content in these brakes to male them last longer and stop better.

    Door code
    1. Turn key on and wait 15 sec.
    2. Turn master switch for doors off
    3. Push and hold either the open or close button
    to one of the doors, while still holding
    down on the button turn the master switch
    to the on position for 1 sec. then off again
    then 1 sec after turning off let go of the
    open/close button.
    4. If you did it correctly the power door light on the dash will come on and stay on for like 3 sec then go off. Or if there is a code it will flash a code at you in long and short blinks.If you didnt time it all right or didn't do it correctly then there will be no light come on..
    5. Repeate for the other door..
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    it's like having the secret cheat codes for a video game!!
  • rswartzrswartz Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the reply. I am aquainted with the sloshing gas and we have that noise. The popping noise is a different noise that happens, actually as of today, in reverse and in forward when driving very slow and turning sharply, like in a parking lot. The sound is like you ran over a pop bottle. It sounds like it is coming from under the drivers side somewhere. Does this sound familiar and has anyone successfully had this problem resolved?

    Thanks,
  • hammock2hammock2 Member Posts: 1
    Just purchased 01 Odyssey two weeks ago and traveling to Fl. plus first tanks of gas got 22+ in suburban driving and 25 to 25.4 on the road going to FL. Filled full each time and used calculator (But) as I make this trip several times a year and use other vehicles, average mileage is 1,142 miles from point to point. On this Odyssey I showed 1,167 miles so perhaps mileage isn't what I calculate but very good for a new car. Drive 75 mph most of the time. Problem is gas gauge. Low fuel light comes on very early. When it first comes on, I add 13.5 gallons. I believe this car has a 20 gallon tank. Anybody else have this problem? Hope dealer can correct. Very nice van on the road. Had 2 Chrysler vans in the past but lots of problems, some major. On Honda, seats could be better (for traveling distances) Radio is terrible (LX) Not like my Audi A-6 but basically listen to AM so won't replace. Otherwise van is great (for a van). Honda service Mgr. said they use 10 W 30 oil when replacing not 5 W 20 as specified. He recommended 10 W 30 for Florida driving because of heat.
  • gleamcgleamc Member Posts: 9
    auburn63
    In message #536 Brakes and door codes by auburn63 Mar 12, 2001 (07:17 pm)
    you wrote

    "Door code
    1. Turn key on and wait 15 sec.
    2. Turn master switch for doors off
    3. Push and hold either the open or close button
    to one of the doors, while still holding
    down on the button turn the master switch
    to the on position for 1 sec. then off again
    then 1 sec after turning off let go of the
    open/close button.
    4. If you did it correctly the power door light
    on the dash will come on and stay on for like
    3 sec then go off. Or if there is a code it
    will flash a code at you in long and short
    blinks. If you didnt time it all right or
    didn't do it correctly then there will be no
    light come on..
    5. Repeate for the other door.. "

    Is there a place I can find what the code meanings are for the different "long and short light blinks" ?
    or can you provide them?
    Thanks for your help,
    Gene
  • 2001ody2001ody Member Posts: 17
    I too hear this noise when turning at a slow speed. It sounds like the suspension, probably something to do with the steering links. I have it noted to show my dealer when I take the van in for the first oil change. I'll post any answers fron the dealer when I get them. Dave
  • sarmelisarmeli Member Posts: 2
    Well, I've taken my Odyssey to 2 Dealers about my mpg. I can't get 15 miles a gallon unless it is total highway driving. Both tell me there is nothing wrong with my van and it isn't a warantee issue and there is nothing they can do. I'm not a lead foot and I'm not transporting any thing does anybody have any ideas what I could look at? The electronic cold start staying open the whole time or something.

    We've even called Honda and they say there is nothing wrong. I've stopped other Odyssey owners and they all get MUCH better mileage. What can be wrong!

    hammock2 - I've read numerous posts that the low fuel light comes on around 14 gallons. I can attest to that. I think from what I've read the tank is quite shallow and that there isn't anything you can do.
  • santosbasantosba Member Posts: 2
    My 1999 Odyssey EX with 37K miles has developed a loud humming noise at 30 mph and up, and the dealer has diagnosed this as coming from worn rear wheel bearings. Seemed unusual to me for a vehicle with so few miles (unfortunately just out of warranty). Can someone please tell me if this problem has been encountered by other owners and whether there's a chance I can get Honda to repair this under warranty?
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Do you have a code or do you just want the list of possible codes?

    popping noise,
    I would think that the noise you are hearing is probably comming from the front sway bar links. I have had several go bad and they are easiest checked on the ground and rocking the top of the tire back and forth hard enough to move the van.Once you hear the noise feel the links to see if it is popping.
  • gleamcgleamc Member Posts: 9
    auburn63
    Please, the list of possible codes.
  • chaucerchaucer Member Posts: 6
    To ckon and johng14: I believe I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing in shifting to 3,2,1. From what the dealership (my own) implied (they won't say so) they forgot to remove something that prevents someone from engaging those gears during delivery.

    Another question: My door locks don't lock automatically when I turn on the engine nor do they unlock automatically when I turn off the engine. My other vehicles have had this feature. Is something wrong? I had the Honda remote entry/ alarm installed on my LX - maybe bad installation.
  • ckonckon Member Posts: 22
    Sounds like your dealer has a fix. Good.

    Sorry, but the door locks aren't automatic. One of those silly things that Honda didn't think was worth doing. For a family hauler, you'd thing that would be a no brainer, but obviously Honda doesn't agree.

    If the remote entry is after market, I suppose it could have an optional auto-lock. Ask the person who did the install.
  • johng14johng14 Member Posts: 31
    When I first received the van I thought the same about shifting to lower gear. I full the lever towards me from I to Drive, when I pulled the lever again it was not engaging into the lower gears. After reading a tag that came with the van I noticed that all I needed to do was lower the lever straight down into the lower gears. Try this.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I personally think that not having autolock/unlock is a better idea. Not that I go into seedy areas, but I sometimes will pull over to read a map, etc and I want to keep my doors locked. Also with kids in the car, I want to control when the doors get unlocked. My personal opinion of course.
  • ckonckon Member Posts: 22


    I didn't mean to give the impression that I thought the idea of auto locks is silly. I don't. I think Honda's not including them is silly, especially in a family car. Sorry for the confusion.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    I forgot to look at the book today I will try and remember to do it tomorrow. Sorry..
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