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

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Comments

  • caravan2caravan2 Member Posts: 198
    Has anyone figured out how to turn on the Daylight Running lights on 2005 or 2006 models?
  • campmorrowcampmorrow Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone help with some info on changing the light bulbs in the clock and climate control unit on my 2002 Odyssey, EX ? Thanks
  • goldenbeadgoldenbead Member Posts: 5
    I think I read it correctly that one time for a safety issue is all I need to put up with in Massachusetts to enforce lemon law...but I am assuming that defining a "safety issue" will be the clincher...4 trannys in 1 year...that's unacceptable!! Aren't the good people at Honda horrified and embarrassed that this is happening?? I feel like I am in for a battle, they told me that indeed the transmission that's being installed is re-built. If this car does that slipping in and out of gear thing to me one more time, I will park it in the Honda dealership's lot until they agree to give me something else that's acceptable (not hunting for a new vehicle, just a safe vehicle). I don't know how Honda could live with themselves if an accident occurred because of a sloppy transmission malfunction....
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    You would think after replacing four transmissions and the same problem exists, that someone would realize it's NOT the transmission. Most likely a computer or electrical issue. Perhaps if all Ody tranmissions were failing at alarming rates, this could be realistic. But the new Ody tranny doesn't appear to be having any abnormal issues.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    i'd have to agree with your analysis. change the transmission once? ok. but twice, and a third time? sounds like a transmission control or engine control module problem to me, not the transmission.
  • lastarlastar Member Posts: 30
    I am considering purchasing a 2006 Odyssey and would like some feedback from others who use it for towing a camper. Honda doesn't offer a tow package and the dealer wants about $1,000 to do it. I wonder why Honda doesn't offer a tow package as American car makers do.
    Thanks.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    Visit the H+A web-site for an idea what is required to in terms of parts and effort to add a tow bar / hitch to your vehicle:
    http://www.handaccessories.com/odyssey05.html
    (click on Exterior and scroll down)

    Evidently you need a transmission cooler, pow. steering cooler, wire harness and air duct modification. 1K parts and labor might be reasonable considering what must be done.
  • lastarlastar Member Posts: 30
    Yes I saw that and appreciate your reply. However I want to hear from owners who use it to pull a camper and if they are happy with the performance.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    This flip side is that the Sienna has the 'tow package' (trans cooler, steering cooler, etc.) as standard equipment. All you need is the tow bar and wiring harness.

    Of course, I've heard reports that the Sienna will sag a fair amount in the rear when towing so that ground clearance becomes a concern. I don't know if the same can be said of the Ody or not.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I wonder why Honda doesn't offer a tow package as American car makers do.

    The way Honda builds vehicles doesn't allow for pick and choose options. So they either have to build them all with a tow package, or none. You'll notice on the Ridgeline, they all come with a typical tow pacakge, except the actual hitch. It's a dealer installed option.

    I imagine the relatively small number of folks that want to tow with a minivan would be the biggest reason not to offer it on all the vans. It would add $$ to the price that most folks would get zero value from.

    The tow package on my Silverdao was a few hundred dollars. Included heavy-duty cooling, tranny cooler, and hitch. Honda just doesn't offer stand alone options. I'm not fond of it myself, but it seems to work for them.
  • dsrtrat2dsrtrat2 Member Posts: 223
    Do a search of these forums as that has been discussed some time ago.
  • hayneldanhayneldan Member Posts: 657
    On my 03 Dodge Caravan the trailer package included 1. Load leveling rear shock absorbers. 2 .Full size spare tire. 3. Heavy duty radiator. 4. Engine oil cooler. 5. Transmission oil cooler. 6.Trailer towing harness for the lights. 7. 600 ampere hour battery. The MSRP for this option was $645.00. All that was needed was a hitch which I bought new on Ebay for $100.00. This combo is rated to tow 3800 lbs. On the 05 and 06 DCX models you cannot get a full size spare due to the stow-and -go seats. The MSRP is $600.00 for this package (Factory Installed). If you buy the Odyssey try to get as many of the 7 parts for your van.
  • bishoptfbishoptf Member Posts: 2
    We have had our ody, for two weeks and our Check gas cap message has come on the milage display. The manual says to re-tighten, which I have several times (no avail), so unless some others have any suggestions I guess I'll have to take it in and have them swap the cap. I called and talked to the service manager and he said they have had a few and all they did was replace the cap and reset the code. I tried to reset the message per the manual but it wouldn't reset....oh well.
  • dsrtrat2dsrtrat2 Member Posts: 223
    On older Odys you had to do the gas cap tango 3 or 4 times to make that light go off. Every time you park the van, take off the gas cap, put it back on and make sure it clicks 3-5 times. YMMV
  • lildodadlildodad Member Posts: 2
    Can anyone help me on how to remove a radio from a 1999 Honda Odyssey? Mine quit and I hope to install a new one. Thanks.
  • mcase2mcase2 Member Posts: 160
    Hi, I live in MA and have investigated the Lemon Law regarding a Grand Caravan I once owned. Safety issue or not they have three shots to fix a major defect and there is a limited amount of time you can be deprived of the use of the car. If you go to the Attorney General''s office on the web you can down load the details. You might want to then call the AG's office to make sure your interpretation jives with the theirs (they actually answer the phones by the way). Four trannys would probably do it. Don't wait too long and lose your opportunity to dump your :lemon:
  • fcubefcube Member Posts: 11
    Service Bulletin 04-066 gives guidance as to how to balance PAX tire/wheel system on Ody Touring, Bulletin says this system is sensitive to any imbalance. Repair proceedure lists 14 steps, including getting tires to operating temperature and repeated inflation to 51psi and deflation, use of Hunter GSP 9700 balancer and alignment of light spot on tire with the heavy spot on the brake rotor. Just had mine done and there is big difference...still not as smooth as my Lexus but very satisfactory.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Try going to one of the retail parts sites like the Edmund's sponsor HandA, and look up the instruction sheet for the in-dash casette player. Following that sheet will provide you with 95% of what you need to know to get the radio unit out.

    Steve
  • buddyzunigabuddyzuniga Member Posts: 63
    Today after washing my 06' Ody the parking break light wouldn't turn off and it kept beeping as I drove off, warning me that there was a problem. I took it into the dealership and they fixed it in under a minute while my van waited 3rd in line at the service dept drivethru. Apperantly there was a loose screw somwhere in the foot brake lever. After a couple of turns of a screw with a pen size screw I was on my way out and back on the road.
  • sandylsandyl Member Posts: 42
    Hi,
    I have an 01 EX with 54K Mileage.
    Last week I first noticed a problem with transmission slipage. It doesn't happen all the time, perhaps 2-3 times for every hour of driving. This started 9 days ago, or about 200 miles.
    I checked the fluid level and it was just barely up to the bottom dot.
    As a temporary fix, my wife wants me to add some Dextron III.
    I can then order some ATF-Z1 online for a possible transmission flush.
    I did have the vehicle go through the 30K check which should have included a transmission flush.
    I no longer utilize my closest Honda service department after they tried to upsell me for a small AC problem ($380 when all I needed was my exhaust line cleared which I had done for less then $100).
    So my plan is...
    1- Add a bottle of Dextron.
    2- Order a case of the ATF-Z1.
    3- Take the case to local mechanic (who can be trusted) to flush the transmission.
    4- Wait and see if the issue goes away.

    Because I had the tranny flushed at 30K, I think the odds of a flush damaging the transmission at this point, seems low. Does this board agree?
    What type of transmission problems are covered under the warranty?
    In case I have to take it to a different Honda service deaprtment, are there any signs that I'm being ripped off?
    I appreciate your responses.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Don't add anything if the level is up to the min mark. Instead head straight to your local Honda dealer, there is a 100,000 mile warranty extension on your transmission, but not if you let someone other than a Honda dealer mess with it.
  • dsrtrat2dsrtrat2 Member Posts: 223
    Have slate green '06 that seems to scratch and mark up too easily. Any one else have this problem or is that "normal" with that color?
  • lildodadlildodad Member Posts: 2
    You don't have the website or how I would do that do you? I'm not too up on how to get into these things. Thanks much.
  • msibillemsibille Member Posts: 275
    I agree w/ Grandtotal.

    If you just had a fluid change, why contaminate the system w/ DexronIII.

    Go to a different Honda dealer, buy a quart of the Honda ATF. You can call ahead to get the price. I bought a qt for the wife of a friend while he was away and was surprised that it was not more expensive (coming from a dealer). Even if they hit you for $10 for a qt, that's cheaper than replacing it all. (Probably less than the freight).

    Secondly, if the fluid level is btwn the marks it should be acceptable. However, the accuracy of these things isn't super precise, and perhaps under certain conditions, your level is a tad low. I'd get it to a level right btwn the marks -but make sure you check it as instructed, including getting the tranny warm first.
    Overfilling can cause foaming which could lead to similar or worse problems.

    If after getting the fluid level directly btwn the marks under the specified conditions, you still find a prblm, bring it in to the dealer.

    good luck
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    http://www.handaccessories.com/
    Choose Honda
    Choose Model
    Choose Year
    Choose Audio and Electronics
    Most of the radios shown have a link to installation instructions.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    I've got a 2002 EX model, with cloth. Build date was early December 2001. Its got 82,000 miles on it, and so far, minus a new transmission, its been pretty good.

    After the last fillup, it started smelling like gasoline. Everywhere around the car. Inside. Within 50 feet of the car.

    So instead of parking it in my garage, I leave it outside.
    Then, the next time I drive it, the outside of the car doesn't smell like gasoline, but the inside does. After driving around, it doesn't smell as strong.

    I think theres a small hole in the gas tank, large enough for the smell to come out, but not big enough for the gasoline to come pouring out. Theres no liquid on the ground, or in the garage the one night I parked it there.

    What do you guys think it is?
  • msibillemsibille Member Posts: 275
    Sounds like a prblm w/ the vapor control system.

    Is it possible that you over-filled it?

    If not, it could be a prblm w/ the charcoal cannister or the lines to/from.
    Did you notice if the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) or CheckEngine lamp came on? If the MIL is on, then it's possibly a bad fuel cap, disonnected or damaged vapor hose from tank to underhood, or a prblm w/ the cannister and/or it's valves.
  • odyssey2000lxodyssey2000lx Member Posts: 2
    thank you SIR it really worked for me... greatly appriciated yuor time and advise.
  • odymikeodymike Member Posts: 23
    I have had my 2005 Touring since July - over all very satisfied. I have experienced the noted driver's side whistle. While in for service at Honda, this could not be duplicated (big surprise). Again, no TSB's or recalls were issued for my VIN number. I have now found that the whistle only appears while it is raining.

    Does anybody have any ideas as to what is the cause of this whistle - and more specifically - how can I get this to be demonstrated while the vehicle is at Honda for service? Any thoughts would be appreciated as it about drove me crazy last night. The local Honda dealership was less than impressive while in for service in September. Don't think just stopping by in the rain would work.
  • yowmanyowman Member Posts: 5
    similiar thing happened to me after I bought the vehicle and driving it home from the dealership. The message actually takes approx 2-3 days before it actually goes away even after the fuel cap is tighten in my case .( per the manual , this is generally the case).
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    No check engine light, I did not top off. I typically don't top off.

    How much would it cost to fix it?

    The van did fail emission testing a few weeks ago, and it didn't pass until the third try.
  • hondaconvert1hondaconvert1 Member Posts: 60
    Of course, I have noticed that also... this is one of the many problems I have with the '05 Odyssey, it will not last long, as I will trade it in for a Sienna if I will not get thru with lemmon law, never HONDA again!!!!!!!!
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Jesse,

    Was the emissions test a tailpipe sniff, or an OBDII readout? If they hooked a connector to a socket under your dash, they were reading out the stored codes and readiness indicators from the on board diagnostics system. If things get bad enough (as determined by sensor data), the MIL (malfunction indicator light) will come on. But there are a number of conditions that the computer will log as problems, but they do not cross a threshold required to light the lamp.

    Failing the test recently might have been the first indicator that the vapor recovery system was in trouble. You might want to get a readout prior to going to the dealer, and see if the van knows that it has a problem, and what it is! Try a national autoparts chain store like Autozone. Many do this as a customer service at little or no charge.

    Steve
  • vitaliyvitaliy Member Posts: 5
    My Ody 2000 close to 90K and dealer recommends the following parts replacement: Timing Belt; Water Pump; Outer Belts (Power A/C Belts); Cooling System Service (antifreeze); all gaskets and seals. For all of this things dealer ask $900. My question is : Is it make sense (is it possible) to make all of this work in the regular auto shop (I mean other then dealer)? Dealer's price looks expensive to me.
    Any opinion will be appreciated.

    Vitaliy
  • nojonesnojones Member Posts: 13
    I am having the same problem with my odyssey. The wireless headphones do not work (actually they work part of the time, but then they will both stop working at exactly the same time) with the DVD (RES). The wireless headphones work with XM, FM, AM, etc., just not the DVD.

    Has anyone been told how to fix this problem? Thanks.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,494
    if you plan to keep the van a while, it is probably good preventive maintenance. Sure, an independant shop can do any of this stuff, but keep in mind that the dealer will have the right tools/knowledge/parts. Might be particularly important if your tranny is still covered under the 100K extension.

    For all that, the price isn't too out of line. The one thing that looks odd is the "all gaskets and seals". This I wouldn't expect to see, unless they just mean the ones that need to be done when they do the other work (like the timing belt cover gasket, water pump gasket, etc.), which of course shoud be expected.

    If the timing belt is due, and you haven't done the other stuff, then it should be done. And certainly put on a new water pump and drive belts while it is apart.

    Actually, I just noticed that you didn't list a tranny fluid flush, that I would expect to be included at this time, unless it was recently done otherwise.

    You might want to do a brake fluid flush and change while you are at it if it hasn't been done.

    Again, not required to do some of this, but it is good preventive mantenance if you plan to keep it for a long time.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    I've never heard of replacing the water pump as preventative maintenance. And, can see why you would replace it with the other items replaced/taken apart. But, how much does Honda charge for a new water pump and how long they last may also need to be entered into the equation. If Ody water pumps routinely lasts 150,000 miles...why not wait until the next timing belt replacement?
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    When you take everything apart to change the timing belt, the water pump is RIGHT THERE and it's just a matter of unbolting it and sticking on a new one. Same with the front seal and the other drive belts.

    Yes, it may last another 50,000 miles or more. It may also start leaking next month and all of that labor will have to be paid a second time.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    thanks isell, but I indicated I understood that much of the problem. Basically what I was asking was the price of a water pump and labor now, with all the other work being done (i.e labor billed at 50% of usual water pump replacement only ?), versus water pump replacement and labor done at some future time.
    If there was only maybe around a $100 difference....it may be better to wait.

    I also asked about how many miles Honda water pumps usually last....I would think much longer than 100,000 miles. Doesn't a water pump go for around $300-$400 ?: If it doesn't start leaking in that 50,000 miles thats 300-400 bucks down the drain.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • sciencemanscienceman Member Posts: 80
    A water pump goes for around $100, but what will get you is the labor. Almost all the labor involved in changing the timing belt (except maybe replacing cam and/or crank seals) will have to be done again to change the water pump since the water pump is driven by the timing belt on this thing. That being said, I think $600 is a fair price. Everything involved includes the same labor as just putting on a new water pump. Seems like you're paying for the labor more than once. But then again, I'm cheap. I just did all this stuff myself (except the water pump) on my Subaru. I expect to be kicking myself as I'm tearing it down again when my water pump goes out in a few months (72K miles). By the way seals and gasket usually inexpensive even at retail--a few bucks each. I paid about $40 bucks for the timing belt on my Suby. I think you're looking at about $200 in parts (including water pump) and $400 in labor (took me about 4 hours on the Suby using no air tools and jack stands). I'm assuming $100/hr for labor.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    It was a OBDII Reading, where they hooked up the computer to the car and the readout came. The first time it failed, the second time there was no reading, and the third time was a pass.
    How much would it cost to fix? If its over a certain amount I may just trade it in on a new van. (Either a Sienna or Odyssey)
    Thanks for your help so far.
  • hondaconvert1hondaconvert1 Member Posts: 60
    Yep, that is exactly the issue with our 2005 HONDA Odyssey EX-L RES. I have given up after so many tries to fix it with different dealers for almost a year now... tooooo many issues. My suggestion is trade it in for a Sienna as I am going to do it and I do know that I will loose money via trade-in but I know I will get better quality and reliability...
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,494
    Normally, there shouldn't be any extra labor charge, just the price of the part. Really, the only extra labor is opening the box, and that is offset by not having to clean/inspect the old one. And in my experience, once you start talking old parts off, they never seem to work as well when you put them back on.

    Once the timeing belt (and the front end of the engine are exposed), generally a good idea to replace all the small and wear item parts (guides, seals, etc.).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fullhousefullhouse Member Posts: 2
    Did you ever find out the problem - or have I bought your 01 van? I bought my 01 in Aug of 05 and have killed the battery 3 times. Have also had it in to shop twice for the problem. Can get the doors unstuck by driving over a rough road.
  • fullhousefullhouse Member Posts: 2
    My manually operated passenger doors will not completely unlock. It is an intermittent problem. They pop open about l/2 inch and will not release all the way nor can they be shut. I don't think it is a problem with the remote as the lock button pops up but the door won't release. Have had it into the shop twice with no solution. Can fix it eventually by driving over a rough road. Anyone else have this problem and what's the cure.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Vitaliy,

    Tough call on the waterpump change. I've never done it when doing a timing belt, and gotten away with it. My feeling is if you did coolant on time and it looks clean, they should last the life of the car. Of course, having said this, I will have to eat crow on my next attempt! Same with seals. I would do the crank, but probably skip the cams (less stress, less likely to leak prematurely). Everything is off the crank so it is a natural, but the cams still have pulleys.

    Ok, assume you do the pump - you are part of the way towards a coolant change. In the old days, they did a 5-6 step process using a chemical flush that was labor intensive. Today they sometime only do a drain and refill, or at minimum, a water flush. The net is lower time and materials cost.

    So all told, I would say about $650 is right. $900 sounds excessive. But hey, it is just a guess....

    Steve
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    If the van smells as bad as you described, the resale price will probably take more of a hit than the cost to fix it. I could be something as simple as a cracked hose or loose clamp on the filler line or vent system. Plus, you put yourself and family in danger driving it as is. If you wouldn't put it in your garage, you shouldn't ignore it!

    Steve
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    How much does it cost to fix? Just wondering.
  • mike_belknapmike_belknap Member Posts: 378
    Hey jchan2,
    Please pardon my barging-in on this discussion, but since you showed some interest in the Entourage thread a while back, I just thought you might like to know that the plans are back on-line again for a second- or third-quarter launch. [Source.]
    Later!
    Mike
  • robsumrobsum Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2001 odyssey and the power door mechanism on the drivers side has now stopped working for the second time. Had it replaced just after warranty expired (of course) in 2003. Does anyone know whether this is a common problem with the Odysseys, particularly 2001's? Aware of any recalls, announced or otherwise relating to this problem? Any suggestions on why occurring or how to avoid would also be helpful.
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