Honda Odyssey won't change gears

[00 civic si]

It's a 03 odyssey, when you put it into Drive, the D light blinks and when you try to drive it just redlines and won't change gears... the van has been taken into honda, but any input on the problem would help. thanks.

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[gen_x_dad]

Unless there is no fluid in the transmission, it will likely need to be replaced. The PCM is telling you a DTC has been set when the D light blinks. A Honda scan tool is needed to pull the code, which I'm sure they will do.

Unlike domestic dealers Honda normally does not rebuild their automatics and to my knowledge, aside from pressure switches, shift solenoids, torque converters, etc. which are external, Honda doesn't provide internal components to dealers for rebuilds aside from torque converters or for warranty/service bulletin repairs.

If you don't want to spring for the $2K-$4 reman'd transmission, an auto recycler is your next best option other than taking it to a dedicated transmision shop which is familiar with or specializes in Honda automatics.

Wish I could be of more help. At my dealership it seems like we're replacing quite a few of the older '99-'04 Odyssey automatics. They're like the Chrysler transmissions of Honda .

[quickhondaz]

you can say that again. for some reason the 99-04 Odyssey trannies have been a real problem. now we are having a problem with the torque convertors in the 05-up Odysseys.
and you are right, Honda doesn't want us rebuilding them in house, hey want them rebuilt by their people so we just replace them. can't tell you haw many have been through our shop this year alone.

[qwrty]

ive heard and read couple of tranny problems with the ody..
did honda put up any recalls on that??
there was an a thread before telling that most of the ody will
have tranny problems before it reach 90k-100k miles, is this right??
it says there too that the cause might be a oil return line or oil cooler,
from the tranny....??? just correct me but its all bout the tranny..

[00 civic si]

Yea, the shit hasn't even hit 100k miles yet, at like 70k i think... But luckily it's still under warranty, so honda is taking care of it for themselves and it should actually be finished today...

[gen_x_dad]

Originally Posted by quickhondaz

you can say that again. for some reason the 99-04 Odyssey trannies have been a real problem. now we are having a problem with the torque convertors in the 05-up Odysseys.
and you are right, Honda doesn't want us rebuilding them in house, hey want them rebuilt by their people so we just replace them. can't tell you haw many have been through our shop this year alone.

I'm at dealer 6702 in Chatham Ontario and at one point in time it seemed like we were doing an Odyssey transmission at least once a week if not more. There was not too much time that went by where you didn't see a transmission crate coming in or going out .

My service manager has been on the phone with Tech Line several times these past couple weeks regarding the shudder update. Apparently, the update was released publicly and customers were asked via snail mail or email to come in and have their PCM software updated, even if they didn't notice or weren't experiencing the problem. Then once the update was done, the shudder seemed to become more apparent and/or actually started to happen. One of the techs in the shop had a theory that it was one of those things where since the customer has been informed about it they started to look for it whereas before they didn't notice it.

We're hourly at our dealership which is nice because now what used to be a 0.2 FRT warranty update has turned into a Tech Line-requested road test and driver recorder snapshot procedure.

For now it seems that the software issue is limited to only the '07 models (The '08 and '09 updates are working normally) but it's definitely an issue that looks as if we will be gearing up for TC replacements.

What I like to see is how Honda is staying on top of this issue like they do with all the other HSBs and Shop Talks and are giving the benefit of the doubt to the customer.

Originally Posted by 00 civic si

Yea, the shit hasn't even hit 100k miles yet, at like 70k i think... But luckily it's still under warranty, so honda is taking care of it for themselves and it should actually be finished today...

Honda is really good about that and we see a lot of both warranty and goodwill work being done to keep customers happy .

[quickhondaz]

I'm at dealer 206620 in Tallahassee, Fla. We have been seeing alot of the TC problems because of he customer notice in the mail also, so we have a unusual amount of customers complaining about a "shudder" that's not really there. but when we do the recommeded update it magically appears and then we replace the TC. and we are NOT hourly so it's a 0.3 update, 0.3 test drive and then 8.2 to replace the TC. Funny how none of these customers had this problem until they got that notice.
as for the 99-04 Ody, there was that second gear squirter recall a couple years ago that was a real pain in the arse but it did save ALOT of trannys from needing to be replaced. in fact there are quite a few of our customers that are still going with the squirters in place.
it just amazes me as to how many Ody trannys we replace and how few Pilot or V-6 Accord trannys we replace.

[gen_x_dad]

Originally Posted by quickhondaz

I'm at dealer 206620 in Tallahassee, Fla. We have been seeing alot of the TC problems because of he customer notice in the mail also, so we have a unusual amount of customers complaining about a "shudder" that's not really there. but when we do the recommeded update it magically appears and then we replace the TC. and we are NOT hourly so it's a 0.3 update, 0.3 test drive and then 8.2 to replace the TC. Funny how none of these customers had this problem until they got that notice.
as for the 99-04 Ody, there was that second gear squirter recall a couple years ago that was a real pain in the arse but it did save ALOT of trannys from needing to be replaced. in fact there are quite a few of our customers that are still going with the squirters in place.
it just amazes me as to how many Ody trannys we replace and how few Pilot or V-6 Accord trannys we replace.

Nice to meet a fellow tech . My name is Steve by the way.

Haha yes I remember the 2nd gear update. When I started as the lube tech in Jan 2005, they were still doing the odd 2nd gear update when a straggler came in. By the time I got signed up as an apprentice in Jan 2006, the transmissions they were putting in came with the update already installed.

Yes the update seems to be CAUSING the problem as opposed to preventing it . My service manager said that it seems to only be happening on the 2007's as the 2008 and 2009 models don't seem to experience it. We haven't replaced any TC's yet but I think there are one or two that might be getting booked in. It is also very odd that the Pilot and Accord transmissions are far less problematic. It will be interesting to see how the Ridgelines pan out, especially given the fact they are on the maintenance minder system and people are turning down services left and right except for the usual and cheap A1 .

[hondakidd03]

I have a 95 odyssey and sometimes it won't shift out of first when its in drive but when I shift it to 2nd mnually it will stay in second after it warms up it will shift through all gears in drive but my odyssey does have 336,xxx miles and the trans oil is black so its just a matter of time b4 it goes out

[gen_x_dad]

Aside from the above mentioned Odyssey issues, in general even with high kms, it's still possible to have a nicely working transmission if you perform regular fluid changes on them.

I change my ATF every other oil change. Car is in the air anyways so why not?

[BoostedH23Accord]

As I stand here with egg on my face the transmission in our 01 Odyssey is on it's way out. I have loved Honda's for many years still own a 94 Accord and she likes the Odyssey but after this, she's not ever buying another Honda. I can't really blame her though...The transmission in our Grand Caravan died on us so I was the one pushing for a Honda. I guess I should have avoided the Odyssey altogether but that's water under the bridge. My lovely wife is pretty pissed that we're stuck with another van with a broken transmission.

Even if I could find a new tranny we're stuck with the fact that it's just a matter of time before it breaks again. Does anybody know where I can buy a newer model that will bolt in?

[GoLowDrew]

Originally Posted by BoostedH23Accord

The transmission in our Grand Caravan died on us so I was the one pushing for a Honda. I guess I should have avoided the Odyssey altogether but that's water under the bridge. My lovely wife is pretty pissed that we're stuck with another van with a broken transmission.

Before buying our 2nd minivan (09 Ody), I did some research and asked a lot of questions. Long story short. "All minivans" have the transmission problems. It's the weakest link. Sure, my 09 Ody is an updated -improved version of the past, but only time will really tell. Today, there is really nothing "mini" about a minivan. IMO, that's the problem. Drivetrain have not caught up.

Dare I say a few things.

1. I have not found any transmission issues with Kia/Hyundai minivans. And yet they are not rated that high in reliability. Never looked into it further since wife did not want one.

2. I also did not find any trans issues with Toyota Sienna. Ok, I actually found a few. But I consider that to be an issue of - if you look hard enough, you will find it. But it's not something you find too much chatter on forums.

3. Ford, Honda and Chrysler are full of stories about transmission problems on minivans.

[quickhondaz]

Originally Posted by GoLowDrew

Before buying our 2nd minivan (09 Ody), I did some research and asked a lot of questions. Long story short. "All minivans" have the transmission problems. It's the weakest link. Sure, my 09 Ody is an updated -improved version of the past, but only time will really tell. Today, there is really nothing "mini" about a minivan. IMO, that's the problem. Drivetrain have not caught up.

Dare I say a few things.

1. I have not found any transmission issues with Kia/Hyundai minivans. And yet they are not rated that high in reliability. Never looked into it further since wife did not want one.

2. I also did not find any trans issues with Toyota Sienna. Ok, I actually found a few. But I consider that to be an issue of - if you look hard enough, you will find it. But it's not something you find too much chatter on forums.

3. Ford, Honda and Chrysler are full of stories about transmission problems on minivans.

the problems are not really the tranny itself, but the customer and their lack of maintainence. we have a few customers that religiously service their Ody and have had NO issues other than the normal wear and tear stuff. Most people just can't get that through their head. Just b/c it's a Honda doesn't mean that it will last forever without regular service and upkeep.
most people are also unaware of just how often they do need to service them and will let them go for long periods of time before "getting around to it". by then the damage is done and the tranny is doomed.
and GOD-forbid, don't take it to Super-Lube and let them "flush" it. that's the fastest way to kill a Honda tranny. I see that time and time again and we try to help the customer understand that it's just not a good idea to begin with.
so, long story short, service your tranny regularly and keep in mind that hot weather driving is considered severe usage, which means it will need service more often. spend a little now or spend ALOT later. it's really your choice...

[GoLowDrew]

Originally Posted by quickhondaz

the problems are not really the tranny itself, but the customer and their lack of maintainence. we have a few customers that religiously service their Ody and have had NO issues other than the normal wear and tear stuff. Most people just can't get that through their head. Just b/c it's a Honda doesn't mean that it will last forever without regular service and upkeep.

Sure, maintenance is important. Here is just one forum that will have many examples that states it's a design issue, rather than maintenance.

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/index.php?s=

I used to hang out at Ford forums too because I used to own a Ford minivan. Most owners are not clueless when comes to proper maintenance.

[00 civic si]

I do have to say, i think part of the problem was lack of care.... My dad would always back out of the driveway and rip it into drive while it was still reversing.... I warned him about it too.

[gen_x_dad]

Originally Posted by quickhondaz

the problems are not really the tranny itself, but the customer and their lack of maintainence. we have a few customers that religiously service their Ody and have had NO issues other than the normal wear and tear stuff. Most people just can't get that through their head. Just b/c it's a Honda doesn't mean that it will last forever without regular service and upkeep.
most people are also unaware of just how often they do need to service them and will let them go for long periods of time before "getting around to it". by then the damage is done and the tranny is doomed.
and GOD-forbid, don't take it to Super-Lube and let them "flush" it. that's the fastest way to kill a Honda tranny. I see that time and time again and we try to help the customer understand that it's just not a good idea to begin with.
so, long story short, service your tranny regularly and keep in mind that hot weather driving is considered severe usage, which means it will need service more often. spend a little now or spend ALOT later. it's really your choice...

Agree 100% dude.

We had a Civic come in with less than 150,000kms (no transmission service ever) and the transmission went for a shit. Crept ahead slowly in D with the engine revved up to around 2000rpms, whining, clunking into gears (if they went in at all), the works. And that was a CIVIC. Odysseys are larger and place more load on the transmission and as such should be serviced often. Honda Canada recommends fluid changes every 48,000kms but we have customers who MIGHT get them done every 96,000. I make an effort whenever possible to check the service history from my eTech tablet but sometimes when time is an issue you don't have time to go into a customer's history and look for things they might need.

Like quickhondaz, we have customers at work who are religious with their services for everything. We see them whenever their kms or time limit is coming due and aside from wear an tear items or things covered under warranty or HSB's, they have no other issues with their vehicles. Then we have our majority who care for their car infrequently while a small group hardly does anything and thinks that oil changes are the magic Super Mario 1UP for their vehicle .

Now, I'm not knocking people who are not car savvy because that's why I love what I do for a living and for the most part is why I got into the trade to begin with. I enjoy helping people who can't do, won't do or don't know anything about what I do. And I try to educate customers whenever possible as to proper and timely maintenance among other areas of their vehicle.

A Honda automatic transmission is not the most complex thing on the planet (it's essentially a 4,5 or 6 speed manual transmission with clutch packs and solenoids instead of synchros) but they are not bulletproof and like any other manufacturer out there they do need to be maintained properly as quickhondaz mentions.

With abuse out of the equation and all things being considered, you should have very little issues with your Honda V6 automatic if you take care of it

Originally Posted by 00 civic si

I do have to say, i think part of the problem was lack of care.... My dad would always back out of the driveway and rip it into drive while it was still reversing.... I warned him about it too.

Ouch.

LOL I've done that the odd time or two not thinking in a hurry and the clunk it makes is a nice little HEY WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!?!?!

[00 civic si]

Originally Posted by gen_x_dad

Agree 100% dude.

We had a Civic come in with less than 150,000kms (no transmission service ever) and the transmission went for a shit. Crept ahead slowly in D with the engine revved up to around 2000rpms, whining, clunking into gears (if they went in at all), the works. And that was a CIVIC. Odysseys are larger and place more load on the transmission and as such should be serviced often. Honda Canada recommends fluid changes every 48,000kms but we have customers who MIGHT get them done every 96,000. I make an effort whenever possible to check the service history from my eTech tablet but sometimes when time is an issue you don't have time to go into a customer's history and look for things they might need.

Like quickhondaz, we have customers at work who are religious with their services for everything. We see them whenever their kms or time limit is coming due and aside from wear an tear items or things covered under warranty or HSB's, they have no other issues with their vehicles. Then we have our majority who care for their car infrequently while a small group hardly does anything and thinks that oil changes are the magic Super Mario 1UP for their vehicle .

Now, I'm not knocking people who are not car savvy because that's why I love what I do for a living and for the most part is why I got into the trade to begin with. I enjoy helping people who can't do, won't do or don't know anything about what I do. And I try to educate customers whenever possible as to proper and timely maintenance among other areas of their vehicle.

A Honda automatic transmission is not the most complex thing on the planet (it's essentially a 4,5 or 6 speed manual transmission with clutch packs and solenoids instead of synchros) but they are not bulletproof and like any other manufacturer out there they do need to be maintained properly as quickhondaz mentions.

With abuse out of the equation and all things being considered, you should have very little issues with your Honda V6 automatic if you take care of it

Ouch.

LOL I've done that the odd time or two not thinking in a hurry and the clunk it makes is a nice little HEY WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!?!?!

hahaha yep... that's why everytime i would use the van, I'd back it in so he didn't have to worry about being retarded...

[gen_x_dad]

How's this for giving people a friendly reminder to get those transmission services done as scheduled (or make some of you breathe a sigh of relief that you don't live up here in Ontario LOL):

Our service manager told us yesterday after pricing a replacement Odyssey transmission for a customer that Honda raised their price tag on remand units to a little over $5000 .

I have a feeling auto recyclers might be seeing an increase in phone calls for quotes on Odyssey slushboxes .

[NDNV]

What would be the consensus on properly maintained transmission for a 2001 Odyssey 4-speed for example?

- drain and fill of Honda Z-1 ATF every minimum 48,000 kms and recommended every other oil change (12,000kms)?
- installation of a Magnefine inline ATF filter (the 4-speeds have no canister ATF filter like the 5-speeds) http://www.emergingent.com/magnefine/order_page.htm
- install an ATF cooler - does this apply if not towing and in Canada with lower temps in general?
- liberal use of the parking brake on inclines - shift to N, engage parking brake, shift to P, shut down
- no rolling shifts from R to D4
- drive like a "granny" - well, maybe I can't accommodate that one
- be kind to your friendly neighbourhood Honda dealer as they may come to your goodwill rescue on a failed tranny.

[00 civic si]

Originally Posted by gen_x_dad

How's this for giving people a friendly reminder to get those transmission services done as scheduled (or make some of you breathe a sigh of relief that you don't live up here in Ontario LOL):

Our service manager told us yesterday after pricing a replacement Odyssey transmission for a customer that Honda raised their price tag on remand units to a little over $5000 .

I have a feeling auto recyclers might be seeing an increase in phone calls for quotes on Odyssey slushboxes .

Damn! 5Gs! We're so lucky it was still under warranty...... I'm definately telling him about that, for when the warranty becomes void.

[gen_x_dad]

Originally Posted by NDNV

What would be the consensus on properly maintained transmission for a 2001 Odyssey 4-speed for example?

- drain and fill of Honda Z-1 ATF every minimum 48,000 kms and recommended every other oil change (12,000kms)?
- installation of a Magnefine inline ATF filter (the 4-speeds have no canister ATF filter like the 5-speeds) http://www.emergingent.com/magnefine/order_page.htm
- install an ATF cooler - does this apply if not towing and in Canada with lower temps in general?
- liberal use of the parking brake on inclines - shift to N, engage parking brake, shift to P, shut down
- no rolling shifts from R to D4
- drive like a "granny" - well, maybe I can't accommodate that one
- be kind to your friendly neighbourhood Honda dealer as they may come to your goodwill rescue on a failed tranny.

I'd agree to all of those except the granny one LOL. I'm not saying beat the poop out of it but you don't have to baby it either. My folks have purchased three Grand Caravans since 1995 and they always puts high kms on them and he doesn't beat on them but he's not easy on the gas either, be it with a load inside the van or not. They do the recommended scheduled fluid services on them and given Chrysler's famous ill-reputation of their planetary autos, they have served them well this far .

The cooler seems to be an option on some trailer hitch packages so I guess it depends on what you plan to use it for. I've installed hitches with and without coolers. The ATF is still run through the cooler in the bottom of the radiator so in the winter (and I'm making an educated guess here) I would be inclined to think it wouldn't get too cold since it still goes through the radiator. I think the cooler just relieves some of the load from the rad for hot summer use.

I have an Element with the Honda hitch and harness and it didn't come with a cooler or anything, just the hitch and harness kit. Mind you, the towing capacity isn't much at 1500lbs so it probably won't stress the auto that much and I don't plan on pulling more than an Aquatrax or a small utility trailer. Other than that, my Swagman dual bike rack is in the hitch more than anything else .