Registered: Jun 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 3

Praise be to the van gods! The software update for this issue is finally here.

Here's a link to the tech bulletin.

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A09-053.PDF

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Registered: Dec 2008
Location: cleveland
Posts: 9

surging

mojo72- wandering how it all turned out for you and if Honda actually bought back the van? What did they say the actual problem was?

We have had the same issue with out 07 Odyssey- been to the dealer multiple times, rode with the regional manager and spoke to Honda Corp. all of whom claim this is "normal" operating standard for a van with VCM.

We have had both rear motor mounts replaced at 25,000 miles- have read an article on line that states the VCM system engaging causes too much stress on the motor mounts and causes them to crack.

ANyone out there heard anything back from class action suit? Would love to pursue this. We are very unhappy with Honda Corps final answer being too bad this is normal.

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location: Elk Ridge, UT
Posts: 12

OK, I'm dying to know if anyone has, one got a letter for the software update, and two had the software update done, and three did it work?

The letter states that it is for the surging problem between 25 and 40 mph. Mine happens then but also up around 70. I hope they aren't two problems.

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2007 Odyssey EX-L | 51k miles | Ocean Mist Metalic (the blue had to grow on me, but I love it now!)

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Registered: Jul 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 1

I have the same probem but have a '05 ODY EXL. Can they apply the same solution to my van?

This is so frustating...

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Registered: Jul 2009
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 8

07 OdyOwner - thank you for your inquiry and information here.

I, too, would like to know if such an update will be released for the '05 (and '06, for that matter).

Would it be easy for you to inquire with your sources again about the earlier model years?

I recently acquired an '05 and did once experience the "judder" at ~30 mph. It was a period of bogging and surging feeling that cleared with less load on the throttle (unless that was coincidental).

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Registered: Aug 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 24

Hello, all. It's been awhile since my last post, so I will summarize my experiences since then:

1) I did confirm that the ECO light comes on when the 3-cylinder mode might be in effect. This makes sense, actually. If it came on only when 3-cylinder mode was actually in effect, it would probably be excessively "blinky" .

2) I finally had to take my car to my regular independent mechanic to get the alignment correct after the TC replacement.

3) As I said in an earlier post, the TC replacement took care of the problem for the first week or so, then it began to come back. I took the car in, but they could not reproduce it. Maybe I was a little premature. Right now I am waiting until about 35,500 on the odometer and I will take it back, because the problem continues to worsen over time.

4) A few weeks ago the software update was applied. I did not notice any difference whatsoever. I note that the service bulletin states "If the judder returns sometime in the future, after the PCM A/T software is updated, the torque converter would need to be replaced". So it's conceivable that my new TC was damaged by the time it spent in operation before the software update came out.

I can tell the difference between the VCM feeling and the TC lockup clutch. The VCM just feels sort of fluttery, while the TC problem feels like the car is constantly upshifting.

__________________
2007 EX-L Slate Green w/o RES w/o NAV
Weathertech Bug Deflector
Weathertech Cargo Liner (behind 3rd seat)
Honda Fog Lights Add-on
Mr. Grille
Polk Audio db651s speakers (all 4 locations)

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Registered: Dec 2003
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 3261

This is indeed discouraging to be still reading transmission problems with the 2005+ models.

It is only in Honda's best interest to find a quick solution besides the PCM software update and TC replacement that do not seem to be the fixes.

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2001 Odyssey LX - WARRANTY WORK: top rubber sliding door gaskets, rear brake drums, clock light, driver's seat belt and EGR TSB performed.

UNOFFICIAL 2001 ODYSSEY THREAD: www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.p...4664#post384664

1994 Subaru Impreza L

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 6

One last follow-up post to all,

In June the Better Business Bureau ruled that Honda had to buy back my vehicle. At the turnover meeting Honda's representative tried to backcharge me for $1,400 worth of "above normal wear and tear" damage to the vehicle due to bug splatters on the front bumper. I assumed that this was Honda's one last stab at me for making them take back the vehicle. I refused the estimate and took it back to the BBB for a clarification ruling. Finally after another favorable ruling from the arbitrator, Honda was forced to buyback my vehicle in late August with no deductions for excessive wear and tear.

Lessons learned from this whole experience:

1. Honda Odysseys' have a problem that Honda cannot and obviously will not fix.

2. Unless you stand up for your rights and use the lemon law systems, Honda will not do anything for you, no matter how many Honda's you've bought in the past and or how good of a customer you may be.

3. Honda has a dark and maybe even evil side when it comes to them loosing a battle and having to "do the right thing".

My advice to all of you:

If you're still eligible for a lemon law claim in your state, learn the facts about what you need to do and start doing them now. Honda has definitely proven to me that they are not willing to correct the problems with this vehicle and that they will not do anything positive for you and this problem until you make them!

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location: Yukon, OK
Posts: 2

Hey all - I'm new to the forum, but not new to this problem. Same song: 2007 EXL. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences; I've learned a LOT. Do any of you have anything new to report about software updates or possible new fixes?

Thanks again,

Tim

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Registered: Aug 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 24

sevenmiles,

I don't think there's anything new. If you don't have the software update, you should get it, otherwise Honda might try to claim you were negligent if/when it comes time to replace your torque converter.

At just shy of 36,000 miles, I called up the Honda dealer and said I wanted to bring it in to be checked before the warranty goes out. Just to remind you, in my case the TC was replaced before the software update came out, so my new TC had a few thousand miles with the "bad" software.

Anyway, they told me that actually the powertrain has until 60,000 miles before the warranty runs out, so I did not take it in, since the problem comes and goes after the TC replacement. I'd already been made to look like a hypochondriac once after the TC replacement.

So, I'll wait another 20,000 miles. By then, it should be back to the constant upshifting feeling if the new TC was damaged during its time with the old software.

Here is what I think Honda won't admit - they are using the TC lockup clutch to mitigate the weird feeling when the VCM kicks in and out, and as a result the TC lockup clutch is getting overworked and begins to slip. Probably the new software is just being a bit less aggressive in its VCM compensation efforts.

__________________
2007 EX-L Slate Green w/o RES w/o NAV
Weathertech Bug Deflector
Weathertech Cargo Liner (behind 3rd seat)
Honda Fog Lights Add-on
Mr. Grille
Polk Audio db651s speakers (all 4 locations)

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location: Yukon, OK
Posts: 2

Thanks for such a quick response. I'll definitely get the software update and post back the results.

tim

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Registered: Jul 2009
Location: MASSACHUSETTS
Posts: 4

I seem to have developed a jerky motion to the steering wheel since the T/C was repalced. The jittery transmission issue is solved - at least for now.

I have read about steering pump issues with 05 models. Anyone having a similar issue after the t/c repair?

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Registered: Dec 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1

You people are scaring me. I JUST bought a Certified Preowned 07 EX-L with 39,000 miles. I have a check from the credit union for the vehicle sitting here. I had the van for less than a week and 350 miles and the thing started studdering at low RPM's, bad. Took it in to the dealer and the used car manager took it out for a drive and it stumbled so hard the van died. Went in for service the next day. The dealer applied the software update in the TSB and a TC is going in tomorrow. I am almost thinking that I should keep the check and run. I also read about motor mounts going bad from the VCM causing too much stress. Is there anything else? I REALLY like this vehicle, but I was hoping for something to last me for 150K miles or better. Hope I am not hoping for too much

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2007 Honda Odyssey
2005 Subaru LGT

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Registered: Aug 2007
Location: Chicago USA
Posts: 14494

You have the better of the yrs. with the 4 shaft tranny and you're getting a new converter which has been successful at solving the "stumbling" issues. Fortunately your "certified" warranty is going to be in effect for some time.

Just enjoy your newly acquired Ody!

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location: Elk Ridge, UT
Posts: 12

So I'm bummed. I had this same problem, juddering transmission, but it was felt around 40 to 50 mph and then again at 65 to 80. I had the motor mount replaced but it didn't fix it. The tech drove it with me and felt the juddering and told me it was the TC. We went back to the dealer and then after an hour they called the rep and now told me it was a characteristic of this van! That was last April. Over the summer it mostly went away and I was glad. When this new software fix came out I was hesitant to get it since things seemed better. But alas, it came back with a vengeance so I went in. The new software took away the 40 to 50 problem but it is still there at 65 to 80. Of course it is now "fixed" in the dealers mind because the recall for the software fix is only for 35 to 50 problem not higher and my problem now is yet again a characteristic of the van when the VCM goes in and out. I don't buy it. One good thing, the software fix really does a good job, in my case, of holding the gear in slower driving and on hills. I live in a very hilly area and it is quite noticeable. I feel like I have more control instead of a boat on wheels floating down the hill. I have now 65k on my van so I'm thinking my goodwill days are probably over. I love this van, even with the judders, creaky doors, and bad shock. I just wish Honda could make it right.

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2007 Odyssey EX-L | 51k miles | Ocean Mist Metalic (the blue had to grow on me, but I love it now!)

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