[LovenLifeInMyOddy]

Woke up the other morning to find that the battery in my Ody was dead. Either my husband didn't get the hatchback to close or my son left a rear reading light on. The doors weren't locked so I think it was the hatchback.
Anyway, my question is--Is it normal not to be able to get the vehicle out of park when the battery is completely dead?

We were lucky enough that the local auto store had some super long jumper cables in stock or we would have been in trouble since we couldn't move the Odyessey.
Thanks for your help!
Thea
SS 01

 

[groupset]

I'm not sure as to the question about getting the Ody out of park with a battery, but I've come to despise battery problems. I recently found a device that gave me some peace of mind, however - here's the link to the Secure Start: http://www.boldertmf.com/SecureStart/default.asp
This is a nifty invention! It's a rechargeable starting device for automobile batteries. It uses the latest Thin Metal Film rechargeable technology, which allows it to store enough juice to start up to 5 automobiles on one charge. It's about the size of a household iron. I found it at Pep Boys several months back; seems like it was $70.00 or so and came with a mail-in rebate of $10.00. I carry it with me all the time; it not only gives you peace of mind to have a way to boost your own car in case of a battery, but it's also real handy when you come across someone else with a battery. (Don't have to use jumper cables - it's self-contained.) It will recharge in a few hours on household A/C current, or it will charge in about 10 minutes off of any 12V automobile battery (with the engine running).

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David
'01 GG EX-NAVI
Classic Soft Trim leather kit; Audiovox entertainment system; Gentex auto dimming compass/temp rear view mirror; splash guards; cargo tray; power door mods; Helm manual; Honda litter bag.

 

[kpenney]

You could use the shift lock release mechanism on top of the steering column to get the vehicle out of park if the stick won't move since the battery is dead.

 

[LovenLifeInMyOddy]

That's a good tip-thanks!

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by groupset:
I'm not sure as to the question about getting the Ody out of park with a battery, but I've come to despise battery problems. I recently found a device that gave me some peace of mind, however - here's the link to the Secure Start: http://www.boldertmf.com/SecureStart/default.asp
This is a nifty invention! It's a rechargeable starting device for automobile batteries. It uses the latest Thin Metal Film rechargeable technology, which allows it to store enough juice to start up to 5 automobiles on one charge. It's about the size of a household iron. I found it at Pep Boys several months back; seems like it was $70.00 or so and came with a mail-in rebate of $10.00. I carry it with me all the time; it not only gives you peace of mind to have a way to boost your own car in case of a battery, but it's also real handy when you come across someone else with a battery. (Don't have to use jumper cables - it's self-contained.) It will recharge in a few hours on household A/C current, or it will charge in about 10 minutes off of any 12V automobile battery (with the engine running).

</font>

 

[LovenLifeInMyOddy]

I'm unaware of this mechanism--I'll have to see if I can find it.Any more information about it?
Thanks!

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by kpenney:
You could use the shift lock release mechanism on top of the steering column to get the vehicle out of park if the stick won't move since the battery is dead.</font>

 

[Rook]

Look at the top of the steering wheel column cover. You'll see a small cap/cover you have to pry up somehow. Once the cover is off, just push your Honda key into it while you shift out of park and into neutral.

 

[bobf58]

To answer the original question, yes, the transmission will not shift without power. If you need to push the van to get to where you can jump start it, you will need to do like kpenney and Rook say.

 

[hgani]

To prevent the battery from going dead in the first place, you can install a battery auto disconnect device found on these links:

http://64.23.23.205/battery_saver.asp

http://www.wheelgard.com/wg-batterysaver.htm

-Harry

 

[Rook]

Remember if you use the battery disconnect device, keep your radio code handy.

 

[LovenLifeInMyOddy]

Thanks everyone! That's why I love this forum!!! My questions actually get answered!!!

 

[nemogira]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Rook:
Remember if you use the battery disconnect device, keep your radio code handy.</font>

The simplest and cheapest solution is too just turn off/override the lights on dash panel. That's what it's there for. Just turn it on when you KNOW you're going to need the light. And when you leave the van just make sure to turn it back off. No more dead batteries.

-nemogira

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2000 CCS EX-NAVI

 

[jacklew]

Had battery die after 6 months on 00 EX-N. It may not be anything electrical but simply a bad battery. I thought interior lights were on because of slightly open liftgate, but after it occurred 3 more times within 3 weeks, took it to local dealer who changed the battery after pronouncing charging system OK.

------------------
Jack

 

[NewbODY]

Wondering if we are experiencing same problem:

- 8/10/02: Took delivery of our '02 SS LX.

- 8/12/02: Returned van to dealer to have remote entry system, leather, and alloy wheels installed.

- 8/22/02: Wife went out to start van, and no lights or start. Called salesman, who came out with battery pack to jump start car. Taken to dealership -"Tested battery good, tested charging system good at 14.20 volts 1.2 peak amps." Service advisor said they could not find anything, and should not reoccur.

- 9/2/02: Went out this morning to start van, and before inserting key, heard fast clicking behind dash like a relay firing. Inserted key, and only lights to display were the door ajar lights. Several hours later, no clicking sound, and still dead Ody.

Contacted dealer who will be by tomorrow to jump start van and arrange for service loaner. While the service is nice, we'd like to have it more than the dealer. I've been reading about the map light issues, and while I've set it to turn on when the doors are opened, I know that there were no stray lights left on; my infant son, though tall for his age, can't reach the light!

Could it be a bad battery? No idiot lights were displayed -- I was the last one to drive the van Sunday afternoon.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mel]

While it's a little more work, you could always remove the battery from the "jumping" vehicle and use standard jumper cables. Not a lot of fun, but not too big a deal either.

Mel

 

[NewbODY]

Update: See 9/3 Post

Service write up as follows:
- Service Manager and Shop Foreman to be involved with this repair
- Customer states battery being drained - Had to jump start 2nd time - When door opened and key not in ignition can hear clicking noise like relay opening and closing - Correct cause: No start
- Test charging system alernator only - 13.8 volts - replace alternator - part #719650

And only 607 miles old . . . Will definitely post if any new developments, but wife is thrilled to be driving HER Ody again! :zoom:

And I can get back to doing more mods!