Unless Honda updated the part and gave it a new number in the process, stick with the correct part number and all will be well.

 

Call the dealer and ask for the part # for your 2006. The 05-06 number you quoted may have been updated to the 07-10 number. On the other hand, it could have changed due to the new transmission starting in 2007. Like Rockwood said, use the correct one for your van.

 

What was the replacement PN?

 

I believe the transmission changed around 2007, which would explain the different part number for the starter. Looking at the parts diagrams on Bernardi, the starter looks to be very different for 2005/2006 (31200-RKB-004) and 2007 (31200-RGL-A02) - the 05/06 is also quite a bit cheaper (MSRP from Honda is $275.32 vs $391.12 for the remanufactured version of each one)

Looking at the diagrams, I would say that the 07 starter isn't going to work on an 06.

 

Thank you DrD.
A quick research indicates reman with core return priced closer to $200. Is there a better shop for this, or buy from local dealer?

 

$200 sounds about right - I find Majestic Honda (hondaautomotiveparts.com) is cheaper more often than not, and they have it for $194.90 plus $17.14 shipping. If they do their core return like they did for the axles I bought from them, they send a shipper for you, so you put the core in the box the reman. part came in, slap the label on and drop it off - they cover return shipping.

 

For 2005-06 Ody, look into Bosch SR1329X.

For 2007-10 Ody, look into Bosch SR1344X.


http://www.boschautoparts.com/VehiclePartFinder/Pages/VehiclePartFinder.aspx

 

From what I understand, very often the contact points are dirty and need cleaning.
Below is a video from a Toyota (probably Mitsubishi or Denso) starter, you can see the dirty copper contact points, all you need is to use sand paper and clean them all. This is basically free repair if you are handy:

 

I did a bit more research......


2005-06 Ody:
Honda PN...31200-RKB-004 ---> Mitsuba SM-44242-4G
This Honda dealer in TX sells it for $199:
Genuine Honda Parts : OEM Parts Direct : Prelude Parts : CRZ : CRV : Pilot Parts : Automotive Parts : Authentic Honda Parts : G1Parts.com

-------------------
2007-10 Ody:
Honda PN...31200-RGL-A02RM ---> Mitsubishi M000T15771ZC

Now, if you google M000T15771ZC (or M0T15771, or M0T15771ZC), this will lead you to a brand new Mitsubishi starter for $192!
Rare Electrical Co is in Atlanta GA:
Rareelectrical.com - NEW STARTER MOTOR 07 08 09 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN 3.5 31200-GLY-A02 M0T15771

 

I did a bit more research......


2005-06 Ody:
Honda PN...31200-RKB-004 ---> Mitsuba SM-44242-4G
This Honda dealer in TX sells it for $199:
Genuine Honda Parts : OEM Parts Direct : Prelude Parts : CRZ : CRV : Pilot Parts : Automotive Parts : Authentic Honda Parts : G1Parts.com

Thank you for this source.
Would you recommend replacing fasteners?

 

Thank you for the response.
I have got better with working on my cars.

The starter makes whining noise for a second or two while it engages and crank start the car. It always starts the engine. At first I attributed the problem to the battery, but the battery check out OK.

Could this replacement wait three months, in other words would the starter drop dead any day?
It takes time and money.

 

From your description, it sounds like the clutch is binding on the shaft so the starter is not engaging the ring gear right away. Maybe no need to replace the starter, although that would obviously fix the problem.

Remove it and take it to a local shop that specializes in starters. They should be able to fix it for a fraction of the cost of replacing it.

If you let it go, it will eventually completely fail to engage. However it's impossible to say how long it will last like this. One tow from a shopping centre parking lot would almost pay for a new starter.

 

My Ody starts fine every time but I hear a pulsing whine that lingers just a second or two after the van starts. No grinding at all just a whine that fades quickly. Clutch binding on shaft as mentioned above? Complete new starter needed?