The goal of this thread is to consolidate all the information about power sliding door issues that is spread out across the forum. While it will be primarily focused on the 3rd generation Odyssey (2005-2010), the basic ideas in this thread can be applied to all Odysseys with power sliding doors. To an extent, some information can even be relevant for models with manual sliding doors. This thread will not cover every possible issue, but most common issues will be covered, so check here first.
While there will be plenty of discussion in this thread, this first post contains the key information, so reading the rest of the thread (many pages) is not necessary. However, feel free to contribute to the discussion if you choose. You may find other helpful information in replies to the thread.
Preliminary Steps:
If you are encountering a problem with door movement, first make sure to follow these instructions to eliminate basic issues before continuing troubleshooting:
- Ensure that all 3 tracks (the upper track, center rail, and lower track) are clear of any blockages. It is especially common for debris to fall into the lower track during everyday use, which can interfere with door operation.
- The upper track should contain a rubber bumper at the rear end as shown below:
Ensure this bumper is present, as it could potentially cause issues if it isn't. If you need to replace this bumper, the part number is: 72557-S0X-A00. There are many videos on YouTube showing how to install it. It is very simple and only takes a few seconds.
- Make sure the rollers on all 3 tracks are properly lubricated. A white lithium grease is a good lubricant to use.
- Pull out the #7 fuse in the driver's footwell fuse box for 15-20 seconds and then reinsert it. Once it is reinserted, cycle the door once manually and then see if the issue is resolved.
Common Issues:
Worn Center Roller (very common) -
Possible Symptoms: Door movement is jerky, door will close partway and then reverse direction.
One way you can confirm this issue is by using the movement test shown in this video. It involves grabbing the rear end of the door when it is open and pulling it back and forth perpendicular to the direction the door normally moves in, checking for excessive play.
Repair: Repair or replace the center roller assembly.
There are two ways to fix this issue. You can either replace the roller assembly, or if you're feeling adventurous, members of this forum have had success with replacing just the nylon rollers on the assembly. @kernel has put together a page showing this process on his website.
If you choose to replace the roller assembly, there are several videos detailing the procedure. Here is one example, from EricTheCarGuy:
For the 05-10 Odyssey, the roller assembly part numbers are as follows:
Driver's side (left): 72561-SHJ-A21
Passenger's side (right): 72521-SHJ-A21
NOTE: As of March 2025, a new aftermarket center roller is available for the 05-10 Odyssey that uses metal rollers instead of nylon rollers like the OEM rollers and other aftermarket options. A few members have installed this new product, and early returns are promising. You may consider getting this over the OEM replacement. It is currently only sold as a pair for both the left and right side, but it is still very inexpensive and worth purchasing even if you don't use both sides immediately. You can find it on Amazon here:
With the exception of the specific aftermarket roller mentioned above, it is generally recommended to use an OEM assembly, as the aftermarket assemblies typically do not last long.
Failed Latch Actuator -
Possible Symptoms: When attempting to open or close the door, it makes a whine/groan noise, then fails to unlatch from the open or closed position. In some cases, the door may briefly whine/groan and then open with a loud popping sound.
Here is a video showing the symptoms of this problem, so you can see if it matches up with what you are experiencing.
Repair: Repair or replace the power release actuator (also known as the door latch actuator)
Although it does sometimes happen, it is very rare for anything to actually break inside this actuator. Inside the actuator is a small clutch pin. This clutch pin often gets stuck over time and doesn't move as easily as it should. This can be fixed by removing the actuator, opening it, and spraying the clutch pin and other gears inside with a white lithium or silicone spray grease. This repair is very effective and can last a long time. Here is a video that shows both the process of removing the actuator and performing this repair:
Alternatively, you can replace the actuator with a new part using the same instructions. The part number for the actuator for 05-10 Odysseys is as follows:
Driver's side (left): 72663-SHJ-A21
Passenger's side (right): 72623-SHJ-A21
There is no aftermarket replacement for this part.
Failed Rear Latch Assembly -
Possible Symptoms: Door gets pulled in too far when closing, pauses for a few seconds before releasing; Door doesn't latch when closing; 400 mA parasitic battery drain; Constant beep when van is put into gear with power sliding door main switch turned on; Slide Door light illuminated on dash; No response when attempting to open door
This is arguably the most involved common issue with the door, with many different potential symptoms that can arise from it. If one of your symptoms is seeing the Slide Door light illuminated on the dash, you can read the code using the "foil trick" that is shown in this video.
Repair: Repair or replace the rear latch assembly
Generally, there are two different things that go wrong in this assembly. Over time, the gears and levers in the assembly can seize due to a lack of lubrication and fail to engage the microswitches for the latch. Thus, when the door goes to close, the control module is waiting for a response from the microswitches that it never sees, so it stays awake indefinitely waiting for the response, causing a draw on the battery, and the vehicle no longer sees the door as being closed, resulting in a beep when putting the van in gear. The microswitches themselves can also fail, causing the same symptom.
The easiest way to fix this issue is to purchase a new rear latch assembly and install it. This is guaranteed to solve the issue. The part numbers for the rear latch assembly for 05-10 Odysseys are:
Driver's side (left): 72650-SHJ-A22
Passenger's side (right): 72610-SHJ-A22
There is no aftermarket replacement for this part.
However, the latch assembly can be expensive at around $250, so many opt to repair/recondition the existing assembly.
One of the simplest things to try is to lubricate the mechanism through the exterior bolt holes. If you look at the back edge of the door, you will see three bolts sticking out:
One bolt at a time, remove the bolt, spray some white lithium grease inside, and reinstall the bolt. Do this for all 3 bolts. Sometimes this can solve the issue.
Otherwise, you may need to remove the latch assembly from the door to solder in new microswitches and/or lubricate the mechanism so that the switch is engaged. This video shows the process of removing the assembly, testing, and replacing the microswitches:
Failed Fuel Door Interlock Switch -
Possible Symptoms: Driver's side sliding door does not unlock (3 beeps when trying to open); When trying to manually push up lock tab, the tab resists and returns to the locked position when released unless the tab is held in the unlocked position for several seconds.
Repair: Replace the fuel door interlock switch
In the fuel fill area, there is a switch that is designed to lock the driver's side sliding door when the fuel door is open to prevent the door from being opened, which could damage the fuel door. This switch can fail or not be engaged properly when the fuel door is closed, preventing the door from unlocking.
Open the fuel door and on the inside of the door, there should be a tab positioned in a way that causes it to press in the switch inside when the door is closed. If this tab is broken or missing, simply attach something else there to press in the switch, and this will resolve the issue.
If the switch itself has failed (you can test it by manually pushing the switch in and seeing if the door unlocks when you do this), it will have to be replaced. The part number for this switch on 05-10 Odysseys is:
74380-SHJ-A01
This video shows the switch as well as how to replace it:
Final Notes:
If you are looking for even more detailed information about any of these repairs, use the search function of the forum and you can find dedicated threads and posts. This post is simply intended to point you in the right direction.
While models with manual sliding doors do not have the power release actuator or the rear latch assembly, they do still have the center roller and the fuel door interlock switch, so those issues are still relevant.
While there will be plenty of discussion in this thread, this first post contains the key information, so reading the rest of the thread (many pages) is not necessary. However, feel free to contribute to the discussion if you choose. You may find other helpful information in replies to the thread.
Preliminary Steps:
If you are encountering a problem with door movement, first make sure to follow these instructions to eliminate basic issues before continuing troubleshooting:
- Ensure that all 3 tracks (the upper track, center rail, and lower track) are clear of any blockages. It is especially common for debris to fall into the lower track during everyday use, which can interfere with door operation.
- The upper track should contain a rubber bumper at the rear end as shown below:
Ensure this bumper is present, as it could potentially cause issues if it isn't. If you need to replace this bumper, the part number is: 72557-S0X-A00. There are many videos on YouTube showing how to install it. It is very simple and only takes a few seconds.
- Make sure the rollers on all 3 tracks are properly lubricated. A white lithium grease is a good lubricant to use.
- Pull out the #7 fuse in the driver's footwell fuse box for 15-20 seconds and then reinsert it. Once it is reinserted, cycle the door once manually and then see if the issue is resolved.
Common Issues:
Worn Center Roller (very common) -
Possible Symptoms: Door movement is jerky, door will close partway and then reverse direction.
One way you can confirm this issue is by using the movement test shown in this video. It involves grabbing the rear end of the door when it is open and pulling it back and forth perpendicular to the direction the door normally moves in, checking for excessive play.
Repair: Repair or replace the center roller assembly.
There are two ways to fix this issue. You can either replace the roller assembly, or if you're feeling adventurous, members of this forum have had success with replacing just the nylon rollers on the assembly. @kernel has put together a page showing this process on his website.
If you choose to replace the roller assembly, there are several videos detailing the procedure. Here is one example, from EricTheCarGuy:
For the 05-10 Odyssey, the roller assembly part numbers are as follows:
Driver's side (left): 72561-SHJ-A21
Passenger's side (right): 72521-SHJ-A21
NOTE: As of March 2025, a new aftermarket center roller is available for the 05-10 Odyssey that uses metal rollers instead of nylon rollers like the OEM rollers and other aftermarket options. A few members have installed this new product, and early returns are promising. You may consider getting this over the OEM replacement. It is currently only sold as a pair for both the left and right side, but it is still very inexpensive and worth purchasing even if you don't use both sides immediately. You can find it on Amazon here:
With the exception of the specific aftermarket roller mentioned above, it is generally recommended to use an OEM assembly, as the aftermarket assemblies typically do not last long.
Failed Latch Actuator -
Possible Symptoms: When attempting to open or close the door, it makes a whine/groan noise, then fails to unlatch from the open or closed position. In some cases, the door may briefly whine/groan and then open with a loud popping sound.
Here is a video showing the symptoms of this problem, so you can see if it matches up with what you are experiencing.
Repair: Repair or replace the power release actuator (also known as the door latch actuator)
Although it does sometimes happen, it is very rare for anything to actually break inside this actuator. Inside the actuator is a small clutch pin. This clutch pin often gets stuck over time and doesn't move as easily as it should. This can be fixed by removing the actuator, opening it, and spraying the clutch pin and other gears inside with a white lithium or silicone spray grease. This repair is very effective and can last a long time. Here is a video that shows both the process of removing the actuator and performing this repair:
Alternatively, you can replace the actuator with a new part using the same instructions. The part number for the actuator for 05-10 Odysseys is as follows:
Driver's side (left): 72663-SHJ-A21
Passenger's side (right): 72623-SHJ-A21
There is no aftermarket replacement for this part.
Failed Rear Latch Assembly -
Possible Symptoms: Door gets pulled in too far when closing, pauses for a few seconds before releasing; Door doesn't latch when closing; 400 mA parasitic battery drain; Constant beep when van is put into gear with power sliding door main switch turned on; Slide Door light illuminated on dash; No response when attempting to open door
This is arguably the most involved common issue with the door, with many different potential symptoms that can arise from it. If one of your symptoms is seeing the Slide Door light illuminated on the dash, you can read the code using the "foil trick" that is shown in this video.
Repair: Repair or replace the rear latch assembly
Generally, there are two different things that go wrong in this assembly. Over time, the gears and levers in the assembly can seize due to a lack of lubrication and fail to engage the microswitches for the latch. Thus, when the door goes to close, the control module is waiting for a response from the microswitches that it never sees, so it stays awake indefinitely waiting for the response, causing a draw on the battery, and the vehicle no longer sees the door as being closed, resulting in a beep when putting the van in gear. The microswitches themselves can also fail, causing the same symptom.
The easiest way to fix this issue is to purchase a new rear latch assembly and install it. This is guaranteed to solve the issue. The part numbers for the rear latch assembly for 05-10 Odysseys are:
Driver's side (left): 72650-SHJ-A22
Passenger's side (right): 72610-SHJ-A22
There is no aftermarket replacement for this part.
However, the latch assembly can be expensive at around $250, so many opt to repair/recondition the existing assembly.
One of the simplest things to try is to lubricate the mechanism through the exterior bolt holes. If you look at the back edge of the door, you will see three bolts sticking out:
One bolt at a time, remove the bolt, spray some white lithium grease inside, and reinstall the bolt. Do this for all 3 bolts. Sometimes this can solve the issue.
Otherwise, you may need to remove the latch assembly from the door to solder in new microswitches and/or lubricate the mechanism so that the switch is engaged. This video shows the process of removing the assembly, testing, and replacing the microswitches:
Failed Fuel Door Interlock Switch -
Possible Symptoms: Driver's side sliding door does not unlock (3 beeps when trying to open); When trying to manually push up lock tab, the tab resists and returns to the locked position when released unless the tab is held in the unlocked position for several seconds.
Repair: Replace the fuel door interlock switch
In the fuel fill area, there is a switch that is designed to lock the driver's side sliding door when the fuel door is open to prevent the door from being opened, which could damage the fuel door. This switch can fail or not be engaged properly when the fuel door is closed, preventing the door from unlocking.
Open the fuel door and on the inside of the door, there should be a tab positioned in a way that causes it to press in the switch inside when the door is closed. If this tab is broken or missing, simply attach something else there to press in the switch, and this will resolve the issue.
If the switch itself has failed (you can test it by manually pushing the switch in and seeing if the door unlocks when you do this), it will have to be replaced. The part number for this switch on 05-10 Odysseys is:
74380-SHJ-A01
This video shows the switch as well as how to replace it:
Final Notes:
If you are looking for even more detailed information about any of these repairs, use the search function of the forum and you can find dedicated threads and posts. This post is simply intended to point you in the right direction.
While models with manual sliding doors do not have the power release actuator or the rear latch assembly, they do still have the center roller and the fuel door interlock switch, so those issues are still relevant.