TTAC commentator Lerxst writes:
I’ve got a 2004 Honda Odyssey with approximately 96k miles on it. It has developed a condition where the steering wheel mounted radio controls do not act as expected (i.e. Volume up changes the track, Volume down makes the volume go up, etc., sometimes). The dealer tells me that it’s not grounded well deep in the steering column, and thanks to the Odyssey Club, I have found the TSB that covers this problem.
The dealer would like about $280 of my hard earned money to go in and fix it. American Honda won’t cover it through goodwill due to the mileage.
Since the TSB which gives detailed instructions, I’m inclined to try this myself. I am fairly handy (do my own oil changes, brakes, thermostat, and have used a steering wheel puller before). However, I have no experience dealing with airbags, which would need to be removed and reinstalled. This leaves me a bit apprehensive, since I’d rather not a) have it blow up in my face, b) have to replace the airbag at great cost or c) die because my airbag failed.
Perhaps TTAC’s Best and Brightest can give me a comfort level for working around the driver’s airbag. Thanks in advance for your help!
Sajeev writes:
Well done, avid car forum user! The TSB instructions you sent me are very, very straightforward. So go for it, you’ll save money and enjoy stickin’ it to The Man. And using a steering wheel puller impresses your neighbors. Been there, done that and got the funny looks.
Don’t fear the airbag: it’s no problem if you follow the Factory Service Manual’s procedure. Don’t have a factory manual? Better get one, be it paper copy, CD-ROM or torrent file. Still worried? Wear a full-face helmet and race suit when you pull the airbag and be the Stig of Minivans.
[Send your technical queries to mehta@ttac.com]
2002 Odyssey, 100,000 miles. Same problem. Ours is intermittent since about 80,000 miles, but the dealer told us that even if they could duplicate the problem we’d have to pay $170 for it.
It still works probably 80% of the time, so we haven’t bothered. Remember, you can always use the buttons and knob on the head unit itself.
I’m thinking that when I’m due for the big 105k service I may try to negotiate this in at a discount.
I’ve read the TSB too and read the follow-ups on odyclub.com. R&R the airbag and steering wheel does not look like the part where DIYers mess up, it’s getting the dimples in that little metal ring just right . . . .
“Did I disconnect five air-bag sensors or all six? You know, in all the confusion, and parts scattered around, I clean forget. So you have to ask yourself one question, punk. Do you feel lucky today? Well, do ya?
Dirty Mechanic
Disconnecting the battery is the first step when working with an airbag. Don’t fear the bag, I never had problems removing the bags in the doors of my wife’s 2004 Bimmer when I had to do window regulators!
If you’re truly concerned about it, $280 to fix the problem isn’t too bad and the dealership will have to stand behind it if they mess it up. If you get it wrong, it’s all you. Or find an independent Honda mechanic, I’d imagine that there’s one near you.
Oh, Honda owners. A special breed. $30k-40k for a van based on $15k Accord? No problem. $200-300 to fix a problem *at 100k miles* — too expensive?!
Of course do the work yourself. Not because of the paltry $300, though.
I don’t get it. There was a TSB about this exact problem and Honda won’t cover it??
Time for some “consumer activism” on your part. methinks.
It’s five years old and pushing 100,000 miles. Blow the cobwebs out of your change purse and pay to have it fixed.
@vvk
More like $24k — we bought below invoice when the 2005’s were coming out. The fix listed in the TSB has varying levels of efficacy for the folks on the Odyssey Club forums, hence the reluctance to spend $300 on something that I could probably do myself.
Sajeev, thanks for posting my question!!! I’ll give the fix a shot, can’t wait to be The Stig of minivans!
“A special breed. $30k-40k for a van based on $15k Accord?”
The Chrysler minivans were based on the Chrysler K platform of Plymouth Reliant infamy. Personally I would rather build off the Accord than off the Reliant.
vvk: $30k-40k for a van based on $15k Accord?
Point me to where I can buy a new Accord for $15k and I’m there – with my “cash for clunker” Pathfinder.
Actually, I remember now that my dealer quoted me $170 for the repair. You might want to shop around.
Lerxst: Good luck, but if you find yourself overwhelmed, make sure you take your time finding the right repair facility.
What I mean is, don’t Rush into using some Fly By Night shop, or they might mess up other electronic components, such as your Power Windows.
@doctorv8
I’ll put on my Bravest Face, use all my Bravado, make sure I take heed of any Distant Early Warnings, and In The End, I’ll be done in time to catch some Earthshine.
Or maybe, I’ll just Leave That Thing Alone, and turn the knobs whilst wearing my Kid Gloves.
=-)
lol….I had a similar conversation years ago on the Corvette Forum with a user named Lerxst2112. Was that you?
In a world of oil changes approaching $100 is $300 to much to pay to have a mechanic take apart a steering column?
-ted
zerofoo : In a world of oil changes approaching $100 is $300 to much to pay to have a mechanic take apart a steering column?
Absolutely.*
*(only valid when the factory instructions and knowledge of a steering wheel puller are in play)
I wouldn’t risk this DIY repair to save $280. Excessive safety and financial downside.
@doctorv8
While I have owned a Corvette in the past (’64 Coupe, 300hp 327, 4-speed), I haven’t participated in any Corvette forums…maybe it was the _real_ Lerxst!
Yeah! What autobahner44 said!
If this was a Chrysler minivan with the same problem, I’m sure te tone of the problem would be harsher and comments like “American POS” and “never buy a Chrysler” comments would be all over this post.
Jeesh… It’s an old car with problems. Minor electrical problems with constantly used/abused components. Deal with it! Pay to get it fixed or rach over and use the controls on the radio.
Besides… $250.00 is not alot of money when you consider what has to be done. Have you ever removed a driver’s air bag? Easy for me, but tough for you as I can see. Do you know how to find the bad ground? They don’t just pop out at you. You have to diagnose the probelm which can also take time. You’re paying for more than parts. You’re paying for a person’s time that is just as valuable as yours!
vvk:
Oh, Honda owners. A special breed. $30k-40k for a van based on $15k Accord? No problem. $200-300 to fix a problem *at 100k miles* — too expensive?!
This is only because most Honda owners are not used to much going wrong on their cars.
Contrast this to most owners of [insert european brand of car here] who are so used to shelling out money in 4 figure increments every 7500 miles that a $300 expense seems like a trip to the ice cream parlor.
Who pays $100 for an oil change?
Even my bike with full synthetic is only $80 or so and you have to remove the fairings.
“In a world of oil changes approaching $100 is $300 to much to pay to have a mechanic take apart a steering column?”
Only if he doesn’t put it back together.
$100 oil changes? Wow…I do my own and pay out of pocket $15-$30 depending on if its for my 1.5 liter or 5.3 v8. Does anyone need synthetic? Not really. Make sure you change the oil frequently with good ole liquid dinosaurs and you are good to go. Put on a lot of miles or don’t drive a lot. A good measure is 4k miles or 6 months. Oil changes are a breeze (unless you have an air cooled 911 which makes them more fun and more expensive to do – 12 quarts!).
I thought I’d change the steering wheel on a Saab I had once to something a bit…sportier.
Looked easy. I read some instructions online. There turned out to be a coil of wires back there that popped out when I yanked the wheel off. Couldn’t put it back together after that. Broke some little plastic thing. Every little plastic thing in a Saab costs $400. Had to go to the mechanic and explain what I did. Tail between my legs, wrote a big check.
Bottom line is, just take it to the Honda guy. Give him money. After that, your volume button will control your volume.
Don’t worry about the airbag. It’s basically looks like a can of tuna, and has a wire coming out of it.
My idiot little brother wanted to change his Impreza steeringwheel to an STI steering wheel. He got it switched ok, but it was crooked and he wanted to get the cruise control in there, so he tried it again. On his second time taking everything out, he forgot to disconnect the airbag and ended up popping off the cover to the clockspring. He had to get that part replaced through the dealer, part was like $300, and labor was something around $200.
$500 for a new steeringwheel, rofl.