About six months after we got our 2006 Odyssey, brand new, we were taking a quick 100 mile roadtrip. About 70 miles into the drive (all Interstate) suddenly I felt an immediate loss of power while on a slight incline. The check engine light came on and it felt as though I lost 80% of my power. I pulled over and shut down the engine. I checked the oil and the temperature gauge and everything seemed fine. After a few minutes, I restarted the engine and the light went out so we continued on with no problems. I chalked it up to a computer correction of some kind.

Fast forward two years to august 31, 2008 (Sunday on Labor Day weekend). While returning from a vacation trip we were again on an incline in the Blue Ridge Mountains when the same thing happened: loss of power, check engine light came on. Again, I pulled over, noticed the temperature gauge was fine and no other warning lights. I shut down the engine and checked the oil. No problems. I let the engine cool for about fifteen minutes and restarted the van. Only this time the light didn't go out. I cautiously continued on. It took about a minute for the van to regain normal power but I noticed the Variable cylinder management system (ECO light on the dash) never came on for the rest of the trip. We ran on all six cylinders for the remainder of the trip but otherwise had no other problems. Despite extended stops (over an hour for dinner) plus gas stops the check engine light remained on.

We returned home that night, pulled into the garage and called it a night. The next day I started the van. Everything was normal. Check engine light was off and the Variable Cylinder Management System was operating normally. No problems since but I'm a little nervous about taking it on another out of town trip without having it checked out. I suspect a bad sensor that controls the VCM system. Of course I am 2000 miles out of warranty at 38,000 miles. Any thoughts? Has anyone else experienced this problem? I have an EX-L model.

About six months after we got our 2006 Odyssey, brand new, we were taking a quick 100 mile roadtrip. About 70 miles into the drive (all Interstate) suddenly I felt an immediate loss of power while on a slight incline. The check engine light came on and it felt as though I lost 80% of my power. I pulled over and shut down the engine. I checked the oil and the temperature gauge and everything seemed fine. After a few minutes, I restarted the engine and the light went out so we continued on with no problems. I chalked it up to a computer correction of some kind.

Fast forward two years to august 31, 2008 (Sunday on Labor Day weekend). While returning from a vacation trip we were again on an incline in the Blue Ridge Mountains when the same thing happened: loss of power, check engine light came on. Again, I pulled over, noticed the temperature gauge was fine and no other warning lights. I shut down the engine and checked the oil. No problems. I let the engine cool for about fifteen minutes and restarted the van. Only this time the light didn't go out. I cautiously continued on. It took about a minute for the van to regain normal power but I noticed the Variable cylinder management system (ECO light on the dash) never came on for the rest of the trip. We ran on all six cylinders for the remainder of the trip but otherwise had no other problems. Despite extended stops (over an hour for dinner) plus gas stops the check engine light remained on.

We returned home that night, pulled into the garage and called it a night. The next day I started the van. Everything was normal. Check engine light was off and the Variable Cylinder Management System was operating normally. No problems since but I'm a little nervous about taking it on another out of town trip without having it checked out. I suspect a bad sensor that controls the VCM system. Of course I am 2000 miles out of warranty at 38,000 miles. Any thoughts? Has anyone else experienced this problem? I have an EX-L model.
Check your gas cap and see if it's tight enough. You shuold still be eligible for warranty even though you are 2000 miles over the limit, call Honda and request "goodwill consideration".

Thanks for the reply. Interestingly enough, the dash display in the odometer / temperature area was scrolling a message that read "check gas cap" last night. It's the first time we've seen that. However, the gas level was at 1/4 tank and that warning had not appeared before even though we filled the tank over a week ago. We always tighten the cap at least four clicks. I'm going to get it into the dealer as soon as we have a chance. Can you explain what "Goodwill consideration" is as far as Honda is concerned? Is this something Honda officially recognizes with some sort of goodwill policy toward good customers? I just figured we were S.O.L. Hopefully they will have mercy. We're a loyal Honda family with an Odyssey, Civic and even a Honda lawnmower. We've owned lots of them over the years because of their strong reliability and resale value.

We have an Odyssey 2007 V6 with VCM, 29,000 miles. About 2 months ago we noticed a significant hesitation/surging feeling while driving at a constant speed on the highway (65-70 MPH). This hesitation is such that both the passenger and the driver can feel it- almost jerked forward a bit in the seat. The spedometer and RPM gauges both change about 5 points when this feeling occurs. Again, this is on the highway at a constant speed without cruise control. Initially when we took it in we were told the REAR MOTOR MOUNT had collapsed, and this could be the cause for the shifting/hesitaiton feeling. After the mount was replaced (only 27,000 miles on it then?) we drove the car again to find the problem still exhists. The dealer is trying to convince us this is "a normal variance within the VCM system." Normal? for both driver and passenger to be jerked foreward, normal for the RPM and spedometer gauges to change during constant highway speed? The owners manuel states that the VCM system, when activated, should go unnoticed to the driver- only the ECO light will engage. This certainly isn't the case. I have searched other web-sites and have found numerous complaints just like mine. Anybody out there having the same issue? The VCM system is good in theory, but if this is the type of quality that surrounds the design, it needs to be rethought. As I understand it, many Odyssey drivers with VCM notice absolutely nothing when the system engages (we didn't for the first 27,000 miles).

In addition, I have found during my research the motor mounts for the newer Odysseys are known to be weak due to the design/engagement of VCM during driving, going from 3 cylinders to 6 cylinders and vice-versa causes enormous pressure on the mounts- look it up. (Honda has put out a warning to dealers addressing this issue) with weakening beginning at 50,000 miles (our motor mount went at only 27,000 miles!)

We are driving with the Honda Rep and service manager at our local dealership tomorrow- more to follow.

Anybody out there having similar issues? I'd love to hear from you.

About six months after we got our 2006 Odyssey, brand new, we were taking a quick 100 mile roadtrip. About 70 miles into the drive (all Interstate) suddenly I felt an immediate loss of power while on a slight incline. The check engine light came on and it felt as though I lost 80% of my power. I pulled over and shut down the engine. I checked the oil and the temperature gauge and everything seemed fine. After a few minutes, I restarted the engine and the light went out so we continued on with no problems. I chalked it up to a computer correction of some kind.

Fast forward two years to august 31, 2008 (Sunday on Labor Day weekend). While returning from a vacation trip we were again on an incline in the Blue Ridge Mountains when the same thing happened: loss of power, check engine light came on. Again, I pulled over, noticed the temperature gauge was fine and no other warning lights. I shut down the engine and checked the oil. No problems. I let the engine cool for about fifteen minutes and restarted the van. Only this time the light didn't go out. I cautiously continued on. It took about a minute for the van to regain normal power but I noticed the Variable cylinder management system (ECO light on the dash) never came on for the rest of the trip. We ran on all six cylinders for the remainder of the trip but otherwise had no other problems. Despite extended stops (over an hour for dinner) plus gas stops the check engine light remained on.

We returned home that night, pulled into the garage and called it a night. The next day I started the van. Everything was normal. Check engine light was off and the Variable Cylinder Management System was operating normally. No problems since but I'm a little nervous about taking it on another out of town trip without having it checked out. I suspect a bad sensor that controls the VCM system. Of course I am 2000 miles out of warranty at 38,000 miles. Any thoughts? Has anyone else experienced this problem? I have an EX-L model.

we have a 2005 odessey ex-l had this same problem at 9000 miles on our first trip we also were on a hill dealer pulled codes which said we had a miss fire. they reset light and we drove home no probem . however in june 2008 on our way to las vegas same thing miss fire on a hill check engine light on and flashing loss of power then it would run fine take it to dealer reset codes dealer states unable to duplicate problem. we drive home all is fine then we take a trip day after christmas 2008. going up same hill same results dealer resets codes runs fine they say unable to duplicte problem we drive home fine . we are very frustrated dealer is going to look at this week.

...in june 2008 on our way to las vegas same thing miss fire on a hill check engine light on and flashing loss of power then it would run fine take it to dealer reset codes dealer states unable to duplicate problem. we drive home all is fine then we take a trip day after christmas 2008. going up same hill same results dealer resets codes runs fine they say unable to duplicte problem we drive home fine...

What hill did you have this problem on?

As crazy as this sounds I had the EXACT same problem with a 2005 Pilot. Took it in and they said it was actually the battery. Replaced it free (which shocked me) and it was fine. He said they do that for some reason. That could be it....

Yes, I to have the 2005 Odyssey EX-L-NAV and have this exact same problem. This problem have almost killed us this weekend on the Grapevine Hwy 5 incline. I had this problem over 4 years now and the third time to fail each time going uphill. The engine does misfire and each time I bring the van in Honda Service has not fixed it. Each time #1 replace sensor, #2 oil not high enough, and now #3 I am waiting to hear thier next excuse. My van engine has been rebuilt twice when I bought it due to leaking oil, and my brakes are warped again after 15K. This car is smelling like a yellow fruit! I will never trust this car up hill again.

Did you ever get the problem fixed? If so what was the diagnosis?:mad:

Corey

Did this issue ever get resolved? Can I call you on this?

Earlier this month the same problem reared its ugly head, this time in spades. We were Northbound on I-71 leaving downtown Cincinnati on an uphill grade when the van lurched, lost power and the check engine light began flashing just as described in my original post. The light stopped flashing when we topped the hill but remained on. We got it home and I made arrangements to get it to the Honda dealer for a look-see. By the time we got there, the light was out and the code computer couldn't get any error readings (why doesn't the van's on-board computer store a memory of codes?). But they convinced us the battery needed to be replaced. I was very skeptical but agreed. Since the van now has 60,000 miles on it, the battery was not covered under warranty so it cost me $125.

Of course, the next day the problem returned when going uphill and it was occurring more often than ever before. We couldn't go up a moderate incline without the check engine light flashing and experiencing a loss of power. Two more return visits to the dealer brought no relief but finally, after I persisted and insisted the mechanic take it for a drive on some steep hills, he experienced what I had been complaining about. He did some research and replaced a fuel-pump relay. It's a tiny half-inch by half-inch blue plastic box that obviously plugs into some sort of circuit board. I was again skeptical that it would solve the problem (it was only a $27 part) but we've now gone two weeks without a problem. It looks like the mystery has been solved and I can once again feel comfortable driving our van long distances.

surging was dealt with in service bulletins concerning the
ERG valve (under the cover on the engine so it should be easy to check) and the tube it sits on. Look for clogging of the ports going to the ERG.

Sometimes the symptoms gas starvation when going up or down a hill can be a dirty fuel filter. Sediment in the filter sloshes forward and aft to cover the inlet or outlet of the filter. This is more common in older vehicles BUT could be
from a gas station with bad tanks.

The loose gas cap warning is a good place to start. If the problem continues after securing the cap have the ERG checked or do it yourself. At least on this situation it's an
easy replacement. Most DIY mechanics should not have a problem. If you want a pdf of the service bulletin send me
a private message I'll dig it up and send it.

katman can you send me that pdf? lkwan78@gmail.com

I haven't been going any uphill inclines like the OP, but I noticed that i had the gas ap light come on and the ECO light hasn't came on in 3 hours of driving my odyssey yesterday. I tighten the gas cap and that didn't sem to help.

I went to autozone about the ODB2 codes but becasue it was raiinging they wouldn't check it for me.

I'll definetly check out that fuel pump relay that guynamedpaul had repalced and problem was fixed.

WHat is a ERG valve? what does it look like. and where exactly is it located... (EXACTLY please) I am in no way a car guy...

thanks!

I thought we finally had this problem fixed (while driving uphill, complete loss of power, check engine light flashes then stays on)...and then it happened again to my wife today. It's back in the dealer's shop tonight awaiting another evaluation tomorrow. This must be the seventh or eighth time we've taken it back to the dealer with this problem, which started only a few months after we bought it new in '06. Last time, they replaced a minor electronic component and it has worked fine for six months. We are really getting frustrated over this problem. Clearly, it is somewhat common so why can't Honda fix this issue?
I've owned four other Honda vehicles since my first one, an '84 CRX, and have always praised and recommended Honda to my friends and family... but I'm losing patience and I'm beginning to doubt their reliability is as good as it used to be.
In July, my 2001 Civic started acting up with similar symptoms and the dealer told me it was "too much end play in the camshaft" and the only way to fix it was to buy a $4000 engine. Seriously? I babied that car and took great care of it. I've always bought Honda cars for reliability. A second mechanic (not a Honda dealer) told me it probably just needed a new sensor. But it would cost me a couple of hundred to have the sensor installed to find out for sure. I'd had enough and jumped ship to Ford. I'm now the happy owner of a new 2010 Fusion. And I love it. Smart, intuitive car. Car of the year, after all.
Hopefully, my Odyssey problem will be solved soon or I'll swear off Hondas for a while until they can improve their quality to what it once was. I am embarrassed to explain to friends that my "reliable Honda" is in the shop once again! Sad, very sad. I planned to drive it to Texas this Thanksgiving but it looks like I can't risk another highway breakdown so the Odyssey will stay home in the garage and the new Ford will get the nod to transport my family safely and reliably to Dallas. I never thought I'd say such a thing!:confused:

The Honda dealer here in Cincinnati checked for codes after the most recent occurrence. They are now telling me that the codes indicated multiple misfires. The 5th cylinder seal is bad and oil got on top of the cylinder, fouled the plug and coil. They also said our other spark plugs seem bad too and are replacing the plugs. Cost to do this work is over $575. I just hope it solves the problem this time!
This has been going on since 2006 and each time, we hear a different story from the mechanics and we dump some more money into it.
The guy at the dealership is very nice, polite and seems concerned but I'm the one paying the bills. I don't blame him but I think Honda ought to acknowledge this problem and take care of these repair costs. Having just bought a new Ford to replace my Civic that was no longer dependable, I can't afford another new car right now to replace this '06 Odyssey so it's important that it be dependable for a few more years, but I'm not holding my breath.
My faith in Honda reliability has evaporated. Why did I pay a premium for the Honda Odyssey when I could have gotten similar reliability or better from a less expensive Toyota or even a Chevy? I could not be more disappointed in Honda and this lemon of an Odyssey they built. Is Honda trying to drive me away from their products? It sure seems that way. And with traditional American brands like Ford and Buick stepping up their game in quality and design, Honda needs to hold on to their best customers or they're going to lose them.

And here we go again. 14 months since the dealer supposedly solved the problem with our Odyssey, the identical mystery problem surfaced once again. Same thing as before, van was climbing a modest hill when the check engine light came on, van lost power, lurched, etc. My wife called me in a panic saying, "I can't believe it, it happened again! The van just crapped out!" Fortunately, she was close to the dealer so she limped it into their garage for evaluation. Now we wait and see what Honda's story will be this time. I realize the van is out of warranty but this problem has persisted since the van was brand new and it has never gone away completely, despite numerous "fixes." We no longer trust our Odyssey and we won't take it out of town because we have no faith that it will get us to our destination reliably. I am so disappointed because I am the one who convinced my wife that the Honda Odyssey was the best van we could buy. I consider myself an informed consumer. I read car magazines and Consumer Reports, I attend auto shows (just attended the N. American Auto Show in Detroit last weekend) and I stay up on developments with the car companies. But clearly, I made a bad choice in the Odyssey. At least my Honda lawnmower still runs well. I'll post the dealer mechanic's assessment when we hear from him.