Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds – 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey

“This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated”

A11-039
September 2, 2011

 

Applies To: 2005–10 Odyssey – Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

 

Warranty Extension: Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds

(Supersedes 11-039, dated August 20, 2011, to revise the information marked by the black bars)

(Replaces 10-076, Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn Quickly at Low Speeds, dated July 15, 2011)

 

REVISION SUMMARY

In Applies To, the model year range was changed.

 

BACKGROUND

On some 2005–10 Odysseys, the power steering pump does not provide the intended amount of assistance while the vehicle is driven at slow speeds with low engine RPM, making the steering wheel hard to turn when driving in areas such as a parking lot. To increase customer confidence, American Honda is extending the warranty on the power steering pump in affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.

 

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notification of this warranty extension. An example of the customer notification is included at the end of this service bulletin.

Before doing work on a vehicle, verify its eligibility by doing an iN VIN status inquiry.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Do the diagnosis and, if needed, replace the power steering pump.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

P/N
Power Steering Pump Kit:

(Includes a power steering pump outlet hose O-ring and a power steering pump without the pulley or nut.)

06561-RGL-305RM Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds - 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey | small light

NOTE: You may receive P/N 56110-RGL-305RM, instead of 06561-RGL-305RM; the parts are the same.

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

P/N
Honda Power Steering Fluid:

(One bottle repairs one vehicle)

08206-9002 Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds - 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey | small light

 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Operation Number: 5121G4
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: P/N 56110-RGL-A02
Defect Code: 5P500
Symptom Code: R8100
Template ID: 11-039A
Skill Level: Repair Technician

 

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Make sure the tires are properly inflated. See the driver’s doorjamb label for more information.
  2. With the vehicle on the ground, start the engine, and warm it up to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).
  3. Warm up the power steering (P/S) fluid by letting the engine idle with the transmission in P, and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock about 20 times.

NOTE: If you do not heat up the P/S fluid, your diagnosis may not be correct.

  1. After the P/S fluid is warmed up, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, and note the steering wheel effort.

YouTube video

 

  1. Continue turning the wheel from lock to lock, and raise the engine RPM to between 1,500 and 2,000. Note the steering wheel effort and compare it with the steering effort when the engine is idling.
    • If the steering wheel is easier to turn at high RPM, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
    • If the steering wheel effort at idle and high RPM is about the same, this bulletin does not apply. Compare your results against a known-good vehicle and continue with normal troubleshooting.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTE:

  • Do not drain the power steering fluid to replace the pump because the issue with the pump does not affect the fluid.
  • Take care not to spill any P/S fluid on the vehicle body or other parts. Wipe off any spilled fluid immediately.
  1. Remove the engine cover.
  2. Disconnect the IMT actuator connector (if applicable).

power steering pump

 

  1. Remove the drive belt from the P/S pump pulley. Make sure no P/S fluid gets on the belt.
  2. Cover the auto-tensioner, the alternator, and the A/C compressor with shop towels to protect them from any spilled P/S fluid.
  3. Disconnect the inlet and outlet hoses from the P/S pump, and plug the open ends.
  4. Remove the pump mounting bolts and the pump.
  5. Hold the pump in a vise with soft jaws, then remove the pulley nut and pulley. Be careful not to damage the pump housing with the jaws of the vise.
  6. Install the pulley and the pulley nut on the new P/S pump. Torque the nut to 64 N.m (47 lb-ft).
  7. Install the pump to its bracket with the mounting bolts, then torque the bolts to 24 N.m (17 lb-ft).
  8. Connect the inlet hose to the pump.
  9. Place a new O-ring on the outlet hose, then connect the outlet hose to the pump, and torque it to 11 N.m (8 lb-ft).
  10. Reinstall the drive belt.
  11. Reconnect the IMT connector.
  12. Reinstall the engine cover.
  13. Make sure the P/S reservoir is filled to the upper line.
  14. Bleed the air from the P/S system:
    • Start the engine, and with the vehicle in P, raise the engine speed to 2,000 RPM.
    • Turn the steering wheel to the left until it stops. Hold it against the stop for 30 seconds.
    • Turn the steering wheel to the right until it stops. Hold it against the stop for 30 seconds.

NOTE: If the pump is making a buzzing noise like in the sound file below, the pump is OK. There is still air trapped in the system. Repeat the air bleeding procedure.

 

  1. Recheck the reservoir to make sure it is filled to the upper line.
  2. Return the original pump for remanufacturing. Refer to Parts Information Bulletin A08-009, Remanufactured Steering Pump Program for packing and return instructions. To avoid a core charge, return the pump as instructed.

 


Example of Customer Letter

September 2011

Warranty Extension: Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds and Engine RPM Dear Odyssey Owner:

This letter is to notify you of a warranty extension on your Odyssey.

 

What is the reason for this notice?

On some 2005–10 Odysseys, the power steering pump may not provide the intended amount of assistance while the vehicle is driven at slow speeds with low engine RPM, making the steering wheel hard to turn when driving in areas such as a parking lot. To ensure your confidence in your vehicle, American Honda is extending the warranty on the power steering pump to 7 years from the original date of purchase or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty extension provides coverage for the original owner and any subsequent owners. No action is required on your part unless you experience a problem. The warranty extension is valid except for any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, or has a branded, or similar title under any state’s law.

 

What should you do?

If you believe your steering wheel is hard to turn at low speeds with low engine RPM, call any authorized Honda dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle inspected. If the hard steering is related to the power steering pump not providing enough assistance, the power steering pump will be replaced at no cost. Please plan to leave your vehicle for half a day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling.

 

What to do if you feel this notice is in error.

Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2005–10 Odyssey involved in this warranty extension. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please complete, sign, and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records. If you previously paid to have the power steering pump replaced because of hard steering at low speeds with low engine RPM, you may be eligible for reimbursement, even if you no longer own the vehicle. Refer to the attached Instructions for Reimbursement form for eligibility requirements and the reimbursement procedure.

 

Lessor Information

If you are the vehicle lessor receiving this warranty extension notice, please forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within 10 days.

 

If you have questions

If you have any questions about this notice, or need assistance with locating a Honda dealer, please call Honda Automobile Customer Relations at 800-999-1009, and select option 4.

We apologize for any inconvenience this warranty extension may cause you.

Sincerely,

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda Automobile Division

 


Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [6.84 MB]

 


NHTSA ID Number: 10036938

Manufacturer Communication Number: SB-10-076

 

Summary

HONDA: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN QUICKLY AT LOW SPEEDS. WHEN TURNING WHEEL, QUICKLY, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, IT IS HARD. ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING IN PARKING LOTS. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH ASSIST FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP. STEERING PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. *PE UPDATED 7/29/11. *PE

 

2 Associated Documents

Customer Satisfaction Campaigns

CSC-10036938-4608.pdf 592.06KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [578.18 KB]

 


Customer Satisfaction Campaigns

CSC-10036938-7814.pdf 693.534KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [677.28 KB]

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
Johnsen's 4611 Power Steering Fluid - 1 Gallon
  • High quality power steering fluid and conditioner
  • Stops Noise
  • Stops slipping
  • Helps prevent unusual wear
  • Protects seals
Bestseller No. 2
Lucas Oil 10008 Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart
  • Package Dimensions: 23.2 H x 6.9 L x 11.2 W (centimetres)
  • Package Weight: 0.9 kilograms
  • Country of Origin : United States
  • Fit type: Universal
Bestseller No. 3
Lubegard 23232 Complete Synthetic Power Steering Fluid, 32 fl. oz.
  • The service solution for ALL European, North American, and Asian vehicles (Honda fluid recommended for Honda/Acura vehicles)
  • Reduces friction and protects seals and hoses - extending the life of the power steering system
  • Provides excellent cold and high temperature performance eliminating "morning sickness" stiffness
  • Excellent for use in electric hydraulic systems
  • Cleans and frees sticky turbines and pumps
Bestseller No. 4
Bar's Leaks High Mileage Power Steering Repair, 16 oz.
  • REDUCES NOISE AND SMOOTHES OUT HARD STEERING: A unique dual cavity bottle containing a combination of the best performance additives to repair the most common power steering fluid related problems.
  • STOPS LEAKS AND RECONDITIONS RACK & PINION: Power Steering Repair can be used to top-off the existing fluid when low, or add a bottle when changing fluid.
  • RESTORES PREFORMANCE: Works on all vehicles, domestic and import.
  • ADDS PROTECTION: Compatible with ALL types of power steering fluid or ATF, including petroleum, mineral oil and synthetic formulas.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Lubegard 24242 Complete Synthetic Honda Power Steering Fluid, 32 fl. oz.
  • For 2007 and up Honda and Acura vehicles, Backwards compatible with older Honda and Acura vehicles
  • Lubricates and reduces wear in the pump, Prevents rust of the steel parts
  • Lubricates and fights wear on the gear faces of the turning mechanism (eg. Rack and pinion)
  • Protects and cleans the seals and hoses
  • Contains no seal swellers
Bestseller No. 6
Prestone AS269 Power Steering Fluid for Asian Vehicles - 12 oz.
  • Premium full-synthetic formulation specifically engineered for Asian vehicles
  • Provides protection against wear, foaming, and corrosion to maintain optimal performance
  • Designed for extreme temperatures while also providing excellent operation in low temperatures
  • Delivers excellent oxidative stability for extended fluid life
  • Engineered for Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, and all other Asian-manufactured vehicles
Bestseller No. 7
MAG 1 00816 Power Steering Fluid - 1 Gallon
  • Helps prevent wear and corrosion
  • Helps quiet annoying squeals and squeaks
  • Smooths and eases steering operation
SaleBestseller No. 8
STP Power Steering Fluid, Steering Wheel Cleaner Protects Against Wear and Pump Breakdown in Cars and Trucks, 32 Oz, STP
  • Protects against wear and pump breakdown caused by abnormal wear, oxidation, and foaming
  • Performs even in sub-zero temperatures
  • Specifically designed for all power steering units
  • For high and low mileage vehicles
  • Use as needed, always consult your owner's manual for fluid specifications
Bestseller No. 9
BlueDevil Products Power Steering Fluid w/Stop Leak - 1 Quart
  • Stops Leaks
  • Helps prevent wear and corrosion
  • Improves vehicle longevity and performance
  • Smooths and eases steering operation
  • Helps prevent slippage
SaleBestseller No. 10
Bar's Leaks 1630 Power Steering Stop Leak - 11 oz,Grey
  • 1 bottle treats 4 to 5 quarts of oil
  • Stops and seals steering fluid leaks
  • Works with all types of power steering leaks
  • Part number: 1630

Last update on 2024-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

 


1 thought on “Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds – 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey”

  1. Thank you so much. I just bought a used 2010 Odyssey and complained about this to the dealership. They just flushed the system and said it should be all good now, but it’s not. They never told me about this. I appreciate you making it known.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Share to...