Our 2017 Honda Odyssey (75k miles) has this blinking “D” thing that happens at random times while driving. Can’t find much about it online. Our local Honda dealership is giving me the shoulder shrug since I can’t ever get it over there while it’s happening. When the van is turned off and turned back on it clears whatever it is. No codes showing on my cheap little blue driver scanner. Would like to know what it is if anyone has a clue? Here’s a video of it happening
I did some research for you and I found that usually its a shift solenoid issue or possibly some electrical such as a transmission speed sensor.
Here are also some common causes:
Blockage in the tube from the exhaust manifold to the pressure sensor
Exhaust Gas Recirculation system / Air Inlet / Charge Air leaks Exhaust Gas Pressure Sensor
Possibly a powertrain control module (PCM) has failed (highly unlikely)
Patriot150 above mentions he has experienced it twice and both times it was the shift solenoid
Google is very helpful, when I look your issue up here is what comes up:
"When the "D" light flashes it means there is a code stored in the computer for the transmission. You need to take it to someone who knows what they're doing with a good scan tool and see what code is stored for the transmission. It may just be a solenoid issue." - from a forum
"This may be something mechanical such as a shift solenoid or possibly some ... This may also indicate that the transmission fluid may be low as well"
Have you ever changed the transmission fluid? That is also important, you should be doing them every 30-50k miles especially on an Odyssey.
It indicates a transmission fault. Needs to be scanned with a Toyota tool to find out what it means.
You think the codes ought to be stored? Dealership rep said it had to be happening and running for them to be able to scan it. Sounded fishy to me. But I don’t know.
maybe it's just telling you it's due for service. I don't know. If it shifts fine then just keep driving it I guess.
Thanks for the replies! 🙂
Just a thought: … blinking D means a transmission problem, but I believe there is a code imbedded in blinking. There are long blinks and short. Combination of these mean different codes. Short blink is about 1/5th of the long blink. It’s like a Morse code. Have a look, … is there a repeating pattern of blinks? Can you decipher it?
Anyway, blinking codes, generally, are triggered by sensors, … or mis-synchronization between engine and transmission communication. Speed sensor is often a culprit, for example. I have two different Hondas, and I have a list of codes that correspond to different blink sequences. So, if you decipher your blinking sequence, … just perhaps, I can provide you with a PXXXX code and a list of possible checks. After all, Honda’s philosophy should be the same as for older older or different models of Hondas, …
F.S.
Thanks for the info. The times I’ve seen it happen it didn’t appear to be any pattern. Just a constant blink at rate of 2 blinks per second until it’s turned off. Even in park, neutral, or reverse. Doesn’t change the blinking until the car is turned off. Then it may not happen again for another two weeks. Now that I’m typing all this, that does sound kind of sensor-ish to me. We’ve never felt any weird shifts, or any unusual noises.
OK, … now, perhaps a stuff one can check at home, … just perhaps?
- manifold sensor circuit low voltage or high voltage or intermittent
- crankshaft position sensor signal or loose connection, or dislodged sensor
- camshaft position circuit loose connection
- simply an error logged in power control module - it will drive just fine, but probably need software refresh
- transmission range switch or switches inputs interrupted by loose connection
- ATF temperature range circuit, range out of whack or intermittent interruption
- ATF temperature shorting out or simply stuck open
… stuff like that, it continues for four pages of one liners, … there is a list of simple checks with multimeters, but you need a specs for your vehicle, specifically. It’s mostly checking for open/close circuit, power or no power, too high voltage or too low voltage. Voltage level checks, resistance of the sensors check.
I guess, best to quit just about now, and let a Honda guy connect his fancy-shmancy Honda Diagnostic System computer, …
Best of luck, …
F.S.
Pretty familiar with Hondas, but my experience with the flashing D 2 out of 2 times it was the shift solenoid ( should be 2 of them) they were visually plugged up when I took them out.
Ok... I finally got a hold of some good luck. On a whim I decided to do a full scan with my blue driver OBDii scanner while driving the van. The ‘D’ wasn’t flashing, but I did get a P0471 code. I’m hoping this will lead me in the right direction. Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid. I remembered this thing was driven through high water a little over a year ago. I’m hoping it’s just some dirty/corroded contacts. I’ll update when I find out.