Vibrations in a car are not just annoying--they indicate a problem with something in or on the vehicle. Finding where that problem is coming from can be a little tricky. Different vehicle components vibrate in different ways and the vibration they create happens in different locations within the vehicle. You will have to use your senses to correctly diagnose what is causing the vibration. Learning how to diagnose vibration properly can save a lot of time and frustration.
Start the Odyssey and let it idle. If you feel vibrations while sitting in the driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary, the vibration is coming from the engine.
Apply throttle to slowly increase the RPMs. Note if the vibration changes or goes away. If the vibration ceases, the most likely culprit will be the engine's idle speed. Increase the idle speed until it is between 700 and 800 RPMs.
Open the hood. Have a friend stand to the side and watch the engine. Apply the emergency brake. Place the Odyssey in drive.
Apply and release the throttle quickly while holding the brake pedal firmly. Do the same in reverse. If the engine has excessive movement, it indicates that there are broken motor mounts. Have a friend watch each motor mount to see which ones have excessive movement and have them replaced.
Drive the Odyssey at different speeds. Note if the vehicle only vibrates at certain speeds. If it does, the most likely problem is that the tires are out of balance. Have the tires checked and balanced at a local repair shop.
Feel where the vibration is happening. Vibrations in the steering wheel relate to the front wheels. Vibrations in the floor or seat indicate that the problem is in the rear wheels.
Check the wheels for dents or bent areas. Replace any bad wheels. Run your hand around the tread of the tires. If they feel out of round, or have bumps in them, replace the tires.
Drive the Odyssey and apply the brakes with different amounts of force. If the brake pedal pulsates or vibrates, the rotors are warped and will have to be replaced.
