Honda reports that the driver's sliding door on 2011 Odyssey minivans may not unlock or open when activated by the dash switch, remote button or the inside or outside handles.
One likely cause for the condition, says the Japanese carmaker, is a gap between the fuel filler door switch and the fuel filler door, which prevents the switch from closing electrically. That in turn cuts out power to the driver's sliding door, as a safety measure.
Installing a spacer, Part No. 95495K193, on the contact pad of the fuel filler door should bring back the electrical integrity to the switch and get the sliding door up and running again.
Start the fix by cleaning the switch plunger contact area on the fuel filler door with isopropyl alcohol and a clean shop towel. Using the illustration above, peel the adhesive backing from the spacer and attach the spacer to the door in the area shown.
To complete the repair, close the fuel filler door and confirm that the sliding door now operates properly.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].