P1717 Honda Odyssey – Explained in Details

P1717 is a diagnostic code for transmission range sensor malfunction. The code flashes on the board when the powertrain control module senses the failure of this switch. A broken transmission sensor, damaged cables, or defective circuit is responsible for the P1717 code.

P1717 indicates serious damage to the transmission range switch, which needs immediate repair. 

Cars with faulty transmission ranges can’t process the right gear shift. Hence, as a driver, you won’t be able to run the vehicle swiftly. Also, delaying the fix may prevent the system from starting at all.

So, how do you fix the P1717 Honda Odyssey? Do you need expert help, or is your home tool kit enough? How can you ensure the P1717 code is in your vehicle?

Read further to find out.

P1717 Honda Odyssey − Code Breakdown 

As mentioned, P1717 is an OBD-II code. Hence, we can break down the code following the OBD-II (2000) protocol. 

P:

The P in the code stands for powertrain malfunction. In simple terms, the powertrain collects energy from the engine and delivers it to the vehicle. 

As a result, the car moves forward. Hence, P indicates engine-related trouble. 

1:

The second character in the OBD II code is expressed in either 0 or 1. While 0 denotes a generic problem, 1 is a manufacturing issue in a specific part. 

7:

This 3rd character of the code stands for a subset of errors. For example, 1 identifies a malfunction in fuel or air emission management. 

Similarly, 7 in the P1717 indicates an error in the transmission.

17:

The last 2 digits of the OBD II code specify the category of the problem in you vehicle. The 17 subset talks about the transmission range switch trouble.

What Causes P1717 in Honda Odessey? 

P1717 code is flashed on the Honda Odyssey dashboard in case of a transmission malfunction. The transmission range sensor is also known as a neutral safety switch. 

This safety switch signals the powertrain module about the gear level and swiftly controls speed. Again, the transmission range switch stops the car from auto-starting when parked or in neutral mode. 

Usually, 3 types of transmission error lead to this condition. Such as −

• Faulty or broken transmission range switch. 
• Poor electric connection in the transmission range switch because of a damaged connector or cable.
• Open or short-circuited transmission range switch due to defective circuit.   

What Are the Symptoms of P1717 Honda Odessey?

The illuminated code on the front will warn you about the faulty transmission range switch. You will also notice unstable RPM fluctuation because of this malfunction. 

Besides, the P, R, N, D, 2, and 1 don’t light up. In many cases, the shift lever gets stuck in park mode. 

Some victims have complained about the key getting stuck in the switch. Three other symptoms of the P1717 code are stated below, 

1. Your Car Is Not Moving 

The powertrain module can’t signal the engine to start without the transmission range switch input. As a result, your car won’t start from the parking or neutral position.

2. Honda Odessy Limp Mode on

Limp mode is a safety feature for Honda Odyssey. In this mode, the car transmission automatically switches to the safety gear. 

You can’t change the gear in limp mode as the transmission will be mechanically and hydraulically locked. The limp mode gear can be 2nd or 3rd, or reverse, depending on your Honda Odyssey generation to prevent transmission damage. 

3. The Gear System Is Failing 

As mentioned, P in the P1717 code stands for the powertrain. The powertrain puts impacts the performance, stability, and functions of the gear system. 

Hence, a mismatch between the gear selector lever and transmission range switch input is inevitable in P1717.

It is because the PCM fails to pick up your selected gear. So, the transmission will be in a different gear. Such a phenomenon is unsafe when you drive on the highway.  

How to Diagnose P1717 in Honda Odessey 

Your car will flash the P1717 code when maintenance is required. There is a narrow chance of this being a false alarm. But you can recheck the car system with the mechanic.

The technician uses modern technologies and closer observation to confirm the code. Here is what the expert does −

• He starts the diagnosis by scanning the ECM (Engine Control Module). This module monitors all the sensors and switches of the automobile and prepares the functionality data. The frozen frame in the transmission range switch confirms the code. 
• Next, the mechanic visually inspects the transmission range sensor wiring and connectors.
• Later, he will check the transmission range circuit condition.
• Finally, the mechanic examines the functionality of the transmission range sensor. He will make a report based on all the collected data.

Hiring a professional is the safe way of diagnosing P1717. However, you can do it too if you are well aware of the car system.

How to Fix P1717 at Home?

I discourage fixing the P1717 Honda Odyssey code at home if you are not an expert. 

This code stands for a serious diagnostic issue and causes driving hazards. Your ignorance can lead to major accidents. 

For Unstable Connectors

Here is the repairing process if a loose connection is causing the P1717−

• Switch the car to park mode to ease the process further.
• Take off the drive side wheel first and then the fender mud cover. 
• When in parking mode, the transmission is in a neutral position, and the gear cable is unhooked. Also, the bolts connected to the transmission are accessible without removing the gear cable.
• Use a wrench to loosen 10 mm bolts.
• Next, turn the transmission range switch clockwise or anticlockwise as per the system demands.
• Tighten the bolts and check whether the gear is working. Repeat until the gear gets aligned.

For Open/Short Circuit Board

The above steps only instruct you through a loose transmission range switch. But what if you have a loose connection on board? Here is what you do then − 

• Use a multimeter and check the voltage on the female wire on terminal 2 and the ground body.
• Next, disconnect the negative battery cable and unplug the connector to the transmission range switch.
• Remove the pin holding the selector control level.
• Make your way into the lock washer and remove the 10 mm and 22 mm nuts.
• Now that you have the transmission range switch in your hand, check the male terminal’s resistance.
• Try picking up the continuity in different terminals of the transmission range switch.
• Turn the knobs to find the neutral click and continuity. 
• You may have to buy a new transmission range switch if the terminals give no continuity.

However, you can open the transmission range switch and sandpaper the terminals. 

Later wash the rubber seal with soap water and let the device dry completely before installing. This trick has worked for many customers.

How Much to Fix P1717 Honda Odessey?

There is no fixed rate for repairing P1717 in the Honda Odyssey. The mechanic can charge you $75 – $150 per hour for resolving the issue. 

Generally, it takes an hour or more to fix the P1717. Mechanic cost varies depending on location, brand, and expertise level. 

Sure, you can fix the P1717 Honda Odyssey on your own. But don’t try it unless you know the job. Otherwise, you’ll end up damaging the transmission range switch and other parts.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

P1717 Honda Odessey is a generic code indicating an error in the transmission range sensor. A faulty transmission switch or a loose connector in the sensor causes the P1717 code.

Again, a defective transmission circuit can also be responsible for this malfunction. 

Your Honda Odyssey may not start because of the issue. In most cases, the gear doesn’t work as commands, which is risky.

Hence, taking the car to a mechanic immediately is wiser if the P1717 code flashes on the dashboard. The mechanic will charge you per hour or the full repair package. Your repair cost will increase if you replace the transmission range switch.