The correct starting point is to use Honda’s official jack points: front center crossmember, rear center crossmember, and the pinch-weld points along the rocker panels by each wheel. Always verify with the owner's manual for your specific model year and trim before lifting.
Official jack points on the Odyssey
These are the standard locations recommended by Honda for safely lifting the vehicle. Use them to raise the minivan for tire changes or undercar maintenance.
- Front center jack point: center of the front subframe crossmember beneath the engine cradle, designed to bear the vehicle’s weight when lifting from the middle of the front end.
- Front-left pinch weld: along the rocker panel at the left front wheel, where a reinforced seam is provided for lifting or supporting the vehicle on the side.
- Front-right pinch weld: along the rocker panel at the right front wheel, mirroring the left side’s reinforced seam.
- Rear center jack point: center of the rear subframe crossmember, located under the rear portion of the van for lifting from the back end.
- Rear-left pinch weld: along the rocker panel at the left rear wheel, offering a supported lifting point near the rear corner.
- Rear-right pinch weld: along the rocker panel at the right rear wheel, providing a corresponding reinforced point on the opposite side.
Note: Always confirm exact locations in your specific owner's manual, as jack point geometry can vary slightly by generation and trim level.
Safety practices when jacking up the Odyssey
Before lifting, prepare the work area and equipment to minimize risk. The following steps help ensure you lift safely and securely.
- Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake; place wheel chocks on the wheels that will not be lifted.
- Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the wheel is still on the ground to make removal easier later.
- Position the jack at the proper point (front center, rear center, or side pinch weld) and ensure the jack is on a hard, level surface.
- Slowly raise the vehicle until the tire just clears the ground, then place jack stands under appropriate supported points near the lifting area.
- Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and remove the jack; perform the maintenance or tire change as needed.
- After work is complete, remove the jack stands, slowly raise the vehicle, and then lower it to the ground. Re-torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification.
Never rely on the jack alone to support the vehicle while you work. Always use jack stands and keep a clear area around the vehicle.
What to avoid when jacking the Odyssey
Avoid lifting from non-reinforced panels or components that aren’t designed as jack points, such as the fuel tank, exhaust system, or body panels not specified as lifting locations. Incorrect placement can damage undercarriage components or cause the vehicle to fall.
- Do not place the jack under the fuel tank, exhaust parts, or other suspension components not designated as lift points.
- Avoid lifting from the underbody shields or panels that are not built to support weight.
- Do not lift on the pinch welds when the weight is not evenly distributed or if the jack isn’t properly centered on the reinforced area.
For the most accurate guidance, consult your exact model year’s owner’s manual, as there can be model-specific differences in lift points and recommendations.
Summary
In brief: rely on the Honda Odyssey’s official lift points—the front center crossmember, rear center crossmember, and the left/right pinch welds near each wheel—for safe jacking. Use wheel chocks, loosen lug nuts before lifting, and always place proper jack stands before working underneath. Always verify with your owner’s manual for your particular generation and trim.