ECU HONDA ODYSSEY 1999 Owner's Guide

Carrying Cargo

Load Limit
The maximum load for your vehicle

is
1,277 lbs
(580 kg).
This figure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, accessories,
and the tongue weight if you are

towing a trailer.

To figure out how much cargo you can carry:
Add up the weight of all occupants.
If you are towing a trailer, add the

tongue weight to the number
above.

Subtract the total from 1,277 Ibs
(580kg).

The final number is the total weight
of cargo you can carry.
When you load luggage, the total
weight of the vehicle, all passengers,cargo, and trailer tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The load for the front and rear axles also must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). The GVWR and
GAWR are printed on the tire
information label attached to the driver's doorjamb (see page 316 ). Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash.
Be sure items placed on the floor
behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the driver's ability to operate the
pedals, or with the proper operation of the seats.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If the lid is open, a
passenger could injure their knees during a crash or sudden stop.
Before Driving Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
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Carrying Cargo

Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area
or on a Roof Rack
Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom andas far forward as possible. Tiedown items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.

If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of carbon monoxide
poisoning, follow the instructions on page 53 . If you can carry any items on a
roof rack, be sure the total weight of the rack and the items does not
exceed the maximum allowable
weight. Please contact your Honda dealer for further information. Side Cargo Net
The side cargo net can be installed on the driver's side panel in the
cargo area to secure small items. To
install the side cargo net, hook each loop on the four corners of the net to
the tabs on the left side panel. When
you fold down the third seat, store the head restraints in the side cargo
net.

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Carrying Cargo

Cargo Net

On EX model

You can use the cargo net to secure items in the cargo area, and storesmall items between the two halves
of the net. To install the cargo net,
hook the loops on the four corners of
the net to the tabs at both sides of
the tailgate sill.

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Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before
you drive your vehicle.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.
2. Check that the hood and tailgate are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are storedproperly or fastened downsecurely. 5. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page 100).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see
page 115).
7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 72 ).
8. Make sure the doors and tailgate are securely closed and locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastenedtheir seat belts (see page 15). 10.Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11.Start the engine (see page 197). 12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (seepage 57).

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Towing a Trailer

Towing Equipment and

Accessories

Towing can require a variety of equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, and how much load you are towing.
Discuss your needs with your trailersales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.
Also make sure that all equipment is properly installed and that it meets
federal, state, province, and local
regulations.

Hitches

Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody, using the six threaded holes
provided. A hitch designed especially
for your Odyssey can be obtained
from your Honda dealer.
Weight Distributing Hitch

If the total trailer weight is more
than 2,000 Ibs (900 kg), you must also use a weight distributing hitch.
This device transfers weight from the vehicle's rear wheels to the front
wheels, and to the trailer's wheels. Carefully follow the hitch maker's
instructions for proper installation
and adjustment.
Safety Chain
Always use a safety chain. Make sure that it is secured to both the
trailer and hitch, and that it crosses under the tongue so it can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not let the chain drag on the ground. Sway Control
If the total trailer weight exceeds 2,000 Ibs (900 kg), you should install
a sway control device to minimize
swaying that can occur in crosswinds
and in normal and emergency
driving maneuvers. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
Transmission Fluid Cooler
If the total trailer weight is more
than 2,000 Ibs (900 kg), you must
also have a transmission fluid cooler
installed. This device will help
prevent transmission overheating,
which could cause serious damage.
A transmission fluid cooler designed for your Odyssey can be obtainedfrom your Honda dealer.

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Towing a Trailer

Spare Vehicle Tire
When towing a trailer, you should carry a full-size wheel and tire as aspare in case you have a flat. If you
use the compact spare tire that came
with the vehicle, it may adversely affect vehicle handling. See page 317 for information on proper tire
size, and page 293 for information on
how to store a full-size tire. When storing a full-size spare tire in the
trailer, follow the trailer maker's
instructions.

Additional Trailer equipment
Many states and provinces require
special outside mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don't, you should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation. Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the
following:
The vehicle has been properlyserviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within limits (see pages 212 and 213).
The hitch, safety chain, and any other attachments are secure.
All items on and in the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your vehicle and the trailer are workingproperly. Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 317),and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
You may want to fill the fuel tank with premium fuel. Premium fuelprovides improved performance.

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Engine Oil
Adding Oil Recommended Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil.
You can determine an oil's SAE viscosity and Service Classificationfrom the API Service label on the oil
container.
A fuel-efficient oil is recommended for your Honda. This is shown on the
API Service label by the words "Energy Conserving." This oil is
formulated to help your engine use
less fuel. The API Service label also tells you
the service classification of the oil.
Always use an oil that is labeled "API
Service SJ." This service rating may

include other classifications, such as
CD. These additional classifications

are not a problem, as long as the

label also carries the SJ classification.

API SERVICE LABEL
CONTINUED

Maintenance

To add oil, unscrew and remove the
engine oil fill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and install the
engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine. ENGINE OIL FILL CAPProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

4. Install a rubber hose on the drain bolt in the back of the engine
block. Loosen the drain bolt. 5. Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
6. When the coolant stops draining,
tighten the drain plug at the
bottom of the radiator.
7. Tighten the drain bolt at the rear of the engine cylinder block

securely.

Tightening torque: 7 lbf .
ft (10 N .
m,1.0 kgf.m)
8. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of purifiedor distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is: 1.74 US gal (6.6 ,1.45 Imp gal)

Maintenance RESERVE TANK

HOLDER
RESERVE

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Air Cleaner Element

3. Disconnect the clip from the bolt on the air cleaner housing, then
remove the air cleaner housing
cover.

4. Remove the old air cleaner
element.

5. Carefully clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp

rag.
The coolant lines inside the air

cleaner housing may be warm.

Do not open the hot air valve when cleaning the inside of the air cleaner

housing.
6. Place the new air cleaner element
in the air cleaner housing.
7. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover. Reinstall the clip on the
bolt; make sure the clip is under
the washer. Tighten the four bolts.
8. Reinstall the air intake cover. Reinstall the two pins and secure
them by pushing on the heads
until they lock.
Maintenance

CLIP

HOT AIR

VALVE
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Spark Plugs

7. Torque the spark plug. (If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 lbf .
ft (18 N .
m, 1.8 kgf.m)
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to

the threads in the cylinder head.

8. Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the hexagon socket head cap bolt.
9. Push the wire connector on to the ignition coil. Make sure it locks in

place.

10. Repeat this procedure for the other five spark plugs.
11. Reinstall the cover on the front cylinder bank while putting its
mounting clip in the hole on the
passenger's side. Secure the cover
by turning the heads of the two holding clips one-quarter turnclockwise with a flat-tippedscrewdriver.
Specifications:

NGK: PZFR5F-11

DENSO: PKJ16CR-L11
Spark Plug Gap:
0.04
in
(1.1
mm)

Maintenance
NOTICE
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