brake fluid HONDA ODYSSEY 2000 RA6-RA9 / 2.G Owners Manual

Indicator Light s
"Daytim e Runnin g
Lights " Indicato r
Canadian models only
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) with
the headlight switch off and theparking brake set. It should go off if
you turn on the headlights or release the parking brake. If it comes on atany other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.
Cruise Contro l Indicato r
This lights when you set the cruise control. See page 73 for informationon operating the cruise control. Hig
h Bea m Indicato r
This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 66 forinformation on the headlight
controls.
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 67).
Low Fue l Indicato r
This light comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon. Washe
r Leve l Indicato r
Canadian models only
This light comes on when the
washer fluid level is low. Add washer
fluid when you see this light come on (see page 248).
Instrument s an d Control s
D R L
CRUIS E
CONTRO L

Driving in Ba d Weathe r
Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your vehicle well- maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi-
tions.
Drivin g Techniqu e — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your vehicle longer to react, even in conditions that mayseem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery. Visibilit
y — Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This ismore difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the
windshield washer reservoir full of the proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defroster and air conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see pages 135 and 145/150).
Drivin g

Maintenance
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See page 337 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 226
Important Safety Precautions.. 227
Maintenance Schedule.................. 228
Required Maintenance Record.... 235
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 237
Fluid Locations............................... 238
Engine Oil....................................... 239 Adding Oil................................... 239Recommended Oil..................... 239
Synthetic Oil............................... 240
Additives..................................... 241
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 241
Cooling System.............................. 243
Adding Engine Coolant............. 243
Replacing Engine Coolant........ 245
Windshield Washers..................... 248
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 249
Brake Fluid..................................... 250
Brake System............................ . 250
Power Steering............................... 251
Air Cleaner Element...................... 252
Hood Latch.................................... . 254
Spark Plugs..................................... 254
Replacement............................... 254
Specifications............................. 256
Battery............................................ 257
Wiper Blades.................................. 259
Air Conditioning System............... 261 Air Conditioning Filter.................. 262Drive Belts...................................... 262
Timing Belt.................................... . 263
Tires................................................ 263 Inflation....................................... 263
Inspection.................................. . 265
Maintenance............................... 266
Tire Rotation.............................. 266 Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 267
Wheels and Tires....................... 268
Winter Driving........................... 268
Snow Tires.............................. 269
Tire Chains............................. 269
Lights............................................. . 270
Headlight Aiming...................... 272
Replacing Bulbs......................... 272
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 281
Maintenanc e

Owner Maintenanc e Check s
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 192.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 193.
Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 248.
Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page
249.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 250. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
263.
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page 270.
Maintenanc e

Brake Flui d
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule. Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause extensive damage. Brak
e Syste m
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brakesystem needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
Maintenanc e
MAX
MIN

Brake Syste m Indicato r
The Brake System Indicator comes
on when you turn the ignition ON (II). If the parking brake is not set, it
goes off after you start the engine. If the parking brake is set, it goes off
when you fully release the parking
brake with the engine running. If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 250). If the
fluid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn
brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the
vehicle begins to slow down, and you
will have to press harder on the
pedal. The distance needed to stop
will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. Youshould have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergenc y
Towing on page 317.)
If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
If the ABS indicator and the TCS
indicator (on EX model) come on
with this indicator, have the vehicle inspected by your dealerimmediately.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATOR *
*U.S . indicato r show n

Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 195
Accessories................................. 195
Additional Safety Precaution.... 196
Modifications............................. 196
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 79
Accessory Power Sockets............. 124
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 249
Brake Fluid................................. 250
Engine Coolant........................... 243
Engine Oil.................................. 239
Power Steering Fluid................. 251
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 248
Additional Information About
Your Seat Belts........................ 45
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 45
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 47
Seat Belt System Components... 45
Additional Information About
Your SRS ................................
48
Additional Safet
y Precautions.... 52
How the Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners Work..................... 50
How the SRS Indicator
Works........................................ 50
How Your Airbags Work............ 48
SRS Components......................... 48
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 24 1
Adjustments Head Restraints......................... 104
Mirrors........................................ 115
Seats............................................ 100
Steering Wheel............................ 72
Airbag (SRS)............................... 9, 4 9
Air Cleaner Element...................... 252
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 262
Air Conditioning System....... 130, 138
Maintenance............................... 261
Rear A/C Control...................... 152
Usage................................. 130, 138
Air Outlets (Vents)............... 132, 138
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 263
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 326
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 285
Antifreeze....................................... 243
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator Light..................... 59 , 212Operation.................................... 211
Anti-theft, Audio System............... 186
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock.. 78
Appearance Care........................... 283
Armrests........................................ . 103
Audio Controls, Remote................ 185
Audio System........................ 155, 167
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners.... 50
Automatic Lighting Off Feature.... 67
Automatic Speed Control................ 73
Automatic Transmission............... 204
Capacity, Fluid........................... 322
Checking Fluid Level................ 249
Shifting........................................ 205
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 204
Shift Lever Positions................. 205
Shift Lock Release..................... 208CONTINUED

Index
Battery
Charging SystemIndicator............................ 58, 308
Jump Starting............................. 303
Maintenance............................... 257
Specifications............................. 323
Before Driving.............................. . 187
Belts, Seat.................................... . 8, 4 5
Beverage Holder............................ 118
Body Repair.................................... 289
Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............
211
Break-in, Ne
w Linings .............. 188
Fluid............................................ 250
Light, Burned-out...................... 274
Parking........................................ 116
System Indicator.................. 58, 310
Wear Indicators......................... 210
Brakes, ABS Operation................................... . 211
System Indicator.................. 59, 212
Braking System............................. . 210
Break-in, New Vehicle .................. 188
Brightness Control, Instruments...
67 Brights, Headlights......................... 66
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights........................... 275
Brake Lights............................... 274
Cargo Area Light....................... 278
Front Parking Lights................. 273
Front Side Marker Lights......... 273 Headlights.................................. 272
High-mount Brake Light.......... 276
Individual Map Lights............... 278
License Plate Light.................... 277
Rear Bulbs.......................... 274, 275
Specifications............................. 323
Turn Signal Lights..................... 273
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 272
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 304
Cancel Button.................................. . 75
Capacities Chart............................. 322
Carbon Monoxide Hazard............. . 53
Cargo Area Light........................... 127
Cargo Net ...................................... 200
Carrying Cargo.............................. 197
Cassette Player
Care............................................. 184
Operation........................... 160, 181
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer.......................... 163, 177
CD Player.............................. 163, 175
Center Pocket .............................. . 122
Center Table................................... 117
Certification Label......................... 320
Chains............................................. 269
Change Oil How to ......................................
241
When to ....................................
230
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 293
Changing Engine Coolant............. 245 Charging System Indicator.... 58, 308
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid....................................... . 249
Battery Condition...................... 257
Brake Fluid................................ . 250
Drive Belts.................................. 262
Engine Coolant........................... 193
Engine Oil................................... 192
Fuses.......................................... 312
Power Steering Fluid................. 251

Index
Checklist, Before Driving............. 202
Childproof Door Locks.................. . 85
Child Safety..................................... . 22
Cleaner Element, Air..................... 252
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels.................... 285
Carpeting................................... . 286
Exterior....................................... 284
Fabric.......................................... 286
Interior........................................ 286
Seat Belts.................................... 286
Vinyl........................................... . 286
Windows.................................... . 287
Climate Control System................ 138
Clock, Setting the.......................... 117 Coat Hook....................................... 123
Code, Audio System ..................... 186
CO in the Exhaust ........................ 328
Coin Holder................................... . 122
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 203
Compact Spare............................... 292
Consumer Information*................ 332
Controls, Instruments and.............. 55
Coolant
Adding ........................................ 243
Checking ....................................
193
Proper Solution.......................... 243
Replacing.................................... 245
Temperature Gauge.................... 63
Corrosion Protection..................... 288
Crankcase Emissions Control
System......................................... 328
Cruise Control Operation .............. 73
Customer Relations Office........... 332
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard.................................... 2, 56
Daytime Running Lights................. 67
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 303
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 336
Defogger, Rear Window................. 71 Defrosting the Windows...... 135, 145
DEXRON
® III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 249
Dimensions..................................... 322
Dimming the Headlights................ 66
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 249
Engine Oil................................... 192
Directional Signals........................... 68
Disabled, Towing Your
Vehicle If..................................... 317
Disc Brake Wear Indicators ........ 210
Disposal of Used Oil ................... 242
Doors
Locking and Unlocking ............. 79
Lockout Prevention ................... 80
Manual Sliding Doors.................. 88
Monitor Light .............................. 60
Power Door Locks....................... 79
Power Sliding Doors .................. 90
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 324
Drive Belts..................................... 262
Driver and Passenger Safety .......... 5
Driving............................................ 201
Economy.................................... 194
In Bad Weather ....................... 216
In Foreign Countries ............... 327
Economy, Fuel............................... 194
Emergencies on the Road............. 291
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 303
CONTINUED

Index
Emergencies on the Road
Brake System Indicator............ 310Changing a Flat Tire................. 293
Charging System Indicator...... 308
Checking the Fuses................... 311
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 307
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 309Overheated Engine................... 305
Emergency Brake.......................... 116
Emergency Flashers....................... 70
Emergency Towing....................... 317
Emissions Controls........................ 328
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 63
Drive Belts.................................. 262
Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 58, 309
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 58, 307
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 239
Overheating................................ 305
Specifications............................. 323
Ethanol in Gasoline....................... 326
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 328
Exhaust Fumes............................... . 53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System......................................... 329
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by......................................... 20
Exterior, Cleaning the .................. 284
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 286
Fan, Interior.......................... 130, 142
Features, Comfort and Convenience............................... 129
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 189
Filters Air............................................... . 252
Air Conditioning........................ 262
Oil................................................ 241
First Gear Position......................... 207
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 70
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 293
Fluids Automatic Transmission.......... 249Brake........................................... 250
Power Steering.......................... . 251
Windshield Washer................... 248
FM Stereo Radio Reception........................... 156, 168
Folding the Third Seat ................. 109 Foreign Countries, Driving in......
327
Four-way Flashers........................... 70
Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker...................................... 316
Fuel.................................................. 188
Fill Door and Cap....................... 189
Gauge............................................ 63
Octane Requirement................. 188
Oxygenated................................ 326
Reserve Indicator........................ . 61
Tank, Filling the......................... 189
Fuses, Checking the...................... 312
Gas Mileage, Improving................ 194
Gasohol .......................................... 324
Gasoline ......................................... 186 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 61
Gauge............................................ 63
Octane Requirement................. 186
Tank, Filling the......................... 189
Gas Station Procedures................. 189
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 63
Fuel
.............................................. . 63