brake HONDA ODYSSEY 1995 Owner's Guide

Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are one or two reservoirs, depending on model.
They are: Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
ABS reservoir (cars with ABS)
The brake fluid in the brake and Anti-lock brake systems should be
replaced every 2 years or 48,000 km
(30,000 miles), whichever comes

first.
Brake System

MAX
MIN
The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, it is an indication that your brake system
needs attention. Have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn
brake pads. If you add brake fluid to bring it up
to the MAX mark, use Genuine Honda Brake Fluid or an equivalent
from a sealed container that is marked DOT3 or DOT4 only. Brake
fluid marked DOT5 is not compatible
with your car's braking system.

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Brake Fluid, Power Steering

Anti-lock Brake System

The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is at or below the MIN mark, it indicates a possible
problem in the ABS. Have the dealer

inspect the system as soon as

possible.
Power Steering
You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir
monthly. Check the level when theengine is cold. Look at the side of

the reservoir. The fluid should be

between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL. A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as

possible.

Maintenance

NOTICETurning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can

damage the power steering pump.

NOTICE
UPPER LEVE
L
MAX MIN
LOWER LEVEL
Using automatic transmission fluid or
another brand of power steering fluid

will damage the system. Use only

GENUINE HONDA Power Steering
Fluid-V.
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Tires

Snow Tires

If you mount snow tires on your
Honda, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car's original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommenda- tions.
Tire Chains

Mount snow chains on your car
when warranted by driving condi- tions or required by local laws. Makesure the chains are the correct size
for your tires. Install them only on the front tires. If metal chains are
used, they must be SAE class "S".Cable type traction devices can also
be used. When installing chains, follow the
manufacturer's instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with chains installed. If
you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tightenthem. If they still make contact, slow
down until it stops. Remove the
chains as soon as you begin drivingon cleared roads.

Chains of the wrong size or that are
improperly installed can damage your
car's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if you hear the
chains hitting any part of the car.
Maintenance
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Lights

Check the operation of your car's
exterior lights at least once a month.
A burned out bulb can create an unsafe condition by reducing your
car's visibility and the ability to
signal your intentions to other
drivers.
Check the following:
Headlights (low and high beam)
Parking lights
Taillights Brake lights
High-mount brake light
Turn signals Back-up lights
Hazard light function
License plate light
Side marker lights
Daytime running lights (Canadian cars)
If you find any bulbs are burned out,
replace them as soon as possible. Refer to the chart on page 219 to
determine what type of replacement
bulb is needed. Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed when your car was new. You shouldcheck their aim if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or pull a trailer. Each headlight assembly
has horizontal and vertical adjust-
ment indicators. These are set to
their "0" positions after the
headlights are aimed at the factory.
To check these settings: 1. Make sure the fuel tank is full. Park the car on level ground.
2. The driver or someone who weighs the same should be sittingin the driver's seat for all checksand adjustments.
Load your car with the items you
normally carry. HORIZONTAL ANGLE GAUGE
If you usually pull a trailer, load it as
you would normally and attach it to the car. Push down on the front andrear bumpers several times to make sure the car is sitting normally.
3. Open the hood.
4. Check the horizontal angle gauge. The line on the adjustment screwindicator should line up with the
"0" mark on the gauge.
Maintenance
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Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. It is best to store your car indoors if at all

possible.

Fill the fuel tank. Change the engine oil and filter
(see page 148 ). Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry. Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. Block the rear wheels.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground. Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery. Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield. Apply a silicone spray lubricant to
all door and tailgate seals. Also,
apply wax to the painted surfaces
that mate with the door and
tailgate seals. Cover the car with a "breathable"
car cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture
which can damage the paint. If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your car for 12 months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/48,000 km (30,000
miles) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page 140 ).
The replacements called for in the maintenance schedule are notneeded unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
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Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a busy road is dangerous. Drive
slowly along the shoulder until you
get to an exit or an area to stop that
is far away from the traffic lanes.
1. Park the car on firm, level groundaway from traffic. Turn on the
hazard warning lights and turn the ignition to LOCK (0).
2. Put the transmission in Park. Set the parking brake. 3. Open the tailgate. Fold down the
third seat's seat-back (see page
62).
4. The tool kit and jack are stored under the third seat armrest on
the driver's side. Remove the armrest pad by pulling it straight

up.

Taking Care of the Unexpected
CONTINUED

The car can easily roll off the

jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and never get under the car when it
is supported only by the jack. TOOL KIT

JACK
SPARE TIRE
TRAY

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Changing a Flat Tire

12. Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire. Temporarily place the flat tire on the ground with the outside
surface of the wheel facing up.
You could scratch the wheel if you put it face down. 13. Before mounting the spare tire,
wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with
a cloth. 14. Put on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel wrench until the wheel is firmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten
them fully.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting

The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motorsounds normal when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper startingprocedure? Refer to Starting the
Engine on page 119 .
Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light may not be working, so you were
not reminded to fill the tank.
There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page 208 ).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See Towing on page 213. Jump Starting
If your car's battery has run clown,
you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
there are several precautions youshould take. Follow the directions

closely.

You cannot start a Honda by pushing or pulling it. To jump start your car:
1. Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery(see page 162 ). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the

electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting to lump start with a frozen battery can cause it to rupture or

explode.

2. Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.

Put the transmission in Neutral or

Park and set the parking brake.

A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
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If Your Engine Overheats

The pointer of your car's tempera- ture gauge should stay in the mid-
range under most conditions. It may
go higher if you are driving up a long steep hill on a very hot day. If it
climbs to the red mark, you should

determine the reason.

Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine. Your car can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a

mechanical problem. The only

indication may be the temperature

gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may sec steam or
spray coming from under the hood.

In either case, you should take

immediate action.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral or
park and set the parking brake.
Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning indicators.
2. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn
off the engine.
3. If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading (climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, for example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
Taking Care of the Unexpected

NOTICE

Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.Do not open the hood if steam
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Towing

If your car needs to be towed, call a
professional towing service or, if you
belong to one, an organization that

provides roadside assistance. Never

tow your car behind another car with
just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.

Emergency Towing

There are three popular methods of towing a car:

Flat-bed Equipment — The operator

loads your car on the back of a truck.
This is the best way of trans- porting your Honda.

Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow

truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
wheels remain on the ground.
Sling-type Equipment — The tow

truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the car off
the ground. Your car's suspension and body can be seriously damaged
if this method of towing is attempted.
If your Honda cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If
due to damage, your car must be
towed with the front wheels on the
ground, do the following:
Release the parking brake.Start the engine.
Shift to D4, then to N.
Turn off the engine.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine, your car must be transported

on a flat-bed.

It is best to tow the car no farther
than 80 km (50 miles), and keep
the speed below 35 mph (55

km/h).

Trying to lift or
tow your car by the
bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to
support the car's weight.
Taking Care of the Unexpected

NOTICE
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