check engine light HONDA ODYSSEY 1996 User Guide

Cooling System, Windshield Washers

10.Turn off the engine. Check the
level in the radiator, add coolant if

needed. Install the radiator cap,

tighten it fully.

11.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX
mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
Windshield Washers

Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often, check the level every time you stop

for fuel.

The windshield washer reservoir is located behind the left headlight.Check the reservoir's fluid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability andprevents freezing in cold weather.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the wind-
shield washer reservoir.
LEVEL GAUGE

Antifreeze can damage your car's pain while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available

windshield washer fluid.

Maintenance
RESERVE TANK

NOTICEProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Air Conditioning

Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified technician. There are a couple of things you can do to makesure the air conditioning works
efficiently.
Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning condenser for leaves, insects, anddirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.
The condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
AIR CONDITIONING
CONDENSER

Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least tenminutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant. If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge thesystem with Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a). (See Specifications on page 218.)

Whenever you have the air conditioning

system serviced, make sure the service

facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing

refrigerant into the atmosphere can

damage the environment.

Maintenance

NOTICE
NOTICEProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

If Your Engine Won't Start
Diagnosing why your engine won't start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III): You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine's starter
motor does not operate at all, oroperates very slowly. You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, but the engine
does not start up and run. Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
When you turn the ignition switch to START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park or Neutral or the starter will not

operate.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or don't light at all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Starting on page 200. Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the fuses. If
the fuses are OK, there is proba-
bly something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician todetermine the problem. (See
Towing on page 213.)
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start theengine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec- tions (see page 162 ). You can
then try jump starting the car from a booster battery (see page 200 ).
Taking Care of the UnexpectedProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

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 starting
procedure? 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 down,
you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
there are several precautions you should 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 slushyor like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can freeze.

Attempting to jump 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.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE

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
from the battery.ProCarManuals.coms t Main Menu Table of Contents

Low Oil Pressure

This indicator should light when the ignition is ON (II), and go out after
the engine starts. It should nevercome on when the engine is running.
If it starts flashing, it indicates that
the oil pressure dropped very low for a moment, then recovered. If the
indicator stays on with the engine
running, it shows that the engine has
lost oil pressure and serious engine damage is possible. In either case,
you should take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn offthe engine as soon as you can safely get
the car stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level(see page 146). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving

maneuvers.

3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on thedipstick (see page 146). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure light. If the light does nogo out within ten seconds, turn of
the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving.
(See Towing on page 213 .)

Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATORProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that one of
the engine's emissions control systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your car's performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause
your car to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious engine damage. If this indicator light comes on, have
your car checked by the dealer as
soon as possible. Drive moderately
until the dealer has inspected the
problem. Avoid full-throttle accelera- tion and driving at high speed.
If you keep driving with the malfunc-
tion indicator lamp/check engine light
on, you can damage your car's
emission controls and engine. Those
repairs may not be covered by your
car's warranties.

Taking Care of the Unexpected NOTICEProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Fuses

ABS FUSE BOX
Cars equipped with ABS have a third
fuse box for the ABS. It is in the engine compartment on the right
side.
Checking and Replacing Fuses

If something electrical in your car
stops working, the first thing youshould check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages 211 and 212 , or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that is not the cause. Replace any blown fuses and check
the component's operation.
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse box. 3. Check each of the large fuses in
the under-hood fuse box by
looking through the top at the wire
inside. Removing these fusesrequires a Phillips-head screw-driver.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected BLOWNProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Index

Accessories
Installation.................................. 115

ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)........................................ 50

Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 155
Brake Fluid................................. 156

Engine Coolant........................... 151

Engine Oil................................... 146

Power Steering Fluid................. 157
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 154

Additional Safety Information........ 18

Door Locks................................... 19Driving with Pets......................... 19
Head Restraint Position.............. 18
Seat-back Position........................ 18

Storing Cargo Safely................... 19

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 148
Adjustments
Mirrors.......................................... 64

Head Restraints........................... 56
Seats.............................................. 54

Steering Wheel............................ 44
Airbag (SRS).................................... 12

Air Cleaner..................................... 158

Air Conditioning............................... 74
Maintenance............................... 168

Usage............................................. 74

Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 76

Air Pressure, Tires........................ 170
Alcohol and Drugs........................... 28

Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 108
Antifreeze....................................... 150

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Description................................. 220

Indicator Light..................... 35, 125

Operation.................................... 125

Anti-theft Steering Column Lock.. 49

Appearance Care........................... 183

Ashtray.............................................. 69

Audio System................................... 83

Automatic Speed Control................ 48
Automatic Transmission............... 120
Capacity, Fluid........................... 218

Checking Fluid Level................ 155
Shifting........................................ 120
Shift Lever Positions................. 120
Shift Lock Release..................... 123 Battery
Charging System Light............... 34
Jump Starting............................. 200 Maintenance............................... 162

Specifications............................. 219

Before Driving............................... 107
Belts, Seat........................................... 5
Beverage Holder.............................. 66
Body Repair.................................... 189
Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 125Break-in, New Linings .............. 108

Fluid............................................ 156

Light, Burned-out...................... 179

Parking.......................................... 65

System Indicator.......................... 34
Wear Indicators......................... 124
Brakes, ABS Description................................. 220Operation.................................... 125
System Indicator.................. 35, 125
Braking System.............................. 124
CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index
Break-in, New Car......................... 108
Brightness Control, Instruments... 41
Brights, Headlights......................... 40
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 179
Brake Lights............................... 179
Ceiling Light............................... 181
Front Parking Lights................. 178
Front Side Marker Lights......... 178
Headlights.................................. 177
License Plate Lights.................. 180 Specifications............................. 219
Turn Signal Lights..................... 178
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 177
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 200
Capacities Chart............................. 218
Carbon Monoxide Hazard............ 29

Cargo, Loading............................... 116

Cassette Player Care............................................. 101
Operation.............................. 87, 99
CAUTION, Explanation of............. ii
CD Player................................. 90, 102 Center Pocket.................................. 68
Certification Label......................... 216
Chains............................................. 174
Change Oil How to......................................... 148

When to....................................... 140

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 193
Changing Engine Coolant............. 152 Charging System Indicator.... 34, 205
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 155
Battery Condition...................... 162
Brake Fluid................................. 156
Drive Belts.................................. 169
Engine Coolant........................... 150
Engine Oil................................... 146
Fuses........................................... 209
Power Steering Fluid................. 157
Checklist, Before Driving............. 118
Child Safety...................................... 20 Childproof Door Locks................... 52
Cigarette Lighter............................. 69

Cleaner, Air.................................... 158

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 185
Carpeting................................... 186

Exterior...................................... 184

Fabric......................................... 186

Interior....................................... 186

Seat Belts................................... 187

Vinyl........................................... 186
Window...................................... 187

CLEAN Light................................ 101

Clock, Setting the .........................
66

CO in the Exhaust........................
224

Cold Weather, Starting in............ 119

Compact Spare............................... 192

Consumer Information*................ 227

Controls, Instruments and.............. 33

Coolant
Adding........................................

151

Checking................................ 150

Proper Solution......................
150

Temperature Gauge.................. 38

Corrosion Protection.................... 188

Crankcase Emission Control
System........................................ 224

Cruise Control Operation............. 46
Customer Relations Office.......... 229ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii

Dashboard........................................ 32 Dashboard Compartment............... 68
Daytime Running Lights................. 40Dead Battery, What to Do............ 200
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 232
Defogger, Rear Window................. 43 Defrosting the Windows................. 79
DEXRON® II Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 155

Dimensions.................................... 218

Dimming the Headlights................ 40
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 155

Engine Oil................................... 146

Directional Signals.......................... 43

Disabled, Towing Your Car If..... 213
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 124
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 150Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 50
Power Door Locks....................... 50
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 222
Drive Belts...................................... 169
Driving............................................ 117

Economy..................................... 114

In Bad Weather.......................... 126

In Foreign Countries................. 109

Economy, Fuel............................... 114

Emergencies on the Road............. 191
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 200
Changing a Flat Tire................. 193
Charging System Indicator...... 205
Checking the Fuses................... 209
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 204
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 206
Manually Closing Sunroof........ 207
Overheated Engine................... 202

Emergency Brake............................ 65
Emergency Flashers....................... 43

Emission Controls......................... 224

Engine
Belts............................................. 169

Coolant Temperature Gauge..... 38
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp................................ 34,
206

Oil Pressur e
Indicator......... 34, 204Oil, What Kind to Use............... 147
Overheating................................ 202
Specifications............................. 219
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 109
Evaporative Emission Controls.... 224
Exhaust Fumes................................ 29Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 10
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 184

Fabric, Cleaning............................. 186
Fan, Interior...................................... 74

Features, Comfort and
Convenience............................... 73

Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 110
Filter
Air................................................ 158
Oil................................................ 148

First Gear Position......................... 122
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 43

Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 193

CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t