power steering HONDA ODYSSEY 1996 Owners Manual

Supplemental Restraint System

Your car is equipped with a Supple- mental Restraint System (SRS) to
help protect the head and chest ofthe driver and front seat passenger during a severe frontal collision.

This system does not replace your seat
belts. It supplements, or adds to, the
protection offered by seat belts and other occupant protection features. SRS Components
Your supplemental restraint system includes: One airbag in the steering wheel
for the driver and another in the dashboard for the passenger.
Sensors that can detect a severe frontal collision.
A sophisticated electronic systemthat continually monitors thesensors, control unit, airbag
activators, and all related wiringwhen the ignition is ON (II).
An indicator light on the instru- ment panel to alert you to a possi-
ble problem with the system.
Emergency backup power in case
your car's electrical system is disconnected in a crash. What Happens In a Crash
If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, the sensors will detect rapid deceleration and signal the
control unit to instantly inflate the

airbags.

During a crash, your seat belts will
help to restrain your lower body andtorso. The airbags will provide a
cushion to absorb crash energy and
help keep the head and chest of thedriver and front passenger from
striking the interior of the car.
After inflating, the airbags will immediately deflate. The entire
process, from detection to deflation, takes a fraction of a second. This
process occurs so quickly that youmay not hear the loud noise created
by the airbag inflators, or realize
what has happened.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Not wearing seat belts
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, evenif you have airbags.

Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Instruments and Controls

This section gives information about the controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation of
your Honda. All the essential controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations............................ 32
Indicator Lights................................ 33
Gauges.............................................. 37
Speedometer................................ 37

Trip Meter.................................... 37
Odometer......................................
37

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

Fuel Gauge.................................. 38

Maintenanc
e Required

Indicator...................................

38

Controls Nea r
the Steering

Wheel........................................ 39

Headlights.................................... 40
Daytime Running Lights............. 40
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 41
Turn Signals................................. 41
Windshield Wipers...................... 42
Windshield Washers................... 42 Rear Window Wiper and Washer...................................... 43

Hazard Warning........................... 43

Rear Window Defogger.............. 43
Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 44
Steering Wheel Controls................ 46 Cruise Control.............................. 46
Keys and Locks................................ 49
Keys............................................... 49
Ignition Switch............................. 49
Power Door Locks....................... 50
Remote Transmitter.................... 51Childproof Door Locks............... 52
Tailgate......................................... 52
Glove Box..................................... 53

Seats.................................................. 54
Passenger Seating....................... 54

Seat Adjustments......................... 54
Driver's Seat Power Height Adjustment............................... 55
Head Restraints........................... 56 Third Seat Access........................ 56
Removing the Second Seats in the Six-Passenger Model.... 57
Folding the Second Seats in the Seven-Passenger
Model....................................

58

Reclining th e
Second Seat.......... 59

Folding the Third Seat
in All Models............................ 60

Power Windows............................... 62

Sunroof.............................................. 63

Mirrors.............................................. 64
Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 64

Parking Brake..................................

65

Digital Clock.................................... .
66
Beverage Holder.............................. 66
Dashboard Compartment............... 68 Center Pocket.................................. 68
Vanity Mirror................................... 68 Cigarette Lighter............................. 69
Ashtrays............................................ 69 Interior Lights.................................. 70

Ceiling Lights............................... 70

Spotlights...................................... 70
Tailgate Light............................... 71 Courtesy Lights........................... 71

Instruments and ControlsProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Keys and Locks

LOCK (0) — You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
When you turn the key from LOCK to ACCESSORY, you may have to
turn the steering wheel to release the anti-theft lock. To switch from
ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must push the key in slightly as you turn it.
The shift lever must also be in Park. The anti-theft lock will lock the steering column when you remove
the key.
ACCESSORY (I) — In this position, you can operate the audio systemand cigarette lighter.
ON (II) — This is the normal key
position when driving. All features and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to ON (see page 35 ). START (III) — Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON when you let go of the

key.

You will hear a reminder beeper if
you open the driver's door with the key in the LOCK or ACCESSORYposition. Remove the key to turn itoff. Power Door Locks
Each front door has a master door
lock switch. Either switch locks andunlocks all doors. Push the switchdown to lock all doors, and up to
unlock them. The lock tab on the
tailgate also locks and unlocks when
you use the master door lock switch.
Instruments and Controls MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCHProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving 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
required to perform more complex
maintenance tasks on your Honda,
you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page 233 for
information on how to obtain a copy,or see your Honda dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 136

Important Safety Precautions.. 137

Maintenance Schedule.................. 138

Maintenance Record..................... 142
Periodic Checks............................. 144

Fluid Locations............................... 145
Engine Oil....................................... 146
Checking Engine Oil................. 146

Adding Oil................................... 146 Recommended Oil..................... 147
Synthetic Oil............................... 148

Additives..................................... 148
Oil and Filter Changes.............. 148

Cooling System.............................. 150

Checking the Engine Coolant
Level........................................ 150

Adding Engine Coolant............. 151 Replacing Engine Coolant........ 152

Windshield Washers..................... 154

Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 155
Brake Fluid..................................... 156
Brake System............................. 156

Anti-lock Brake System............ 157

Power Steering............................... 157

Air Cleaner..................................... 158 Spark Plugs..................................... 160
Replacement............................... 160
Specifications............................. 161
Battery............................................ 162
Windshield Wipers........................ 165
Air Conditioning............................. 168 Drive Belts...................................... 169
Tires................................................ 169 Inflation....................................... 170
Inspection................................... 171
Maintenance............................... 171
Tire Rotation.............................. 172 Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 172
Wheels and Tires....................... 173
Winter Driving........................... 173 Snow Tires.............................. 174
Tire Chains............................. 174
Lights.............................................. 175 Headlight Aiming...................... 175Replacing Bulbs......................... 177
Storing Your Car............................ 182
MaintenanceProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Periodic Checks
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 112.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 113 .
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 154 .
Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 155.
Brakes and power steering — Check the fluid level monthly. See
page 156. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for

wear and foreign objects. See page
169 .
Battery — Check its condition and
the terminals for corrosion monthly. See page 162 .
Air conditioning — Check its operation weekly. See page 168 .
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 175.

MaintenanceProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Fluid Locations

Maintenance

BRAKE FLUID

(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP

COOLANT
RESERVOIR

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK

(Yellow loop)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
RESERVOIR
(Gray cap)

POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

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
LOWER LEVEL
You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoirmonthly. Check the level when the
engine 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.
Using automatic transmission fluid or
another brand of power steering fluid
will damage the system. Use only GENUINE HONDA Power Steering

Fluid-V.

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 aspossible.

Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can damage the power steering pump.

Maintenance

MAX

MIN
UPPER LEVEL

NOTICE
NOTICEProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t Table of Contents

Drive Belts, Tires

Drive Belts
Check the condition of the two drive
belts. Examine the edges of each
belt for cracks or fraying. Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb
midway between the pulleys.
The belts should have the following "play" or deflection.
Alternator belt:

8.0 —10.5 mm (0.31 — 0.41 in)

Power steering belt:
13.0 — 16.0 mm (0.51 — 0.63 in)

If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.
Tires

To safely operate your car, your tires must be the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread,and correctly inflated. The following
pages give more detailed information on how and when to check air
pressure, how to inspect your tires
for damage and wear, and what to do
when your tires need to be replaced.
Maintenance
POWER STEERING BELT
ALTERNATOR BELT Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding tire inflation and maintenance.ProCarManuals.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