fold seats HONDA ODYSSEY 1997 Owners Manual

The Seat Belt System and How It Works
Why Wear Seat Belts Wearing seat belts, and wearingthem properly, is fundamental to
your safety and the safety of your
passengers.

During a crash or emergency stop,seat belts can help keep you from
being thrown against the inside of
the car, against other occupants, or
out of the car.

Of course, seat belts cannot com-
pletely protect you in every crash.
But, in most cases, seat belts reduce
your chance of serious injury. They can even save your life. That is why
many states and all Canadian pro-
vinces require you to wear seat belts. Important Safety Reminders
Seat belts are designed for adults
and larger children. All infants and
small children must be properly
restrained in child safety seats (see
page 20).
Never let passengers ride in the
cargo area or on top of a folded-downseat. Carry passengers in the rear
only when they are sitting in a locked,
upright seat, and are properly
restrained by seat belts.

Passengers should not stand up or
change seats while the vehicle is
moving. If they are not wearing seat
belts during a crash or emergency stop, they can be thrown against the
inside of the vehicle, against other occupants, or out of the vehicle.
A pregnant woman needs to wear a seat belt to protect herself and her
unborn child (see page 10).
Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could
be very seriously injured in a crash.
Do not place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm
or behind your back. This could
increase the chance of serious
injuries in a crash.
Do not put shoulder belt pads or
other accessories on seat belts. They
can reduce the effectiveness of the
belts and increase the chance of
injury.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Not wearing a seat belt
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

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
Maintenance Required Indicator.................................... 38
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel........................................ 39

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

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

Rear Window Defogger.............. 44
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....................

51

Childproof 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-PassengerModel.................................... 58
Reclining the 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

Seats
Passenger Seating

Six-passenger model
The six-passenger model has separate seats with armrests for two
front passengers, separate seats with armrests for two passengers in thesecond row, and a bench seat for two
passengers in the third row.
For greater cargo capacity, the seats
in the second row can be removed,
and the bench seat in the third row
can be folded into the floor. Seven-passenger model
The seven-passenger model has separate seats with armrests for two
front passengers, a bench seat for
three passengers in the second row, and a bench seat for two passengers
in the third row.
For greater cargo capacity, the seat
in the second row can be folded out of the way in sections, and the bench
seat in the third row can be folded
into the floor.
Seat Adjustments

Adjust the seat before you start driving.
To adjust the seat forward and backward, pull up on the lever under
the seat cushion's front edge. Move
the seat to the desired position and
release the lever. Try to move theseat to make sure it is locked in
position.

Instruments and ControlsProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Seats

Unhook the front of the seat from
the floor by pulling it back slightly,
then pivoting it upward.
Always remove an unlocked seat from the vehicle before driving. A seat that is not locked in place could
fly around and cause injury in a sudden stop or crash. To reinstall a seat, hook the front of
the seat to the floor, then push the
back into the locks. Make sure boththe front and the back of the seat aresecurely fastened down before
driving. Folding the Second Seats in the

Seven-Passenger Model

The left and right halves of the second seat can be folded up
separately to create more cargo

space.

Instruments and ControlsProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Seats

2. Lift the lever and slide the seat
forward as far as it will go. Pull theseat-back angle adjustment lever
and pivot the seat-back backward.
Release the lever when the seat-
back is even with the cushion on
the third seat.
Reverse this procedure to return the second seat to the upright position.
Make sure you install the head
restraints before driving (see page 56). Folding the Third Seat in All
Models
To create more cargo space, you can fold the third seat into the floor
recess.

To fold the third seat:
1. Remove the head restraints. Store them in the pocket in the left side

panel.
2. Unlock the seat-back by turning

the knob. Push the seat-back
forward.

Instruments and Controls
ANGLE ADJUSTMENT LEVER
SLIDE LEVER KNOBProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Loading Cargo

The maximum load you can carry in your Honda is 1,150 Ibs (535 kg). It
includes the total weight of all
passengers and their belongings, any
accessories, and the tongue weight
of a trailer. This 1,150 Ibs (535 kg)
figure is shown as the Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire infor-
mation label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
To figure out how much cargo you
can cany: Figure the total "occupant weight"
you will be transporting. To do this, multiply the number of people (driver and all passengers) by 150
Ibs (70 kg). Subtract this number from the
Vehicle Capacity Weight (1,150 lbs/535 kg). If you are towing a trailer, subtract
the tongue weight. See Towing a
Trailer on page 130 .
This final number is the total weight of cargo you can load in or on the car.
With seven occupants (driver and six passengers), the maximum recom-
mended weight for cargo is 100 Ibs
(45 kg).

Where you store this cargo, and how
well you secure it, are just as important as how much it weighs.
Make sure you load cargo so it will
not shift while driving. Items stored
in the cargo area behind the third
seat should be stored as far forward
as possible. You could store addi-
tional items on the floor behind the
front seats. Make sure they cannot roll under the front seat and
interfere with the pedals.
For greater cargo capacity, the thirdseat can be folded into the floor and
the second row seats can either be removed or folded up (depending onmodel). Passengers should never sit
in the open cargo area while the car
is moving. They should sit in one of
the seats and wear their seat belts.
If you must carry large objects that
prevent you from closing the tailgate,
be aware that exhaust gas can enter the interior. See Carbon Monoxide
Hazard on page 29 .
Before DrivingProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Index

Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 157

Brake........................................... 158

Power Steering........................... 159
Windshield Washer................... 156
FM Stereo Radio
Reception...................................... 97

Folding the Second Seats ............... 58
Folding the Third Seats.................. 60
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 109

Four-way Flashers........................... 43

Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker...................................... 215

Fuel.................................................. 108
Fill Door and Cap....................... 110

Gauge............................................ 38

Octane Requirement................. 108

Oxygenated................................ 108

Tank, Filling the......................... 110

Fuses, Checking the...................... 211

Gas Mileage, Improving................ 114

Gasohol........................................... 108
Gasoline.......................................... 108

Gauge............................................ 38

Octane Requirement................. 108
Tank, Filling the......................... 110
Gas Station Procedures................. 110
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature .... 38

Fuel................................................ 38

Gearshift Lever Positions............. 120

Glass Cleaning............................... 189

Glove Box......................................... 53
Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 179 Hazard Warning Flashers............... 43
Headlights......................................... 40 Aiming......................................... 177
Daytime Running Lights............. 40
High Beam Indicator................... 36
High Beams, Turning on............ 40Low Beams, Turning on............. 40
Reminder Chime.......................... 40
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 179

Turning on....................................
40

Head Restraints...............................
56Heating and Cooling........................ 74
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 119
High-Low Beam Switch .................. 40
Hood, Opening the ........................ 111
Horn................................................... 39
Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 152
Hydroplaning.................................. 129

Identification Number, Vehicle.... 218

If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 215

Ignition
Keys............................................... 49
Switch............................................ 49
Timing Control System............. 226
Indicator Lights, Instrument
Panel..............................................33

Infant Restraint................................ 22

Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 171

Inside Mirror.................................... 64

Inspection, Tire.............................. 173
Instrument Panel............................. 33

Instrument Panel Brightness......... 41

Interior Cleaning............................ 188
Interior Lights.................................. 70ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Outside Mirrors............................... 64
Overheating, Engine..................... 204
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 146
Panel Brightness Control............... 41
Park Gear Position......................... 121
Parking............................................ 124
Parking Brake.................................. 65
Parking Lights.................................. 40
Parking Over Things that Burn... 227
PGM-FI System.............................. 226
Polishing and Waxing................... 187

Power
Door Locks................................... 50

Mirrors.......................................... 64

Steering....................................... 159

Windows....................................... 62

Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 10

Proper Seat Belt Usage..................... 7

Radiator Overheating.................... 204

Radio/Cassette Sound System....... 83
Rear A/C Unit.................................. 82
Rear End Towing........................... 215
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 181
Rear View Mirror............................. 64
Rear Window Defogger.................. 44
Rear Window Wiper and Washer.. 43
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 55
Reclining the Second Seats............ 59
Reminder Lights.............................. 33
Remote Transmitter........................ 51
Removing the Second Seats........... 57
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 160
Coolant........................................ 154
Engine Oil and Filter................. 150
Fuses........................................... 211Light Bulbs................................. 179
Schedule..................................... 140
Spark Plugs................................. 162
Timing Belt................................. 170
Tires............................................ 174
Wiper Blades.............................. 166
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash............................................. 11

Reserve Tank, Coolant.................. 113

Restraint, Child................................ 20
Reverse Gear Position................... 121

Rotation, Tire................................. 174

Safety Belts......................................... 5

Safety Defects, Reporting*.......... 234
Safety Labels, Location of.............. 30
Safety Messages................................ ii

Seat Belts............................................ 5

Advice for Pregnant Women...... 10
Cleaning...................................... 189

Frayed or Torn............................. 11
Maintenance................................. 11
Reminder Light and Beeper....... 34
Replacement................................. 11
System Components...................... 6
Tether Attachment Points.......... 26
Use During Pregnancy................ 10
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 7
Wearing the Lap Belt.................... 9

Seats.................................................. 54
Adjustments................................. 54

Driver's Seat Power
Height Adjustment.................. 55

Folding the Second Seats ........... 58ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Seats
Folding the Third Seats.............. 60

Head Restraints........................... 56

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

Reclining the Second Seat.......... 59

Removing the Second Seats....... 57

Third Seat Access........................ 56

Serial Number................................ 218

Service Intervals*.......................... 142

Service Manual.............................. 235

Service Station Procedures .......... 110

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

Shifting the Automatic
Transmission.............................. 120

Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 120
Shift Lever Positions..................... 120
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in.......................... 180

Signaling Turns................................ 41

Snow Tires...................................... 176

Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 186

Sound System................................... 83

Spare Tire
Inflating....................................... 194

Specifications............................. 221

Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 162 Specifications Charts..................... 220

Speed Control................................... 46

Speedometer.................................... 37

SRS Indicator.............................. 16, 34

START (Ignition Key Position)..... 50
Starting the Engine........................ 119 In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 119
With a Dead Battery................. 202
Steam Coming from Engine......... 204

Steering Wheel
Adjustment................................... 44
Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 49
Stereo Sound System...................... 83
Storing Your Car............................ 184

Sunroof.............................................. 63
Closing Manually....................... 209
Operation...................................... 63
Supplemental Restraint System Service Precautions..................... 17
Servicing....................................... 16
SRS Indicator.......................... 16, 34
System Components.................... 12
Synthetic Oil................................... 149 Tailgate............................................. 52
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 181
Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 193
Tape Player................................. 87, 99
Technical Descriptions Emission Control Systems........ 225
Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 227
Tire Information........................ 222
Temperature Gauge........................ 38
Tether Attachment Points.............. 26 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 227

Time, Setting the............................. 66

Timing Belt..................................... 170
Tire Chains..................................... 176
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 195
Tires................................................ 171 Air Pressure............................... 171
Checking Wear.......................... 173
Compact Spare........................... 194
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 223
Inflation....................................... 171
CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t