check engine light HONDA ODYSSEY 1998 User Guide

Air Conditioning System

Your vehicle's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major mainte-
nance, such as recharging, should be done by a qualified mechanic. You
can do a couple of things to make sure the air conditioning works
efficiently.
Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt 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 ten
minutes while you are driving at asteady 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 the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a). (See Specifications on page 248.
)

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 Table of Contents s t

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 almostnothing. The engine's starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, 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 tostart. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check these things: Your vehicle has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page 67).
A key that is not properly coded will cause the immobilizer systemindicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
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 headlightsare very dim or don't light at all,
the battery is discharged. See

Jump Starting on page 230.
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 ignitionswitch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to determine the problem. (See
Towing on page 244.)
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 189). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
from a booster battery (see page
231).
Taking Care of the UnexpectedProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting
The Starter
Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than 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 141.
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 242).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See Towing on page

244.
Jump Starting
If your vehicle's battery has rundown, you may be able to start the
engine by using a booster battery.
Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several

precautions.

You cannot start a Honda by pushing or pulling it. To jump start your vehicle, follow
these directions closely:
1. Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery(see page 189 ). 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.

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
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.
NOTICEProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go outafter the engine starts. It should
never come 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 vehicle stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page 131). 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 132). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the lightdoes not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Towing on
page 244.)
Taking Care of the Unexpected

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

NOTICEProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Fuses
ABS FUSE BOX

The ABS fuse box is in the engine
compartment on the right side.
Checking and Replacing Fuses

If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on pages 242 and 243 , 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 a blown fuse 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 wireinside. Removing these fuses
requires a Phillips-head screw-driver.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
BLOWNProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Index

Accessories and Modifications.... 134 Accessories................................. 134
Additional Safety Precaution.... 135Modifications............................. 135
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)........................................ 70

Adding Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 177

Brake Fluid................................. 183
Engine Coolant........................... 177

Engine Oil................................... 173

Power Steering Fluid................. 184
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 181
Additional Information About
Your Seat Belts........................ 41
Lap Belt......................................... 42
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 41
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 41
Additional Information About
Your SRS.................................. 42
Additional Safety Precautions.... 46 How Your Airbags Work............ 44
How Your SRS Indicator

Works........................................ 46

SRS Components......................... 44

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 175

Adjustments
Mirrors.......................................... 84

Head Restraints........................... 76

Seats.............................................. 74

Steering Wheel............................ 62

Airbag (SRS) ...................................... 7

Air Cleaner Element...................... 185

Air Conditioning............................... 94
Maintenance............................... 194

Usage............................................. 94

Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 96
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 196
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 128
Antifreeze....................................... 177
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light..................... 53, 149Operation.................................... 148
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock.. 70
Appearance Care........................... 213
Ashtray.............................................. 89
Audio System................................. 103
Automatic Speed Control................ 64
Automatic Transmission............... 142

Capacity, Fluid........................... 248

Checking Fluid Level................ 182

Shifting........................................ 142

Shift Lever Positions................. 142

Shift Position Indicator............. 142

Shift Lock Release..................... 145

Battery
Charging System
Indicator............................ 52, 235

Jump Starting............................. 230
Maintenance............................... 189

Specifications............................. 249

Before Driving............................... 127

Belts, Seat........................................... 6

Beverage Holder.............................. 86
Body Repair.................................... 219

CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 148
Break-in, New Linings .............. 128

Fluid............................................ 183

Light, Burned-out...................... 196
Parking.......................................... 85
System Indicator.......................... 52
Wear Indicators......................... 147
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 148
System Indicator.................. 53, 149
Braking System.............................. 147
Break-in, New Car......................... 128
Brightness Control, Instruments... 59
Brights, Headlights......................... 58
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 208
Brake Lights............................... 208
Ceiling Light............................... 210
Front Parking Lights................. 207
Front Side Marker Lights......... 207
Headlights.................................. 206
License Plate Lights.................. 209
Specifications............................. 249
Turn Signal Lights..................... 207
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 206 Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 231
Capacities Chart............................. 248
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 47
Carrying Cargo.............................. 137
Cassette Player Care............................................. 121
Operation............................ 107, 119
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Player ............................... 110, 122
Center Pocket.................................. 88
Certification Label......................... 246
Chains............................................. 201
Change Oil
How to......................................... 175

When to....................................... 164

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 223
Changing Engine Coolant............. 179
Charging System Indicator.... 52, 235
Checking Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 182

Battery Condition...................... 189
Brake Fluid................................. 183
Drive Belts.................................. 195
Engine Coolant........................... 132

Engine Oil................................... 131
Fuses........................................... 240
Power Steering Fluid................. 184
Checklist, Before Driving............. 140
Childproof Door Locks................... 72

Cigarette Lighter............................. 89

Cleaner, Air.................................... 185

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 215
Carpeting.................................... 216

Exterior....................................... 214

Fabric.......................................... 216

Interior........................................ 216

Seat Belts.................................... 217
Vinyl............................................ 216

Window....................................... 217

CLEAN Light................................. 121

Clock, Setting the ............................ 86

CO in the Exhaust......................... 255

Cold Weather, Starting in............. 141
Compact Spare............................... 222
Consumer Information*................ 260
Controls, Instruments and.............. 49ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Coolant
Adding......................................... 177

Checking..................................... 132

Proper Solution.......................... 177

Temperature Gauge.................... 55

Corrosion Protection..................... 218

Crankcase Emission Control
System......................................... 255

Cruise Control Operation............... 64

Customer Relations Office........... 251

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard........................................ 50 Dashboard Compartment............... 88
Daytime Running Lights................. 58
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 230 Defects, Reporting Safety............. 264
Defogger, Rear Window................. 61
Defrosting the Windows................. 99
DEXRON ®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 182
Dimensions..................................... 248
Dimming the Headlights................ 58 Dipstick
Automatic Transmission........... 182
Engine Oil................................... 131
Directional Signals........................... 59

Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 244

Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 147
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 176
Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 70
Power Door Locks....................... 70
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 251
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 3
Drive Belts...................................... 195
Driving............................................ 139 Economy..................................... 133
In Bad Weather.......................... 148
In Foreign Countries................. 254

Economy, Fuel............................... 133

Emergencies on the Road............. 221
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 230

Brake System Indicator............ 237

Changing a Flat Tire................. 223

Chargilng System Indicator ...... 235 Checking the Fuses................... 240
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 234
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 236
Manually Closing Sunroof........ 238
Overheated Engine................... 232
Emergency Brake............................ 85
Emergency Flashers....................... 61
Emission Controls......................... 255
Engine Belts............................................. 195
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 56
Malfunction IndicatorLamp................................. 32, 236
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 32, 234
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 173 Overheating................................ 232
Specifications............................. 249
Ethanolin Gasoline....................... 254 Evaporative Emission Controls.... 255
Exhaust Fumes................................ 47
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 17
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 214

CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Fabric, Cleaning............................. 216

Fan, Interior...................................... 94

Features, Comfort and Convenience................................. 93
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 129
Filter
Air................................................ 185

Oil................................................ 175

First Gear Position......................... 144
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 61
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 223

Fluids
Automatic Transmission........... 182
Brake........................................... 183
Power Steering........................... 184
Windshield Washer................... 181
FM Stereo Radio Reception.................................... 117
Folding the Second Seats ............... 78
Folding the Third Seats.................. 80
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 254
Four-way Flashers........................... 61
Front End, Towing by Emergency
Wrecker...................................... 244
Fuel.................................................. 128

Fill Door and Cap....................... 129
Gauge............................................ 56

Octane Requirement................. 128

Oxygenated................................ 128

Tank, Filling the......................... 129

Fuses, Checking the...................... 240

Gas Mileage, Improving................ 133

Gasohol........................................... 128
Gasoline.......................................... 128

Gauge............................................ 56

Octane Requirement................. 128

Tank, Filling the......................... 129

Gas Station Procedures................. 129

Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 56

Fuel................................................ 56

Gearshift Lever Positions............. 142
Glass Cleaning............................... 217
Glove Box......................................... 73 Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 206
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 61
Headlights......................................... 58
Aiming......................................... 202Daytime Running Lights............. 58
High Beam Indicator................... 54
High Beams, Turning on............ 58
Low Beams, Turning on............. 58
Reminder Chime.......................... 58
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 206

Turning on.................................... 58

Head Restraints............................... 76 Heating and Cooling........................ 94
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 141 High-Low Beam Switch .................. 58
Hood, Opening the ........................ 130 Horn................................................... 57
Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 177 Hydroplaning.................................. 151

Identification Number, Vehicle.... 246

If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 244ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 128
Odometer.......................................... 55

Odometer, Trip................................ 54

Oil Change, How to ......................... 175

Change, When to....................... 164
Checking Engine....................... 131
Pressure Indicator............... 52, 234
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart....................................... 174
ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 70

Opening the Hood......................... 130

Operation in Foreign Countries... 254
Outside Mirrors............................... 84

Overheating, Engine..................... 232

Owner Maintenance Checks........ 171
Panel Brightness Control............... 59
Park Gear Position......................... 143
Parking............................................ 146

Parking Brake.................................. 85

Parking Lights.................................. 58
Parking Over Things that Burn... 257
PGM-FI System.............................. 256
Polishing and Waxing................... 215

Power

Door Locks................................... 70

Mirrors.......................................... 84

Steering....................................... 184
Windows....................................... 82
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............... 9
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 17
Protecting Adults............................. 10
Additional Safety Precautions.... 17
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17
Protecting Children......................... 19 Protecting Infants........................ 27
Protecting Larger Children........ 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 31
Using Child Seats withTethers...................................... 38

Radiator Overheating.................... 232
Radio/Cassette Sound System .... 103
Rear A/C Unit................................ 102

Rear End Towing........................... 244
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 208
Rear View Mirror............................. 84
Rear Window Defogger.................. 62
Rear Window Wiper and Washer.. 61
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 75
Reclining the Second Seats............ 79 Reminder Lights.............................. 51
Remote Transmitter........................ 71 Removing the Second Seats........... 78
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 185
Coolant........................................ 179
Engine Oil and Filter................. 175
Fuses........................................... 240
Light Bulbs................................. 206
Schedule..................................... 162
Spark Plugs................................. 187
Timing Belt................................. 195
Tires............................................ 199
Wiper Blades.............................. 191
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash............................................. 43
Reserve Tank, Coolant.................. 132 Restraint, Child................................ 19
Reverse Gear Position................... 143
Rotation, Tire................................. 199ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t