instrument panel HONDA ODYSSEY 1998 Owner's Manual

Power Windows, Sunroof

The MAIN switch controls power to the passengers' windows. With thisswitch off, the passengers' windows
cannot be raised or lowered. The
MAIN switch does not affect the
driver's window. Keep the MAIN
switch off when you have children in
the vehicle so they do not injure
themselves by operating the
windows unintentionally.
Sunroof
SUNROOF SWITCH

On some models
Use the switch on the dashboard to
open and close the sunroof. The
ignition switch must be ON (II). Push and hold the switch to
open the sunroof. Release the switch
when th
e sunroof reaches the
desired position. To close the
sunroof, press and hold the
switch.
If you try
to open the sunroof in below-
freezing temperatures, or when it is
covered with snow or ice, you can
damage the sunroof panel or motor.
Instruments and Controls

NOTICE

Closing the moonroof on
someone's hand

s or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure passengers are
clear of the moonroof before
closing it.
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Parking Brake

To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up fully. To release it, pull upslightly, push the button, and lower
the lever. The parking brake light on
the instrument panel should go out
when the parking brake is fully
released (see page 52). Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake applied can damage the rear
brakes and axles.
Instruments and Controls

NOTICE

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Beverage Holder

The beverage holder for the second seat passengers is located in the
armrest on each rear door.
The third seat also has a beverage holder in each side panel. Use the beverage holder only when
the vehicle is parked. If you place cups in the holder while driving, the
liquid may spill when you go over
bumps or around corners. Liquid can also spill from the holders
by the second seat when you close
the rear doors. A spilled liquid that is
very hot can scald you or your
passengers.
Spilled liquids can also damage the
upholstery, carpeting, and electrical
components in the interior.
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Dashboard Compartment, Center Pocket, Vanity Mirror

Dashboard Compartment
Open the dashboard compartment
by squeezing the handle. Close it
with a firm push. Center Pocket
Open the center pocket by pulling
the handle. Close it with a firm push.
The light in the pocket comes on
when the instrument panel lights are
on.
Vanity Mirror

To use the vanity mirror, pull down either sun visor and swing down the

cover.

The passenger's vanity mirror is lighted. The light beside the mirrorcomes on only when the instrument
panel lights are on.
On U.S. models
The driver's vanity mirror is also lighted.
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Audio System

Adjusting the Sound
Balance/Fader — These two
controls adjust the strength of thesound coming from each speaker.
The Balance control adjusts the side- to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back
strength.

To use these controls, push on the knob to get them to pop out. Adjust
the Fader to your liking by turning
the outside ring. Adjust the Balance
by turning the knob. Push the controls back in when you are done.
Treble/Bass — Use these controls to adjust the tone to your liking.Push on the controls to get them to
pop out. Adjust the Bass by turning
the outer ring. Adjust the Treble by
turning the knob. Push the controls
back in when you are finished so you cannot change the settings by
accidentally bumping them.
Audio System Lighting

You can use the Balance control knob to turn off the illumination of
the audio system. Push the Balance/Fader controls so they pop out, then
pull the Balance control knob out slightly farther.
Check the Balance control knob if
the audio system does not illuminate
with the instrument panel lights. Radio Frequencies and Reception

For information, See page 117.

Comfort and Convenience Features BASS
CONTROL
TREBLE

CONTROL

FADER

CONTROL BALANCE
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Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period

Help assure your vehicle's future
reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Avoid hard braking. New brakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use for the first 200 miles (300
km).
You should follow these same re- commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.
Gasoline

Your Honda is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 86 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise in the engine that can lead to
mechanical damage.
We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your vehicle's emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution. In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emission control system performance may deteriorate and
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on. If this happens, contact your
authorized Honda dealer for service.
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Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before
you drive your vehicle.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.
2. Check that the hood and tailgate are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page 74).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (seepage 84).
7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 63).
8. Make sure the doors and tailgate are securely closed and locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastenedtheir seat belts (see page 13). 10. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11. Start the engine (see page 141).
12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see
page 51).

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Automatic Transmission

Your Honda's transmission has four forward speeds, and is electronicallycontrolled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter
for better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another shift
when the converter locks. Shift Lever Position Indicator
This indicator on the instrument panel shows which position the shift
lever is in.
The "D4" indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler- ation and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Hondadealer as soon as possible. Shift Lever Positions
The shift lever has seven positions. It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in D4, D3, 2, 1, N or R, press firmly on
the brake
pedal, and keep your foot
off the accelerator pedal.

Driving
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Parking

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. The indicator on the instrument panel shows that
the parking brake is not fully
released; it does not indicate that the
parking brake is firmly set. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly
or your vehicle may roll if it is
parked on an incline.
Set the parking brake before you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission — making it
easier to move the shift lever out of
Park when you want to drive away. If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the curb.
If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn
the front wheels toward the curb.
Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes. Parking Tips Make sure the sunroof and the
windows are closed. Turn off the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the cargo area or take them
with you. Lock the doors with the key or the
remote transmitter.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on

fire.

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The Braking System, Driving in Bad Weather

If anything goes wrong, the ABS
indicator on the instrument panel
comes on (see page 53). This means
the anti-lock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakes
still work like a conventional system
without anti-lock, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the
dealer inspect your vehicle as soon
as possible if this light stays on after
you start the engine, or comes on
while driving. Driving in Bad Weather
Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your vehicle well- maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi-

tions.
Driving Technique — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your vehicle longer to react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extracautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery.
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