service HONDA ODYSSEY 1999 Owner's Manual

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 makesure 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 316.)

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

Changing a Flat Tire
18.Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack.
19.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
facility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf .
ft (108 N .
m,11 kgf.m)
20.Put the flat tire in the supplied
vinyl bag. This bag is stored in therear compartment on the driver'sside panel in the third row. Knot
the top of the vinyl bag.

Taking Care of the UnexpectedProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Charging System Indicator

This indicator should come on when the ignition switch is ON (II), and goout after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the
charging system has stopped
charging the battery. Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, heater, A/C,
climate control, rear defogger, cruise
control, etc. Try not to use other electrically-operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine running and take extra care not tostall it. Starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly. By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATORProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Brake System Indicator

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

The Brake System Indicator light comes on when you turn the ignitionON (II). If the parking brake is not
set, it goes off after you start the
engine. If the parking brake is set, it
goes off when you fully release the
parking brake with the engine
running.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 244 ). If the
fluid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn
brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the
vehicle begins to slow down, and you
will have to press harder on the pedal. The distance needed to stop
will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You should have it towed, and repaired assoon as possible. (See Emergency
Towing on page 311 .)
If you must drive the vehicle a shortdistance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
If the ABS indicator and the TCS
indicator (on EX model) come on
with this indicator, have the vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Taking Care of the Unexpected

*U.S. indicator shownProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Emergency Towing

If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or,
if you belong to one, an organization
that provides roadside assistance.
Never tow your vehicle behind another vehicle with just, a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous.
There are three popular types of professional equipment.
Flat-bed Equipment — The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. This is the best way to trans-
port your Honda.

Wheel-Lift Equipment — The tow

truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to tow your
Honda.
Sling-type Equipment — The tow

truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the vehicle off the ground. Your vehicle's sus-
pension and body can be seriously damaged. This method of towing
is unacceptable.
If your Honda cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lift equipment with the front
wheels off the ground. If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels on the ground, do the following.
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shift to D 4, then to N.
Turn off the engine.
Improper towing preparation will

damage the transmission. Follow the

above procedure exactly. If you cannot

shift the transmission or start the

engine, your vehicle must he trans-

ported with the front wheels off the
ground.

With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep thespeed below 35 mph (55 km/h).

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected

NOTICEProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Tire Information

DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S. Vehicles)

The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements.
All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature
performance according toDepartment of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following
explains these gradings.
Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlledconditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate. Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C, and they
represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade as- signed to this tire is based on brak-
ing (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.

CONTINUED

Technical InformationProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Oxygenated Fuels

Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines

are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air

standards, some areas of the United

States and Canada use oxygenated

fuels to help reduce emissions.

If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
sure it is unleaded and meets the

minimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try

to confirm the fuel's contents. Some
states/provinces require this
information to be posted on the

pump.
The following are the U.S. EPA and
Canada CGSB approved percentages
of oxygenates:
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol by volume.Gasoline containing ethanol may be
marketed under the name "Gasohol."
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether)

You may use gasoline containing up to 15 percent MTBE by volume.
METHANOL (methyl or wood
alcohol)

You may use gasoline containing up to 5 percent methanol by volume as
long as it also contains cosolventsand corrosion inhibitors to protect
the fuel system. Gasoline containing
more than 5 percent methanol by
volume may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may alsodamage metal, rubber and plastic parts of your fuel system.
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance
problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates
given above are not covered under

warranty.

Technical InformationProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Customer Relations Information

Honda dealership personnel are
trained professionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve to yoursatisfaction, please discuss it with
the dealership's management. The
Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way. If you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership's
management, contact your Honda
Customer Relations Zone Office.
Refer to the U.S. and Canadian Zone Office maps on the following pages.
When you call or write, please give

us this information:

Vehicle Identification Number
(see page 314)
Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and tele- phone number
A detailed description of the problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you

Warranty and Customer RelationsProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Authorized Manuals

These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order. P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1-800-782-4356 Service Manual:
This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simpleenough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Index

Safety Labels, Location of.............. 54 Safety Messages................................ ii
Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 45 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 45
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 47
Seat Belt System Components... 45
Seat Belts..................................... 8, 45
Cleaning...................................... 280
Maintenance................................. 47
Reminder Light and Beeper................................. 45, 57
System Components.................... 45
Tether Attachment Points.......... 43 Use During Pregnancy................ 20
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 15

Seats.................................................. 99
Adjustments............................... 100

Folding the Third Seat.............. 110
Head Restraints......................... 104

Passenger Seating....................... 99

Reclining the Second Seat........ 101
Reclining the Third Seat........... 101
Removing the Second
Seats................................108, 109

Third Seat Access...................... 105

Serial Number................................ 314
Service Intervals............................ 224
Service Manual* ............................ 333
Service Station Procedures .......... 183
Setting the Clock........................... 117 Shifting the Automatic Transmission.............................. 199
Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 198
Shift Lock Release......................... 201
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in.......................... 267

Signaling Turns................................ 68

Sliding Doors.................................... 88

Snow Tires...................................... 263

Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 278
Sound System.........................149, 161
Spare Tire Inflating....................................... 286
Specifications............................. 317
Spark Plugs..................................... 248
Specifications Charts..................... 316
Speed Control................................... 73 Speedometer.................................... 62
SRS, Additional Information........... 48 Additional Safety Precautions.... 52How the Automatic Seat belt Tensioners Work..................... 50
How the SRS Indicator
Works........................................50

How Your Airbags Work............ 48

SRS Components......................... 48
SRS Service................................... 51
SRS Indicator............................. 50, 58
START (Ignition Key Position)..... 79
Starting the Engine........................ 197 In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 197
With a Dead Battery ................. 297
Steam Coming from Engine......... 299
Steering Wheel Adjustment................................... 72
Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 78
Stereo Sound System............149, 161 Storing Your Vehicle..................... 275
Storage Box.................................... 123 Sunglasses Holder......................... 120

Sun Visor......................................... 121
Supplemental Restraint System Servicing....................................... 51

SRS Indicator..........................50, 58

System Components.................... 48

Synthetic Oil................................... 234ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t