engine overheat HONDA ODYSSEY 2000 RA6-RA9 / 2.G Owners Manual

Traction Contro l Syste m
The Traction Control System turns
on every time you start the engine,
even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.TCS Indicator
The TCS indicator comes on or flashes under the following condi-tions:
When you turn the ignition switch
to ON (II).
When you manually turn off the
TCS.
It flashes when the TCS is
regulating wheelspin.
If the system's diagnostics senses
a problem in the TCS, the indica-
tor will come on and stay on.
If the brakes overheat, the
indicator will come on.
If the TCS indicator comes on and stays on for more than 10 minutes
while driving, pull to the side of the
road when it is safe and turn off the engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the
TCS indicator. If the indicator remains on, or comes back on whiledriving, have the system inspected
by your Honda dealer. You can still drive the vehicle without TCS.
This indicator will come on along with the ABS indicator if there is aproblem in the anti-lock brakesystem (see ABS Indicato r on page
212).
The TCS indicator may occasionally
come on for one or two seconds and
then go out. This is normal.
Drivin g

Towing a Traile r
Drivin g Safel y Wit h a Traile r
The added weight, length, and height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance, so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
Towing Speeds and Gears
Driving slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey postedspeed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Use the D
4 position when towing a
trailer on level roads. D3 is the
proper shift lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
(See "Driving on Hills" in the next
column for additional gear
information.)
Making Turns and Braking
Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch your temperature gauge. If it nearsthe red mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shift to D
3. If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd
gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slowdown and stop when towing a trailer.
Drivin g
CONTINUED

Spark Plug s
7. Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 lbf .
f t (1 8 N .
m,1. 8 kgf .
m )
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.
8. Install the ignition coil. Reinstall the hexagon socket head cap bolt.
9. Push the wire connector onto the ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.
10. Repeat this procedure for the other five spark plugs.
11. Reinstall the cover on the front cylinder bank while putting its
mounting clip in the hole on the
passenger's side. Secure the cover
by turning the heads of the two
holding clips one-quarter turn
clockwise with a flat-tipped
screwdriver.
Specifications :
NGK:
DENSO:
PZFR5F-11
PKJ16CR-L1 1
Spark Plug Gap:
0.04 in (1.1 mm)
Maintenance
NOTICE

Taking Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructionson getting your vehicle towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 292
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 293
If Your Engine Won't Start........... 302 Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor OperatesVery Slowly......................... 302
The Starter Operates Normally................................ . 303
Jump Starting................................. 303
If Your Engine Overheats............. 305
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 307Charging System Indicator........... 308
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 309
Brake System Indicator................ 310
Fuses............................................... 311 Checking and Replacing........... 312
Emergency Towing....................... 317
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

If You r Engin e Overheat s
The pointer of your vehicle's
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange under most conditions.
It may go higher if you are driving up
a long steep hill on a very hot day. If
it climbs to the red mark, you should
determine the reason.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine.
Your vehicle can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming from under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn off the heating and cooling/ climate control system and allother accessories. Turn on the
hazard warning indicators.
2. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turnoff the engine.
3. If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading (climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, for example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
CONTINUED
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
NOTICE
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.

If You r Engin e Overheat s
4. If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergenc y
Towin g on page 317).
7. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page 193). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
8. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have toadd coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check-
ing the radiator.
9. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes off. 10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and
refilled with the proper mixture assoon as you can.
11. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine needs repair. (See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 317.)
12. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

Index
Emergencies on the Road
Brake System Indicator............ 310Changing a Flat Tire................. 293
Charging System Indicator...... 308
Checking the Fuses................... 311
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 307
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 309Overheated Engine................... 305
Emergency Brake.......................... 116
Emergency Flashers....................... 70
Emergency Towing....................... 317
Emissions Controls........................ 328
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 63
Drive Belts.................................. 262
Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 58, 309
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 58, 307
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 239
Overheating................................ 305
Specifications............................. 323
Ethanol in Gasoline....................... 326
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 328
Exhaust Fumes............................... . 53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System......................................... 329
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by......................................... 20
Exterior, Cleaning the .................. 284
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 286
Fan, Interior.......................... 130, 142
Features, Comfort and Convenience............................... 129
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 189
Filters Air............................................... . 252
Air Conditioning........................ 262
Oil................................................ 241
First Gear Position......................... 207
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 70
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 293
Fluids Automatic Transmission.......... 249Brake........................................... 250
Power Steering.......................... . 251
Windshield Washer................... 248
FM Stereo Radio Reception........................... 156, 168
Folding the Third Seat ................. 109 Foreign Countries, Driving in......
327
Four-way Flashers........................... 70
Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker...................................... 316
Fuel.................................................. 188
Fill Door and Cap....................... 189
Gauge............................................ 63
Octane Requirement................. 188
Oxygenated................................ 326
Reserve Indicator........................ . 61
Tank, Filling the......................... 189
Fuses, Checking the...................... 312
Gas Mileage, Improving................ 194
Gasohol .......................................... 324
Gasoline ......................................... 186 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 61
Gauge............................................ 63
Octane Requirement................. 186
Tank, Filling the......................... 189
Gas Station Procedures................. 189
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 63
Fuel
.............................................. . 63

Index
Leaking of Exhaust into Vehicle ... 53
Light Control Switch..................... 125
Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 272
Indicator........................................ 57
Interior........................................ 125
Parking.......................................... 66
Turn Signal................................... 68
Load Limits............................. 198, 218
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 7 8
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 78
Fuel Fill Door............................ . 189
Glove Box.................................... . 87
Lockout Prevention..................... 80
Power Door.................................. 79
Sliding Doors................................ 88
Tailgate......................................... 85
Low Coolant Level......................... 193
Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 61
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 58, 307
Lubricant Specifications Chart.... 322
Luggage.......................................... 197 Maintenance...................................
225
Owner Maintenance Checks.... 237
Record.................................. 235-236
Required Indicator...................... . 64
Safety.......................................... . 226
Schedule.............................. 230-234
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.. 58, 309
Manual Sliding Doors...................... 88
Maximum Allowable Speeds........ 207
Meters, Gauges................................ 62
Methanol in Gasoline.................... 326
Mirrors, Adjusting.........................
115
Moving the Second Row Bucket
Seat.............................................. 106
Neutral Gear Position.................... 206
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 188
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i
Numbers, Identification................ 320
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 188
Odometer.......................................... 62
Odometer, Trip............................... . 63
Oil
Change, How to......................... 241
Change, When to....................... 230
Checking Engine....................... 192
Pressure Indicator............... 58, 307
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart....................................... 240
ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 79
Opening the Hood......................... 190
Operation in Foreign Countries... 327
Outside Mirrors............................ . 115
Overheating, Engine..................... 305
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 237
Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 327
Paint Touch-up.............................. . 285
Panel Brightness Control............... 67
Park Gear Position......................... 205
Parking............................................ 209

Index
Parking Brake................................ 116
Parking Lights................................. . 66
Parking Over Things that Burn... 209
PGM-FI System.............................. 330
Polishing and Waxing................... 285
Power
Door Locks................................... 79
Mirrors........................................ 115
Seats ........................................... 102
Sliding Doors................................ 90
Steering...................................... . 251
Windows..................................... 112
Power Sliding Doors Indicator................................. . 60, 94
Operation...................................... 90
Switches....................................... . 90
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 20
Protecting Adults............................ . 12
Additional Safety Precautions.... 20
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 20
Protecting Children........................ . 22
Protecting Infants........................ 30
Protecting Larger Children........ 39
Protecting Small Children.......... 35
Using Child Seats with
Tethers...................................... 43
Radiator Overheating.................... 305
Radio/CD Sound System.............. 167
Rear A/C Unit................................ 152
Rear Compartment........................ 122
Rear End Towing........................... 317
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement....................... 274, 275
Rear View Mirror........................... 115
Rear Window Defogger.................. 71
Rear Windows................................ 114
Rear Window Wiper and Washer.. 70
Reclining the Seat Backs...... 101 , 103
Reclining the Second Seats.......... 101
Reclining the Third Seat .............. 101
Reminder Lights.............................. 57
Remote Audio Controls................. 185
Remote Transmitter........................ 81
Removing the Second Seats............................................ 108
Replacement Information
Air Cleaner Element.................. 252 Coolant........................................ 245
Engine Oil and Filter................. 241
Fuses........................................... 310
Light Bulbs................................. 272
Schedule..................................... 228
Spark Plugs................................. 254
Timing Belt................................. 263
Tires............................................ 267
Wiper Blades.............................. 259
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash............................................. 47
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 193
Reverse Gear Position................... 206
Rotation, Tire................................. 266
Safety Belts................................... 8, 45
Safety Defects, Reporting*.......... 338
Safety Features.................................. 7
Air bags........................................... 9
Door Locks................................... 10
Head Restraints........................... 10
Seat Belts........................................ 8
Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10
CONTINUED