overheating HONDA ODYSSEY 2012 RB3-RB4 / 4.G Owners Manual

ContentsThis owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 25For Safe Driving P. 26 Seat Belts P. 30 Airbags P. 392Instrument Panel P. 71Indicators P. 72 Gauges and Displays P. 862Controls P. 107Setting the Clock P. 108 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 110
Security System P. 134 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 137
Adjusting the Mirrors P. 152
Heating and Cooling
* P. 183
2Features P. 193Audio System P. 194 Audio System Basic Operation P. 197
Rear Entertainment System
* P. 241 HomeLink
® Universal Transceiver
* P. 257
2Driving P. 285Before Driving P. 286 Towing a Trailer P. 291
Rearview Camera
* P. 323 Refueling P. 325
2Maintenance P. 331Before Performing Maintenance P. 332 Maintenance Minder™ P. 335
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 366
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care
* P. 382
2Handling the Unexpected P. 389Tools P. 390 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 391
Overheating P. 404 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 406
When You Cannot Open or Close the Tailgate P. 4182Information P. 419Specifications P. 420 Identification Numbers P. 422
Warranty Coverages P. 427 Authorized Manuals P. 429

20Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P389)
Flat Tire
(P391)
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in
under the floor between the front seats
and the second row seats.
Indicators Come On (P 406)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start (P400)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.Blown Fuse
(P411)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P404)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P417)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

84
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages
*
Instrument Panel
Multi-Information Display Warning and Information Messages
*
The following messages appear only on the multi-information display. Press the / (information) button to see the message again
with the system message indicator on.
Message
Condition
Explanation
●
Appears when the fuel fill cap is loose or is not
installed.
2Check/Tighten Fuel Cap Message P. 407
●
Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due
soon.
●
Consequently, SERVICE DUE NOW and SERVICE
PAST DUE follow.
2Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-
Information Display P. 340
●
Appears when the ignition key is turned to
ACCESSORY
(q
from ON
(w
. (The driver’s door is
closed.)
—
●
Appears when you open the driver's door while the
ignition key is in LOCK
(0
.
●
Remove the key from the ignition switch.
●
Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.
2Overheating P. 404
* Not available on all models

86Instrument Panel
Gauges and DisplaysGaugesGauges include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and related indicator.
They are displayed when the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
Displays your driving speed in mph or km/h.
Shows the number of engine revolutions per minute.
Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
Displays the temperature of the engine coolant.
■
Speedometer
■
Tachometer
■
Fuel Gauge
■
Temperature Gauge
1Fuel Gauge
NOTICEYou should refuel when the reading approaches .
Running out of fuel can cause the engine to misfire,
damaging the catalytic converter.
The actual amount of remaining fuel may differ from
the fuel gauge reading.
E
1Temperature Gauge
If the temperature gauge pointer is in the upper
zone, the engine is in danger or overheating.
Driving with the temperature gauge pointer in the
upper zone can cause serious engine damage. Pull
safety to the side of the road and allow engine
temperature to return to normal.
2Overheating P. 404

294
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■
Automatic transmission cooler
Install an additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler to help prevent the
transmission from overheating, and damaging. You can get the additional ATF
cooler at a dealer.
■
Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.

370Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining TiresChecking TiresTo safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.■
Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
■
Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
•Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
•Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
•Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•Excessive tread wear.
2Wear Indicators P. 375
•Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or release air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher than if
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly
balanced.
3
WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance.

389
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 390
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 391
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 400
Jump Starting.................................... 401
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 403
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 404Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 406If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 406
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 407If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 408If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 409
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 409If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 410
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 411
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 416
Emergency Towing........................... 417
When You Cannot Open or Close the
Tailgate............................................ 418

404Handling the Unexpected
OverheatingHow to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
•The temperature gauge needle is at the mark or the engine suddenly loses
power.
•Steam is coming out of the engine compartment.■
First thing to do
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
uMove the shift lever to
(P
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. No steam coming out: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
Steam coming out: Turn off the engine and wait until steam goes away. Then,
open the hood.
1How to Handle Overheating
NOTICEContinuing to drive with the temperature gauge
needle at the mark may damage the engine.
3
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
H
H

405
uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■
Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2.Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
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.
MAX
Reserve
Tank
MIN

434Index
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System........ 312
Bluetooth
® Audio..................................... 230
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink
®..................... 259
Booster Seats (For Children)....................... 67
Brake System............................................. 314
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 316
Brake Assist System ................................. 317
Fluid ........................................................ 353
Foot Brake ............................................... 315
Indicator ............................................ 72, 408
Parking Brake .......................................... 314
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 147
BSI (Blind Spot Information) System........ 312
Bulb Replacement..................................... 355
Back-Up/Taillight...................................... 363
Brake/Rear Side Marker/Taillight
and Rear Turn Signal Lights .................... 361
Fog Lights ................................................ 359
Front Turn Signal/Parking/
Side Marker Lights ................................. 360
Headlights ............................................... 355
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 365
Rear License Plate Light............................ 364
Bulb Specifications.................................... 420
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 68
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 178
Carrying Cargo.................................. 287, 289
CD Library.................................................. 216CD Player........................................... 200, 212
Center Pocket........................................... 173
Certification Label.................................... 422
Changing Bulbs........................................ 355
Charging System Indicator................. 73, 406
Child Safety................................................. 54
Childproof Door Locks............................. 115
Child Seat.................................................... 54
Booster Seats ............................................ 67
Child Seat for Infants................................. 56
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 57
Installing a Child Seat
with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt .................. 62
Larger Children ......................................... 66
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 56
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 58
Using a Tether ........................................... 64
Childproof Door Locks............................. 115
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 387
Cleaning the Interior................................ 385
Climate Control System............................ 187
Changing the Mode ................................ 187
Defrosting the Windshield
and Windows ........................................ 188
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 384
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode ................... 187
Sensors ................................................... 192
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 187
Clock.......................................................... 108
Coat Hooks............................................... 178
Compact Spare Tire.......................... 391, 421Controls.................................................... 107
Coolant (Engine)...................................... 350
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 351
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 350
Overheating ............................................ 404
Temperature Gauge .................................. 86
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 300
Cruise Control.......................................... 303
Indicator ................................................... 81
Cup Holders.............................................. 174
Customer Service Information................ 430
Customized Features............................... 101
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 144
Dead Battery............................................ 401
Defrosting the Windshield
and Windows................................. 185, 188
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 423
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 142
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 152
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................ 346
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............. 142
Display/Information Button...................... 98
Door Mirrors............................................. 153
Doors........................................................ 110
Auto Door Locking.................................. 116
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 116
Door and Tailgate Open Indicator ....... 29, 77