1997 HONDA ODYSSEY charging

Indicator Lights

The instrument panel has many indicators to give you important
information about your car.
Lamp Check

These indicator lights come on when
you turn the ignition switch ON (II),
allowing you to see that they are

working:
SRS Indicator
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Charging System Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Light

D4 Lamp
Door and Brake Lamp Monitor
If an indicator does not light during
this test, it cannot alert you if that system develops a problem. Have the
dealer check your car for burned-out
bulbs or other problems.
* The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian model
are noted in the text.

Instruments and Controls

LOW FUEL INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP DOOR AND BRAKELAMP MONITOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*
CRUISE CONTROLINDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
INDICATOR LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR* CHARGING
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SEAT BELT

REMINDER

LIGHTProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Indicator Lights

Seat Belt Reminder Light
This indicator lights when you turn the ignition ON (II). It is a reminderto you and your passengers to
protect yourselves by fastening theseat belts. A beeper also sounds if
you have not fastened your seat belt.
If you do not fasten your seat belt,
the beeper will stop after a few seconds but the light stays on until
you do. Both the light and the beeper stay off if you fasten your seat belt
before turning on the ignition.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp

See page 208.
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
The engine can be severely damaged if this light flashes or stays on when

the engine is running. For complete

information, see page 206 .

Charging System
Indicator
If this light comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not

being charged. For complete
information, see page 207 .
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
This indicator lights when you turn the ignition ON (II). If it comes on atany other time, it indicates a problem
in the supplemental restraint system.
For complete information, see page 16 . Parking Brake
and Brake

System

Indicator
This light has two functions:
1. It lights as a reminder that you have not released the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake applied can damage the
brakes and tires, and cause the
Anti-lock brake system to turn off (see page 126).
2. If it remains lit after you release the parking brake, or comes on
while driving, it can indicate that the brake fluid level is low. This is
normally due to worn brake pads.Have your dealer check the
braking system for worn pads or
fluid leaks.
Instruments and Controls
U.S.

Canada
SRS

BRAKE
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Battery
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the negative ( — ) cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car's electri-
cal system.
On the U.S. EX model

If your car's battery is disconnected or goes dead, the audio system will
disable itself. The next time you turn
on the radio you will see "Code" in
the frequency display. Use the Preset buttons to enter the five-digit
code (see page 106).

Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
car's electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables before connecting the battery to a charger.
Maintenance

The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery

maintenance.
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Air Conditioning System

Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified technician. 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.
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 a
steady 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 220.)

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

AIR CONDITIONING
CONDENSER

NOTICE
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Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more- common problems that motorists
experience with their cars. 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 instructions
on getting your car towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 194
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 195
If Your Engine Won't Start........... 201 Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor OperatesVery Slowly......................... 201
The Starter Operates Normally................................. 202
Jump Starting................................. 202 If Your Engine Overheats............. 204
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .......... 206
Charging System Indicator........... 207
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 208Closing the Sunroof....................... 209

Fuses...............................................210

Checking and Replacing........... 211

Towing............................................ 215

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Charging System Indicator

This indicator should come on when the ignition is ON (II), and go out
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, 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 to stall it. Starting the
engine will discharge the battery
rapidly. By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can drive several miles before the
battery is top discharged to keep the
engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where you can get
technical assistance.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Index

Accessories
Installation.................................. 115
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 50
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 152
Brake Fluid................................. 158
Engine Coolant........................... 152
Engine Oil................................... 148 Power Steering Fluid................. 159
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 156
Additional Safety Information........ 18 Door Locks................................... 19
Driving with Pets......................... 19
Head Restraint Position.............. 18
Seat-back Position........................ 18
Storing Cargo Safely................... 19
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 150
Adjustments
Mirrors.......................................... 64

Head Restraints........................... 56

Seats.............................................. 54

Steering Wheel............................ 44
Airbag (SRS).................................... 12
Air Cleaner Element...................... 160
Air Conditioning............................... 74
Maintenance............................... 169
Usage............................................. 74
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 76
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 171
Alcohol and Drugs........................... 28
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 108
Antifreeze....................................... 152 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light..................... 35, 127
Operation.................................... 126
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock .. 50
Appearance Care........................... 185

Ashtray.............................................. 69

Audio System................................... 83
Automatic Speed Control................ 46
Automatic Transmission............... 120 Capacity, Fluid........................... 218
Checking Fluid Level................ 157
Shifting........................................ 120

Shift Lever Positions................. 120

Shift Position Indicator............. 120

Shift Lock Release..................... 123
Battery
Charging SystemIndicator............................ 34, 207
Jump Starting............................. 202
Maintenance............................... 164
Specifications............................. 221
Before Driving............................... 107
Belts, Seat........................................... 5
Beverage Holder.............................. 66 Body Repair.................................... 191

Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 126
Break-in, New Linings .............. 108

Fluid............................................ 158
Light, Burned-out...................... 181
Parking.......................................... 65
System Indicator.......................... 34
Wear Indicators......................... 125
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 126
System Indicator.................. 35, 127
Braking System.............................. 125
CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Break-in, New Car......................... 108
Brightness Control, Instruments... 41
Brights, Headlights......................... 40
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 181
Brake Lights............................... 181
Ceiling Light............................... 183
Front Parking Lights................. 180
Front Side Marker Lights......... 180
Headlights.................................. 179
License Plate Lights.................. 182
Specifications............................. 221
Turn Signal Lights..................... 180
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 179

Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 203

Capacities Chart............................. 220

Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 29

Cargo, Loading............................... 116

Cassette Player
Care............................................. 101

Operation................................ 87, 99
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Player ................................. 90, 102 Center Pocket.................................. 68
Certification Label......................... 218
Chains............................................. 176
Change Oil

How to......................................... 150

When to....................................... 142

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 195
Changing Engine Coolant............. 154
Charging System Indicator.... 34, 207
Checking Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 157

Battery Condition...................... 164
Brake Fluid................................. 158
Drive Belts.................................. 170
Engine Coolant........................... 113

Engine Oil................................... 112

Fuses........................................... 211
Power Steering Fluid................. 159
Checklist, Before Driving............. 118
Child Safety...................................... 20
Childproof Door Locks................... 52
Cigarette Lighter............................. 69
Cleaner, Air.................................... 160

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 187 Carpeting.................................... 188

Exterior....................................... 186

Fabric.......................................... 188

Interior........................................ 188

Seat Belts.................................... 189
Vinyl............................................ 188

Window....................................... 189

CLEAN Light................................. 101

Clock, Setting the ............................ 66

CO in the Exhaust......................... 225

Cold Weather, Starting in............. 119
Compact Spare............................... 194
Consumer Information*................ 230
Controls, Instruments and.............. 33

Coolant
Adding.........................................152

Checking..................................... 113
Proper Solution.......................... 152
Temperature Gauge.................... 38
Corrosion Protection..................... 190

Crankcase Emission Control
System......................................... 225
Cruise Control Operation............... 46
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