1997 HONDA ODYSSEY tailgate

Your Occupant Protection System
Your Honda is equipped with seat
belts and other features that work
together to protect you and your
passengers during a crash.
Seat belts are the most important
part of your occupant protection system. When worn properly, seat
belts can reduce the chance of serious injury or death in a crash.
For added protection during a severe
frontal collision, your Odyssey has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with airbags for the driver and
a front seat passenger. Two indicator lights are also part of
your safety system. One reminds youto make sure you and your passen-
gers wear seat belts. The otheralerts you to a possible problem with
your supplemental restraint system (see page 16).
The seats, head restraints and door locks also play a role in occupantsafety. For example, reclining the
seat-back can decrease the effec-
tiveness of your seat belt. Head restraints can help protect your neckand head, especially during rear-end
impacts. Door locks help keep your doors from being accidentally
opened during a crash. To get the maximum protection from
your occupant protection system, check the following before you drive

away:
Everyone in the car is wearing a
seat belt properly (see page 7). Infants and small children are
properly secured in child safety seats (see page 20). All doors and the tailgate are
closed and locked (see page 19). Seat-backs are upright and head
restraints are properly adjusted (see pages 18 and 55). There are no loose items that
could be thrown around and hurtsomeone during a crash or sudden
stop (see page 19).
By following these guidelines, you
can reduce injuries to yourself and
your passengers in many crash situations. Remember, however, that
no safety system can prevent all
injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes.

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Child Safety

Using Child Restraints with
Tethers
Your Honda has several attachment points that allow a tether-style childseat to be installed.

Tethers do not replace the use of seat

belts. Even if a tether is used, a child
seat must always be secured
properly with the vehicle's seat belts.

U.S. Models

Two tether attachment points are located on the tailgate sill that allowa tether-style child seat to be
installed on the third seat. Use the
dimensions in the illustration to
locate the attachment point you want to use. Cut a 7/8 inch (22 mm)diameter hole.
Install the tether hardware that came
with the child seat.
Tighten the bolt to: 16 lbf.ft (2.2 kgf.m, 22 N.m)
If you are not sure how to install the
hardware, have it installed by your authorized Honda dealer.
If you need an anchor plate and
mounting hardware, contact your
Honda dealer.
Canadian Models
Your Honda has attachment points for a tether-style child seat to be
installed on the second or third seat
as shown.
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Child Safety

Second Seat Installation:

There are three attachment points available for the seven-passenger
model, and two attachment points
available for the six-passenger model.
To use a tether-style child seat in the second seat, the third seat must be
stored in the floor recess (see page 60). You will find a U-shaped slit in
the carpeting at each attachment
point. Select the attachment point
you want to use, and pull up the carpeting at the slit. Attach the
tether strap to the mounting hook and make sure it is secure.

Important Safety Information

Keep the third seat in the floor while
using a tether-style child seat in the second seat. If you attempt to return
the third seat to the upright position,
you may damage the vehicle or
tether, even though the damage may not be obvious. If this happens, the
child seat may not be properly restrained in a crash.

Third Seat Installation:

There are two attachment points on
the tailgate sill. Select the attach-

ment point you want use, and

remove the plug with a small flat-

tipped screwdriver or a fingernail file.

Install the tether hardware that came

with the child seat.

Tighten the bolt to:
16 lbf.ft (2.2 kgf.m , 22 N.m)
If you are not sure how to install the

hardware, have it installed by your
authorized Honda dealer.

The anchor plate and mounting hardware for a top tether are
supplied with the car. When install-

ing, make sure the toothed washer is
on the bottom of the bolt.
TOOTHED WASHER
The supplied anchor plate is designed only for mounting a child
restraint. Do not use it for any other

purpose.

Storing a Child Seat
When you are not using an infant seat or other child restraint, either
remove it or make sure it is properlysecured so it cannot be thrown
around the car during a crash.

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Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Your car's exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. You should have no
problem with carbon monoxide
entering the car in normal driving if
you maintain your car properly. Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever: The car is raised for an oil change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust. The car was in an accident that
may have damaged the underside. High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
car out of the garage. With the tailgate open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your car's
interior and create a hazardouscondition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling
system as shown below.
If you must sit in your parked car,
even in an unconfined area, with the
engine running, adjust the heating
and cooling system as follows: 1. Push the button.
2. Select the mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
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Instruments and Controls

This section gives information about the controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation of
your Honda. All the essential controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations............................ 32
Indicator Lights................................ 33 Gauges.............................................. 37
Speedometer................................ 37
Trip Meter.................................... 37
Odometer...................................... 37

Temperature Gauge.................... 38 Fuel Gauge................................... 38
Maintenance Required Indicator.................................... 38
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel........................................ 39

Headlights.................................... 40
Daytime Running Lights............. 40
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 41
Turn Signals................................. 41
Windshield Wipers...................... 42
Windshield Washers................... 43 Rear Window Wiper and Washer......................................
43

Hazard Warning...........................
43

Rear Window Defogger.............. 44
Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 44
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 46 Cruise Control.............................. 46
Keys and Locks................................ 49
Keys...............................................49

Ignition Switch............................. 49
Power Door Locks....................... 50
Remote Transmitter....................

51

Childproof Door
Locks............... 52
Tailgate......................................... 52 Glove Box..................................... 53

Seats.................................................. 54
Passenger Seating....................... 54

Seat Adjustments......................... 54

Driver's Seat Power Height Adjustment............................... 55
Head Restraints........................... 56
Third Seat Access........................ 56

Removing the Second Seats
in the Six-Passenger Model.... 57
Folding the Second Seats in the Seven-PassengerModel.................................... 58
Reclining the Second Seat.......... 59
Folding the Third Seat in All Models............................ 60

Power Windows............................... 62

Sunroof.............................................. 63
Mirrors.............................................. 64
Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 64

Parking Brake.................................. 65

Digital Clock..................................... 66
Beverage Holder.............................. 66

Dashboard Compartment............... 68
Center Pocket.................................. 68

Vanity Mirror................................... 68
Cigarette Lighter............................. 69

Ashtrays............................................ 69
Interior Lights.................................. 70
Ceiling Lights............................... 70
Spotlights...................................... 70

Tailgate Light............................... 71
Courtesy Lights........................... 71

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Indicator Lights
U.S.

Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator
This light normally comes on when you turn the ignition ON (II) andgoes off after the engine starts. If itcomes on at any other time, there is
a problem in the ABS. If this happens,
take the car to your dealer to have it
checked. With the light on, your car still has normal braking ability but no

anti-lock.
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
The left or right turn signal light blinks when you signal a lane changeor turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see page 180). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
When you turn on the Hazard
Warning switch, both turn signal lights blink. All turn signals on the outside of the car should flash. Door and Brake Lamp Monitor
The appropriate light comes on in this display if the tailgate or any dooris not closed tightly. If a brake light
does not work, the BRAKE LAMP
indicator comes on when you push
the brake pedal with the ignition switch ON (II).
A burned out brake light is a hazard when drivers behind you cannot tell
you are braking. Have your brakelights repaired right away.
All the lights in the monitor display come on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II).

Instruments and Controls

Canada

A
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Keys and Locks
Keys KEY

NUMBER
PLATE MASTER
KEY

Your vehicle comes with two kinds of keys: a master key and a valet key.
The master key fits all locks on your car: Ignition
Doors
Glove box
Tailgate The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the glove box locked when you
leave your car and valet key at a
parking facility.
You should have received a key number plate with your set of keys.
You will need this key number if you ever have to get a lost key replaced.
Keep the plate stored in a safe place.
When replacing keys, use only Honda-approved key blanks.
Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the right side of the steering column. It has
four positions: LOCK (0)
ACCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
START (III)
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls

VALET
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Keys and Locks

LOCK (0) — You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
When you turn the key from LOCK to ACCESSORY, you may have to
turn the steering wheel to release
the anti-theft lock. To switch from
ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must push the key in slightly as you turn it.
The shift lever must also be in Park.
The anti-theft lock will lock the steering column when you remove
the key.
ACCESSORY (I) — In this position, you can operate the audio systemand the cigarette lighter.
ON (II) — This is the normal key
position when driving. All features and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to ON (see page 33). START (III) — Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
You will hear a reminder beeper if you leave the key in the ignition switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open the driver's door. Remove the key to
turn off the beeper. Power Door Locks
Each front door has a master door
lock switch. Either switch locks and unlocks all doors. Push the switchdown to lock all doors, and up to
unlock them. The lock tab on the
tailgate also locks and unlocks when
you use the master door lock switch.
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