1998 HONDA ODYSSEY radiator

Safety Labels

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels carefully.
If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Honda dealer
for a replacement. DASH BOARD
U.S. models only
Driver and Passenger Safety

HOOD

RADIATOR CAP SUN VISOR
U.S. models
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Service Station Procedures

4. Remove the dipstick again and check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see Adding Oil on page 173. Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see Adding
Engine Coolant on page 177 for
information on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to Owner Maintenance
Checks on page 171 for information
on checking other items in your
Honda.

Before Driving
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK Engine Coolant Check

MAX MIN

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Owner Maintenance Checks

You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See

page 131.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 132.
Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 181.
Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page
182.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 183. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page 196. Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 202.
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Cooling System

Adding Engine Coolant
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and50 percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water. Always use Genuine Honda
antifreeze/coolant. If it is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible. If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

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.

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Cooling System

1. Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.

2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
4. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Addcoolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAXand MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
Maintenance RADIATOR CAP
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Cooling System

Replacing Engine Coolant
The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use Genuine Honda antifreeze/coolant.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the vehicle. Unless you have the tools and
knowledge, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.

1. Slide the heater temperature
control lever to maximum heat.
Open the hood. Make sure the
engine and radiator are cool to the
touch.
2. Remove the radiator cap. 3. Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. Thecoolant will drain through the
splash guard. Remove the drain
bolt and washer from the engine
block.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

DRAIN PLUG

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Cooling System

4. Remove the reserve tank from its holder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug in the
bottom of the radiator. Put a new
washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt in the
engine block. Tighten it securely. Tightening torque:
61 lbf.ft (83 N.m, 8.5 kgf.m)

6. Mix
the recommended antifreeze
with an equal amount of purified or distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:

1.66 US gal (6.3 ,1.39 Imp gal)

7. Pour coolant into the radiator up
to the base of the filler neck. 8. Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of
the engine. Tighten it again whencoolant comes out in a steadystream with no bubbles.
9. Refill the radiator to the base of the filler neck. Start the engineand let it run until it warms up (the
radiator cooling fan comes on at
least twice).

Maintenance

RESERVE TANK RESERVE
TANK CAP
HOLDER FILLER NECK
Fill up to here BLEEDER BOLT
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Cooling System, Windshield Washers

10. Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, add coolant ifneeded. Install the radiator cap,
and tighten it fully.
11. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap. Windshield Washers

Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often, check the level every time you stop

for fuel.

The windshield washer reservoir is located behind the driver's side
headlight. Check the reservoir's fluid
level by removing the cap and
looking at the level gauge attached
to the cap.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in thewindshield washer reservoir.
LEVEL GAUGE

Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's

paint, while a vinegar/water solution
can damage the windshield washer

pump.

Use only commercially-available

windshieId washer fluid.

Maintenance

RESERVE TANK

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