1999 HONDA ODYSSEY air conditioning

Driving in Bad Weather

Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your vehicle well- maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi-

tions.
Driving Technique — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your vehicle longer to react, even in conditions that mayseem just barely damp. Applysmooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery. Visibility — Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This ismore difficult in bad weather. To beseen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defroster and air conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see
pages 135 and 144 ).

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Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely With a Trailer
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 posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Use the D 4
position when towing
a trailer on level roads. D 3
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. Do notdrive over 45 mph (72 km/h) on a
long uphill stretch.
If the 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 transmission to

overheat.

When driving down hills, reduce your speed and shift down to 2ndgear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slowdown and stop when towing a trailer.

CONTINUED

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Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See page 333 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance Safety.......................
220

Important Safet
y
Precautions ..

221

Maintenance Schedule.................
.
222

Required Maintenance Record.... 229
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 231

Fluid Locations............................... 232

Engine Oil....................................... 233
Adding Oil................................... 233
Recommended Oil..................... 233
Synthetic Oil............................... 234

Additives..................................... 235
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 235

Cooling System.............................. 237
Adding Engine Coolant............. 237Replacing Engine Coolant........ 239

Windshield Washers..................... 242
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 243
Brake Fluid..................................... 244
Brake System............................. 244

Power Steering............................... 245

Air Cleaner Element...................... 246
Hood Latch..................................... 248

Spark Plugs..................................... 248
Replacement............................... 248
Specifications............................. 250

Battery............................................ 251
Wiper Blades.................................. 253
Air Conditioning System............... 255

Air Conditioning Filter.................. 256

Drive Belts...................................... 256

Timing Belt..................................... 257

Tires................................................ 257 Inflation....................................... 257
Inspection................................... 259Maintenance............................... 260
Tire Rotation.............................. 260
Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 261

Wheels and Tires....................... 262 Winter Driving........................... 262
Snow Tires.............................. 263

Tire Chains............................. 263

Lights..............................................264
Headlight Aiming...................... 266
Replacing Bulbs......................... 266

Storing Your Vehicle..................... 275

MaintenanceProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Maintenance
*
: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 223.
*
1: See Timing Belt on page 257 to determine need for replacement.
*
2: See Air Conditioning Filter on page 256 for replacement
information under special conditions.

NOTE:
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, if noisy.
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Air Conditioning System

Your vehicle's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major mainte-
nance, such as recharging, should be
done by a qualified mechanic. You
can do a couple of things to makesure 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. AIR CONDITIONING
CONDENSER
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 asteady 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 316.)

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

NOTICE
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Air Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Air Conditioning Filter
The air conditioning filter removes pollen and dust that is brought in
from the outside through the heating and cooling system/climate control

system.

This filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under
normal conditions. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urbanareas that have high concentrationsof soot in the air from industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more often if air flow from the
heating and cooling system/climate control system becomes less than
usual. Have the air conditioning filter
replaced by your Honda dealer.
Drive Belts

POWER STEERING BELT
Check the condition of the two drive
belts (power steering belt and alternator belt). Examine the edges
of each belt for cracks or fraying.
Check the tension of the power
steering belt by pushing on it with
your thumb midway between the pulleys.
The belt should have the following
"play" or deflection.
Power steering belt: 0.51 — 0.65 in (13.0 — 16.5 mm)

If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.

Maintenance
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Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 189 Accessories................................. 189
Additional Safety Precaution.... 190Modifications............................. 190
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 79
Accessory Power Sockets............. 124
Adding Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 243

Brake Fluid................................. 244

Engine Coolant........................... 237

Engine Oil................................... 233
Power Steering Fluid................. 245
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 242
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 45
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 45
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 47
Seat Belt System Components... 45
Additional Information About Your SRS................................... 48
Additional Safety Precautions.... 52
How the Automatic Seat Belt

Tensioners Work..................... 50

How the SRS Indicator
Works...................................... 50

How Your Airbags Work............ 48

SRS Components......................... 48
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 235
Adjustments Head Restraints......................... 104
Mirrors........................................ 115
Seats............................................ 100

Steering Wheel............................
72

Airbag (SRS)............................... 9
, 49
Air Cleaner Element...................... 246
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 256 Air Conditioning System.......130, 138 Maintenance............................... 255
Rear A/C Control......................

146

Usage..................................130 ,


138

Air Outlet
s
(Vents)................132, 138
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 25

7

Alcohol i n
Gasoline........................ 321
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 279
Antifreeze....................................... 237
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light..................... 59, 206 Operation.................................... 205
Anti-theft, Audio System............... 180 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock .. 78
Appearance Care........................... 277
Armrests......................................... 103
Audio Controls, Remote................ 179
Audio System......................... 149, 161Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners.... 50
Automatic Lighting Off Feature.... 67
Automatic Speed Control................ 73
Automatic Transmission............... 198
Capacity, Fluid........................... 316

Checking Fluid Level................ 243
Shifting........................................199
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 198 Shift Lever Positions................. 199
Shift Lock Release..................... 201

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Index

Emergencies on the Road Brake System Indicator............ 304
Changing a Flat Tire................. 287
Charging System Indicator...... 302
Checking the Fuses................... 305
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 301
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 303 Overheated Engine................... 299
Emergency Brake.......................... 116
Emergency Flashers....................... 70
Emergency Towing....................... 311
Emissions Controls........................ 323

Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 63
Drive Belts.................................. 256
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp............................... 58, 303

Oil Pressure Indicator........58, 301
Oil, What Kind to Use...............
233

Overheating................................
299

Specifications.............................
317

Ethanol i n
Gasoline .......................

321

Evaporative Emission
s
Controls..

323

Exhaust Fumes...............................
.
53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation System......................................... 324 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat

Belts by......................................... 20

Exterior, Cleaning the................... 278

Fabric, Cleaning............................. 280
Fan, Interior...........................130, 142 Features, Comfort and Convenience............................... 129
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 183
Filters
Air................................................246

Air Conditioning........................ 256
Oil................................................ 235

First Gear Position......................... 201
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 70
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 287

Fluids
Automatic Transmission...........

243

Brake...........................................244
Powe r
Steering........................... 245
Windshield Washer................... 242
FM Stereo Radio Reception............................150, 162
Folding the Third Seat..................110
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 322

Four-way Flashers........................... 70

Front End, Towing by Emergency
Wrecker...................................... 311

Fuel..................................................182
Fill Door and Cap....................... 183
Gauge............................................ 63

Octane Requirement................. 182

Oxygenated................................ 321

Reserve Indicator......................... 61

Tank, Filling the......................... 183

Fuses, Checking the...................... 306

Gas Mileage, Improving................ 188

Gasohol........................................... 321

Gasoline.......................................... 182
Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 61

Gauge............................................ 63

Octane Requirement................. 182

Tank, Filling the......................... 183

Gas Station Procedures................. 183

Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 63

Fuel................................................63ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t