1999 HONDA ODYSSEY check transmission fluid

Towing a Trailer

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR):

The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed: 5,565 Ibs (2,525 kg)

Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR):

The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
2,775 Ibs (1,260 kg)
on the front axle
2,840 Ibs (1,290 kg)
on the rear axle
Gross Combined Weight Rating

(GCWR):

The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants and cargo, and the
trailer and everything in or on it,
must not exceed:
8,160 Ibs (3,700 kg)
with transmission fluid cooler
6,660 Ibs (3,025 kg) without transmission fluid cooler
Checking Loads

The best way to confirm that vehicle and trailer weights are within limitsis to have them checked at a public
scale.

Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the first time you set up a
towing combination (a fully-loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the tongue load whenever the conditions
change.

Driving

Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously injured or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to drive.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

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

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 186.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 187 .
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 242 .
Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 243.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 244. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
257.

Lights — Check the operation of

the headlights, parking lights,

taillights, high-mount brake light,

turn signals, brake lights, and

license plate light monthly. See
page 264.

MaintenanceProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower marks.
5. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid to bring it to the
upper mark. Remove the fill plug
to add fluid. Always use Honda Premium Formula Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF). If it is not available, you may use a
DEXRON
®
III automatic

transmission flui d
as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission drained and
refilled with Honda ATF as soon as it is convenient.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your Honda dealer.

Maintenance

DIPSTICK
DIPSTICK

UPPER MARKLOWER MARKProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

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

CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Battery
Charging SystemIndicator............................ 58, 302
Jump Starting............................. 297 Maintenance............................... 251
Specifications............................. 317
Before Driving............................... 181
Belts, Seat..................................... 8, 45
Beverage Holder............................ 118
Body Repair.................................... 283
Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 205Break-in, New Linings .............. 182

Fluid............................................ 244

Light, Burned-out...................... 268
Parking........................................ 116
System Indicator.................. 58, 304
Wear Indicators......................... 204
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 205
System Indicator.................. 59, 206
Braking System.............................. 204
Break-in, New Vehicle .................. 182
Brightness Control, Instruments... 67 Brights, Headlights......................... 66
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights........................... 269
Brake Lights............................... 268Cargo Area Light....................... 272
Front Parking Lights................. 267
Front Side Marker Lights......... 267 Headlights.................................. 266
High-mount Brake Light.......... 270
Individual Map Lights............... 272 License Plate Light.................... 271
Rear Bulbs.......................... 268, 269
Specifications............................. 317
Turn Signal Lights..................... 267
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 266

Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 298

Cancel Button................................... 75

Capacities Chart............................. 316
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 53

Cargo Area Light........................... 127

Cargo Net....................................... 194

Carrying Cargo.............................. 191
Cassette Player
Care............................................. 178
Operation........................... 154, 175

CAUTION, Explanation of.............. ii

CD Changer...........................157, 171 CD Player ...............................157, 169
Center Pocket................................ 122
Center Table................................... 117
Certification Label......................... 314
Chains............................................. 263 Change Oil How to.........................................235

When to....................................... 224

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 287
Changing Engine Coolant............. 239
Charging System Indicator .... 58, 302
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 243

Battery Condition...................... 251
Brake Fluid................................. 244Drive Belts.................................. 256
Engine Coolant........................... 187

Engine Oil................................... 186

Fuses........................................... 306
Power Steering Fluid................. 245ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Checklist, Before Driving............. 196
Childproof Door Locks................... 85
Child Safety...................................... 22
Cleaner Element, Air..................... 246

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 279
Carpeting.................................... 280

Exterior....................................... 278

Fabric.......................................... 280

Interior........................................ 280

Seat Belts.................................... 280

Vinyl............................................280

Windows..................................... 281
Climate Control System................ 138
Clock, Setting the.......................... 117
Coat Hook....................................... 123
Code, Audio System...................... 180
CO in the Exhaust......................... 323
Coin Holder.................................... 122

Cold Weather, Starting in............. 197

Compact Spare............................... 286
Consumer Information*................ 328
Controls, Instruments and.............. 55

Coolant
Adding......................................... 237
Checking..................................... 187
Proper Solution.......................... 237

Replacing.................................... 239

Temperature Gauge.................... 63

Corrosion Protection..................... 282

Crankcase Emissions Control
System.........................................323

Cruise Control Operation............... 73
Customer Relations Office........... 328

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii

Dashboard.................................... 2, 56

Daytime Running Lights................. 67

Dead Battery, What to Do............ 297

Defects, Reporting Safety............. 332

Defogger, Rear Window................. 71

Defrosting the Windows.......135, 144

DEXRON ®
III Automatic

Transmission Fluid.................... 243

Dimensions..................................... 316

Dimming the Headlights................ 66

Dipstick
Automatic Transmission........... 243

Engine Oil................................... 186

Directional Signals........................... 68
Disabled, Towing Your

Vehicle If..................................... 311

Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 204
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 236

Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 79Lockout Prevention..................... 80
Manual Sliding Doors.................. 88
Monitor Light............................... 60
Power Door Locks....................... 79
Power Sliding Doors.................... 90
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 319
Drive Belts...................................... 256
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5
Driving............................................ 195 Economy..................................... 188
In Bad Weather.......................... 210
In Foreign Countries................. 322

Economy, Fuel............................... 188

Emergencies on the Road............. 285
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 297

CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

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