2000 HONDA ODYSSEY ECU

Towing a Traile r
Spare Vehicle Tire
When towing a trailer, you should
carry a full-size wheel and tire as a
spare in case you have a flat. If you
use the compact spare tire that came
with the vehicle, it may adversely affect vehicle handling. See page 317 for information on proper tire
size, and page 299 for information on
how to store a full-size tire. When storing a full-size spare tire in the
trailer, follow the trailer maker's
instructions.
Additional Trailer Equipment
Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don't,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation. Pre-To
w Checklis t
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the
following:
The vehicle has been properlyserviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within limits (see pages 218 and 219).
The hitch, safety chain, and any other attachments are secure.
All items on and in the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your vehicle and the trailer are workingproperly. Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 323),and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
You may want to fill the fuel tank with premium fuel. Premium fuel
provides improved performance.
Drivin g

Engine Oi l
Addin g Oi l
To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and replace the
engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine. Recommende
d Oi l
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil. It is highly recommendedthat you use Genuine Honda MotorOil in your vehicle for as long as you
own it.
You can determine an oil's SAE viscosity and Service Classification
from the API Service label on the oilcontainer.
A fuel-efficient oil is recommended
for your Honda. This is shown on the
API Service label by the words
"Energy Conserving." This oil is
formulated to help your engine use
less fuel. The API Service label also tells you
the service classification of the oil.
Always use an oil that is labeled "API Service SJ." This service rating may
include other classifications, such as
CD. These additional classifications
are not a problem, as long as the
label also carries the SJ classification.
AP I SERVIC E LABE L
Maintenanc e
CONTINUED
ENGINE OI L FIL L CA P

Cooling Syste m
4. Install a rubber hose on the drain
bolt in the back of the engine
block. Loosen the drain bolt. 5. Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
6. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug at the
bottom of the radiator.
7. Tighten the drain bolt at the rear of the engine cylinder block
securely.
Tightening torque:
7 lbf .
f t (1 0 N .
m,1. 0 kgf .
m )
8. Mix the recommended antifreeze
with an equal amount of purifiedor distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:
1.7 4 U S ga l (6. 6 l,1.4 5 Im p gal )
Maintenanc e
RESERVE TAN KRESERV ETANK CA P
HOLDE R

Air Cleane r Elemen t
3. Disconnect the clip from the bolt
on the air cleaner housing, then
remove the air cleaner housing
cover.
4. Remove the old air cleaner
element.
5. Carefully clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
The coolant lines inside the air
cleaner housing may be warm.
Do not open the hot air valve when
cleaning the inside of the air cleaner
housing.
6. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing.
7. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover. Reinstall the clip on the
bolt; make sure the clip is under
the washer. Tighten the four bolts.
8. Reinstall the air intake cover. Reinstall the two pins and secure
them by pushing on the heads
until they lock.
Maintenanc e
CLIP
HOT AI RVALV E AIR CLEANE R ELEMEN T

Spark Plug s
7. Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 lbf .
f t (1 8 N .
m,1. 8 kgf .
m )
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.
8. Install the ignition coil. Reinstall the hexagon socket head cap bolt.
9. Push the wire connector onto the ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.
10. Repeat this procedure for the other five spark plugs.
11. Reinstall the cover on the front cylinder bank while putting its
mounting clip in the hole on the
passenger's side. Secure the cover
by turning the heads of the two
holding clips one-quarter turn
clockwise with a flat-tipped
screwdriver.
Specifications :
NGK:
DENSO:
PZFR5F-11
PKJ16CR-L1 1
Spark Plug Gap:
0.04 in (1.1 mm)
Maintenance
NOTICE

Lights
6. Put the socket back into the light
assembly and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
7. Test the light to make sure the new bulb is working.
8. Put the light assembly back into the tailgate. Install the screw and
tighten it securely. Reinstall the
lens piece.
Replacin g a Rea r Licens e Bul b
1. Remove the license light assembly by carefully prying on the left
edge of the lens with a flat-tip
screwdriver and pulling the
assembly out. 2. Remove the lens from the bulb
holder by pulling the lens while
squeezing the tabs on both sides
of the holder.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e

Exterior Car e
Washin g
Frequent washing helps preserve
your vehicle's beauty. Dirt and grit can scratch the paint, while tree sap
and bird droppings can permanently
ruin the finish.
Wash your vehicle in a shady area, not in direct sunlight. If the vehicle is
parked in the sun, move it into theshade and let the exterior cool down
before you start.
Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommended in this Owner's
Manual.
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and
plastic on your vehicle.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with
cool water to remove loose dirt.
Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix
in a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially for car washing.
Wash the vehicle using the water and detergent solution and a soft-
bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.
Start at the top and work your waydown. Rinse frequently.
Check the body for road tar, tree
sap, etc. Remove these stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it off immediately so it does not
harm the finish. Remember to re-
wax these areas, even if the rest of the vehicle does not need waxing. When you have washed and rinsed
the whole exterior, dry it with a
chamois or soft towel. Letting itair-dry will cause dulling and water
spots.
As you dry the vehicle, inspect it for chips and scratches that could allow
corrosion to start. Repair them with
touch-up paint (see page 285).
The radio antenna on your vehicle does
not need to be removed when you use a
"drive-through' car wash. However, if
you remove the antenna, make sure to
reinstall it and tighten it securely using
an appropriate tool.
Appearanc e Car e
NOTIC E NOTIC
E

Interior Car e
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean clothdampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol. Window
s
Clean the windows, inside and out,
with a commercially-available glass cleaner. You can also use a mixture
of one part white vinegar to ten parts
water. This will remove the haze that
builds up on the inside of the
windows. Use a soft cloth or paper towels to clean all glass and clear
plastic surfaces.
The rear window defogger wires are
bonded to the inside of the glass.
Wiping vigorously up-and-down can
dislodge and break the defogger wires.
When cleaning the rear window, use
gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side.
Ai r Freshener s
If you want to use an air freshener/
deodorizer in the interior of your
vehicle, it is best to use a solid type. Some liquid air fresheners contain
chemicals that may cause parts of
the interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor.
If you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so itdoes not spill as you drive.
Appearanc e Car e
NOTIC E