2012 HONDA ODYSSEY check engine

350
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2.If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■
Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
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.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle's cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve
Tank
MAXMIN

352
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2.Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3.Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4.Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
uAlign the guides on the rubber cap and
on the transmission, and push the
dipstick all the way.
5.Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6.If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.■
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda's new vehicle warranty.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark HOT
RangeUpper Mark
Lower Mark HOT
RangeGuide
Models with D3 buttonModels with D4 button
Models with D4 button

354
uuMaintenance Under the HooduPower Steering Fluid Check
Maintenance
Power Steering Fluid CheckWe recommend that you check the power steering fluid level every time you refuel.
Check when the engine is not running.
1.Look at the side of the reservoir. The fluid
should be between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL.
2.Add power steering fluid if necessary to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
uInspect the system for a leak. If the fluid
level goes below the LOWER LEVEL
frequently, have the system inspected as
soon as possible.Refilling Window Washer FluidCheck the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on the
cap.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.Specified fluid: Honda Power Steering Fluid
1Power Steering Fluid Check
NOTICETurning the steering wheel to full left or right lock
and holding it there can damage the power steering
pump.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine compartment.
Upper LevelLower Level
1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICEDo not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.
Level Gauge

389
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 390
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 391
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 400
Jump Starting.................................... 401
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 403
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 404Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 406If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 406
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 407If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 408If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 409
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 409If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 410
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 411
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 416
Emergency Towing........................... 417
When You Cannot Open or Close the
Tailgate............................................ 418

400Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START
(e
and check the
starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 379
●
If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 411
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 297
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 134
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 86
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 416
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 417
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2Jump Starting P. 401

401
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Jump StartingTurn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1.Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle's battery + terminal.
2.Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle's + terminal.
uUse a 12-volt booster battery only.
3.Connect the second jumper cable to the
assisting vehicle's - terminal.
4.Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the grounding point as
shown.
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part.
5.If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle's engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
6.Attempt to start your vehicle's engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.■
Jump Starting Procedure
1Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and
may prevent the engine from starting.
3
WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow
the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking
materials away from the battery.
Booster
Battery

405
uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■
Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2.Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
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.
MAX
Reserve
Tank
MIN

406Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/BlinkingIf the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■
What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2.If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■
What to do after parking the vehicle
1.Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2.Open the hood and check the oil level.
uAdd oil as necessary.
3.Start the engine and check the low oil pressure indicator.
uThe light goes out: Start driving again.
uThe light does not go out within 10 seconds: Stop the engine and
contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the heating and cooling system
*/climate control system
*, rear
defogger, and other electrical systems, and immediately contact a dealer
for repairs.
1If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICERunning the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engine may rapidly discharge
the battery.
* Not available on all models