2012 HONDA ODYSSEY Owners Manual

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

353
uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake FluidUse the same fluid for the brakes.
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3■
Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake Fluid
NOTICEBrake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MINMAX

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

355
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the clips using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then remove the upper part of
the air intake duct.High beam headlight:
60 W (HB3)
Low beam headlight:
55 W (H11 for halogen bulb type)
Low beam headlight:
35 W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
■
High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The HB3 and H11 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lights, etc.) may fog temporarily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Clip
Driver’s side

uuReplacing Light BulbsuHeadlight Bulbs
356Maintenance
1.Remove the clips using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then remove the engine
coolant reservoir out of its stay.
Remove the power steering reservoir from
the stay bracket.
1High Beam Headlights
Insert a flat-tip screwdriver, lift and remove the
central pin to remove the clip.
Insert the clip with the central pin raised, and push
until it is flat.
Holding clipCentral pin
Push until the
pin is flat.
Clip
Stay Bracket
Passenger’s side

357
uuReplacing Light BulbsuHeadlight Bulbs
Continued
Maintenance
2.Remove the coupler.
uIt can be removed by pushing the tab.
3.Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4.Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
5.Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
Tab
Coupler Bulb

358
uuReplacing Light BulbsuHeadlight Bulbs
Maintenance
High voltage can remain in the circuit for a long period of time after the light is
switched off. Do not attempt to inspect or replace the high voltage discharge type
bulbs yourself. Ask a dealer to inspect and replace low beam headlights.
1.Remove the coupler.
uIt can be removed by pushing the tab.
2.Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
3.Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
4.Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.■
Low Beam Headlights
■
Low Beam Headlights
Models with high voltage discharge tube bulbsModels with halogen low beam headlight bulbs
Tab
Coupler Bulb

359
uuReplacing Light BulbsuFog Light Bulbs
*
Maintenance
Fog Light Bulbs
*
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the fog light being
replaced.
Passenger side: Turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Driver side: Turn the steering wheel to the
right.
2.Remove the mounting bolt and screws, and
pull the inner fender back.
3.Remove the coupler.
uIt can be removed by pushing the tab.
4.Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
5.Insert a new bulb into the fog light
assembly and turn it to the right.
6.Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.Fog Light: 55 W (H11)
1Fog Light Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
The fog lights are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its plastic case,
and protect the glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Screws Mounting
Bolt
Bulb
Coupler
Tab
* Not available on all models