1997 Honda Odyssey Owner's Manual - Page 7

The Seat Belt System and How It Works Seat Belt System Components Your Honda has seat belts in all seating positions. All the seat belts in the six-passenger model are lap/ shoulder belts. In the sevenpassenger model, the center position of the bench-type second seat has a lap belt. Your seat belt system also includes a light on the instrument panel to remind you to fasten your seat belt, and to make sure your passengers fasten theirs. This light comes on when you turn on the ignition if you have not fastened your seat belt. A beeper also sounds for several seconds (see page 34). The following pages cover more about the seat belt components and how they work. Lap/Shoulder Belt SHOULDER PORTION UPPER SEAT BELT ANCHOR To retractor LAP PORTION LATCH PLATE The lap/shoulder belt retractor in each passenger seating position has an additional locking mechanism intended to secure a child seat (see page 25). If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, this mechanism will engage. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely. If the belt feels too tight, unlatch it, let it retract fully, then pull it out as far as needed. BUCKLE This style of seat belt has a single belt that goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips. Each lap/shoulder belt has an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body. Driver and Passenger Safety