HONDA ODYSSEY 2005 RB1-RB2 / 3.G Owners Manual

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You should never pump the brake pedal.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.If the ABS indicator comes on, the
anti-lock f unction of the braking
system has shut down. The brakes
still work like a conventional system,
but without anti-lock. You should
have your dealer inspect your vehicle
as soon as possible.
on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. it only helps with steering
control during braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes f rom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly, A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;Import ant Saf et y Reminders
300
ABS INDICATOR

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If the VSA system indicator comes
on while driving, pull to the side of
theroadwhenitissafe,andturnoff
the engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays, or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
ON (II), there may be a problem
with the VSA system. Have your
dealer inspect your vehicle as soon
as possible.You will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surf aces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output,
and by selectively applying the
brakes.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety. When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink.
If the low tire pressure indicator
comes on (see page ), or the
multi-inf ormation display shows a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’ message
(see page ), the VSA system
automatically turns on even if you
turn it off with the VSA OFF button.66
84
On Touring model only
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA A ctivation Indicator
VSA System Indicator
Driving
301

This button is under the driver’s side
vent. Press it to turn the VSA system
on or of f .
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
Deactivate the VSA system if you
need to drive with the compact spare
tire installed (all models except U.S.
Touring).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
Without VSA, your vehicle still has
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it does not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder. 349
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA and Tire Sizes
VSA OFF Button
302
VSA OFF
SWITCH
VSA OFF SWITCH
LX and EX models
Touring model

Your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that turns on every time you start the
engine and monitors the pressure in
your tires while driving.
You will see the above display on the
multi-inf ormation display when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II)
andpresstheINFObuttononthe
steering wheel six times.To see the inf lation pressures of all
f our tires, press the SEL/RESET
buttononthesteeringwheel.The
display changes as shown above.
Each tire has its own pressure
sensor. If the air pressure of a tire
becomes signif icantly low, the
sensor in that tire immediately sends
a signal that causes the low tire
pressure indicator in the instrument
panel to come on. If this happens,
you will see which tire is losing the
pressure in the multi-information
display along with a ‘‘CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE’’ message.
CONT INUED
On U.S. Touring model only
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Driving
303

If a f lat tire is causing the low tire
pressure indicator to come on, you
will see the above message in the
multi-inf ormation display.
It is possible that the pressures
shown in the multi-inf ormation
display and the pressures you
manually measure are slightly
dif f erent.
If the dif f erence is signif icant and
you cannot make the low tire
pressure indicator and message in
the multi-inf ormation display go out
after inflating the tires to the
specified values, have your dealer
check the system as soon as possible.
When the low tire pressure indicator
is on, one or more of your tires is
signif icantly under-inf lated. You
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure as indicated on
the vehicle’s tire inf ormation placard.
Driving on a signif icantly under-
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability. Each tire, including
the spare should be checked
monthly when cold, and set to the
recommended inf lation pressure as
specif ied in the vehicle placard and
owner’s manual (see page ).
346
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Low Tire Pressure
Indicator
304

The tires on your vehicles are PAX
tires, and you cannot replace or
repair a f lat tire. Replacement or
repair of tires must be perf ormed by
a Honda dealer or an authorized
Michelin PAX system dealer. If the low tire pressure indicator
comes on, or the multi-information
display shows a ‘‘CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM’’ message, the VSA system
automatically turns on even when
the VSA system is turned of f by
pressing the VSA OFF button (see
page ). If this happens, you
cannot turn the VSA system of f by
pressing the VSA OFF button again.
If there is a problem with the TPMS,
you will see the above message in
the multi-information display.
If you see this message, the system
is of f and is not monitoring the tire
pressures. Have the system checked
by your dealer as soon as possible.
For more inf ormation on the
Michelin PAX system, ref er to page
.
Because your vehicle is equipped
with the Michelin PAX system, you
can continue to drive up to about 125
miles (200 km). If you have a f lat tire,
take your vehicle to the nearest
Honda dealer or authorized Michelin
PAX system dealer.
301
356
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Changing a T ire with T PMS
TPMS System FailureDriving
305

Your vehicle has been designed to
primarily carry passengers and their
cargo. You can also use it to tow a
trailer if you caref ully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and f ollow the guidelines in this
section.The
maximum allowable weight of the
trailer and everything in or on it
depends on several f actors. See
page f or the driving limits f or
your towing situation. Towing a
load that is too heavy can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling and
perf ormance. It can also damage
the engine and drivetrain. The weight that
the tongue of a f ully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
total trailer weight. Too much
tongue load reduces f ront-tire
traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the
trailer unstable and cause it to
sway.
307
Towing a Trailer
Load Limits
T otal T railer Weight: T ongue L oad:
306
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.

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Î Maximum Total Trailer Weight
Including driver. Based on 150 lbs (70 kg) per occupant. Number of
Occupants 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
See page for information about fluid coolers. Equipped with transmission cooler
and power steering fluid cooler 3,500 lbs (1,580 kg)
3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
3,200 lbs (1,450 kg)
3,050 lbs (1,380 kg)
2,900 lbs (1,310 kg)
2,750 lbs (1,250 kg)
2,600 lbs (1,180 kg) 1,550 lbs (700 kg) 650 lbs (290 kg)
1:
2:
3:
4: LX and EX models
Touring model 309
The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo,
and the tongue load is 5,952 lbs
(2,700 kg).
The maximum allowable weight of
the f ully loaded vehicle and trailer
is 8,410 lbs (3,815 kg) (see page
).
To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 percent of the
load toward the front of the trailer
and 40 percent toward the rear, then
re-adjust the load as needed. The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo,
and the tongue load must not
exceed 2,833 lbs (1,285 kg) on the
f ront axle, and 3,197 lbs (1,450 kg)
on the rear axle.
3861
3 2
34
Towing a Trailer
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR): Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GA WR):
Driving
307

The best way to conf irm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the f irst time you set up a
towing combination (a f ully-loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.If the total trailer weight is more
than 1,850 lbs (840 kg), you must
also use a weight distributing hitch.
This device transf ers weight f rom
the vehicle’s rear wheels to the f ront
wheels, and to the trailer’s wheels.
Caref ully f ollow the hitch maker’s
instructions f or proper installation
and adjustment.
Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment,
depending on the size of your trailer,
how much load you are towing, and
where you tow. To ensure the best
quality, we recommend that you
purchase Honda equipment
whenever possible.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and f ollow the
guidelines in this section. Also make
sure that all equipment is properly
installed and meets f ederal, state,
province, and local regulations.
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody,
using the six threaded holes
provided. A hitch and the required
f luid coolers designed especially f or
your Odyssey can be obtained f rom
your Honda dealer.
Towing a Trailer
Checking L oads
T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesWeight Distributing Hitch
Saf et y Chains
Hitches
308

CONT INUED
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electrically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check the
requirements f or the areas where
you plan to tow, and use only
equipment designed f or your vehicle.
If the total trailer weight exceeds
2,000 lbs (900 kg), you should install
a sway control device to minimize
swaying that can occur in crosswinds
and in normal and emergency
driving maneuvers. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
To help prevent overheating, a
transmission f luid cooler and a
power steering f luid cooler are
required f or trailer towing. These
coolers are available only f rom your
Honda dealer. Honda recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
Seeyourtrailerdealerformore
inf ormation on installing electric
brakes.
Towing a Trailer
Trailer Brakes
Trailer Lights
Sway Cont rol
T ransmission Fluid Cooler andPower St eering Fluid Cooler
Driving
309