tow HONDA ODYSSEY 2012 RB3-RB4 / 4.G Owner's Manual

313
uuWhen DrivinguBSI (Blind Spot Information) System
*
Driving
Press the BSI OFF button until you hear a beep to turn on and off the system. A
message on the multi-information display appears for five seconds and indicates
that the system is on or off.
When BSI is off, the BSI indicator in the instrument panel stays on.
BSI is in the previously selected on or off setting each time you start the engine.■
BSI On and Off
1BSI (Blind Spot Information) System
Turn the system off when towing a trailer. The system
does not work properly for the following reasons:•The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the
radar coverage.•The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the BSI alert indicators to come
on.
BSI may be adversely affected when:•Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc,.) are
detected.•An object that does not reflect radio waves well,
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.•Driving on a curved road.•A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent
lane.•The system picks up external electrical interference.•The rear bumper or the sensors have been
improperly repaired or the rear bumper has been
deformed.•The orientation of the sensors has been changed.•In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).
For a proper BSI use:•Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.•Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with
labels or stickers of any kind. •Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be
repaired, or the rear bumper corner area is strongly
impacted.
BSI
IndicatorMulti-information
display
BSI OFF Button

344
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2.Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
uThe hood will pop up slightly.
3.Slide the hood latch lever in the center of
the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4.Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1Opening the Hood
NOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod
Grip
Clamp

346
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark

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

379
Maintenance
BatteryChecking the Battery
The battery condition is being monitored by
the sensor on the negative terminal. If there is
a problem with the sensor, the warning
message on information display
*/multi-
information display
* will let you know. Have
your vehicle checked by a dealer.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion
monthly.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2Reactivating the audio system P. 196
•The clock resets.
2Setting the Clock P. 108
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
* Not available on all models

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

397
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
2.Pull down the U-shaped carpet piece, fold
it, and tuck the end under the carpet.
3.Remove the plastic screw with a coin.
4.Install the bracket and the mounting wing
bolt (A) on the attachment point, and
tighten the bolt.
5.Install the flat tire on the bracket with the
inside of the wheel facing toward you.
6.Install the mounting wing bolt (B) to the
bracket through one of the five wheel nut
holes, and tighten the bolt.
uPoke a hole in the storage bag as
needed.
Plastic Screw
Carpet PieceMounting Wing Bolt (A)
Mounting Wing
Bolt (B)
Bracket

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

417
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■
Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■
Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle's weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

439
Index
Rear Seats ............................................... 162
Seat Heaters ........................................... 181
Security System........................................ 134
Immobilizer System Indicator..................... 80
Security System Alarm Indicator ................ 81
SEL/RESET Knob.................................... 87, 98
Select Lever........................................ 17, 301
Operation ......................................... 17, 302
Releasing ................................................ 403
Won’t Move ........................................... 403
Selecting a Child Seat................................ 58
Selector Knob (Audio)............................. 202
Setting the Clock...................................... 108
Shift Lever.......................................... 17, 301
Shift Lever Position Indicator............ 74, 302
Shifting (Transmission)............................ 301
Shoulder Anchor.................................. 34, 35
Side Airbags............................................... 46
Cutoff System ........................................... 48
Off Indicator ............................................. 48
Side Curtain Airbags.................................. 49
Sliding Door............................................. 126
Power Sliding Door ................................. 128
Sliding the Second Row Outer Seats
Outward................................................. 164
Snow Tires................................................ 378
Spare Tire......................................... 391, 421
Spark Plugs............................................... 420
Specifications........................................... 420
Specified Fuel................................... 325, 420
Speedometer.............................................. 86SRS Airbags (Airbags)................................. 42
Starting the Engine.................................. 297
Does Not Start ......................................... 400
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 141
Jump Starting .......................................... 401
Steering Wheel......................................... 151
Adjusting ................................................. 151
Stopping.................................................... 318
Summer Tires............................................ 378
Sunglasses Holder..................................... 180
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........ 42
Switches
(Around the Steering Wheel)........ 2, 3, 141
System Message Indicator.......................... 79
TTachometer................................................. 86
Tailgate..................................................... 120
Unable to Open ....................................... 418
Temperature
Gauge ....................................................... 86
Outside Temperature Display ............. 89, 100
Temperature Gauge................................... 86
Temperature Sensor................... 89, 100, 192
Time (Setting)........................................... 108
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)..................................................... 308
Indicator .................................... 78, 409, 410
Tires........................................................... 370
Air Pressure ..................................... 371, 421Checking and Maintaining ...................... 370
Inspection ............................................... 370
Labeling .................................................. 371
Puncture (Flat Tire) .................................. 391
Regulations ............................................. 373
Rotation .................................................. 377
Spare Tire ........................................ 391, 421
Summer .................................................. 378
Tire Chains .............................................. 378
Wear Indicators ....................................... 375
Winter..................................................... 378
Tools.......................................................... 390
Towing a Trailer....................................... 291
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 292
Load Limits .............................................. 291
Towing Your Vehicle
Emergency .............................................. 417
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System).................................................... 308
Indicator.................................... 78, 409, 410
Transmission............................................. 301
Automatic ............................................... 301
Fluid ........................................................ 352
Number................................................... 422
Shift Lever Position Indicator.............. 74, 302
Trip Meter....................................... 88, 92, 99
Troubleshooting....................................... 389
Blown Fuse.............. 411, 412, 413, 414, 415
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 21
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 22
Emergency Towing .................................. 417