tow HONDA CROSSTOUR 2013 1.G User Guide

415
Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for 6-cylinder
models and 1,000 lbs (453 kg) for 4-cylinder
models. Towing loads in excess of this can
seriously affect vehicle handling and
performance and can da mage the engine and
drivetrain.
■ Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight. • Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2 Vehicle Specifications P. 546, 548
3WARNING
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 before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue LoadTongue Load
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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
416
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing. ■ Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■ Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■ Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■ Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
Your trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.
Each pin’s purpose and wiring color code are shown in the image.
When using a non-Honda trailer lighting ha rness and converter, get the connector
and pins for your vehicle from a dealer.
Right Turn Signal (Green)
Ground (Black)
Left Turn Signal (Blue)
Taillight (Red)
Brake Light (Light Green)
Trailer (Yellow)
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uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer •Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 415
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
•Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
heating and cooling system *
/climate control system *
and reduce speed. Pull to the
side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(S or (d position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2 Emergency Towing P. 542
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
* Not available on all models
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uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
Shifting
Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs. ■Shift lever positions
Automatic transmission models without paddle shifters
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in (P .
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
The engine may cut in and out in
(R or depending on
the road condition, even when the engine speed is
lower than the tachometer’s red zone. This is the
engine’s computer working to protect the
transmission.
Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 5th automatically)
Drive (D3)
Used: ● When going up or down hills
● When towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Second Used to increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
First
Used to further increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
Release Button
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uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
Shifting
Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs. ■Shift lever positions
Automatic transmission models with paddle shifters
1Shifting
You cannot change the power mode from ON to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) unless the shift lever is in
(P.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
The engine may cut in and out in
(R or depending on
the road condition, even when the engine speed is
lower than the tachometer’s red zone. This is the
engine’s computer working to protect the
transmission.
Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used: ● For normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 6th automatically)
● When temporarily driving in the
sequential mode
Release Button
Drive (S)
Used: ●
When automatically changing gears
between 1st and 5th (5th gear is used
only at high speed)
● When driving in the sequential mode
● When towing a trailer in hilly terrain
● To increase engine braking
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uuWhen DrivinguForward Collision Warning (FCW)*
Driving
FCW may not activate or may not detect a vehicle in front of your vehicle, and may activate even when you are aware of a vehicl
e ahead
of you, or when there is no vehicle ahead under the following conditions.
■FCW Limitations
Condition
● The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you is too short.
● A vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed, and it brakes suddenly.
● A vehicle suddenly crosses in front of you.
● When either your vehicle or the vehicle ahead of you accelerates rapidly.
● The vehicle ahead of you is a motorcycle, a small vehicle, or a unique vehicle such as a tractor.
● When you drive off-road or on a mountain road, or curved and winding road for an extended period that makes it difficult for th e camera to properly
detect a vehicle in front of you.
● When there are pedestrians or animals in front of your vehicle.
● When you drive in bad weather (rain, fog, etc.).
● A heavy load in the rear or modifications to the suspension tilts your vehicle.
● An abnormal tire condition is detected (wrong tire size, flat tire, etc.).
● When the windshield is blocked by dirt, mud, leaves, wet snow, etc.
● When the temperature inside the system is high.
● A sudden change between light and dark such as an entrance or exit of a tunnel.
● You drive into the sunlight (e.g. at dawn or dusk).
● When the windshield is dirty or cloudy.
● When streetlights are perceived as the taillight of a vehicle in front of yours.
● When driving at night, the vehicle ahead of you is running with either taillight bulb burned out.
● When you drive in the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer.
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uuWhen DrivinguLane Departure Warning (LDW)*
Driving
LDW may not activate or may not recognize lanes, and may activate even when
keeping in the middle of a lane under the following conditions.
■LDW Limitations
Condition
●
When you drive in bad weather (rain, fog, etc.).
● A heavy load in the rear or modifications to the suspension tilts your vehicle.
● An abnormal tire condition is detected (wrong tire size, flat tire, etc.).
● When the windshield is blocked by dirt, mud, leaves, wet snow, etc.
● When the temperature inside the system is high.
● A sudden change between light and dark such as an entrance or exit of a tunnel.
● You drive into the sunlight (e.g. at dawn or dusk).
● When the windshield is dirty or cloudy.
● When you drive in the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer.
● When you drive on a wet road surface following another vehicle.
uThe camera may perceive the tire tracks in the water as lane lines.
● When there is snow or wheel tracks on the side of the road.
● When the road has many repaired area or an erased lane line.
● When the vehicle is running over painted signs or crosswalk markings.
● When you drive in a lane with specific lane markups (e.g., Botts’ dots).
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uuBefore Performing MaintenanceuSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task. • To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
uHeat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
uOnly operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
uMake sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
uMake sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
uDo not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner