emergency towing HONDA ODYSSEY 2001 RA6-RA9 / 2.G Owners Manual

Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, and
how much load you are towing.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and f ollow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.
Also make sure that all equipment is
properly installed and that it 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 designed especially
foryourOdysseycanbeobtained
f rom your Honda dealer.Always use a saf ety chain. Make
sure that it is secured to both the
trailer and hitch, and that it cross
under the tongue so it can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do
not let the chain drag on the ground.
If the total trailer weight is more
than 2,000 lbs (900 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.
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
makercantellyouwhatkindof sway
control you need and how to install it.
If the total trailer weight is more
than 2,000 lbs (900 kg), you must
also have a transmission fluid cooler
installed. This device will help
prevent transmission overheating,
which could cause serious damage.
A transmission f luid cooler designed
foryourOdysseycanbeobtained
f rom your Honda dealer.
CONT INUED
T owing Equipment and
A ccessories
HitchesWeight Distributing Hitch
Saf ety Chain Sway Cont rol
T ransmission Fluid Cooler
Towing a Trailer
Driving 229

This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire . 302
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 303
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 312
Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor Operates ........................
Very Slowly . 312
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally . 313
................................
Jump Starting . 313
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 315
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 318
..........
Charging System Indicator . 319
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 320
.......................
Readiness Codes . 321
...............
Brake System Indicator . 322
..............................................
Fuses . 323
..........
Checking and Replacing . 324
......................
Emergency Towing . 329
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 301

To jump start your vehicle, f ollow
these directions closely:
If your vehicle’s battery has run
down, you may be able to start the
engine by using a booster battery.
Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page ). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
You cannot start a Honda by pushing
or pulling it.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to
on page .
Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ). Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, climate
control, stereo system, lights, etc.
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page . 1. 2.
211
323 329 267
CONT INUED
T he Starter Operates Normally Jump Starting
Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 313
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyonenearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.

Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn of f the heating and cooling/
climate control system and all
otheraccessories.Turnonthe
hazard warning indicators.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine.If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, f or
example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open thehood.Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page ). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
1. 2.
3.
7.
6.
5.
4. 329
201
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed Emergency
Towing
316

If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See
on page .)
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
8.
9.
10. 12.
11.
329Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 317
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page ). Although oil
levelandoilpressurearenot
directly connected, an engine that
is very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (See
on page .)
1. 2. 3. 4.
200 249 329
Emergency
Towing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
318
LLOOWWOOIILLPPRREESSSSUURREEIINNDDIICCAATTOORR Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.

ÎÎ
ÎÎHowever, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system’s dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will f eel the brake pedal
go down much f arther bef ore the
vehicle begins to slow down, and you
will have to press harder on the
pedal. The distance needed to stop
will be much longer.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle’s
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low f luid level in the
brake f luid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it f eels
normal. If it does, check the brake
f luid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page ). If the
f luid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake
system inspected f or leaks or worn
brake pads.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See
on page .)
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
If the ABS indicator and the TCS
indicator (on EX model) come on
with this indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your dealer
immediately.
The Brake System Indicator
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
f ully release the parking brake. 260
329
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Brake System Indicator
322
BBRRAAKKEESSYYSSTTEEMMIINNDDIICCAATTOORR
UU..SS..iinnddiiccaattoorrsshhoowwnn

µ
µ µ
CONT INUED
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or,
if youbelongtoone,anorganization
that provides roadside assistance.
Never tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle with just a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous. The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the f rame or suspension and
the cables lif t that end of the vehicle
of f the ground. Your vehicle’s sus-
pension and body can be seriously
damaged.
If your Honda cannot be transported
by f lat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lif t equipment with the f ront
wheels of f the ground. If , due to
damage, your vehicle must be towed
with the f ront wheels on the ground,
do the f ollowing.
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
ShifttoD ,thentoN.
Turn of f the engine. With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
There are three popular types of
prof essional towing equipment.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront or rear) and lif t
them of f the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. 4
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Sling-t ype Equipment
Flat -bed Equipment Wheel-lif t Equipment
T his method of towing
is unacceptable.
This is the best way to trans-
port your Honda.
T his is
an acceptable way to tow your
Honda.
329
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be trans-
ported with the f ront wheels of f the
ground.

If you decide to tow your vehicle
with all f our wheels on the ground,
make sure you use a properly-
designed and attached tow bar.
Prepare the vehicle for towing as
described above, and leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I) so
the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
socket are turned of f so they do not
rundownthebattery.
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
330
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing. Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.

CONT INUED
Dipstick..........
Automatic Transmission . 259
..................................
Engine Oil . 200
..........................
Directional Signals . 72
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 218
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 252
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 83
....................
Lockout Prevention . 84
.................
Manual Sliding Doors . 92
..............................
Monitor Light . 64
......................
Power Door Locks . 83
...................
Power Sliding Doors . 94
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 336
.....................................
Drive Belts . 272
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 209
....................................
Economy . 202
.........................
In Bad Weather . 224
................
In Foreign Countries . 339 ............................
Fabric, Cleaning . 297
..........................
Fan, Interior . 136, 148
Features, Comfort and
..............................
Convenience . 135
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 197
Filters
...............................................
Air . 262
.......................
Air Conditioning . 272
...............................................
Oil . 251
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 75
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 303
.......................................
Floor Mat . 296
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 259
..........................................
Brake . 260
..........................
Power Steering . 261
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 202
............
Emergencies on the Road . 301
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 313 Emergencies on the Road
...........
Brake System Indicator . 322
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 303
.....
Charging System Indicator . 319
..................
Checking the Fuses . 323
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 318
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 320
..................
Overheated Engine . 315
.........................
Emergency Brake . 122
......................
Emergency Flashers . 75
......................
Emergency Towing . 329
.......................
Emissions Controls . 340
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 343Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 67
.................................
Drive Belts . 272
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 62, 320
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 62, 318
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 249
...............................
Overheating . 315
............................
Specif ications . 335
.......................................
Starting . 211
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 338
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 340
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 57 Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System . 341
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by . 20
..................
Exterior,Cleaningthe .294
Index
E F
III