emergency towing HONDA ODYSSEY 2004 RB1-RB2 / 3.G Owners Manual

The best way to conf irm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at 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.Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase
Honda equipment whenever possible.
Always use saf ety chains. Make sure
they are secured to both the trailer
and hitch, and that they cross under
the tongue so they can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do
not let chains drag on the ground. 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.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.
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.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state and province
regulations.
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Checking L oadsT owing Equipment and
A ccessories
Saf et y Chains
HitchesWeight Distributing Hitch
Sway Cont rol
196

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 .238
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .239
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 247
................................
Jump Starting .248
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 250
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 252
..........
Charging System Indicator . 252
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 253
...............
Brake System Indicator . 254
......................
Emergency Towing .255
..............................................
Fuses .257
..............................
Fuse Locations .260
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed237

´´
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page . Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
You cannot start a Honda by pushing
or pulling it.
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
Honda’s battery. Connect the
other end to the positive ( )
terminal on the booster battery. Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake. Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, climate
control, audio system, lights, etc. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery.
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.
1.
2.
3.
76
257 255Emergency
Towing Jump Starting
If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
248
NOTICE:
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
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.

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 (seeon page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need 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 first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
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. 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 (seeon page ).
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.
5.
6.
7.
8.9.
255
10.
11.255
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed251
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.

However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design 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.
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 long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeon page ). If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the TCS
indicator come on with the brake
system indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your dealer
immediately.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
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. The brake system
indicator normally
comesonwhenyou
turn the ignition switch to ON (II),
and as a reminder to check the
parking brake. It will stay lit if you do
not f ully release the parking brake.
255
218
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
254
U.S. Canada

µµ
µ
CONT INUED
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
There are three popular types of
prof essional towing equipment. 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. 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.
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
ShifttoD,thentoN.
Turn of f the engine.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. If your Honda cannot be transported
by f latbed, 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: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).
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Wheel-lif t EquipmentSling-t ype Equipment
Flat bed Equipment
T his is
an acceptable way to tow your
Honda. T his method of towing
is unacceptable.
T his is the best way to
transport your Honda.
255
NOTICE: 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
transported 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 switched in the
ACCESSORY (I) position 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 run down
the battery.
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed256
NOTICE:
NOTICE: 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.
T he steering system can be
damaged if the steering wheel is locked.
Leave the ignition switched to
Accessory (I), and make sure the
steering wheel turns f reely bef ore you
begin towing.

CONT INUED
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 120
....................................
Dimensions .266
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 71
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 216
..................................
Engine Oil .171
..........................
Directional Signals .71
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 189
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .213
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 78
....................
Lockout Prevention . 78
.................
Manual Sliding Doors . 84
..............................
Monitor Light .63
......................
Power Door Locks .78
...................
Power Sliding Doors . 84
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 268
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .181
....................................
Economy .173
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 227
....................
DVD Error Message .155
...................................
DVD Player .145 ..............................
Economy, Fuel .173
..................................
Emergencies .237
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 248
...........
Brake System Indicator . 254
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 239
.....
Charging System Indicator . 252
..................
Checking the Fuses . 257
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 73
............................
Jump Starting .248
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 252
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 253
..................
Overheated Engine . 250
.......................................
Towing .255
.........................
Emergency Brake .103
......................
Emergency Flashers .73
......................
Emergency Towing .255
.......................
Emissions Controls .271
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 274
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 67
..............
Engine Speed Limiter . 186
.........................
If It Won’t Start .247
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .60, 253 ........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 60,252
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 211
...............................
Overheating .250
............................
Specif ications .267
.......................................
Starting .183
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 271
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .54
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .272
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
...................................
Fan, Interior .117
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .115
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 169
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .227
...............................................
Oil .212
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 239
.....................................
Floor Mats .226
Index
E
F
III

Î
CONT INUED
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 239
...............................................
Tires .230
..............................
Air Pressure .230
...................................
Balancing .232
.........................
Checking Wear .231
..........................
Compact Spare .238
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 268
......................................
Inf lation .230
..................................
Inspection .231
.....................................
Labeling .270
...................................
Replacing .233
......................................
Rotating .232
...........................................
Snow .234
............................
Specif ications .267
................................
Tire Chains .234
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 239
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .194
................
Emergency Wrecker . 255
....
Equipment and Accessories . 196
.....................
Weight Limit .194, 195
Traction Control .............................
System(TCS) .192
.............................
Trailer Loading .194
......................
Trailer Towing Tips .199 Transmission
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 216
...........................
Fluid Selection .217
..............
Identif ication Number . 264
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 184
.....................................
Treadwear .268
.......................................
Trip Meter .67
....................................
Turn Signals .71
Unexpected, Taking Care ..........................................
of the .237
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 268
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .168
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 213
................................
Vanity Mirror .108
.........
Vehicle Capacity Load . 177,194
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .266
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 264
.............................
Vehicle Storage .236
.....................................
Ventilation .119
.................................................
VIN .264 ..................................
Viscosity, Oil .211
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 55
..................
Warranty Coverages .279
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 216
............................
Level Indicator .64
.....................................
Operation .69
Wheels ...............
Adjusting the Steering . 74
............
Alignment and Balance . 232
..........................
Compact Spare .238
......................................
Wrench .242
Windows .............................
Auto Reverse .100
..................
Operating the Power . 99
............................................
Rear .101
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .73
Index
U
V W
IX

Î
Windshield.......................................
Cleaning .69
...................................
Def roster .120
.......................................
Washers .69
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .228
.....................................
Operation .69
Rear Windshield Wiper and .....................................
Washer .70
..................
Wireless Headphones . 156
....................................
Worn Tires .239
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 255
: U.S. and Canada only
Index
X