towing HONDA ODYSSEY 2012 RB3-RB4 / 4.G Owners Manual

ContentsThis owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 25For Safe Driving P. 26 Seat Belts P. 30 Airbags P. 392Instrument Panel P. 71Indicators P. 72 Gauges and Displays P. 862Controls P. 107Setting the Clock P. 108 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 110
Security System P. 134 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 137
Adjusting the Mirrors P. 152
Heating and Cooling
* P. 183
2Features P. 193Audio System P. 194 Audio System Basic Operation P. 197
Rear Entertainment System
* P. 241 HomeLink
® Universal Transceiver
* P. 257
2Driving P. 285Before Driving P. 286 Towing a Trailer P. 291
Rearview Camera
* P. 323 Refueling P. 325
2Maintenance P. 331Before Performing Maintenance P. 332 Maintenance Minder™ P. 335
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 366
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care
* P. 382
2Handling the Unexpected P. 389Tools P. 390 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 391
Overheating P. 404 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 406
When You Cannot Open or Close the Tailgate P. 4182Information P. 419Specifications P. 420 Identification Numbers P. 422
Warranty Coverages P. 427 Authorized Manuals P. 429

Contents
Child Safety P. 54 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 68 Safety Labels P. 69Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 120 Opening and Closing the Sliding Doors P. 126
Opening and Closing the Moonroof
* P. 140 Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 141
Adjusting the Seats P. 154 Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 169
Climate Control System
* P. 187
Audio Error Messages P. 235 General Information on the Audio System P. 237
Bluetooth
® HandsFreeLink
®* P. 259 Compass
* P. 282
When Driving P. 297 Braking P. 314 Parking Your Vehicle P. 318
Fuel Economy P. 328 Accessories and Modifications P. 329Maintenance Under the Hood P. 343 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 355
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 370 Battery P. 379 Remote Transmitter Care P. 380
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate Control System
* Maintenance P. 384 Cleaning P. 385
Engine Does Not Start P. 400 Jump Starting P. 401 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 403
Fuses P. 411 Emergency Towing P. 417Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 423 Reporting Safety Defects P. 424 Emissions Testing P. 425
Customer Service Information P. 430 Gracenote
® End User License Agreement P. 431
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 25
Instrument Panel
P. 71
Controls
P. 107
Features
P. 193
Driving
P. 285
Maintenance
P. 331
Handling the Unexpected
P. 389
Information
P. 419
Index
P. 433

17Quick Reference Guide
Driving
(P285)
D4L
D3P
R
N
D
Release Button
Shift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
(P
.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button. Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
Automat
ic Transm
iss
ion
(P301)
●Shift to
(P
and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
●Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Used when reversing.
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving.
Low
Strong engine braking.
D3
Press the D3 button while the shift lever is in
(D
.
Used when:
·Going up or down hills
·Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Models with D3 buttonD4
Press the D4 button while the shift lever is in
(D
.
Used when:
·Going up or down hills
·Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Models with D4 button
D3/D4
Button
* Not available on all models

20Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P389)
Flat Tire
(P391)
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in
under the floor between the front seats
and the second row seats.
Indicators Come On (P 406)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start (P400)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.Blown Fuse
(P411)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P404)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P417)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

285
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 286
Maximum Load Limit........................ 289
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 291
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 295
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 296
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 297
Precautions While Driving................. 299
Automatic Transmission ................... 300
Shifting ............................................ 301Cruise Control ................................. 303
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 306
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 308
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 309BSI (Blind Spot Information) System
*.... 312
Braking
Brake System ................................... 314
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 316
Brake Assist System.......................... 317
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped................................. 318Parking ............................................ 318
Parking Sensor System
*................... 319
Rearview Camera
*............................ 323
Rearview Display Image ................... 324
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 325
How to Refuel ................................. 326
Fuel Economy.................................... 328
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 328
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 329
Modifications................................... 329
* Not available on all models

289
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 1,340 lbs (608 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1)Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your
vehicle's placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2Specifications P. 420
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 420
3
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

290
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load
1,340 lbs
(608 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight
1,040 lbs
(472 kg)
Example2
Max Load
1,340 lbs
(608 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
590 lbs
(268 kg)

291
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerTowing PreparationYour 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
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in
or on it shown in the table.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and
can damage the engine and drivetrain.
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
•Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
•Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
•Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.
■
Towing Load Limits
1Towing 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
2Vehicle Specifications P. 420
3
WARNING
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
Number of occupants
Equip with ATF cooler
2
3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
3
3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
4
3,200 lbs (1,451 kg)
5
3,050 lbs (1,383 kg)
6
2,900 lbs (1,315 kg)
7
1,450 lbs (658 kg)
8
Towing not recommended

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
292Driving
■
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.
■
Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■
Weight distribution hitches
A weight distributing hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle.
An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability, and
braking performance.
■
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.
Tongue LoadTongue Load
■
Towing Equipment and Accessories
1Towing 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.

293
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Continued
Driving
■
Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
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.
■
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 non-Honda trailer lighting
harness and converter, get the connector and
pins for your vehicle from a dealer.
■
Sway control
Recommended to use if your trailer tends to sway. Consult the trailer maker for
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it.Right
Turn
Signal
Small
Light
Stop
Light+B
Backup
Light
+B Small
LightTrailer
Hazard
Light
Left
Turn
SignalBackup
Light