Page 181 of 267

There are no provisions in your
vehicle to tap into its hydraulic
braking system. Any attempt toattach the trailer's brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic braking system, no matter how successfulit may seem, will lower braking
effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
Equipmen t Chec k
Before operating your vehicle,
check all safety equipment to
ensure safe operation. Be sure
your vehicle is properly serviced
to avoid mechanical failure.
Check that your vehicle remains
level when the loaded or unloadedtrailer is hitched. Do not drive if
the rear end of your vehicle is abnormally higher or lower.
Check for proper tongue weight,
overload, improper weight
distribution, worn suspension, or
other possible causes.
Make sure the trailer load is
properly positione
d and secured
so its does not shift around whil
e
driving.
Chec k
if your rearview mirrors
comply with federal, state and
local regulations. If not, confirm
the proper mirrors required for
towing and have them installed.
Perform an equipment check of
all braking, lighting and safety
equipment to ensure they are working properly.
Your safety depends on proper
operation and installation of
equipment. Never operate a
vehicle with faulty equipment.
Limite
d Sli p Differentia l
Standard on 4WD models
The limited slip differential is
designed to improve traction by limiting wheelspin. If one rear
wheel begins to spin on a slipperysurface, the limited slip
differential will automatically
transmit driving force to the other
rear wheel.
Drivin g Tip s
Page 190 of 267

find a leak, it must be repaired
before you can continue
driving. (See
Towing on page
187.)
If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level inthe radiator reserve tank. If the
level is below the MIN mark, add
coolant to halfway between the
MIN and MAX marks.
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 temperature gauge, orlower, before checking the
radiator. If needed, add coolant to the
radiator to bring the level up to the filler neck, and to the
reservoir up to the level indicated on the reservoir tank. Proper equipment must be used to
prevent damage to vehicles during
any towing. State and local laws
that apply to vehicles in tow must
be followed. Get detailed towing
instructions from your Honda
dealer.
Should it become necessary to
tow your vehicle, follow these
directions.
Precaution s
Before towing, make sure that
the power train, axle,
transmission, wheels and steering system are in good
condition.
If any of these items are
damaged, a flatbed trailer must
be used.
In Cas e o f Emergenc y
Towin
g
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine andradiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Page 204 of 267
R — Replace L — Lube I — Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.
Check oi
l and coolant level at each fuel stop.
Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often. These conditions are: Service for severe driving conditions
Repeated short trips in cold weather Frequent idling and/or frequent low-speed operation Change engine oil and filter - Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) Driving in dusty areas Towing a trailer or 3 months
Change rear axle oil - Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Care an d Maintenanc e
Page 211 of 267

Change the oil and oil filter every
3,750 miles (6,000 kilometers) or
every three months if you drive under one or more of these
"severe driving" conditions: Driving in dusty areas
Towing a trailer
Frequent idling or idling for
long periods Frequent short trips (4 miles [6
kilometers] or less) in cold or
freezing weather, where the
engine does not thoroughly
warm up. Change the oil and oil filter as
soon as possible after driving in
a dust storm.
Oi
l Chang e
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-type hydraulic lift for this
service. Unless you have the
knowledge and proper equipment,
you should have this maintenance
done by a skilled mechanic.
1. Warm up the engine. This makes the oil drain faster and
more thoroughly.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug and drain oil fully.
4. Install the drain plug, with a new gasket, and tighten it.
5. Fill the engine with the proper amount of new oil (see
"Specifications"). Oil Filter Installation
1. Remove the old oil filter with the filter wrench.
2. Apply a light coat of engine oil to the oil filter gasket.
3. Hand-tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the sealing
face.
4. Using the filter wrench, tighten the filter one full turn.
5. Run the engine and inspect for
leaks.
6. Shut off the engine. After a couple of minutes, check the
oil level. If necessary, add oilto bring it to the FULL mark.
An improperly installed oil filter can result in severe engine
damage.
Car e an d Maintenanc e
NOTIC
E
Page 265 of 267

Starting the Engine ......... 153
With a Dead Battery ..... 180
Steam Coming From Engine . 186
Steering Column
Ignition Lock Switch ....... 97
Steering Wheel
Adjustment ............ 111
Anti-Theft Column Lock ... 98
Stereo Sound System ...
121, 129
Sun Visor ................ 110
Supplemental Restraint System .......... 7
Additional Information ..... 40
Additional
Safety Precautions ........ 43
Components ............. 40
Hazards .............. 4, 8
How the Airbag Works ... 41 How the SRS
Indicator Light Works ... 42
Service ................ 43
Tachometer ................ 56
Tailgate Operation ......... 104
Tape Player............... 124
Technical Descriptions, Emission Control Systems . . 245
Temperature Gauge ......... 58
Three-Way Catalytic Converter ....... 168
Tilt Steering Wheel ........ 111
Time, Setting the .......... 149
Tire Chains ............... 164
Tires .................... 159
Air Pressure ....
160, 194, 235
Checking Wear ......... 161
DOT Tire Quality Grading 247
How to Change a Flat .... 182
Inflation .......
160, 167, 194
Inspection ............. 161
Replacing .............. 162
Rotation ............... 162
Snow ................. 164 Spare ................. 185
Specifications .......... 235
Wear Indicators ......... 161
Tire Wrench .............. 184
Tools, Tire Changing ....... 184
Towing .................. 187 Emergency Wrecker(Tow Truck) .......... 188
Trailer ................ 174