If youmuststopwhenfacinguphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and use D3. Do not
‘‘ride’’ the brakes.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
When towing a f ixed-sided trailer
(e.g., camper), do not exceed 55 mph
(88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or affect vehicle
handling.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
When towing a trailer on level roads
under normal driving conditions, do
not use D3. This will increase the
automatic transmission fluid
temperature and may cause
overheating.
With heavy cargo on the pickup bed,
your vehicle has a higher center of
gravity. Drive more slowly and
cautiously, and allow more time and
distance for braking. Loading heavy
cargo could af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses.
Allow more time and distance f or
braking. Do not brake or turn
suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
Remember, it
takes longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.T owing Speeds and Gears
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Towing a Trailer
216
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .224
....................
Maintenance Minder .225
....................
Maintenance Record .233
..............................
Fluid Locations .235
........................
Adding Engine Oil .236
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .237
..............................
Engine Coolant .239
....................
Windshield Washers .240
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .241
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .242
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid .243
....................................
Brake Fluid .243
....................
Power Steering Fluid .244
....................................
Timing Belt .244
.............................................
Lights .245
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .251
.....................................
Floor Mats .252
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .252
.................................
Wiper Blades .253
...............................................
Tires .255
...................
Checking the Battery .260
.............................
Vehicle Storage .262
305
Maintenance
Maint enance
223
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Ì
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Maintenance Minder
232
: Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Maintenance Sub Items
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
2
3
4
5
Symbol
A
B
Symbol 1
2 Symbol
6
1
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .Independent of the maintenance messages in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
If the message ‘‘SERVICE dUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
NOTE: 1:
230
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-
powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or
trailer towing results in higher transmission and transfer
temperatures or frequently fully loaded. This requires
transmission and transfer fluid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder.
If you regulary drive your vehicle under these conditions, have
the transmission and transfer fluid changed every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F,
43°C), in very low temperatures (under-20°F, -29°C), or towing a
trailer, replace every 60,000 mile (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada)
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or
trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress
to fluid or frequently fully loaded. This requires differential fluid
changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under
these conditions, have the differential fluid changed at
7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder
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CONT INUED
Maintenance Record
Maint enance
233
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mimi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here. When maintenance is performed, record the mileage, circle the coded item(s)
completed, and write in any other non-coded items (such as brake fluid replacement) below the codes. Keep the receipts for all work done on your
vehicle. Maintenance can also be recorded in your Honda service history booklet.
Mileage
km
km
km
km
km
km
kmMaintenance
Performed
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
Signature
Date
Mileage
km
km
km
km
km
km
km Signature
Date
Maintenance
Performed
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance
235
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)RADIATOR CAP AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
: Under the gray cover
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The transf er assembly should be
drained and ref illed with new f luid
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the
inf ormation display.
Always use Hypoid gear oil GL4 or
GL5 with a viscosity of SAE 90 or 80-
90W, and have your dealer replace
the transf er assembly f luid.Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoir monthly.
Replace the brake f luid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance minder schedule.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage. Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible. Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Brake Fluid
Transf er Assembly Fluid
Transf er A ssembly Fluid, Brake Fluid
Maint enance
243
MAX
MIN
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications .180
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.......................................
Position) .79
............
Accessory Power Sockets .113
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .236
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,22
..............
Air Conditioning System .120
.........................................
Usage .121
...............
Air Outlets (Vents) .122,127
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .256
......................................
Antif reeze .239
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .60,203
...................................
Operation .203
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .160
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock .79
..........................................
Armrests .98
................
Audio System .131,140,146
.....
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .81
Automatic Heated Wiper
......................................
Zone .73,125
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .20
.............
Automatic Speed Control .163 ..............
Automatic Transmission .193
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .292
...............
Checking Fluid Level .241
.......................................
Shif ting .193
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .193
................
Shif t Lever Positions .194
....................
Shif t Lock Release .197
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .159
Back Window .......................................
Indicator .66
...................................
Operation .102
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .59,278
............................
Jump Starting .274
..............................
Maintenance .260
............................
Specif ications .293
Bed Lights .......................................
Indicator .66
...................................
Operation .117
..............................
Bef ore Driving .173
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,19.........................
Beverage Holders .111
..................................
Booster Seats .48
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .203
.............
Break-in, New Linings .174
...........................................
Fluid .243
............
Bulb Replacement .247,248
.......................................
Parking .106
.................
System Indicator .60,280
........................
Wear Indicators .202
.............................
Braking System .202
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .174
..
Brightness Control, Instruments .75
........................
Brights, Headlights .73
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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Î
CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .121
.........................................
Features .119
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .175
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .252
...............................................
Oil .237
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .76
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .265
............
Daytime Running Lights .75
.................................
Dead Battery .274
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .304
..............
Def rosting the Windows .125
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear .242
....................................
Dimensions .292
...............
Dimming the Headlights .73
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .241
..................................
Engine Oil .178
..........................
Directional Signals .73
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .202
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .238
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor .61
Doors
..
Locking and Unlocking .80,81,83
....................
Lockout Prevention .80
......................
Power Door Locks .80
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .294
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .189
....................................
Economy .179
...................................................
D3.195
Dual-Action Tailgate
.................................
Indicator .61,91
.....................................
Operation .89 ..........
Dual Temperature Control .128
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .252
..............................
Economy, Fuel .179
..................................
Emergencies .263
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .274
...........
Brake System Indicator .280
................
Changing a Flat Tire .265
.....
Charging System Indicator .278
..................
Checking the Fuses .281
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .76
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .278
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .279
..................
Overheated Engine .276
............................
Stuck Vehicle .287
.......................................
Towing .286
.........................
Emergency Brake .106
.......................
Emissions Controls .297
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .69
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .59,279
.........................
Oil Lif e Display .225
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .59,278 ..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .236
...............................
Overheating .276
............................
Specif ications .293
............................
Speed Limiter .196
.......................................
Starting .192
.................
Engine, if it won’t start .273
Evaporative Emissions Control
........................................
System .297
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .51
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System .298
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .16
Index
E
F
INDEX
III
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