Page 346 of 479

Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set. If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes. If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and set the parking brake.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.
Parking
Parking T ips
342
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Page 366 of 479

When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a full-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page for proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare
tire.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot. This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it. Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
Use this illustration to identif y each
terminal in the trailer brake
controller connector.
413
424
419
Towing a Trailer
Spare Tires
Trailer Mirrors
Sway Cont rol
Saf et y Chains
362
GROUND
(BLACK) BRAKE
(20A)
(BLUE)
ELECTRIC BRAKE
(YELLOW)
STOP
(LIGHT GREEN)
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Page 368 of 479

Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inflated.
When
preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following: The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
The
vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive. The
added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicl e’s handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
mane uvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
below.
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km)
(see page ). 316
Towing a Trailer
Pre-T ow Checklist Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Break-In Period
364
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Page 390 of 479
The component parts in the engine
compartment are protected by the
cover. You may need to remove the
cover when you perf orm some
simple maintenance work.
Cover is secured by holding clips.
To remove the f ront bulkhead cover,
remove the holding clips with a f lat-
tipped screwdriver.
Engine Compartment Cover
386
FRONT BULKHEAD COVERHOLDING CLIP
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Page 391 of 479

The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine. Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle.
Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’ Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
387
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
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Page 397 of 479
CONT INUED
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine and let it run until
the radiator fan comes on, then
shut of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds
bef ore going to step 2, but don’t
wait longer than 90 seconds.
1.
2. 3.4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
393
DIPSTICK LOWER MARK
UPPER MARK
DIPSTICK
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Page 398 of 479
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). If it’s
not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
5.
6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
394
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Page 427 of 479
Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
f acility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
Remove the center cap from the
flat tire.Place the f lat tire f ace up under
the hoist.
Insert the hoist bracket into the
center hole of the f lat tire.
Put on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on f inger-tight,
then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel nut wrench
until the wheel is f irmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten the
wheel nuts f ully.
Lower the vehicle to the ground,
and remove the jack. 20.
21.
18.
19.
17. 16.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
423
94 lbf·ft (127 N·m , 13 kgf·m)
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