Page 214 of 313

To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 % of the load
toward the front of the trailer and
40 % toward the rear, then re-adjust
the load as needed.The maximum allowable weight
on the vehicle axles is:
The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, all
accessories, all cargo, and the
tongue load is: The best way to conf irm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale. To locate the public scales in
your area, consult your local yellow
pages or ask your dealer f or
assistance.
To estimate total trailer weight, add
the weight of your trailer (as quoted
by the manufacturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the inf ormation on page to
make sure you do not exceed the
limit f or your conditions.
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.
(LX)
on the f ront axle
on the rear axle
on the f ront axle
on the rear axle 194
(LX)
(EX, SE, and EX-L) (EX, SE, and EX-L)
on the f ront axle
on the rear axle
4-cylinder models:
4-cylinder models:
Checking L oads
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GA WR):
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
Towing a Trailer
214
2,195 lbs (995 kg)
1,960 lbs (890 kg)
2,360 lbs (1,070 kg)
2,005 lbs (910 kg)
4,080 lbs (1,850 kg)
4,125 lbs (1,870 kg)
4,300 lbs (1,950 kg) 2,225 lbs (1,010 kg)
1,985 lbs (900 kg)
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V6 mo de ls :
V6 models:
Page 215 of 313

Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, how
much load you are towing, and
where you tow.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and f ollow the
guidelines in this section. Also make
sure that all equipment is properly
installed and maintained, and that it
meets f ederal, state, province, and
local regulations.
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.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.
Seeyourtrailerdealerorrental
agency f or more inf ormation on
installing electric brakes.
Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check the
requirements f or the areas where
you plan to tow, and use only
equipment designed f or your vehicle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by
trailer type and brand, you should
have a qualif ied technician install a
suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer. Improper
equipment or installation can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical
system and af f ect your vehicle
warranty.
Honda requires that any trailer with
a total weight of 1,000 lbs (455 kg) or
more be equipped with its own
electric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
T owing Equipment and
A ccessories
Hitches
Saf et y Chains
Trailer Brakes T railer L ights
Towing a Trailer
Driving
215
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Page 216 of 313

Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside 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.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inf lated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension,
cooling system, and lights are in
good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
A ddit ional T owing EquipmentPre-T ow Checklist
Towing a Trailer
216
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Page 217 of 313

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.
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
Do not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At
higher speeds, the trailer may sway
or af f ect vehicle handling. If you
have an automatic transmission, use
D position when towing a trailer on
level roads. 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.
If the automatic transmission shifts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D .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 shif t down to second
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
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.
3
CONT INUED
Making T urns and Braking
T owing Speeds and Gears Driving on Hills
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ingDriving Saf ely With a T railer
Towing a Trailer
Driving
217
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Page 218 of 313
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in f irst or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
bottom
Backing Up
Parking
Towing a Trailer
218
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Page 226 of 313

ÌÌ
µ
Ì
Maintenance Minder
227
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE OIL’’ does not appear more than 12 months after
the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Independent of the maintenance minder 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.
NOTE: 1:
226
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
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 line (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).
Replace dust and pollen filter
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).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This
requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the
transmission and transfer fluid changed at
60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km). (For A/T only:)
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
(V6 engine only) If you drive regularly in very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures
(under 110°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 mile
(U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada).
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
AB
Symbol
Symbol
12 3 4 51 1
Maintenance Minder
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Page 245 of 313

µµTheheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be done by your dealer or
other qualif ied mechanic.
Open the hood. To change a bulb
on the driver’s side, undo the two
f asteners and remove the air
intake cover.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
If you f requently tow a trailer.
Replace the belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your vehicle in one or
more of these conditions:
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance minder schedule.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C). 1.
Timing Belt, Lights
Headlight A iming
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Timing BeltHigh Beam Headlight
246
FASTENERS
AIR INTAKE
COVER
4-cylinder models
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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Page 252 of 313
To replace a wiper blade:Raise the wiper arm of f the
windshield. Raise the driver’s side
first, then the passenger’s side. Disconnect the blade assembly
fromthewiperarmbypushingin
the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in
while you push the blade assembly
toward the base of the arm.Remove the blade f rom its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull f irmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
2.
1. 3.
CONT INUED
Wiper Blades
Maint enance
253
WIPER ARMS
LOCK TABBLADE
Do not open the hood when the wiper
arms are raised, or you will damage the
hood and the wiper arms.
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