Page 177 of 268

The electronic  brake distribution
(EBD)  system,  which is part  of the
ABS,  also balances  the front-to-rear
braking  distribution  according  to
vehicle  loading.
The 
hydraulic  system that operates
the  brakes  has two  separate  circuits.
Each  circuit  works  diagonally  across
the  vehicle  (the left-front  brake is
connected  with the right-rear  brake,
etc.).  If one  circuit  should  develop  a
problem,  you will still  have  braking
at  two  wheels.
If  the  brake  pads need  replacing,  you
will  hear  a distinctive,  metallic
screeching  sound when you apply
the  brake  pedal.  If you  do not  have
the  brake  pads replaced,  they will
screech  all the  time.  It is  normal  for
the  brakes  to occasionally  squeal or
sque ak when  you apply  them. The 
anti-lock  brake system  (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking  up, and  helps  you retain
steering  control by pumping  the
brakes  rapidly,  much faster  than a
person  can do it.
Let  the ABS  work  for you  by always
keeping  firm, steady  pressure  on the
brake  pedal.  This is sometimes
referred  to as  ‘‘stomp  and steer.’’
You  will feel  a pulsation  in the  brake
pedal  when  the ABS  activates,  and
you  may  hear  some  noise.  This is
normal:  it is  the  ABS  rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement,  you will need  to press  on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe ABS 
activates.  However,  you may
feel  the ABS  activate  immediately  if
you  are trying  to stop  on snow  or ice.
If  this  indicator  comes on, the  anti-
lock  function  of the  braking  system
has  shut  down.  The brakes  still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
If the ABS indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as shown on
page . 230
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators ABS Indicator
174 
     
        
        Page 199 of 268

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is indicated by a maintenance
message on the inf ormation display.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer. Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
To thoroughly f lush the
transmission, the technician
should drain and ref ill it with
Honda CVT f luid, then drive the
vehicle f or a short distance. Do
this three times. Then drain and
ref ill the transmission a f inal time. Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of mileage.
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.
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.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage. 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/shoes.
6.
T ransmission Fluid, Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid
196
MAX
MIN 
     
        
        Page 233 of 268

If the  ABS  indicator  comes on with
the  brake  system  indicator,  have
your  vehicle  inspected  by your
dealer  immediately.
However, 
if the  brake  pedal  does not
feel  normal,  you should  take
immediate  action. A problem  in one
part  of the  system’s  dual circuit
design  will still  give  you braking  at
two  wheels.  You will feel  the brake
pedal  go down  much  farther  before
the  vehicle  begins to slow  down,  and
you  will have  to press  harder  on the
pedal.
Slow  down  by shifting  to a lower
gear,  and pull  to the  side  of the  road
when  it is  safe.  Because  of the  long
distance  needed to stop,  it is
hazardous  to drive  the vehicle.  You
should  have it to wed  and repaired  as
soon  as possible  (see
on  page  ).
If  you  must  drive  the vehicle  a short
distance  in this  condition,  drive
slowly  and carefully.
The 
brake  system
indicator  normally
comes  on when
you  turn  the ignition  switch to the
ON  (II) position  and as a reminder  to
check  the parking  brake. It will  stay
on  if you  do not  fully  release  the
parking  brake.
If  the  brake  system  indicator  comes
on  while  driving,  the brake  fluid  level
is  probably  low. Press  lightly  on the
brake  pedal to see  if it feels  normal.
If  it does,  check  the brake  fluid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. If the regenerate brake system
indicator (amber) comes on with the
parking brake system indicator (red)
with the parking brake released,
there may be a malfunction with the
power-assist f eature. When the
power-assist f eature malf unctions,
the brake indicator (red) comes on
and a buzzer sounds f or a second.
The power-assist f eature may stop
when the brake ef f ect is weak. Stop
your vehicle immediately at a saf e
place and contact a dealer.
196
237Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
230
Canada
U.S.