Page 334 of 524

The HFL will accept a numeric, f our-
digit passcode that you can use f or
security purposes.Follow the system setup
procedure as described previously.
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’
The HFL response is ‘‘What is the
f our-digit number you would like
to set as your passcode?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say the f our-digit
passcode you want to use. For
example,say‘‘1,2,3,4.’’TheHFL
responseis‘‘1,2,3,4.Isthis
correct?’’ Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Security is on.
Each time the vehicle is turned on,
the passcode will be required to
use the system. The system setup
is complete. Returning to the main
menu.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
If you say ‘‘No.’’ af ter the beep, the
HFL response is ‘‘Security will not
be used. The system setup is
complete.’’
Once a passcode is set, you can lock
the HFL so it only operates after the
passcode is entered. The HFL will prompt you f or your
passcode each time the ignition
switch is turned to the ON (II)
position and you press the Talk
button. You will only be asked f or
thepasscodeonceperignition cycle. If the passcode is set, its
response is ‘‘The system is locked.
What is the f our-digit passcode?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say your f our-digit
passcode.Forexample,say‘‘1,2,3,
4.’’
If the passcode is correct, the HFL
response is ‘‘Main menu.’’ If the
passcode is not correct, the HFL
responseis‘‘1,2,3,4isincorrect.
Pleasetryagain.’’Gobacktothe
step 2.
If you f orget your passcode and you
cannot activate the HFL, consult
your dealer to cancel the passcode.
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
1.2.
3.
To set your passcode, do this:
To enter your passcode, do this;
Setting Your Passcode
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
Features
331
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Page 366 of 524

Park the vehicle on a level surf ace.
Holding the grip, pull the support
rod out of its clip. Insert the end
into the designated hole in the
hood.
To close the hood, lif t it up slightly to
remove the support rod f rom the
hole. Put the support rod back into
its holding clip. Lower the hood to
about a f oot (30 cm) above the
f ender, then let it drop. Make sure it
is securely latched.
Put your f ingers under the f ront
edge of the hood. The hood latch
handle is above the ‘‘H’’ logo. Pull
this handle until it releases the
hood, then lif t the hood.
If the hood latch handle moves stif f ly,
or you can open the hood without
lif ting the handle, the mechanism
should be cleaned and lubricated. Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole.
1.
3.
2.
3.
2.
CONT INUED
Service Station Procedures
Oil Check
Bef ore Driving
363
DIPSTICK
SUPPORT ROD
GRIP
LATCH
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Page 376 of 524

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the pedals, the seat operation, or
the proper operation of the
sensors under the seats.
Keep the glove boxes closed while
driving. If either are open, a
passenger could be injured during
a crash or sudden stop.If you remove or f old the rear seats
down, tie down items that could be
thrown about the vehicle during a
crash or sudden stop. Also, keep all
cargo below the bottom of the
windows. If it is higher than the
windows, it could interf ere with the
proper operation of the side curtain
airbags.
Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
If you carry large items that
prevent you f rom closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of
, f ollow the instructions
on page . 60
Carrying Cargo
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment Carrying Cargo in the Cargo A rea
or on a Roof Rack
carbon monoxide
poisoning
Bef ore Driving
373
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Page 379 of 524

Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
tailgate are securely closed and
locked.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ). Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages in the inf ormation
display or multi-inf ormation
display (depending on models)
(seepages,,,and
).
3. 2.
1.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8. 9.
10. 15
65 66 77
87
443 169
190 141
Preparing to Drive
376
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2008 Odyssey
Page 385 of 524

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.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
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.
Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
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. Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set. Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you. Turn of f the lights.
Parking T ips
Parking
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Page 402 of 524

Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody,
using the six threaded holes
provided. A hitch and the required
f luid coolers designed especially f or
your Odyssey can be obtained f rom
your Honda dealer.
If the total trailer weight is more
than 1,850 lbs (840 kg), you must
also use a weight distributing hitch.
This device transf ers weight f rom
the vehicle’s rear wheels to the f ront
wheels, and to the trailer’s wheels.
Caref ully f ollow the hitch maker’s
instructions f or proper installation
and adjustment.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.
If the total trailer weight exceeds
2,000 lbs (900 kg), you should install
a sway control device to minimize
swaying that can occur in crosswinds
and in normal and emergency
driving maneuvers. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
To help prevent overheating, a
transmission f luid cooler and a
power steering f luid cooler are
required f or trailer towing. These
coolers are available only f rom your
Honda dealer.
Hitches
Weight Distributing Hitch Saf et y Chains Sway Cont rol
T ransmission Fluid Cooler andPower St eering Fluid Cooler
Towing a Trailer
Driving
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Page 405 of 524

When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.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.
Use the D position when towing a
trailer on level roads. Do not exceed
55 mph (88 km/h). At higher speeds,
the trailer may sway or affect vehicle
handling.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the 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.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
You may want to fill the fuel tank
with premium f uel. Premium f uel
provides improved perf ormance.
Pre-T ow Checklist
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
T owing Speeds and Gears
Towing a Trailer
402
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Page 421 of 524
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.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.
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.
A dding Engine Oil
Recommended Engine Oil
418
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
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2008 Odyssey