2009 HONDA ODYSSEY towing

The pointer of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Park, and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning lights.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
488
CONT INUED
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
477
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to the engine.
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If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat (climate control to
AUTO at ‘‘ ’’). Add coolant
to the radiator up to the base of
the f iller neck. If you do not have
the proper coolant mixture
available, you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
488
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
478
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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The brake system
indicator normally
comesonwhenyou
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 f ully release the
parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on 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.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel 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 f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
indicator come on with the brake
system indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your dealer
immediately.
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
88 88
435 488
On Touring models
On Touring models
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
481
U.S. Canada
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2009 Odyssey

µµ
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires and lif t them of f the
ground. The f lat tire side (f ront or
rear)shouldbeliftedbythewheel-
lift equipment. The other two tires
remain on the ground.
If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
Start the engine.
Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shif t lever through all its
positions.
Shif t to D position f or 5 seconds,
then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.Flat -bed Equipment Wheel-lif t Equipment
T his is the best way to
transport your vehicle. T his is an
acceptable way to tow your
vehicle.
Emergency Towing
488
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the f ront wheels of f
the ground.
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Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
489
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
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CONT INUED
Disc Brake Pad Wear...................................
Indicators .391
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .429
Doors Auto Door Locking/ ..............................
Unlocking .152
............
Locking and Unlocking .151
..................
Lockout Prevention .151
..............
Manual Sliding Doors .161
........................
Open monitor .75,91
....................
Power Door Locks .151
.................
Power Sliding Doors .161
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .496
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .383
....................................
Economy .373
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .184
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .444
....................
DVD Error Message .314
...................................
DVD Player .285
..............................
Economy, Fuel .373..................................
Emergencies .461
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .475
...........
Brake System Indicator .481
................
Changing a Flat Tire .466
.....
Charging System Indicator .479
..................
Checking the Fuses .483
...........
Driving with a Flat Tire .457
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers .140
............................
Jump Starting .475
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .479
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .480
..................
Overheated Engine .477
.......................................
Towing .488
.........................
Emergency Brake .192
....................
Emergency Flashers .140
......................
Emergency Towing .488
.......................
Emissions Controls .503
.............
Emissions Testing, State .506
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .77
..............
Engine Speed Limiter .388
.........................
If It Won’t Start .473
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .67,480
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .67,479
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .426 ...............................
Overheating .477
............................
Specif ications .494
.......................................
Starting .385
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .503
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .60
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .504
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
...................................
Fan, Interior .211
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .209
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .369
Filters
..............
Dust and Pollen Filter .444
...............................................
Oil .428
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning .140
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .466
.............................
Floor Mats .176,444
.......................
Floor Storage Area .200
Index
E FINDEX
III
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2009 Odyssey

CONT INUED
................................
Vanity Mirror .199
Supplemental Restraint System
......................................
Servicing .36
.........................
SRS Indicator .34,67
...................
System Components .25
..................................
Synthetic Oil .427
.....................................
Tachometer .77
..........................................
Tailgate .157
.......................
Opening the .157,158
.......
Open Monitor Indicator .75,91
..
Taillights, Changing Bulbs .441,442
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected .461
Technical Descriptions
.....
Emissions Control Systems .503
Three Way Catalytic
.......................
Converter .504,505
.......................
Temperature Gauge .77
........
Temperature, Inside Sensor .220
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts .23
..............
Tether Anchorage Points .54
............................
Thef t Protection .284
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter .505
Tilt and Telescoping the
.........................
Steering Wheel .141..........................
Time, Setting the .281
....................................
Timing Belt .436
....................................
Tire Chains .455
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .466
...............................................
Tires .450
..............................
Air Pressure .451
...................................
Balancing .453
.........................
Checking Wear .452
..........................
Compact Spare .465
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .496
......................................
Inf lation .450
..................................
Inspection .452
.....................................
Labeling .498
...................................
Replacing .454
......................................
Rotating .453
................................
Service Lif e .453
...........................................
Snow .455
............................
Specif ications .495
................................
Tire Chains .455
Tire Pressure Monitoring ............
System (TPMS) .396,399
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .466
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .404
................
Emergency Wrecker .488
....
Equipment and Accessories .406 .............................
Weight Limit .404
.............................
Trailer Loading .404
......................
Trailer Towing Tips .410
Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level .433
...........................
Fluid Selection .434
..............
Identif ication Number .493
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .386
.....................................
Treadwear .496
.................................
Trip Meter .78,86
..................................
Turn Signals .135
Unexpected, Taking Care ..........................................
of the .461
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading .496
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .368
...........................
Upper Glove Box .201
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of .429
Index
U
V
T
INDEX
IX
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.........
Vehicle Capacity Load .379,404
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .494
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number .492
Vehicle Stability Assist
.................................
(VSA
) .70,394
.............................
Vehicle Storage .459
.....................................
Ventilation .213
.................................................
VIN .492
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .427
.............
WARNING, Explanation of .ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of .61
....................
Warranty Coverages .511
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level .432
............................
Level Indicator .74
...................................
Operation .134
Wheels .............
Adjusting the Steering .141
............
Alignment and Balance .453
..........................
Compact Spare .465
......................................
Wrench .469
Windows .............................
Auto Reverse .186 ................
Operating the Power .186
.........................
Rear, Def ogger .140
Windshield .....................................
Cleaning .134
...................................
Def roster .214
.....................................
Washers .134
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .445
...................................
Operation .134
Rear Windshield Wiper and ...................................
Washer .135
..................
Wireless Headphones .315
....................................
Worn Tires .452
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing .488
.....................................
XM
Radio .238
Index
W
X
X
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