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If you exceed the maximum speed 
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.
This position locks
thetransmissioninsecondgear.It
does not downshif t to f irst gear
when you come to a stop. 
Use second gear: For more power when climbing. 
To increase engine braking when
going down steep hills.
For starting out on a slippery
surf ace or in deep snow.
When driving downhill with a
trailer.
Use this position f or
normal driving. The transmission
automatically selects a suitable gear
f or your speed and acceleration.
To use D , press the
D button when the shif t lever is in
the ‘‘D’’ position. This position is simi-
lartoD,exceptonlythefirstthree
gears are selected instead of all f ive.
Use D when towing a trailer in hilly
terrain, or to provide engine braking
when going down a steep hill. D can
also keep the transmission f rom
cycling between third and f ourth
gears in stop-and-go driving. To shif t f rom second to
first, press the release button on the
side of the shif t lever. This position
locks the transmission in f irst gear.
By upshif ting and downshif ting
through 1, 2, D , and D, you can
operate the transmission much like a
manual transmission without a
clutch pedal.
3
3
3 3 3
Automatic Transmission
Engine Speed L imiter
Second (2)
Drive (D) 
Drive (D ) First (1)
3
388
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 2009  Odyssey   
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
410
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