2011 HONDA ODYSSEY transmission

These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shif t
lever is in.The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it f lashes while driving (in
any shif t position), it indicates a
possible problem in the transmission.
When the ‘‘D’’ indicator warns of a
possible problem with the
transmission, you will see a ‘‘CHECK
TRANSMISSION’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display (see page
).
If the malf unction indicator lamp
comes on along with the ‘‘D’’
indicator, there is a problem in the
automatic transmission control
system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and
have the transmission checked by
your dealer as soon as possible.
92
On Touring models
Shif t L ever Position Indicators
Automatic Transmission
Driving
561
On Touring models
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2011 Odyssey

To shif t f rom Park to any position,
pressfirmlyonthebrakepedal,and
pressthereleasebuttononthefront
of the shift lever, then move the
lever. You cannot shift out of Park
when the ignition switch is in the
LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I)
position.
To shift from:PtoR
RtoP
NtoR DtoL
LtoD
DtoN
NtoD RtoN
D3 to D
DtoD3 To shift from:
PtoR
RtoP
NtoR DtoL
LtoD
DtoN
NtoD RtoN
D4 to D
DtoD4
Do this:
Press the brake pedal, and
press the release button.
Press the release button.
Move the lever.
Press the D3 button. Do this:
Press the brake pedal, and
press the release button.
Press the release button.
Move the lever.
Press the D4 button.Except Touring models On Touring models
Automatic TransmissionShif ting562
SHIFT LEVER
RELEASE BUTTON
(Depending
on models)
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CONT INUED
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, seeon
page .
To avoid transmission damage, come
to a complete stop bef ore shif ting
into Park. You must also press the
release button to shift into Park. The
shif t lever must be in Park bef ore
you can remove the key f rom the
ignition switch. Use neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop brief ly with
the engine idling. Shif t to the Park
position if you need to leave your
vehicle for any reason. Press on the
brake pedal when you are moving
the shift lever from neutral to
another gear. Use this position f or
normal driving. The transmission
automatically selects a suitable gear
f or your speed and acceleration.
This position mechani-
cally locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning of f or
starting the engine. To shif t out of
Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and have your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal. Press the release
buttononthefrontof theshiftlever
to move it. Press the brake
pedal and the release button on the
frontoftheshiftlevertoshiftfrom
Park to reverse. To shif t f rom
reverse to neutral, come to a
completestop,andthenshift.Press
the release button bef ore shif ting
into reverse f rom neutral. To use D3, press the
D3buttonwhentheshiftleverisin
the ‘‘D’’ position. This position is simi-
lartoD,exceptonlythefirstthree
gears are selected instead of all f ive.
Use D3 when towing a trailer in hilly
terrain, or to provide engine braking
when going down a steep hill. D3 can
also keep the transmission f rom
cycling between third and f ourth
gears in stop-and-go driving.
565
Except Touring models
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ock Release Neutral (N) Drive (D)
Park (P) Reverse (R)
Drive (D3)
Driving
563
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To use D4, press the
D4 button when the shif t lever is in
the ‘‘D’’ position. This position is
similar to D, except only the f irst
f our gears are selected instead of all
six. Use D4 when towing a trailer in
hilly terrain, or to provide engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
D4 can also keep the transmission
f rom cycling between f ourth and
f if th gears in stop-and-go driving. To shif t to Low, press
the release button on the front of the
shif t lever. Use Low to make better
use of engine power when climbing,
and f or maximum engine braking
when going down steep hills. 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.
On Touring modelsAutomatic TransmissionDrive (D4)
Low (L)
Engine Speed Limiter564
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This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.Remove the key from the ignition
switch. Set the parking brake.
Putaclothonthenotchof the
shif t lock release slot cover to
prevent scratches. Using a small
f lat-tip screwdriver or a metal
f ingernail f ile, caref ully pry on the
notch of the cover to remove it. Insert the key in the shift lock
release slot.
Push down on the key while you
pressthereleasebuttononthe
shif t lever and move the shif t lever
out of Park to neutral.
If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.Remove the key from the shift
lock release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the right side. Insert
the key into the ignition switch,
press the brake pedal, and restart
the engine.
5. 6.
4.
1.
2.
3.
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ock Release
Driving
565
COVER RELEASE BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
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2011 Odyssey

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.Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
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.
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. If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. 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.
On all models except LXParking T ips
Parking566
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2011 Odyssey

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.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.
An additional ATF (automatic
transmission f luid) cooler should be
installed. This device will help
prevent automatic transmission
overheating, which could cause
serious damage. The additional ATF
cooler can be obtained f rom your
dealer.
Your vehicle is designed to tow
without the need f or a load
distributing hitch. If you wish to use
one, please consult your trailer
maker f or proper installation and set-
up. Improper set-up could degrade
the handling, stability, and braking
perf ormance of your vehicle. A sway control device helps
minimize swaying that can occur in
crosswinds and in normal and
emergency driving maneuvers. If
you experience swaying when
pulling your trailer, consult the
trailer maker f or the specif ic type of
device and how to install it properly.
CONT INUED
Hitches
Weight Distributing Hitch Saf et y Chains
Sway Cont rol
A ut omat ic T ransmission FluidCooler
Towing a Trailer
Driving
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2011 Odyssey

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.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the lef t, and
turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
If the automatic transmission shif ts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D3 or D4 depending on models. When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to L. Do
not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and remember,
it will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the 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.
683
bottom
Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills Backing Up
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Towing Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle
Driving
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