Page 594 of 722

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
591
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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.
Pre-T ow Checklist
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
T owing Speeds and Gears
Towing a Trailer594
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Page 617 of 722
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.Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 0W-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.A dding Engine Oil
Recommended Engine Oil
614ENGINE OIL FILL CAP API CERTIFICATION SEAL
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Page 624 of 722
CONT INUED
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick, and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
621
DIPSTICK UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Except Touring models
Touring models
DIPSTICK Except Touring models
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If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
tube to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks on the dipstick.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment. Always use Honda ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission f luid).
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is indicated on a maintenance
message on the inf ormation display
or on the multi-inf ormation display
(depending on models).
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
5. 6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid622
GUIDE
LOWER MARK UPPER MARK
Touring models
Use only Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission f luid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda ATF DW-1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
ATF DW-1 is not covered by the Honda
new vehicle warranty.
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2011 Odyssey
Page 630 of 722
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it
about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise. Reinstall the air intake duct
securely.
Reinstall the engine coolant
reserve tank and power steering
reservoir. Open the hood.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it
about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
4. 5.
6.
3. 7.
8.
2.
3. 1.
CONT INUED
Driver’s sidePassenger’s side
Lights
L ow Beam Headlight s
Maint enance
627
TAB
CONNECTOR BULB
BULBTAB
CONNECTOR
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2011 Odyssey
Page 633 of 722
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab to unlock it, then slide the
connector of f the bulb.
Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Reinstall the inner f ender. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the f ront bumper.
Reinstall the screws and mounting
bolt on the inner f ender cover, and
tighten them securely. Turn on the f og lights to test the
new bulb.
Open the tailgate.
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to
remove the two mounting bolts.
3.
4. 5.
7. 6.
8.
9.
1.
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Rear Pillar)
630
BULB
TAB CONNECTOR Pull up
Slide
MOUNTING BOLTS
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Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
clockwise until it locks.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Ensure that the grommets are still
in place on the body panel.Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the cover to prevent
scratches. Remove it by caref ully
prying in the notch on its edge
with a small f lat-tip screwdriver.
Determine which of the two bulbs
is burned out: taillight or back-up
light.
Insert the fasteners into the
grommets and push the assembly
back into place. You will hear the
f asteners engage.
Install the mounting bolts and
tighten securely.
1.
2.
9.
11. 10.
12. 14. 13.
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Tailgate)
632
COVER
GROMMET
FASTENER
If the grommets are loose or completely
out of the holes af ter the taillight
assembly is removed, they must be
replaced. Ask your dealer f or more
inf ormation.
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2011 Odyssey