2012 HONDA ODYSSEY cooling

183
Continued
Controls
Heating and Cooling
*
Using Vents, Heating and A/C
Mode ButtonChange airflow.
Floor and
defroster
vents Floor vents Dashboard
and floor
vents Dashboard
vents
Fan Control Dial
Adjusts the fan speed.
Button
Turns on the A/C, selects airflow from the dashboard
vents, and switches the mode to recirculation.A/C ButtonPress to cool the interior or
dehumidify while heating.
Windshield Defroster ButtonTurns on the A/C, selects airflow from
the defroster vents at the base of the
windshield, and switches the mode to
fresh air.
Temperature Control DialAdjusts the interior temperature.
(Recirculation) Button
Press the button and switch
the mode depending on
environmental conditions.
Recirculation Mode (indicator on):
Recirculates air from the vehicle’s
interior through the system.
Fresh Air Mode (indicator off):
Maintains outside ventilation.
Keep the system in fresh air mode
in normal situations.
(On/Off) Button
* Not available on all models

uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
184Controls
The heater uses heat from the engine coolant
to warm the air.
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2.Press the mode button to select .
3.Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
■
To rapidly warm up the interior
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Select .
3.Set the temperature to maximum heat.
4.Press the button (indicator on).
■
To dehumidify the interior
When used in combination with the heater, the air conditioning system makes the
interior warm and dry and can prevent the windows from fogging up.
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control dial.
2.Press the A/C button to turn on the air conditioning.
3.Select .
4.Adjust the temperature using the temperature control dial.
■
Heating
1Heating
When you select , the mode automatically
switches to fresh air.1To rapidly warm up the interior
Change to fresh air mode as soon as the interior gets
warm enough. The windows may fog up if kept in
recirculation mode.

185
uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
Controls
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2.Press the mode button to select .
3.Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
4.Press the A/C button (indicator on).■
To rapidly cool down the interior
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Set the temperature to maximum cool.
3.Press the button (indicator on).
Pressing the button turns the air
conditioning system on and automatically
switches the system to fresh air mode.
■
To rapidly defrost the windows
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Press the button.
3.Press the button.
4.Set the temperature to maximum heat.
■
Cooling
1To rapidly cool down the interior
If the interior is very warm, you can cool it down
more rapidly by partially opening the windows.
■
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
1Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
For your safety, make sure you have a clear view
through all the windows before driving.
Do not set the temperature near the upper or lower
limit.
When cold air hits the windshield, the outside of the
windshield may fog up.
If the side windows fog up, adjust the vents so that
the air hits the side windows.1To rapidly defrost the windows
After defrosting the windows, switch over to fresh air
mode.
If you keep the system in recirculation mode, the
windows may fog up from humidity. This impedes
visibility.

186
uuHeating and Cooling
*uRear A/C Controls
Controls
Rear A/C ControlsUse the system when the engine is running.
1.Press the button.
2.Adjust the temperature and the fan speed using the appropriate buttons. Select
the air flow to the rear passenger compartment using the mode button.
3.To turn off the rear A/C, press the button again.
Rear ceiling
ventsRear floor
ventsRear ceiling vents
and floor vents
Rear Temperature
Control Button Rear Temperature
Control Button
(Rear On/Off)
Button
/ (Rear
Fan Control) Buttons
Mode Button

296
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
•Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
heating and cooling system
*/climate control system
* and reduce speed. Pull to the
side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.
•Shift to the
(d
or position (depending on models) if the transmission shifts
frequently.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 417
■
Driving in Hilly Terrain
D4
* Not available on all models

297
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling system
*/climate control system
*, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
* Not available on all models

300
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic TransmissionThe following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase
creeping:
•Immediately after the engine starts.
•When the heating and cooling system
*/climate control system
* is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.
■
Creeping
■
Kickdown
* Not available on all models

331
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 332
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 333Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 334
Maintenance Minder™.................... 335
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 343Opening the Hood ........................... 344
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 345
Oil Check ......................................... 346
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 347Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 348
Engine Coolant ................................ 350
Transmission Fluid ............................ 352
Brake Fluid ....................................... 353
Power Steering Fluid Check.............. 354
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 354
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 355
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
.... 366
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 370
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 371Tire Labeling .................................... 371DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 373Wear Indicators................................ 375Tire Service Life ................................ 375
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 376
Tire Rotation .................................... 377
Winter Tires ..................................... 378
Battery............................................... 379
Remote Transmitter Care................. 380
Remote Control and Wireless
Headphone Care
*........................... 382
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate
Control System
* Maintenance....... 384
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 385
Exterior Care.................................... 387
* Not available on all models