2012 HONDA ODYSSEY towing

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
292Driving
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Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
•Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
•To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading 60% of the load toward the
front of the trailer and 40% toward the rear. Readjust the load as needed.
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Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
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Weight distribution hitches
A weight distributing hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle.
An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability, and
braking performance.
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Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Tongue LoadTongue Load
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Towing Equipment and Accessories
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

293
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Continued
Driving
■
Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
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Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
Your trailer lighting connector is located
behind the left side panel in the cargo area.
Each pin’s purpose and wiring color code are
shown in the image.
When using non-Honda trailer lighting
harness and converter, get the connector and
pins for your vehicle from a dealer.
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Sway control
Recommended to use if your trailer tends to sway. Consult the trailer maker for
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it.Right
Turn
Signal
Small
Light
Stop
Light+B
Backup
Light
+B Small
LightTrailer
Hazard
Light
Left
Turn
SignalBackup
Light

294
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■
Automatic transmission cooler
Install an additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler to help prevent the
transmission from overheating, and damaging. You can get the additional ATF
cooler at a dealer.
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Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.

295
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer•Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
•Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 291
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
•Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
•Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
•Check the pressure of the trailer tires, including the spare.
•Drive slower than normal.
•Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailer.
•Use the
(D
when towing a trailer on level roads.
•Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
•Allow more time and distance for braking.
•Do not brake or turn suddenly.
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Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Towing Speeds and Gears
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Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
When towing a trailer, we recommend that you carry
a full-size spare wheel and tire for your vehicle and
trailer. If you use the compact spare tire that came
with your vehicle, it could adversely affect vehicle
handling.
2Specifications P. 421
2Changing a Flat Tire P. 391
Remember to unhitch the trailer before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.

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
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Driving in Hilly Terrain
D4
* Not available on all models

301
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Continued
Driving
ShiftingChange the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.■
Shift lever positions
*1: Models with D4 button
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in
(P
.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N
while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
Park
Used when parking or starting the engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for normal driving (gears change between
1st and 5th/6th
*1 automatically)
D3
Press the D3 button while the shift lever is in
(D
.
Used when●Going up or down hills●Towing a trailer in hilly terrainModels with D3 buttonLow
Strong engine power when climbing and strong
engine braking when going down steep hills. Release Button
D3/D4
Button
D4Press the D4 button while the shift lever is in
(D
.
Used when●Going up or down hills●Towing a trailer in hilly terrainModels with D4 button

313
uuWhen DrivinguBSI (Blind Spot Information) System
*
Driving
Press the BSI OFF button until you hear a beep to turn on and off the system. A
message on the multi-information display appears for five seconds and indicates
that the system is on or off.
When BSI is off, the BSI indicator in the instrument panel stays on.
BSI is in the previously selected on or off setting each time you start the engine.■
BSI On and Off
1BSI (Blind Spot Information) System
Turn the system off when towing a trailer. The system
does not work properly for the following reasons:•The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the
radar coverage.•The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the BSI alert indicators to come
on.
BSI may be adversely affected when:•Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc,.) are
detected.•An object that does not reflect radio waves well,
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.•Driving on a curved road.•A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent
lane.•The system picks up external electrical interference.•The rear bumper or the sensors have been
improperly repaired or the rear bumper has been
deformed.•The orientation of the sensors has been changed.•In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).
For a proper BSI use:•Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.•Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with
labels or stickers of any kind. •Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be
repaired, or the rear bumper corner area is strongly
impacted.
BSI
IndicatorMulti-information
display
BSI OFF Button

389
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 390
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 391
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 400
Jump Starting.................................... 401
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 403
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 404Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 406If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 406
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 407If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 408If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 409
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 409If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 410
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 411
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 416
Emergency Towing........................... 417
When You Cannot Open or Close the
Tailgate............................................ 418