2012 HONDA ODYSSEY tow

379
Maintenance
BatteryChecking the Battery
The battery condition is being monitored by
the sensor on the negative terminal. If there is
a problem with the sensor, the warning
message on information display
*/multi-
information display
* will let you know. Have
your vehicle checked by a dealer.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion
monthly.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2Reactivating the audio system P. 196
•The clock resets.
2Setting the Clock P. 108
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
* Not available on all models

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

397
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
2.Pull down the U-shaped carpet piece, fold
it, and tuck the end under the carpet.
3.Remove the plastic screw with a coin.
4.Install the bracket and the mounting wing
bolt (A) on the attachment point, and
tighten the bolt.
5.Install the flat tire on the bracket with the
inside of the wheel facing toward you.
6.Install the mounting wing bolt (B) to the
bracket through one of the five wheel nut
holes, and tighten the bolt.
uPoke a hole in the storage bag as
needed.
Plastic Screw
Carpet PieceMounting Wing Bolt (A)
Mounting Wing
Bolt (B)
Bracket

400Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START
(e
and check the
starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 379
●
If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 411
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 297
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 134
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 86
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 416
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 417
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2Jump Starting P. 401

417
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■
Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■
Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle's weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

439
Index
Rear Seats ............................................... 162
Seat Heaters ........................................... 181
Security System........................................ 134
Immobilizer System Indicator..................... 80
Security System Alarm Indicator ................ 81
SEL/RESET Knob.................................... 87, 98
Select Lever........................................ 17, 301
Operation ......................................... 17, 302
Releasing ................................................ 403
Won’t Move ........................................... 403
Selecting a Child Seat................................ 58
Selector Knob (Audio)............................. 202
Setting the Clock...................................... 108
Shift Lever.......................................... 17, 301
Shift Lever Position Indicator............ 74, 302
Shifting (Transmission)............................ 301
Shoulder Anchor.................................. 34, 35
Side Airbags............................................... 46
Cutoff System ........................................... 48
Off Indicator ............................................. 48
Side Curtain Airbags.................................. 49
Sliding Door............................................. 126
Power Sliding Door ................................. 128
Sliding the Second Row Outer Seats
Outward................................................. 164
Snow Tires................................................ 378
Spare Tire......................................... 391, 421
Spark Plugs............................................... 420
Specifications........................................... 420
Specified Fuel................................... 325, 420
Speedometer.............................................. 86SRS Airbags (Airbags)................................. 42
Starting the Engine.................................. 297
Does Not Start ......................................... 400
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 141
Jump Starting .......................................... 401
Steering Wheel......................................... 151
Adjusting ................................................. 151
Stopping.................................................... 318
Summer Tires............................................ 378
Sunglasses Holder..................................... 180
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........ 42
Switches
(Around the Steering Wheel)........ 2, 3, 141
System Message Indicator.......................... 79
TTachometer................................................. 86
Tailgate..................................................... 120
Unable to Open ....................................... 418
Temperature
Gauge ....................................................... 86
Outside Temperature Display ............. 89, 100
Temperature Gauge................................... 86
Temperature Sensor................... 89, 100, 192
Time (Setting)........................................... 108
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)..................................................... 308
Indicator .................................... 78, 409, 410
Tires........................................................... 370
Air Pressure ..................................... 371, 421Checking and Maintaining ...................... 370
Inspection ............................................... 370
Labeling .................................................. 371
Puncture (Flat Tire) .................................. 391
Regulations ............................................. 373
Rotation .................................................. 377
Spare Tire ........................................ 391, 421
Summer .................................................. 378
Tire Chains .............................................. 378
Wear Indicators ....................................... 375
Winter..................................................... 378
Tools.......................................................... 390
Towing a Trailer....................................... 291
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 292
Load Limits .............................................. 291
Towing Your Vehicle
Emergency .............................................. 417
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System).................................................... 308
Indicator.................................... 78, 409, 410
Transmission............................................. 301
Automatic ............................................... 301
Fluid ........................................................ 352
Number................................................... 422
Shift Lever Position Indicator.............. 74, 302
Trip Meter....................................... 88, 92, 99
Troubleshooting....................................... 389
Blown Fuse.............. 411, 412, 413, 414, 415
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 21
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 22
Emergency Towing .................................. 417