2012 HONDA ODYSSEY automatic transmission

3Quick Reference Guide
❙Navigation System Voice Control Buttons
*
() See Navigation System Manual❙Bluetooth
® HandsFreeLink
® System
Buttons
* (P259)
❙Remote Audio Control Buttons
* (P203)
❙Steering Wheel Adjustments
(P151)
❙Cruise Control Buttons
(P303)
❙Wipers/Washers
(P145)
❙
(SEL/RESET) Knob
(P87, 98)
❙Brightness Control
(P147)
❙Shift Lever
Automatic Transmission
(P300)
❙SEL/RESET Button
* (P101)
❙Horn (Press an area around .)❙Ignition Switch
(P141)
❙
/ (Information) Button
* (P101)
❙Headlights/Turn Signals
(P142)
❙Fog Lights
* (P144)
* Not available on all models

uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluWipers and Washers
146Controls
The rear wiper and washer can be used when
the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
■
Wiper switch (OFF, ON)
The wiper operates intermittently after
completing a few sweeps.
■
Washer ( )
Sprays while you rotate the switch to this
position.
Hold it to activate the wiper and to spray the
washer. Once released, it stops operating
after a few more sweeps.
■
Operating in reverse
When you shift the transmission to
(R
with the front wiper activated, the rear wiper
operates automatically as follows even if its switch is off.
■
Rear Wiper/Washer
1Opening/Closing the Power Sliding Doors
If the wiper stops operating due to any obstacle such
as the build-up of snow, park the vehicle in a safe
place:
Rotate the wiper switch to OFF, and turn the ignition
switch to ACCESSORY
(q
or LOCK
(0
, then remove
the obstacle.
The wiper motor is equipped with a breaker that may
stop motor operation temporarily to prevent an
overload. Wiper operation will return to normal
within a few minutes, once the circuit has returned to
normal.
ON: Intermittent Washer OFF
Front Wiper Position
Rear Wiper Operation
INT (Intermittent) Intermittent
LO (Low speed wipe)
HI (High speed wipe)
Continuous

285
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 286
Maximum Load Limit........................ 289
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 291
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 295
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 296
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 297
Precautions While Driving................. 299
Automatic Transmission ................... 300
Shifting ............................................ 301Cruise Control ................................. 303
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 306
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 308
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 309BSI (Blind Spot Information) System
*.... 312
Braking
Brake System ................................... 314
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 316
Brake Assist System.......................... 317
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped................................. 318Parking ............................................ 318
Parking Sensor System
*................... 319
Rearview Camera
*............................ 323
Rearview Display Image ................... 324
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 325
How to Refuel ................................. 326
Fuel Economy.................................... 328
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 328
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 329
Modifications................................... 329
* Not available on all models

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.
■
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.

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

332Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 352
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake Fluid P. 353
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 370
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 355
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 366
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are "certified" to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the information display
*/multi-
information display
*.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 337, 341
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 429
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
* Not available on all models

343
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop) Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir Tank
Radiator CapBrake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Dipstick
(Yellow Loop) BatteryPower Steering Fluid
(Red Cap)

352
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2.Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3.Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4.Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
uAlign the guides on the rubber cap and
on the transmission, and push the
dipstick all the way.
5.Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6.If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.■
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda's new vehicle warranty.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark HOT
RangeUpper Mark
Lower Mark HOT
RangeGuide
Models with D3 buttonModels with D4 button
Models with D4 button