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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
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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.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake controllers.
Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer
brake controller following the trailer brake
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake controller
may increase the distance it takes for you to
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.
The trailer jumper harness is used to install the
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine
compartment sub fuse box.
2Engine Compartment Sub Fuse Box P. 455
1Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector is located under the instrument panel near the top of the parking brake
pedal.
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Ground (Black)
Brake (20A) (Purple)
Stop (Sky Blue)
Trailer brake controller connector’s terminals:
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Ground (Black)
Brake (20A) (Blue)
Brake Lights (Sky Blue)
Touring models
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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■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.
We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.
1Trailer light
The trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the correct connector and pins.Left Turn Signal and Brake Lights (Red)
Back-up Lights (Yellow)
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Right Turn Signal and Brake Lights (White)
Ground (Black)
Ground (Black)
Taillights (Green)
+B Charge (Blue)
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:
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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
The 7-pin trailer connector is needed for your trailer lights.
When inserting the connector to the socket, check if the connector and the socket
are free of dirt, moisture, or other foreign material.
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer's instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.
■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.
Touring models
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:1. Pull the socket lid to open.
3. Hook the lid retaining tab onto the socket retaining tab.
2. Insert the 7-pin trailer connector into the socket.
Socket
Back Light (Yellow)
Left Turn/Stop (Red)
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Right Turn/Stop (White)
Ground (Black)
Small Light (Green)
+B Charge (Blue)
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uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
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. 329
•When towing more than 3,500lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump octane
number of 91 or higher is recommended.
uTowing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or
steep uphill.
•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 pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
•Drive slower than normal.
•Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
•Use the (D position 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.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■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.
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Driving
When Driving
Starting 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.
3.Turn the ignition switch to START (e
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
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, climate control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold, an engine block heater will improve starting and warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to a higher concentration to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
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.
Do not hold the key in START (e for more than 15 seconds.
•If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.•If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
Brake Pedal
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Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For 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. 399
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Checking the Brake Fluid P. 400
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 414
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 402
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 410
■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. 383
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the service manual.
2Authorized Manuals P. 474
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
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Maintenance
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the clips using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then remove the upper part of
the air intake duct.
2Engine Compartment Covers P. 391
2.Push the tab to remove the coupler.
3.Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4.Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
5.Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
High beam headlight:60W (HB3)
Low beam headlight:55 W (H11)
■High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified technician.
The HB3 and H11 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lights, etc.) may fog temporarily after a car wash or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Tab
Coupler
Bulb
Driver's side
Driver and passenger side
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uuReplacing Light BulbsuFog Light Bulbs*
Maintenance
1.Remove the clips using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then remove the upper part of
the air intake duct.
2Engine Compartment Covers P. 391
2.Push the tab to remove the coupler.
3.Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4.Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
5.Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
Fog Light Bulbs*
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the clips using a flat-tip
screwdriver, and pull down the under
cover.
■Low Beam Headlights
Bulb
TabCoupler
Driver's side
Driver and passenger side
Fog Light: 55 W (H11)
1Fog Light Bulbs*
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
The fog lights are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its plastic case, and protect the glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Clip
* Not available on all models