Page 412 of 573

Continued
411
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Store or secure all items on board properly.
uCarrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s 
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 413
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
uThey can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden 
braking.
•Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor 
mat.
uAn object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator 
pedal operation while driving.
•If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
uThey may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.
•Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
2Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 99
•Adjust your seating position properly.
uAdjust the head restraint, too.
2Adjusting the Seats P. 133
2Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 136
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
uAdjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 129
2Adjusting the Mirrors P. 130
■Interior Checks
1Interior Checks
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. 
     
        
        Page 417 of 573

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
416Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing, 
and where you are towing.■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.■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.■Trailer brakes
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.■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a 
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special 
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.■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. 
     
        
        Page 418 of 573
417
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.
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 a non-Honda trailer lighting harness and converter, get the connector 
and pins for your vehicle from a dealer.Right Turn Signal (Green) Ground (Black) Left Turn Signal (Blue)
Taillight (Red)
Brake Light (Light Green) Trailer (Yellow) 
     
        
        Page 419 of 573

418
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. 415
•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. 
     
        
        Page 421 of 573

420Driving
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.
Models without smart entry system
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 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 charged 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.
Brake Pedal
* Not available on all models 
     
        
        Page 423 of 573

422
uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
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.
Models with smart entry system
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.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from 
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s 
fuel system is disabled.
2Immobilizer System P. 107
Brake Pedal 
     
        
        Page 427 of 573

426
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
ShiftingChange the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.■Shift lever positionsAutomatic transmission models without paddle shifters
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.
The engine may cut in and out in 
(R or depending on 
the road condition, even when the engine speed is 
lower than the tachometer’s red zone. This is the 
engine’s computer working to protect the 
transmission.
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 automatically)
Drive (D3)
Used:●When going up or down hills●When towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Second
Used to increase engine braking 
(the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
First
Used to further increase engine braking 
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear) Release Button 
     
        
        Page 428 of 573

427
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
■Shift Lever Operation
1Shift Lever OperationNOTICEWhen you change the shift lever from 
(D to 
(R and 
vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the 
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come 
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the 
lever position before pulling away.
Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving, 
a blinking 
(D indicator indicates a transmission 
problem.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission 
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine 
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine 
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a 
slight jolt.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the 
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release 
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.
Tachometer’s red zone
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal and press 
the shift lever release button to shift.
Shift without pressing the shift lever 
release button.
Press the shift lever release button 
and shift.