92 || 93
DRIVING
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exteri\
or lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
• Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
• Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite fl ammable materials left under the hood, causing a fi re. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried gra\
ss
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by\
a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover fl ammable materials after you or
someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
Interior Checks • Store or secure all items on board properly.
• Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure t\
he fl oor mats.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely around in \
the vehicle.
• Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
• Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
• Make sure items placed on the fl oor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats.
• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
• Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you s\
tart the vehicle, and go off soon after.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to me\
lt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim a\
round the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE Improper accessories or modifi cations can affect your vehicle’s handling, and
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt \
or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories and
modifi cations.
WARNING
In addition:
• During the fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
• Avoid hard braking for the fi rst 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement; however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It \
is not
designed for trail-blazing or other challenging off-road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will fi nd that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat diff\
erently than
it does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this s\
ection, and
get acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash o\
r
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously hurt or kille\
d.
Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
96 || 97
DRIVING
DRIVING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer \
can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting \
to driv
e.
WARNING
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, \
use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.honda.com (U.S.) or www.myhonda.ca (Canada) for
more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and
everything in or on it must not exceed 1,500 lbs (680
kg). Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and can
damage the engine and drivetrain.
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.
Pre-tow checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, ensure the following:
• The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooli\
ng system are in good operating condition.
• Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km).
• The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
• All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight r\
atings.
• Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scal\
e is not available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of \
your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
• The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
• All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift whi\
le you drive.
Ton g ue Loa d
Total load
Tongue load
Starting the Ignition*Insert the key into the ignition and turn to turn on the vehicle or star\
t the engine.
0 LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this position.
I ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and other
accessories in this position.
II ON: This is the position when driving.
III START: This position is for starting the engine.
The switch returns to ON when you release the key.
Starting to Drive
Turn on the vehicle and start the engine to begin driving.
Before Starting the Engine
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then press the
brake pedal. Keep your foot fi rmly on the brake pedal
when starting the engine.
Brake pedal
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found a\
t altitudes
above 8,000 feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold weather , turn off
all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control system, a\
nd rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
*if equipped
Changing the Power Mode*
Use the ENGINE START/STOP button to cycle through power modes or start the
engine.
Accessory or On mode: Press ENGINE START/STOP
once without pressing the brake pedal for Accessory
mode. Press it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake pedal,
then press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your foot fi rmly
on the brake pedal when starting the engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press
ENGINE START/STOP.
If you press the button and the shift lever is not in Park
(P), the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
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HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Replacing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the wheel nuts and fl at tire.
2. Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the wheel nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not overtighten the
wheel nuts.
If you drive with the spare tire installed, the
low tire pressure/TPMS indicator appears. The
indicator stays on until a regular tire is installed.
Storing the Flat Tire 1. Remove the center cap.
2. Place the fl at tire face down in the spare tire well.
3. Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, fl ip it over, and insert it back on the bolt. Secure the
fl at tire with the wing bolt.
4. Securely store the wheel nut wrench and jack handle bar back in the tool bag. Store the bag in
the cargo area.
5. Store the jack in its holder. Turn the jack’s end bracket to lock it in place.
Wing bolt
Spacer
cone For compact
spare tire
For full-size tire
Loose items can fl y around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Fuse Locations
If any electrical devices are not working, turn the vehicle off and chec\
k to see if any
applicable fuse is blown. Fuse locations are shown on the fuse box cover\
. Locate the
fuse in question by the fuse number and box cover number.
Engine Compartment Fuse Box Located under the hood near the brake fl uid reservoir. Push the tabs to open the
box.
89VSA ECU7.5 A
10 (7.5 A)
11STRLD7.5 A
12 (20 A)
13Premium Amp*(20 A)
14
15Hazard10 A
16
17IG Coil15 A
18
19Daytime Running Lights(10 A)
20 Passenger’s Power Seat
Reclining (20 A)
21Deicer(15 A)
22
23IGP15 A
24
25Right Headlight Low Beam10 A
26
27MG Clutch7.5 A
28
29Backup10 A
Circuit ProtectedAmps7.5 A
10 A10 A
15 A
15 A
10 A
20 A
7.5 A
Sub Fan Rly CL
HornStop
IGP2
DBW
Left Headlight Low Beam SMALL
Interior Lights
Heated Door Mirror
*
Front Fog Lights*
Circuit ProtectedAmps
1
EPS70 APower Tailgate(40 A)ABS/VSA FSR20 AABS/VSA Motor40 AE-DPS*(30 A)Main Fuse120 A
2
Main50 A
Fuse Box Main
Fuse Box Main 260 A
Headlight High Beam Main
ST Magnetic Switch(30 A)
Rear Defogger −
Heater Motor
Front Wiper Main Sub Fan Motor
Main Fan Motor
3
DC/DC1(30 A)DC/DC2(30 A)IG MAIN(30 A)IG MAIN2(30 A)
4
5−−
6
7−−
60 A
30 A
30 A −
40 A
30 A 20 A
20 A
−
−
−
−
*if equipped
Ta
b