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.
98 || 99
DRIVING
DRIVING
Shifting
Change the shift position based on your driving needs.
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the
engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the release
button to shift.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving.
Drive (S): Used for better acceleration, increased
engine braking, or driving in hilly terrain.
Low (L): Used for stronger engine braking when
driving in hilly terrain.
When you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a co\
mplete
stop and keep the brake pedal depressed. Operating the shift lever befor\
e the
vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Release
button
Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop your
vehicle from moving.
Parking Brake Keep the vehicle from moving when it is parked.
To apply: Press the parking brake with your foot.
To release: Press the brake pedal, then press the
parking brake until it releases.
Brake Assist System During hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. Th\
e brake
pedal may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hol\
d the brake
pedal fi rmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) During hard or emergency braking, the system rapidly pumps the brakes to\
prevent wheel lockup and help you maintain steering control. The brake p\
edal may
pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the b\
rake pedal,
and continue to hold it fi rmly down.
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle\
can be
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and\
size.
NOTICE
Brake pedal
Parking brake
112 || 113
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’\
s (-) terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’\
s (+) terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Shift Lever Does Not Move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Par\
k (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition, or remove the built-in key from the remote transmitter.
3. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small fl at-tip screwdriver to remove the cover of the shift lock
release slot. Put the tip of the fl at-tip screwdriver
into the slot and remove it as shown in the image.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever release button and place the shift lever into Neutral
(N). The lock is now released. Have the shift lever
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
Slot
Release
button
Shift lock
release slot
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly lo\
ses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheat\
ing.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the tem\
perature gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediatel\
y stop
the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the\
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve\
tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in t\
he
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator ca\
p with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
fi ller neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled suffi ciently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not g\
one down,
contact a dealer for repairs.
Reserve tank
MAX
MIN
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant \
to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiato\
r cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
114 || 115
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Emergency Engine Stop*
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, cho\
ose one of
the following operations:
• Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for
two seconds, or
• Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY, unless
the shift lever is in Park (P), in which case the power mode changes t\
o VEHICLE OFF.
Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine\
provides
to the steering and braking systems, it will require signifi cantly more physical effort
and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both fee\
t on the
brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary \
for the engine
to be switched off.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a tru\
ck. 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 (2WD models only).
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious dama\
ge. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle\
can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
*if equipped
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ( TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes signifi cantly low,
the low tire pressure indicator comes on and a message
appears on the multi-information display.
What to Do Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire
pressure and adjust the pressure to the specifi ed
level. The specifi ed tire pressure is on a label on the
driver’s doorjamb.
TPMS CalibrationAny time you infl ate, change, or rotate one of more of the tires, you need to
recalibrate the system.
On vehicles with information display
Press and hold the TPMS button on the dashboard.
The TPMS indicator blinks, and calibration begins.
On vehicles with multi-information display (MID)
Use the buttons on the steering wheel to enter and operate the Vehicle Settings
menu (see page 30).
1. Scroll to the Vehicle Settings screen and enter the menu.
2. Select TPMS Calibration.
3. Select Calibrate. Calibration begins.
4. Exit the menu.
Driving on an extremely underinfl ated tire can cause it to overheat. An overheated
tire can fail. Always infl ate your tires to the specifi ed pressure.
NOTICE
116 || 117
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes fl at while driving, grasp the steering wheel fi rmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the fl at tire with the compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tir\
e repaired or
replaced.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire
Park the vehicle on a fi rm, level, non-slippery surface. Apply the parking brake,
shift to Park (P), and turn the vehicle off. Turn on the hazard warning lights.
1. Open the tailgate. Turn on the cargo lights if necessary (see page 39).
2. Open the cargo area fl oor lid.
3. Take the tool bag out of the cargo area. Take the jack handle bar and wheel nut wrench out of the
tool bag.
4. Take the jack out of the spare tire area.
5. Unscrew the wing bolt and remove the spacer cone. Then remove the spare tire.
6. Place a wheel block or rock in front and rear of the wheel diagonal to the fl at tire.
7. Place the compact spare tire (wheel side up) under the vehicle body, near the tire that needs
to be replaced.
8. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn using the wheel nut wrench.
Tool bagSpare tire
Setting Up the Jack
1. Place the jack under the jacking point closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket clockwise (as shown in the image) until the top of the jack contacts the
jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point
tab is resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and the jack handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
• Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
• Use the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the w\
eight (“load”) or fi t the jacking point.
• Do not use while the engine is running.
• Use only where the ground is fi rm and level.
• Use only at the jacking points.
• Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
• Do not put anything on top of or underneath the jack.
Jack
handle
bar Wheel nut
W rench as jack handle
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone unde\
rneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly , and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
W ARNING
118 || 119
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
120 || 121
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Circuit ProtectedAmps1−−2ACG10 A3SRS10 A4Fuel Pump15 A
5Meter10 A6Power Window7.5 A7VB SOL7.5 A
8Passenger’s Side Door Lock
Motor 2 (Unlock)15 A
9Driver’s Side Door Lock Motor 1 (Unlock)15 A
10 (7.5 A)
11Moonroof*(20 A)
12 Accessory Power Socket
(Center Console) 20 A
13Washer Main*(15 A)
14 (20 A)
15Driver’s Door Lock Motor
(Unlock)10 A
16 (20 A)
17Driver's Power Seat
Reclining*(20 A)
18
19ACC7.5 A−−
Driver's Power Seat Sliding
*
Seat Heaters*
Trailer*
2021Daytime Running Lights7.5 A
22
23Wiper10 A
24
25Audio10 A
26 (20 A)
27Accessory Power Socket
(Front)20 A
28 15 A
29OPDS7.5 A
30 Driver’s Door Lock Motor
(Lock) 10 A
31Smart*(10 A)
32 Passenger’s Side Door Lock
Motor 2 (Lock) 15 A
33Driver’s Side Door Lock
Motor 1 (Lock)15 A
34
35Illumination7.5 A
36 (10 A)
37Front Fog Lights*(20 A)
38
3910 A
40
41Door Lock20 A
42 Driver’s Side Power
Window 20 A
43Rear Passenger’s Side
Power Window20 A
44 Front Passenger’s Side
Power Window 20 A
45Rear Driver’s Side Power
Window20 A
46
Circuit ProtectedAmps
Washer*
Power Tailgate*
7.5 A
ABS/VSA 7.5 A
A/C 7.5 A
ACC Key Lock
Right Headlight High Beam −− 10 A
Left Headlight High Beam Rear Wiper Main
*
10 A
Small Lights
−
−
Interior Fuse Box
Located under the dashboard.
*if equipped
Fuse label
Fuse box
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1. Turn the vehicle off, including all lights and accessories.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Check the large fuse in the engine compartment.
If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws and replace
the fuse with a new one. Reinstall the screws.
4. Inspect the small fuses in the engine compartment and the vehicle interior.
If there is a burned-out fuse, remove it with the fuse puller and replace it with a new one.
Blown fuse Combined fuse
Fuse
puller
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the\
chances
of damaging the electrical system.
NOTICE