2015 HONDA ODYSSEY light

90 || 91
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, exterior 
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 flammable materials left under 
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period, 
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass 
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 flammable 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 the floor 
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 floor 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 melt any 
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the 
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle\
’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. 
The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,340 lbs (608 kg). See the Tire and Loading 
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Improper accessories or modifications 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
modifications.
WARNING
In addition:
• During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or 
full throttle operation so as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
• 
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this 
when the brake pads are replaced.
Label example
The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory, and does not need to be 
adjusted. However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area or pull a
trailer, have the aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualified technician.
Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a 
crash in which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this guide.
WARNING

94 || 95
DRIVING
DRIVING
Starting the Ignition*
Insert the key into the ignition and turn to turn on the vehicle or start 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 firmly 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 firmly 
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.
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 cooling 
system are in good operating condition.
• 
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 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 scale 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.
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 drive.
WARNING

96    || 97
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.
D4:
Press the D4 button when the shift lever is in 
Drive. Used for going up or down hills or towing a 
trailer in hilly terrain.
Low (L):
Used for stronger engine power and braking 
when driving in hilly terrain.
When 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.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could 
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Release button
D4 
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 pedal
Parkingbrake
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size. 
NOTICE
Brake Assist System
During hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. The brake 
pedal may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hold the brake 
pedal firmly 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 pedal may 
pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the brake pedal, 
and continue to hold it firmly down.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 
than what was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by 
regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or Off
VSA is turned on every time you start the engine,
even if you previously turned it off. If you turn 
VSA off, your vehicle has normal braking and 
cornering ability, but not VSA traction and stability 
enhancement.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a 
beep to turn VSA on or off. The VSA OFF indicator 
appears when the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which may make
it easier when trying to free your vehicle if it is stuck
in mud or snow.
VSA OFFindicator
VSA OFF button
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be 
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied. 
NOTICE

100 || 101
DRIVING
DRIVING
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)*
If the camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror detects a 
vehicle in front of you when your vehicle speed is 10 mph (15 km/h) or higher—and it 
determines there is a likelihood of a frontal collision—the system pr\
ovides you with
visual and audible warnings.
If you do not brake in time or take preventive action, BRAKE flashes in the display or 
the FCW indicator blinks, and a beep sounds continuously. 
Changing Settings
Determine the warning timing, or turn the system off. Use the interface dial to 
make and enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings. The vehicle must be in 
Park (P).
3. Select Forward Collision Warning Distance.
4. Select Long, Normal, Short, or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety Reminder
FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy 
of the system will vary based on weather, speed, extreme interior heat, and other 
factors. FCW does not include a braking function. It is always your responsibility to 
safely operate the vehicle and avoid collisions.
*if equipped
BRAKE indicator
(models with multi-
information display) FCW indicator
(models with
information display)
Beep
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
A camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror determines if 
your vehicle begins to move away from the center of a detected lane while driving 
between 40–90 mph (64–145 km/h).
If you cross a detected lane line without using your turn signal, a message appears 
on the display or the LDW indicator blinks, and a beep sounds.
Turning LDW On or Off
Press LDW to turn the system on or off. A green 
indicator light appears on the button when the system 
is on.
Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, LDW has limitations. Over-reliance on LDW may result 
in a collision. It is always your responsibility to keep the vehicle within your lane. 
LDW only alerts you when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW 
may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on 
weather, speed, and lane marker condition. It is always your responsibility to safely 
operate the vehicle and avoid collisions.
*if equipped
Lane departure indicator(models with multi-
information display) LDW indicator
(models with
information display)
Beep
LDW button

102 || 103
DRIVING
DRIVING
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System*
Alerts you to a detected vehicle in your left or right blind spot.
When a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, the 
blind spot indicator turns on and stays lit until the area 
is clear.
When your turn signal is on and a vehicle is detected,
the blind spot indicator blinks and a beep sounds until 
the area is clear or the turn signal is off.
Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, BSI has limitations. Over-reliance on the system may 
result in a collision. The system is for your convenience only.
Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to change lanes before doing so may 
result in a crash and serious injury or death. Do not rely only on the blind spot 
information system when changing lanes.
Always look in your mirrors, to either side of your vehicle, and behind you for 
other vehicles before changing lanes.
WARNING
Changing BSI Settings
Determine the warning type, or turn the system off. Use the interface dial to make 
and enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS. 
2. Select Vehicle Settings. The vehicle must be in 
Park (P).
3. Select Driver Assist System Setup. 
4. Select an alert type, or turn the system off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
*if equipped
Parking Sensor System*
When the system senses an object when you are parking or backing up, indicators 
appear on the instrument panel and the navigation screen and a series of beeps will 
sound. As you get closer to the object, the beep rate increases.
Turning the System On or Off
Press the parking sensor button. A green indicator 
light appears on the button when the system is on.
Screen indicators
Display and indicators
*if equipped
Parking
sensor
button

104 || 105
DRIVING
DRIVING
Rearview Camera*
When you shift into Reverse (R), a real-time image of the area behind your vehicle is 
shown in the display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
Changing Camera Settings
Turn the guidelines on or off. Use the selector knob to make selections. 
1. Press SETTINGS. 
2. Select Camera Settings.
3. Select Rear Camera.
4. Select Fixed Guidelines.
5. Select On or Off.
6. Press BACK to exit the menu.
SETTINGS button
BACK
button
Selector knob
*if equipped
Multi-View Rear Camera*
When you shift into Reverse (R), a real-time image of the area behind your vehicle is 
shown in the display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
The rear camera view is restricted. You cannot see the corner ends of the bumper or what is underneath the bumper. Its unique lens also makes objects appear closer or farther than they actually are.
Visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up. Certain conditions (such as weather, lighting, and high temperatures) may also restrict the rear view. Do not rely on the rearview display, which does not give you all information about conditions at the rear of your vehicle.
Wide view Normal view Top down view
Press the
interface dial to
toggle between views.
Changing Camera Settings
Turn the guidelines on or off. Use the interface dial to make and enter s\
elections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Camera Settings.
3. Select Fixed Guidelines.
4. Select On or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
*if equipped

106    || 107
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
Refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performance and 
safety of your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded gasoline of 87 octane or higher is recommended.
• 
Honda recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline where available.
• Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
• Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol.
• Do NOT use gasoline containing MMT.
We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help 
prevent fuel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain good 
performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the
use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based fuel additives 
such as MMT, if such gasoline is available. 
NOTICE
How to Refuel
1. The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the
vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is
most accessible.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Pull the fuel fill door release handle near the
parking brake. The fuel fill door opens.
4. Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to open. Place the fuel
fill cap in the holder.
5. Insert the filler nozzle fully. When the tank is full, 
the fuel nozzle clicks off automatically.
6. Replace the fuel fill cap. Tighten it until you hear
at least one click. Close the fuel fill door.
Pull
Cap
Holder
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously 
injured when handling fuel.
• 
Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
•  Handle fuel only outdoors.
•  Wipe up spills immediately.
WARNING
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Smart Entry Remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, a message appears in the 
display with information on how to start the engine.
1. Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the 
ENGINE START/STOP button while the indicator is 
flashing.
2. With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE 
START/STOP button within 10 seconds.
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1. Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s 
battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the first jumper cable 
to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt 
booster battery only.
3. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster 
battery (-) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable 
to the grounding point as shown. Do not connect 
this jumper cable to any other part.
5. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle, 
start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly.
6. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns 
over slowly, make sure that the jumper cables have 
good metal-to-metal contact.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Booster
battery
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\

compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously 
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
WARNING
Grounding
point

108 || 109
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Shift Lever Does Not Move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Park (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 flat-tip
screwdriver to remove the cover of the shift lock
release slot. Put the tip of the flat-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.
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 engine hanger.
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.
Slot
Cover
Release
button
Shift lock
release slot
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses 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, immediately 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 the 
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 
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone down, 
contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
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 radiator cap.
WARNING
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
Reserve
tank
MAXMIN