96 || 97
DRIVINGDRIVING
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 trunk or tow 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
Load limits exampleExample 1
Max load
850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg )Cargo
weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example 2
Max load
850 lbs
(385 kg ) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg )Cargo
weight
100 lbs
(45 kg )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. Check the load limits before driving
(see page 95).
Total Trailer Weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and
everything in or on it must not exceed 1,000 lbs (450
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 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 c\
an
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
Tongue Load
Total load
Tongue LoadTongue load
120 || 121
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTEDHANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
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 goes 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 gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
MAX
Reserve tank
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 t\
o
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
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, choose 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. Because turning off the engine also disables the
power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it will require
significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehi\
cle. Downshift
gears and use both feet 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.
*if equipped
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. 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
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 truck. 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.
138 || 139
MAINTENANCEMAINTENANCE
Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant\
level in the
radiator. We recommend Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the Reserve Tank
1. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, add
the specified coolant until it reaches the MAX
mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Adding Coolant
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system. Do
not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4. The coolant level should be up to the base of the
filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches
the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the reserve
tank.
Reserve
tank
MAXMIN
If temperatures consistently below −22°F (−30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for details
for more information.
NOTICE
Radiator ca p
removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant t\
o
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator
cap.
WARNING
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the
reservoir. We recommend using Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3.
Pour the fluid carefully.
If the fluid level is at or below the MIN mark, have a
dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as soon
as possible.
Brake reservoi r
MIN
MAX
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your vehicle’s braking system and
can cause extensive damage.
NOTICE
Clutch Fluid*
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the
reservoir. We recommend using Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3.
Pour the fluid carefully.
If the fluid level is at or below the MIN mark, have a
dealer inspect for leaks or an excessively worn clutch
plate as soon as possible.
Clutch reservoir
MINMAX
*if equipped