SAFETY
8 || 9
S
AFETY
n Safety Messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close att\
ention.
DANGERYou WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
WARNINGYou CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
CAUTIONYou CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
NOTICE This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
n
Carbon Monoxide Gas
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorle\
ss, odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your ve\
hicle and follow the instructions set forth below, you will not accumulate dangerous levels of
carbon monoxide gas in the vehicle interior.
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever: •
The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
•
The exhaust system may have been damaged.
•
The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airfl ow can pull e\
xhaust gas
into the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive wi\
th the tailgate
open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown b\
elow.
1.
Select the fresh air mode.
2.
Select the mode.
3.
Set the fan speed to high.
4.
Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your \
parked vehicle with the engine running.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness
and even kill you. Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you
to carbon monoxide.
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fi ll up with carbon mon\
oxide gas. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even when the garage \
door is
open, drive out of the garage immediately after starting the engine.
Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags \
are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is \
equipped with
airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts and wear
them properly.
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Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
All seven or eight seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat\
belts with
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you \
move freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden sto\
p, the retractor locks to restrain your body. The second- and third-row passenger’
s seat
belts also have a lockable retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enha\
nce safety.
The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a moder\
ate to severe
frontal collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe enough \
to inflate the
front airbags.
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Proper Use of Seat Belts
Follow these guidelines for proper use: •
All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in t\
hat position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the effectiv\
eness of
the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•
Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm\
or
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
•
Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be\
very
seriously injured in a crash.
•
Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improv\
e
comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the pr\
otective
capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•
Regularly check the condition of your seat belts. Check for frays, cuts,\
burns, and
wear, and that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily.
•
No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that do\
es not appear to be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working properly
may not protect the occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the belt as\
soon as
possible.
WARNING
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of a serious injur\
y
or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them
properly.
MAINTENANCE
144 || 145
M
AINTENANCE
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.
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Checking the Reserve Tank
1.
Remove the engine compartment cover.
2.
Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
3.
If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, add the
specified coolant until it reaches the MAX mark.
4.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
MAX
MIN
If temperatures consistently below −22°F (−30°C) are expec\
ted, the coolant mixture
should be changed to a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for detail\
s for more
information.
NOTICE
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Adding Coolant
1.
Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2.
Remove the engine compartment cover.
3.
Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and relieve
any pressure in the coolant system. Do not push
the cap down when turning.
4.
Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
5.
The coolant level should be up to the base of the
filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
6.
Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
7.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches
the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the
reserve tank.
Radiator
cap
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
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
Checking the Battery
The battery condition is monitored by the sensor on the negative termina\
l. If there is a
problem with the sensor, a message appears on the multi-information display. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.
For jump starting, see page 126.
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to\
kill
or seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do it.
WARNING
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Window Washer Fluid
If the washer fluid level is low, fill the washer reservoir. You can check the level by
looking at the reservoir, or a message* will appear on the MID.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshie\
ld washer
reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
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 reservoir
MAX
MIN
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your vehicle’s braking system and can
cause extensive damage.
NOTICE
*if equipped