Honda Odyssey (2023 year). Manual in english

464

Driving

Before Driving

Driving Preparation

Check the following items before you start driving.

•

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.

Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.

When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.

•

Make sure the hood is securely closed.

If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.

•

Make sure the tires are in good condition.

Check air pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.

Checking and Maintaining Tires

P. 621

•

Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.

There are blind spots from the inside.

■

Exterior Checks

Exterior Checks

NOTICE

When 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.

Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert the key if the water
freezes in the hole.

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.

Continued

465

Before Driving

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Store or secure all items on board properly.

Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.

Maximum Load Limit

P. 467

•

Do not pile items higher than the seat height.

They can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden
braking.

•

Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat.

An object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.

•

If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.

They may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.

•

Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.

Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside

P. 156

•

Adjust your seating position properly.

Adjust the head restraint, too.

Seats

P. 212

Adjusting the Front and Second Row Outer and Third Row Outer Head
Restraints Positions

P. 225

•

Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.

Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.

Mirrors

P. 209

Adjusting the Steering Wheel

P. 208

■

Interior Checks

Interior Checks

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.

466

Before Driving

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the
seats.

They can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.

•

Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.

Fastening a Seat Belt

P. 43

•

Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.

Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.

Indicators

P. 88

467

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

Continued

Driving

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,340 lbs (608 kg).

See the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -

(1)

Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.

(2)

Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.

(3)

Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

Maximum Load Limit

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.

Specifications

P. 684

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.

Specifications

P. 684

WARNING

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 manual.

Label Example

468

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

Driving

(4)

The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

(5)

Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

(6)

If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

469

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

Driving

In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.

Maximum Load Limit

Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your
vehicle is designed to tow a trailer.

Towing a Trailer

P. 470

Load Limits Example

Example1

Max Load

1,340 lbs

(608 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs

(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)

Cargo Weight

1,040 lbs

(472 kg)

Example2

Max Load

1,340 lbs

(608 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs

(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)

Cargo Weight

590 lbs

(268 kg)

470

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

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.

■

Total trailer weight

Do not exceed the maximum allowable
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in
or on it shown in the table.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and
can damage the engine and drivetrain.

Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:

•

Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back

•

Each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg)

•

Each occupant has 17.6 lbs (8 kg) of cargo in the cargo area.

Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.

■

Towing Load Limits

Towing Load Limits

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 then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo
distribution. Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for
additional information.

Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).

Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information

Vehicle Specifications

P. 684

WARNING

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.

Total Load

Number of

occupants

Weight

3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)

3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)

3,150 lbs (1,429 kg)

3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

800 lbs (363 kg)

Towing not recommended

Continued

471

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

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.

Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.

■

Hitches

The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.

■

Weight distribution hitches

Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.

Ton

ue Loa

Tongue Load

■

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.

Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and braking performance of your
vehicle.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

472

Driving

■

Safety chains

Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

■

Trailer brakes

Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.

■

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

We recommend that you have a dealer install
a Honda wiring harness and converter. They
are designed for your vehicle.

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Trailer packages and products:

•

Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.

•

Wiring harness kit

•

Trailer hitch kit

Are available at a dealer.

Trailer light

The trailer lighting connector is located behind the
left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the
correct connector and pins.

Right Turn
Signal

Small
Light

Stop
Light

+B Small
Light

Trailer
Hazard
Light

Left
Turn
Signal

473

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

Sway control

This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.

■

Trailer mirrors

Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.

474

Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Driving

Driving Safely with a Trailer

•

Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.

•

Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.

Towing Load Limits

P. 470

•

Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.

•

Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.

•

Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.

•

Check the pressure of the trailer tires, including the spare.

•

Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button. The

trailer weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is
activated on a hill while towing a trailer.

•

Drive slower than normal.

•

Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

•

Use the

(

position when towing a trailer on level roads.

•

Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.

•

Allow more time and distance for braking.

•

Do not brake or turn suddenly.

■

Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer

■

Towing Speeds and Gears

■

Turning and Braking

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).

Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

Remember to unhitch the trailer before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.

Towing Speeds and Gears

When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or affect vehicle handling.

475

Towing a Trailer

Towing Behind a Motorhome

Driving

•

Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.

•

Shift to the

(

position if the transmission shifts frequently.

Towing Behind a Motorhome

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

Emergency Towing

P. 676

■

Driving in Hilly Terrain

476

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Make sure the parking brake is applied.

The parking brake and brake system
indicator (red) comes on for 15 seconds
when you press the electric parking
brake switch.

Depress the brake pedal.

Press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button

without depressing the accelerator pedal.
The engine will crank until it starts.

Starting the Engine

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).

When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.

Bring the remote close to the

ENGINE START/STOP

button if the battery in the remote is weak.

If the Remote Battery is Weak

P. 657

The engine may not start if the remote is subjected to
strong radio waves.

Do not hold the

ENGINE START/STOP

button to

start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before trying again.

Brake Pedal

Continued

477

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.

Put the transmission into

(

Press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button.

■

Stopping the Engine

Starting the Engine

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.

Immobilizer System

P. 181

When Driving

Starting the Engine

478

Driving

You can remotely start the engine using the

button on the remote.

■

To start the engine

When started remotely, the engine automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of idling
and/or the brake pedal and

ENGINE START/STOP

button have not been pressed

simultaneously.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the

button, then press and hold the

button.

Some exterior lights flash six times if a 10-minute extension request was
transmitted successfully.

■

Rem

ote Engine

Start with Vehicle Feedback

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote engine start, check your
local laws.

If there are buildings and obstacles between your
vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly
enclosed areas.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Never use the remote engine starter with
the vehicle parked in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.

Press the

button, then press and

hold the

button.

Some exterior lights flash once.

LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Exterior lights will not flash
if the engine does not start.

Some exterior lights flash
six times if the engine runs
successfully.

Honda Odyssey (2023 year). Manual in english - page 29