VehicleStabilityAssist (VSA)System VSA Off Switch VSA OFF .

Table of Contents Main MenuVehicle Stability Assist (VSA) SystemVSA Off SwitchIn certain unusual conditions whenyour vehicle gets stuck in shallowmud or fresh snow, it may be easierto free it with the VSA temporarilyswitched off. When the VSA systemis off, the traction control system isalso off. You should only attempt tofree your vehicle with the VSA off ifyou are not able to free it when theVSA is on.VSA and Tire SizesDriving with varying tire or wheelsizes may cause the VSA tomalfunction. When replacing tires,make sure they are of the same sizeand type as your original tires (seepage 232 ).Deactivate the VSA system if youneed to drive with the compact sparetire installed (see page 240 ).This switch is under the left vent.Press it to turn the VSA system onand off.When VSA is off, the VSA activationindicator comes on as a reminder.If you install winter tires, make surethey are the same size as those thatwere originally supplied with yourvehicle. Exercise the same cautionduring winter driving as you would ifyour vehicle was not equipped withVSA.VSA is turned on every time youstart the engine, even if you turned itoff the last time you drove thevehicle.183DrivingImmediately after freeing yourvehicle, be sure to switch the VSA onagain. We do not recommend drivingyour vehicle with the VSA andtraction control systems switched off.VSA OFF SWITCH

Towing a TrailerYour vehicle has been designedprimarily to carry passengers andtheir cargo. You can also use it totow a trailer if you carefully observethe load limits, use the properequipment, and follow the guidelinesin this section.Exceeding any load limit orimproperly loading your vehicleand trailer can cause a crash inwhich you can be seriously hurtor killed.Check the loading of yourvehicle and trailer carefullybefore starting to drive.184Load LimitsTotal Trailer Weight: Themaximum allowable weight of thetrailer and everything in or on itmust not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg).Towing a load that is too heavycan seriously affect your vehicle’shandling and performance. It canalso damage the engine anddrivetrain.Tongue Load: The weight thatthe tongue of a fully-loaded trailerputs on the hitch should beapproximately 10 percent of thetrailer weight. Too much tongueload reduces front-tire traction andsteering control. Too little tongueload can make the trailer unstableand cause it to sway. Table of Contents Main Menu

Table of Contents Main MenuTowing a TrailerTo achieve a proper tongue load,start by loading 60 % of the loadtoward the front of the trailer and40 % toward the rear, then re-adjustthe load as needed.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR):The total weight of the vehicle, alloccupants, all cargo, and thetongue load must not exceed:U.S. VP and LX:Canadian DX-G:4,080 Ibs (1,850 kg)U.S. EX and EX-L:Canadian SE and EX-L:4,345 Ibs (1,970 kg)V 6 models with manualtransmission:4,300 Ibs (1,950 kg)U.S. VP and LX:Canadian DX-G:2,195 Ibs (995 kg)on the front axle1,960 Ibs (890 kg)on the rear axleU.S. EX and EX-L:Canadian SE and EX-L:Driving4,145 Ibs (1,880 kg)V6 models with automatictransmission:Gross Axle Weight Rating(GAWR):The total weight of each axle mustnot exceed:2,225 Ibs (1,010 kg)on the front axle1,985 Ibs (900 kg)on the rear axleV6 models:2,360 Ibs (1,070 kg)on the front axle2,005 Ibs (910 kg)on the rear axle185

Table of Contents Main MenuTowing a TrailerChecking LoadsThe best way to confirm that vehicleand trailer weights are within limitsis to have them checked at a publicscale. To locate the public scales inyour area, consult your local yellowpages or ask your dealer forassistance.Using a suitable scale or a specialtongue load gauge, check the tongueload the first time you set up atowing combination (a fully-loadedvehicle and trailer), then recheck thetongue load whenever the conditionschange.186Towing Equipment andAccessoriesTowing can require a variety ofequipment, depending on the size ofyour trailer, how it will be used, howmuch load you are towing, andwhere you tow. To ensure the bestquality, we recommend that youpurchase Honda equipmentwhenever possible.Discuss your needs with your trailersales or rental agency, and follow theguidelines in the rest of this section.Also make sure that all equipment isproperly installed and that it meetsfederal, state, province, and localregulations.HitchesAny hitch used on your vehicle mustbe properly bolted to the underbody.Safety ChainsAlways use safety chains when youtow a trailer. Make sure the chainsare secured to the trailer and hitch,and that they cross under the tongueand can catch the trailer if itbecomes unhitched. Leave enoughslack to allow the trailer to turncorners easily, but do not let thechains drag on the ground.

Table of Contents Main MenuTowing a TrailerTrailer BrakesTrailer LightsAdditional Towing EquipmentHonda recommends that any trailerhaving a total weight of 1,000 lbs(450 kg) or more be equipped withits own electric or surge-type brakes.Trailer lights and equipment mustcomply with federal, state, andregulations. Check with your localtrailer sales or rental agency for therequirements in your area, and useonly equipment designed for yourvehicle.Many states and provinces requirespecial outside mirrors when towinga trailer. Even if they don’t, youshould install special mirrors if youcannot clearly see behind you, or ifthe trailer creates a blind spot.See your trailer dealer or rentalagency for more information oninstalling electric brakes.Since lighting and wiring vary bytrailer type and brand, you shouldhave a qualified technician install asuitable connector between thevehicle and the trailer. Improperequipment or installation can causedamage to your vehicle’s electricalsystem and affect your vehiclewarranty.Ask your trailer sales or rentalagency if any other items arerecommended or required for yourtowing situation.187DrivingIf you choose electric brakes, besure they are electronically actuated.Do not attempt to tap into yourvehicle’s hydraulic system. Nomatter how successful it may seem,any attempt to attach trailer brakesto your vehicle’s hydraulic systemwill lower braking effectiveness andcreate a potential hazard.

Table of Contents Main MenuTowing a TrailerPre-Tow ChecklistWhen preparing to tow, and beforedriving away, be sure to check thefollowing:The vehicle has been properlyserviced, and the tires, brakes,suspension, cooling system, andlights are in good operatingcondition.All weights and loads are withinlimits (see pages 184 and 186 ).The hitch, safety chains, and anyother attachments are secure.All items in or on the trailer areproperly secured and cannot shiftwhile you drive.188Your vehicle tires and spare areproperly inflated (see page 228 ),and the trailer tires and spare areinflated as recommended by thetrailer maker.Driving Safely With a TrailerThe added weight, length, andheight of a trailer will affect yourvehicle’s handling and performance,so driving with a trailer requiressome special driving skills andtechniques.For your safety and the safety ofothers, take time to practice drivingmaneuvers before heading for theopen road, and follow the guidelinesbelow.Towing Speeds and GearsDrive slower than normal in alldriving situations, and obey postedspeed limits for vehicles with trailers.If you have an automatictransmission, use the D positionwhen towing a trailer on level roads.

Table of Contents Main MenuTowing a TrailerMaking Turns and BrakingMake turns more slowly and widerthan normal. The trailer tracks asmaller arc than your vehicle, and itcan hit or run over something thevehicle misses. Allow more time anddistance for braking. Do not brake orturn suddenly as this could cause thetrailer to jackknife or turn over.Driving on HillsD3 is the proper shift lever positionto use when towing a trailer in hillyterrain.If you must stop when facing uphill,use the foot brake or parking brake.Do not try to hold the vehicle inplace by pressing on the accelerator,as this can cause the automatictransmission to overheat.Handling Crosswinds and BuffetingCrosswinds and air turbulencecaused by passing trucks can disruptyour steering and cause trailerswaying. When being passed by alarge vehicle, keep a constant speedand steer straight ahead. Do not tryto make quick steering or brakingcorrections.Backing UpAlways drive slowly and havesomeone guide you when backing up.Grip the bottom of the steering wheel,then turn the wheel to the left to getthe trailer to move to the left. Turnthe wheel to the right to move thetrailer to the right.ParkingFollow all normal precautions whenparking, including firmly setting theparking brake and putting thetransmission in Park (automatic) orin 1st or reverse (manual). Also,place wheel chocks at each of thetrailer’s tires.189DrivingWhen climbing hills, closely watchyour temperature gauge. If it nearsthe red (Hot) mark, turn the airconditioning off, reduce speed and, ifnecessary, pull to the side of theroad to let the engine cool.When driving down hills, reduceyour speed, and shift down to secondgear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, andremember, it will take longer to slowdown and stop when towing a trailer.

transmission in Park (automatic) or in 1st or reverse (manual). Also, place wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s tires. 3 bottom TowingaTrailer Making Turns and Braking Driving on Hills Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting Backing Up Parking Driving 189