2016 Honda Odyssey Owner’s Manual

The 2016 Honda Odyssey is a family-friendly minivan that can be used for many different things. It gives all passengers the right mix of comfort, functionality, and safety. The Odyssey has enough room and flexibility to meet the needs of busy families and their adventures. It can fit up to eight people. It looks sleek and modern on the outside, and the inside is well-made, giving it a warm and sophisticated feel. The Odyssey has a reliable and efficient V6 engine that makes driving it smooth and quick. This makes every trip fun. Inside, passengers can enjoy a variety of high-tech features, such as entertainment options for the back seats, an easy-to-use navigation system, and clever storage solutions. The 2016 Odyssey puts safety first. It comes with a full suite of standard safety features that give both drivers and passengers peace of mind. With its reputation for dependability, convenience, and family-friendly features, the 2016 Honda Odyssey is a top choice in the minivan market, giving families on the go a comfortable and stress-free ride.

Before Driving

Driving Preparation
Check the following items before you start 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.
  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 pressure, and check for damage and excessive wear.
  Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 490
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
  There are blind spots from the inside.

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.

Interior Checks

• 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. 399
• 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. 118
• Adjust your seating position properly.
  Adjust the head restraint, too.
  Adjusting the Seats P. 161
  Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 164
• Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
  Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
  Adjusting the Mirrors P. 158
  Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 157
• 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. 33
• 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. 70

Maximum Load Limit

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

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation
Towing Load Limits
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
  The maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it must not exceed 1,500 lbs (680 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.

Towing Equipment and Accessories
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.
• 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.
• Additional towing equipment
  Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
• 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.
  Your trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area. Each pin’s purpose and wiring color code are shown in the image.
  When using a non-Honda trailer lighting harness and converter, get the connector and pins for your vehicle from a dealer.

Driving Safely with a Trailer

• Things You Need To Know Before Towing 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. 2 Towing Load Limits P. 353
  • 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 pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Towing Speeds and Gears
  • Drive slower than normal.
  • Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
  • Use the (D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turning and Braking 
  • Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
  • Allow more time and distance for braking.
  • Do not brake or turn suddenly.
• Driving in Hilly Terrain
  • Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the heating and cooling system*/climate control system* and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.

FAQ