2001 Honda Odyssey Owner's Manual - Page 215

Automatic Transmission Second (2) - To shift to Second, pull the shift lever towards you, then shift to the lower gear. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop. Second gives you more power when climbing, and increased engine braking when going down steep hills. Use second gear when starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow. It will help reduce wheelspin. When driving down hill with a trailer, use the Second position. First (1) - To shift from Second to First, pull the shift lever towards you, then shift to the lower gear. With the lever in this position, the transmission locks in First gear. By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D3 and D4, you can operate this transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer's red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine's computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone. Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pulling the shift lever does not work. 1. Set the Parking brake. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch. 3. Place a cloth on the edge of the shift lock release slot cover on the steering column. Remove the cover by carefully prying on the edge with a small flat-tipped screwdriver (not included in the tool kit). CONTINUED Driving