To put your 2018 Honda Odyssey into neutral, you will need to press and hold the brake pedal, and then press the 'N' button on your shift control. This process is often referred to as engaging "Car Wash mode" for convenience.
Engaging Neutral in Your Honda Odyssey
Putting your vehicle in neutral is essential for various situations, such as going through an automated car wash, being towed, or simply repositioning the vehicle without starting the engine. For your 2018 Honda Odyssey, the process is straightforward due to its electronic gear selector.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to safely put your Odyssey into neutral:
- Ensure Your Vehicle is On (Accessory Mode or Engine Running): While the engine doesn't necessarily need to be running, the vehicle's electrical system must be active for the shift control to function. You can typically achieve this by pressing the start button without pressing the brake pedal (for Accessory Mode) or by starting the engine normally.
- Press and Hold the Brake Pedal: This is a critical safety step to prevent the vehicle from rolling unexpectedly once neutral is engaged. Make sure your foot firmly depresses the brake pedal throughout the next step.
- Press the 'N' Button on Your Shift Control: Locate the gear selector panel, which features buttons for Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D). With the brake pedal held down, simply press the 'N' button.
- Confirm Neutral Engagement: You should see an indicator on your dashboard confirming that the vehicle is now in Neutral.
Important Considerations
When placing your 2018 Honda Odyssey in neutral, especially for extended periods, keep the following in mind:
- 15-Minute Time Limit: The transmission will only remain in Neutral for approximately 15 minutes. After this period, for safety reasons and to prevent battery drain or other issues, the vehicle may automatically shift back to Park (P). If you need it in neutral for longer, you will have to repeat the process.
- Safety First: Always ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface or that appropriate chocks are used if on an incline, as the vehicle can roll freely in neutral.
- Brake Usage: If the engine is off and the vehicle is in neutral, the power brakes will not assist, making the brake pedal much harder to push. Plan accordingly if you need to manually maneuver the vehicle.
By following these instructions, you can easily and safely put your 2018 Honda Odyssey into neutral for any necessary situation.
