Honda 2006 Odyssey Owner's Manual page 306

Automatic Transmission
Drive (D ) To use D , press the
3 3
D button when the shift lever is in
3
the ''D'' position. This position is simi-
lar to D, except only the first three
gears are selected instead of all five.
Use D when towing a trailer in hilly
3
terrain, or to provide engine braking
when going down a steep hill. D can
also keep the transmission from
cycling between third and fourth
gears in stop-and-go driving.
Second (2) This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshift to first gear
when you come to a stop.
Use second gear:
For more power when climbing.
To increase engine braking when
going down steep hills.
For starting out on a slippery
surface or in deep snow.
When driving downhill with a
trailer.
302
First (1) This position locks the
transmission in first gear. By
upshifting and downshifting through
1, 2, and D, you can operate this
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch pedal.
3
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.