HONDA RIDGELINE 2007 1.G Owners Manual

µ·
Locate
the statement, ‘‘the
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 1,530
(1,480) lbs’’ on your vehicle’s
placard. [The placard is on the
driver’s doorjamb.]
To
determine the correct cargo and
luggage load limit:
The maximum load for your vehicle
is:
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicl e.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
1,530 (1,480) pounds.
The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the maximum load is
1,530 lbs and there will be five 150
lb. passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capaci ty is 780 lbs.
[1,530 750 (5 150) = 780 lbs.] Determine
the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
in the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capaci ty in
step 4.
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will
be transf erred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
yourvehicle(seepage ).
These f igures include the total
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
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).
Bothareonalabelonthedriver’s
doorjamb.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
212
On vehicles without moonroofOn vehicles with moonroof
Carrying Cargo
L oad L imits (Payload)
Bef ore Driving
187
1,530 lbs (690 kg)
1,480 lbs (670 kg)
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor in the In-Bed Trunk, placing
the heaviest items on the bottom
and as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
during a crash or sudden stop.
Make sure the In-Bed Trunk lid is
closed securely bef ore driving.
Be sure the total weight of the
items in the In-Bed Trunk does not
exceed 300 lbs (136 kg).
If you use an accessory roof rack,
the roof rack weight limit may be
lower. Ref er to the inf ormation that
came with your roof rack.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the driver’s ability to operate the
pedals, the proper operation of the
seats, or proper operation of the
sensors under the seats.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.
If youfoldtherearseatsup,tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. Also, keep all cargo
below the bottom of the windows.
If it is higher, it could interf ere
with the proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the cargo area with the
rear seats f olded up, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
If you carry any items on a roofrack,besurethetotalweightof
the rack and the items does not
exceed 110 lb (50 kg).
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Carrying Cargo in the In-Bed
T runk or on a Roof Rack
Carrying Cargo
188
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash
or sudden stop.

CONTINUED
Your vehicle can carry a large
amount of cargo in the pickup bed.
However, the pickup bed is not
intended for carrying passengers.
Peoplewhorideinthepickupbed
can be very seriously injured or
killed in a crash (see page ).
Make sure your cargo is properly
load ed and all items are secu red so
they will not shift or fall out while
driving. When
loading and unloading cargo,
make sure all passengers or any
objects are clear of the tailgate
befo re opening or closing it. The
tailgate should be closed securely
befo re driving when it is not used
as the extended pickup bed.
The maximum allowable loading
weight on the pickup bed is 1,100
lbs (500 kg). Do not exceed the
load limit (see page ).
Distribute cargo evenly on the
pickup bed. Place the heaviest
items on the bottom and as f ar
f orward as possible of the rear
axle. Tie down and secure all
items that could be thrown out of
the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. If you stack items higher than the
bed sides, tailgate, or back window,
secure them with a net or cover.
This will reduce the risk of items
beingthrownoutof thepickup
bed during a crash or sudden stop.
When the tailgate is dropped open,
itcanbeusedasanextended
pickup bed. The maximum
allowable weight on the tailgate
while driving is 300 lbs (136 kg).
Exceeding this limit could damage
the tailgate.
Carrying heavy cargo in the
pickup bed will raise your vehicle’s
center of gravity. This can affect
handling and perf ormance. Drive
more slowly and cautiously, and
allow extra time and distance f or
braking.
8
187
Carrying Cargo
Carrying Cargo in the Pickup Bed
Bef ore Driving
189
Allowing passengers to ride in
the pickup bed or on the tailgate
can result in death or serious
injury in a crash.
Make sure all passengers ride
in a seat and wear a seat belt
properly.

Your vehicle has six tie down cleats
on the pickup bed.You can also support motorcycles on
the pickup bed floor with the cleats.
The f loor panel of the pickup bed is
designed to hold motorcycle tires. Be
sure to tighten motorcycles securely,
with an approved tie-down or
motorcycle strap, according to the
motorcycle maker’s instructions.
They are used to secure cargo on the
pickup bed and to install a cargo net
f or securing items. Do not use any
other parts of the pickup bed to
secure cargo or nets. When carrying motorcycles or any
other cargo, do not spill any oil or
f luid on the pickup bed. A spilled
liquid may damage the pickup bed.
Carrying Cargo
Tie Down Cleats
190
TIE DOWN CLEATNever let passengers ride on
the pickup bed or in the In-Bed
Trunk space. This could cause
very serious injuries or death in
a collision. No one should ride
in any position on your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats
and seat belts.
Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading cargo on the
vehicle can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously
injured or killed.
Load the cargo carefully before
starting to drive.

The cargo net can be used to hold
lightweight items in the pickup bed.
Secure all items properly. The net
may not prevent heavy items f rom
beingthrownoutwardinacrashora
sudden stop.The cargo cover can be used to
cover the cargo area on the pickup
bed.
Your vehicle’s pickup bed has a rust
resistant surf ace. To repair small
chips and scratches in the bed, a
repair kit is available f rom your
dealer. More extensive damage
should be repaired by your dealer.
To avoid problems with the bed
surf ace and the In-Bed Trunk lid, do
not use spray-in bed liner products.
Carrying Cargo
Optional Cargo Net
Optional Cargo Cover
Pickup Bed Repair
Bef ore Driving
191

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the VTM-4 system, the VSA
system, the tire pressure monitoring
system, and f acts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer.........................
Driving Guidelines .194
........................
Preparing to Drive .195
.......................
Starting the Engine .196
..............
Automatic Transmission .197
Variable Torque Management
.............
4WD (VTM-4) System .203
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ......................................
(TPMS) .204
...........................................
Parking .206
.............................
Braking System .207
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .208
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
........................................
System .210
.................
Towing Weight Limits .212
..........
Towing Weight Guidelines .214
...........................
Towing a Trailer .215
Of f -Highway Driving
..................................
Guidelines .227
Driving
Driving
193

Your vehicle has higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier. Wi
th heavy cargo on the pickup bed,
your vehicle has a higher center of
gravity. Drive slowly and cautiously,
and allow more time and distan ce for
braking. Loading heavy cargo could
affect your vehicl e’s handling and
performance.
To
prevent rollovers or loss of
control:
Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible.
Make sure the cargo is properly
load ed and all items are secu red so
they will not shift while driving.
Do not modify your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof.
Your
vehicle allows you to carry
more cargo than a typical passenger
vehicle.
Because your vehicle rides higher
off the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.
See page f or of f -highway driving
guidelines. 227
Driving Guidelines
194

Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustmen ts before you drive
your vehicle.
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is fully closed.
Check that the tailgate is fully
closed when it is not used as an
exte nded pickup bed.
Vi sually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely. Check
the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
ad justment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and In-Bed
Trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page ).
Wh en you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicato rs in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Check the seat adjustment (see
pages and ).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8. 7.
9.
10.
11. 14
110
79
59
98 100
Preparing to Drive
Driving
195

Apply the parking brake.
In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.
Make sure the shift lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal. Without
touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. Do not hold
the key in the START (III)
position for more than 15 seconds
at a time. If the engine does not
start right away, pause for at least
10 seconds before trying again. If
the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed halfway
down. If the engine starts, release
pressu re on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.
If the engine fails to start, press
the accelerator pedal all the way
down, and hold it there while
starting to clear flooding. If the
engine still does not start, return
to step 5.
5.
6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Starting
theEngine
196
The immobilizer system protects your
vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine’s f uel system is disabled. For
more inf ormation, see page .
The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air f ound at
altitudes above 8,000 f eet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.
81