HONDA RIDGELINE 2009 1.G Navigation Manual
Page 101 of 149
Navigation System101
System Initialization
GPS Initialization
Depending on the length of time the  
battery was disconnected, your system 
may require GPS initialization. If it 
does, the following screen appears: 
If this procedure is not necessary, the  
system proceeds directly to the 
Disclaimer screen (see page16). 
During initialization, the system 
searches for all available GPS satellites 
and obtains their orbital information. 
During this procedure, the vehicle 
should be out in th e open with a clear 
view of the sky. If the navigation system finds the 
satellites properly, this box clears and 
the 
Disclaimer  screen is shown. If 
within 10 minutes the system fails to 
locate a sufficient number of satellites to 
locate your position, the following 
screen appears: 
If the system is still unable to acquire a  
signal, follow the instructions on the 
screen, or contact you r local dealer for 
assistance. 
NOTE: 
The average acquiring time is less than  
10 minutes, but it can take as long as 45 
minutes.
Map Matching
This part of the initialization matches 
the GPS coordinates found above with a 
road on the  map screen. To perform this 
part of the procedure, ensure that the 
navigation system is displaying a map, 
and drive the vehicle on a mapped road 
(a road shown on the  map screen). Do 
not enter a destina tion at this time. 
When the name of the current road you 
are driving on appears at the bottom of 
the screen, the entire procedure is 
complete. Your system is now ready to 
use.
The navigation system lost power and is acquiring its   
location from the GPS satellites. This usually takes  
less than 10 minutes.
* Start the engine.
* Park the vehicle in an open area away from trees,  
  power lines, and tall buildings.
* Remove loose articles, cell phones, or electrical  
  accessories located near the GPS antenna.
* If this screen is displayed repeatedly when starting  
  the vehicle, see your dealer.
Something is interfering with the system’s ability to  
acquire its location. Check the following:
* The vehicle must be in an open area with a clear  
  view of the sky.
* Remove sources of GPS interference like metallic 
  window tint above antenna, or electrical items 
  near antenna (see owner's manual for details).
* Check GPS antenna cable connection.
* Restart the engine and repeat the GPS acquire 
  procedure. If the problem persists, see your dealer.
 2009  Ridgeline   
Page 102 of 149
102Navigation System
System Limitations
Although your navigation system is one  
of the most highly sophisticated pieces 
of equipment you will find in a modern 
automobile, you may find during its use 
that it has certain limitations. 
The system uses signals from the Global  
Positioning System (GPS) to aid in 
determining its current location. The 
GPS is operated by the U.S.
Department of Defense. For security 
reasons, there are certain inaccuracies 
built into the GPS that the navigation 
system must constantly compensate for. 
This can cause occasional positioning 
errors of up to several hundred feet.
For example, in urban areas where 
streets are close together, this could 
cause the system to show that you are 
traveling on a street that parallels the 
street you are actually on. The system 
will, under most circumstances, correct 
itself while you drive. Depending on your current view of the 
sky and the position of the satellites, the 
elevation may be shown incorrectly. 
You may also notice some delay of the 
vehicle position icon at intersections; 
this is normal.
GPS Reception Issues
The signals received from the GPS 
satellites are extremely weak (less than 
a millionth of the strength of a local FM 
station) and requir
e an unobstructed 
view of the sky. The  signal can easily be 
interrupted or interfered with by the 
following: 
 Aftermarket metallic window tint  above or to the sides of the GPS  
antenna (located under the 
dashboard)
 Cell phones, PDAs, or other  electronic devices docked in a cradle 
or lying loose on the dashboard
 Radar detectors mounted on the  dashboard
 Remote starters, or “hidden” vehicle  tracking systems mounted near the 
navigation unit  Other aftermarket audio electronic 
devices mounted near the navigation 
unit
 Trees, tall buildings, freeway  overpasses, tunnels, or overhead 
electrical power wires
Although the system will direct you to 
your desired destination, it may not 
always generate what you consider to be 
the most direct rout e. Try changing the 
method of routing. See  Changing the 
Routing Method  on page47. You may 
also have Unverified Area Routing set 
to OFF. See  Unverified Area Routing  on 
page86. 
Additionally, the mapping database  
contains verified and unverified maps. 
See  Map Overview  on page6. A 
Disclaimer  screen will warn you if your 
route includes unverified streets.
Unverified streets may be missing from 
the map, in the wrong location, or have 
an incorrect name or address range.
Exercise addition al caution when 
driving in these unverified areas.
 2009  Ridgeline   
Page 103 of 149
Navigation System103
System Limitations
The destination icon shows the  
approximate location of the destination.
This occurs because a city block can 
have as many as 100 possible addresses 
(for example, the 1400 block is followed 
by the 1500 block). Since most cities 
use only a portion of the 100 possible 
addresses (for example, in the 1400 
block, the addresses may only go up to 
1425 before the 1500 block starts), the 
address 1425 will be shown a quarter of 
the way down the block by the system 
instead of at the end of the block where 
the destination is actually located. 
You may find that the system  
occasionally reboots. This is indicated 
by the display returning to the  globe 
screen. A reboot can be caused by a 
number of things, such as extreme 
temperatures or shock from bumpy 
roads. It does not necessarily indicate a 
problem that requires service. If this 
happens frequently, please see your 
dealer.
 2009  Ridgeline   
Page 104 of 149
104Navigation System
Database Limitations
You will find that some points of  
interest (POI) may be missing when you 
search the database. This can be caused 
if at the time the database was gathered, 
the name was misspelled, the place was 
improperly categorized, or the POI 
change is not yet in the database. This 
means you may not find places listed 
that you know exist. This is also true for 
police agencies and hospitals. In 
outlying areas, facilities listed may not 
be the closest. Always check with local 
information sources if you need law 
enforcement or hospital services.
Every effort has been made to verify 
that the system’s database was accurate 
at the time it was created. However, 
businesses do close or relocate, and new 
businesses start in the old locations. For 
this reason, you may occasionally find 
inaccurate information when you select 
and drive to a point of interest (for 
example, a restaurant is now a jewelry 
store). The number of these inaccuracies 
increases the longer you go without an 
update. The digitized map database reflects 
conditions as they existed at various 
points in time before production. 
Accordingly, your
 DVD may contain 
inaccurate or inco mplete data or 
information due to the passage of time, 
road construction, ch anging conditions, 
or other causes. 
Due to ongoing software and database  
improvements, navigation disc versions 
may change in the middle of a 
production year.  The version shipped 
with your vehicle was the most recent 
available at the time of production and 
is considered standard equipment for 
that vehicle.  There is no free program to 
retrofit early production vehicles with 
the latest disc. For DVD ordering 
information, see page107. In addition, this database does not 
include, analyze, proc
ess, consider, or 
reflect any of the following categories 
of information: 
 Neighborhood quality or safety 
 Population density 
 Availability or proximity of law  enforcement
 Emergency, rescue, medical, or other  assistance
 Construction work,  zones, or hazards
 Road and lane closures
 Legal restrictions (such as vehicular  type, weight, load, height, and speed  
restrictions)
 Road slope or grade 
 Bridge height, width, weight, or other  limits
 Road traffic, safety, or conditions
 Weather conditions 
 Special events
 Pavement characteristics or conditions
 2009  Ridgeline   
Page 105 of 149
Navigation System105
Database Limitations
 Traffic congestion 
 Travel time 
We assume no liability for any incident  
that may result from an error in the 
program, or from changed conditions 
not noted above.Copyrights
 infoUSA-Data: Certain business data 
provided by infoUSA, Inc., Omaha, 
Nebraska, Copyright © 2007, All 
Rights Reserved.
 EXIT-Data: © ZENRIN CO., LTD.  2007. All Rights Reserved.
 ZAGAT SURVEY: Copyright ©  [2007] Zagat Survey, LLC. All rights 
reserved.
 2009  Ridgeline   
Page 106 of 149
106Navigation System
Customer Assistance
Reporting Errors
Occasionally, you may encounter  
database errors. 
 If the error pertains to freeways and main “verified” roads shown in black  
on the map, then report it either 
online at
http://update.navteq.com/ , or to 
Honda Customer Service.
 If the error involves a light brown  “unverified” road, then do not report 
it. These areas have not been verified, 
and are provided for reference only 
(see  Map Overview  on page6).
 For errors in points of interest (POI),  like a business that has changed its 
name, do not report them. Keep in 
mind that depending on when the data 
was collected and when your DVD 
was purchased, the database can be 
out of date. The business may have 
not reported the change(s), or not be 
in the database at all. Update 
Navigation DVDs are available for 
purchase, usually in the fall of each 
year.  If the error does not involve the 
database, such as vehicle position 
icon errors, screen error messages, or 
other GPS-related errors, see 
Frequently Asked Questions  on 
page124,  System Limitations  on 
page102, or  Troubleshooting  on 
page131.
Honda Automobile  
Customer Service
Telephone: (800) 999-1009 
Fax: (310) 783-3273 
Mail: 
Honda Navi
America Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Customer Service
MS 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
 2009  Ridgeline   
Page 107 of 149
Navigation System107
Customer Assistance
Visiting Your Dealer
We strive to make this manual as  
complete as possible and to answer all 
questions regarding operation of the 
system. Occasionally, you may run into 
a specific issue that you cannot find in 
the book. You may save yourself a trip 
to the dealer by fi rst consulting the 
following resources: 
 The Troubleshooting section (see  page131).
 The Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQs) section (see page124).
 The FAQs found on the online DVD  order site (see “Obtaining a DVD”).
 For detailed questions regarding  audio or other systems that interact  
with the navigation system, see the 
main vehicle Owner’s manual or the 
Quick Start Guide.  Call Honda Customer Relations (see 
“Honda Automobile Customer 
Service” on page106).
 For database or PO I issues, follow the 
guidelines in the “Reporting Errors” 
section (see page106).
If your question is still unanswered and 
you wish to visit the dealer, please be 
prepared to demonstrate the issue to the 
service advisor. This way, the service 
advisor can document the issue for the 
factory to allow more efficient 
troubleshooting. 
Some issues may at first seem random,  
but you may notice a pattern. For 
example, they only occur when you 
enter a specific address, or when driving 
on a certain road, or just when it is cold. 
This information is very useful to the 
service advisor. Be patient, the service 
advisor may be unfamiliar with your 
specific issue.
Obtaining a Navigation  
Update DVD
Honda is continually expanding the  
scope of the navigation system. 
Upgraded software may be made 
available to navigation system owners 
periodically, usually in the fall of each 
year.
To purchase an updated DVD or a 
replacement DVD, call the Honda 
Navigation Disc Fulfillment Center at 
(888) 291-4675. You can also order 
online by going to 
www.hondanavi.com.
NOTE: 
 DVDs are not available at your  dealer. However, the dealer may  
order a DVD for you as a courtesy. 
There is no program for free DVD 
updates.
 The DVD order line staff cannot  answer technical questions regarding 
navigation operation, coverage, or 
POIs.
 Purchasing used discs from alternate  sources or online auctions may cause 
operational problems since they are 
likely to be incompatible with your 
current software.
 2009  Ridgeline   
Page 108 of 149
108Navigation System
Customer Assistance
Changing the DVD
NOTE: 
The system’s database is stored on a  
removable DVD. The system will not 
work without the DVD. Ensure the door 
remains closed at all times. 
1. Locate the control unit. It is under the driver’s seat.
2. Remove the DVD wh ile the ignition 
switch is in the ACCESSORY (I)  
position or in the ON (II) position.
3. Push the  OPEN button. An error 
message will be displayed on the 
screen. This is normal. 4. Push the Eject button. The DVD will 
automatically come out.
5. Pull the DVD straig ht out. Hold the 
DVD by the edges. Fingerprints, 
scratches, or other contamination on 
the playing surface can make the 
DVD unreadable.
To install the DVD, make sure the white 
label is facing up. Slide the DVD into 
the slot. The DVD is automatically 
pulled into the control unit. Make sure 
you close the door. NOTE: 
 The system will not play movies or 
other video/audio discs.
 Never “sneak preview” a newer  white labeled DVD in the system  
unless you plan to keep it. The system 
cannot automatically revert to a prior 
version DVD. If you must revert to a 
previous version DVD after loading a 
newer version, see your dealer for 
assistance.
 Please keep the door to the  navigation control unit closed at all 
times.
PC Card
A PC card is not supplied. The PC card 
slot is for factory use only. This slot 
cannot be used to play audio files.
PC card slot
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Page 109 of 149
Navigation System109
Coverage Areas
Map Coverage
The system provides map coverage for  
the following 48 U.S. states, Hawaii, 
and southern Canada. The U.S. map 
coverage consists of accurately mapped 
(verified) metropolitan areas (in the 
following list) and a less accurate 
(unverified) rural database. Canada 
coverage consists of major metropolitan 
areas and major roads connecting the 
metropolitan areas within about 100 
miles north of the U.S. border. If you 
need additional northern Canada 
coverage, you may purchase the gray 
Canadian DVD (see Obtaining a 
Navigation Update DVD  on page107). 
See Map Overview  on page6 for a 
discussion of map coverage. 
The cities and metropolitan areas in the  
following list are fully mapped. Only 
major streets, roads, and freeways have 
been verified outside these areas. If your 
route passes through these areas, routing 
may be limited, depending on your 
routing choices. See  Unverified Area 
Routing  on page86. If you desire additional map coverage 
information, contact Honda Customer 
Services or go to 
www.hondanavi.com.
U.S. Detailed Coverage Areas
Alabama
Birmingham/Tuscaloosa
Huntsville
Mobile
Montgomery
Arizona Phoenix Metro
Sedona
Tucson
Yuma
Arkansas Fayetteville
Fort Smith
Hot Springs
Little Rock
California Central Valley - including Fresno, Merced, Modesto, and Stockton
Humboldt
Los Angeles/San Diego Metro
Mammoth Lakes
Sacramento Metro San Francisco Bay 
(approximately 
Monterey to Sonoma) – including 
Monterey County and Hollister
Southern California Area -  including 
Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo
Yuba
Colorado Denver/Boulder/Colorado Springs/ Ski Resorts Metro area –  including 
Ft. Collins
Grand Junction
Connecticut Bridgeport
Danbury
Hartford Metro
New Haven Metro
Norwalk
Stamford
Delaware Entire state –  including Dover, 
Wilmington Metro area, New 
Castle County
 2009  Ridgeline   
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110Navigation System
Coverage Areas
FloridaCape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach/Titusville
Florida Keys 
Fort Myers Metro area –  including 
Naples
Fort Pierce
Gainesville
Jacksonville Metro –  including St. 
Johns County
Miami/Fort Lauderdale/West Palm  Beach Metro
Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne  area –  including Osceola County
Panama City
Pensacola
Tallahassee
Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg Metro –  including Pasco and Manatee 
Counties
Vero Beach
Georgia Athens
Atlanta Metro
Augusta/Aiken Metro
Columbus
Macon Hawaii (all cities for the following  
islands)
Hawaii 
Kauai
Lanai
Maui
Molokai
Oahu
Idaho Boise
Sun Valley Ski Resorts
Illinois Bloomington-Normal
Carbondale
Champaign
Charleston
Chicago Metro (to Wisconsin border) – including Lake County, IN and 
Dekalb County, IL
East St. Louis Metro
Galesburg
Moline
Peoria
Quincy
Rock Island
Rockford
Springfield
Urbana-Danville Indiana
Bloomington
Evansville
Fort Wayne
Gary/Hammond Metro
Indianapolis Metro
Kokomo Metro
Muncie
Northwest Indiana
South Bend/Elkhart/Goshen
Iowa Cedar Rapids
Davenport
Des Moines
Iowa City
Waterloo-Cedar Falls
Kansas Kansas City/Leavenworth Metro
Topeka
Wichita
Kentucky Lexington
Louisville
 2009  Ridgeline