towing HONDA RIDGELINE 2010 1.G Owners Manual

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Maintenance Minder
324
Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Symbol
Symbol
A
B 12 3 4 5 6
If the message, ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ or ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear
more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil
every year.
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Independent of the maintenance messages in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
323
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every
60,000 miles (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada).
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
:
NOTE : :
Maintenance Minder
Table of Contents

µµTheheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items on the
pickup bed or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or other qualif ied technician.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance minder schedule.
Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (U.S.) or every 100,000 km
(Canada) if you regularly drive your
vehicleinanyof thefollowing
conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently towing a trailer. Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Timing Belt
Timing Belt, Lights
336
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
Table of Contents

ÎÎ
CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 254
..................................
Emergencies . 359
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 370
...........
Brake System Indicator . 376
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 361
.....
Charging System Indicator . 374
..................
Checking the Fuses . 378
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 374
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 375
..................
Overheated Engine . 372
............................
Stuck Vehicle . 383
.......................................
Towing . 383
.........................
Emergency Brake . 132
.......................
Emissions Controls . 397
........................
Emissions Testing . 400 Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 76
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 63, 375
.................
Oil Lif e Display . 313, 317
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 63, 374
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 326
...............................
Overheating . 372
............................
Specif ications . 389
............................
Speed Limiter . 275
.......................................
Starting . 270
.................
Engine, if it won’t start . 369
Evaporative Emissions Control
........................................
System . 397
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 55
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System . 398
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by . 18
..........................
Fan, Interior . 147, 154
.........................................
Features . 145
...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 97
.................................
Dead Battery . 370
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 406
......
Def rosting the Windows . 150, 155
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear . 333
....................................
Dimensions . 388
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 95
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 331
..................................
Engine Oil . 253
..........................
Directional Signals . 95
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 288
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 328
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor . 11
Doors
Locking and
..............
Unlocking . 103, 104, 107
..................
Lockout Prevention . 103
....................
Power Door Locks . 103
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 390
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5 ...........................................
Driving . 267
....................................
Economy . 254
...................................................
D3 . 273
Dual-Action Tailgate
...............................
Indicator . 11, 115
...................................
Operation . 113
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 345
Index
E
F
D
INDEX
III

Î
Î
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CONT INUED
........................................
Sun Visor . 140
........................
Sunglasses Holder . 138
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) ......................................
Servicing . 32
.........................
SRS Indicator . 30, 64
...................
System Components . 23
..................................
Synthetic Oil . 327
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the . 359
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 390
.....................................
Tachometer . 76
Tailgate, Dual-Action
...............................
Indicator . 11, 115
...................................
Operation . 113
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 340
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 359
Technical Descriptions
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 390
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 397
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter . 399
.......................
Temperature Gauge . 76
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 21
............................
Thef t Protection . 206
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 399 ....................................
Timing Belt . 336
....................................
Tire Chains . 354
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 361
.................................
Tire Labeling . 392
Tire Pressure Monitoring
....................
System (TPMS) . 278
Low Tire Pressure ...........................
Indicator . 72, 278
Required Federal ............................
Explanation . 394
.............
Tire Pressure Monitor . 279
....
TPMS Indicator . 72, 73, 279, 281
...............................................
Tires . 348
..............................
Air Pressure . 350
.........................
Checking Wear . 350
..........................
Compact Spare . 360
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 390
......................................
Inf lation . 349
..................................
Inspection . 350
..............................
Maintenance . 351
...................................
Replacing . 352
......................................
Rotating . 351
...........................................
Snow . 353
....................
Specif ications . 353, 389
................................
Tire Chains . 354
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 361 Towing
.....................................
A Trailer . 296
................
Emergency Wrecker . 383
.................................
Equipment . 301
....
Equipment and Accessories . 297
.............................
Weight Limit . 293
.........................
Trailer Loading . 295
.................
Trailer Towing Tips . 303
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid . 333
Transmission
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 331
...........................
Fluid Selection . 332
..............
Identif ication Number . 387
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 271
.....................................
Treadwear . 390
.................................
Trip Meter . 79, 84
................................
Trunk, In-Bed . 116
....................................
Turn Signals . 95
Index
U
T
INDEX
IX

ÎÎ
........................
Unleaded Gasoline . 248
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 328
............
WARNING, Explanation of . iii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 56
..................
Warranty Coverages . 405
Washer, Windshield
........
Checking the Fluid Level . 330
............................
Level Indicator . 67
.....................................
Operation . 94
...........................................
Wheels . 348
...............
Adjusting the Steering . 99
......................................
Wrench . 364
Windows ................
Operating the Power . 128
Windshield ...........................
Def roster . 148, 155
.......................................
Washers . 94
...
Wiper Zone, Heated . 95, 150, 156
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades . 346
.....................................
Operation . 94
....................................
Worn Tires . 350
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 383 .....................................
XM
Radio . 167
................................
Vanity Mirror . 140
.........
Vehicle Capacity Load . 260, 388
......................
Vehicle Dimensions . 388
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 386
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability ....
Control (ESC), System . 291
...
VSA Activation Indicator . 71, 291
.........................
VSA Of f Switch . 292
........
VSA System Indicator . 70, 291
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 357
.....................................
Ventilation . 149
.................................................
VIN . 386
..................................
Viscosity, Oil . 326
Variable Torque Management
4-wheel drive system
...............................
(VTM-4
) . 276
..................................
VTM-4 Lock . 276 :U.S.only
Index
X
V W
X

If it comes on while driving, it
indicates that one or more of your
vehicle’s tires are signif icantly low
on pressure.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If this happens, pull to the side of the
road when it is saf e, check which tire
has lost the pressure on the tire
pressure monitor, and determine the
cause. If it is because of a f lat tire,
replace the flat tire with the compact
spare (see page ), and have the
f lat tire repaired as soon as possible.
If two or more tires are underinf lated,
call a prof essional towing service
(see page ). Ref er to page
f or more inf ormation. This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
This indicator has two f unctions:
Check the tire pressure monitor
on the multi-information display
and determine the cause (see page ).
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display (see
page ).
If it comes on while driving, it
indicates that one or more of your
vehicle’s tires are signif icantly low
on pressure.
1.
383
278
28291
361
On models without navigation system
On models with navigation system
Low Tire Pressure
IndicatorLow Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
72
Table of Contents

If this indicator comes on and stays
on at any other time, or if it does not
come on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, there
is a problem with the TPMS. With
this indicator on, the low tire
pressure indicator and the tire
pressure monitor will not come on
when a tire loses pressure. Take the
vehicle to your dealer to have the
system checked.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If this happens, pull to the side of the
road when it is saf e, check which tire
has lost pressure on the multi-
inf ormation display, and determine
the cause. If it is because of a flat tire,
have the flat tire repaired as soon as
possible. If two or more tires are
underinf lated, call a prof essional
towing service. For more
inf ormation, see page . If this indicator begins to f lash,
there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system
(TPMS). You will also see a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display. The indicator continues to
f lash f or a while (approximately 1
minute), then stays on. If this
happens, have your dealer check
the system as soon as possible.
For more inf ormation, see page
.
2.
383 284
On models without navigation system
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (T PMS) Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols
73
Table of Contents

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not tow a trailer.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
We recommended using a quality
gasoline containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.Some gasoline today is blended with
oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on oxygenated gasoline
containing up to 10% ethanol by
volume and up to 15% MTBE by
volume. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
Premium f uel is recommended when
towing in certain conditions (see
page ).
For f urther important f uel-related
inf ormation f or your vehicle, or
inf ormation on gasoline that does not
contain MMT, visit Owner Link at
. In Canada, visit
f or additional
inf ormation on gasoline. 303
owners.honda.com
www.honda.ca
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
248
Table of Contents

The maximum load f or your vehicle
is:Steps f or Determining Correct Load
Limit:
Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
These f igures include the total
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
Label Example 1. 2. 3.
On vehicles without moonroof
On vehicles with moonroof
L oad L imits (Payload)
Carrying Cargo
260
1,520 lbs (690 kg)
1,470 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 thismanual.
Table of Contents

µ·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). Both are on a label on
the driver’s doorjamb.
The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
f ive 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.
(1,400 750 (5 150) = 650 lbs.)
Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not saf ely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load f rom 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
your vehicle.
5. 6. Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
4.
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
261
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs)
Max Load (1,520 lbs)
Max Load (1,520 lbs)
Max Load (1,520 lbs) Cargo Weight
(1,220 lbs)
Cargo Weight
(920 lbs)
Cargo Weight
(770 lbs)
Table of Contents