ECU HONDA RIDGELINE 2006 1.G Owner's Guide

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Your vehicle can carry a large
amount of cargo in the pickup bed.
However, the pickup bed is not
intended f or carrying passengers.
Peoplewhorideinthepickupbed
can be very seriously injured or
killed in a crash (see page ).
Make sure your cargo is properly
loaded and all items are secured so
they will not shif t or f all out while
driving.When loading cargo, make sure all
passengers or any objects are
clear of the tailgate bef ore
opening and closing it. The
tailgate should be closed securely
bef ore 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
183
Carrying Cargo
Carrying Cargo in the Pickup Bed
Bef ore Driving
185
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.
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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 rope or cord according to the
motorcycle maker’s instructions.
When carrying motorcycles, do not
spill any oil or f luid on the pickup
bed. A spilled liquid may damage the
pickup bed.
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.
Carrying Cargo
Tie Down Cleats
186
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.
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The cargo net can be used to hold
items in the pickup bed. Secure all
items properly. The net may not
prevent heavy items f rom being
thrown outward in a crash or a
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
187
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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.With heavy cargo on the pickup bed,
your vehicle has a higher center of
gravity. Drive slowly and cautiously,
and allow more time and distance f or
braking. Loading heavy cargo could
af f ect your vehicle’s handling and
perf ormance.
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
loaded and all items are secured so
they will not shif t while driving.
Do not modif y 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
of f 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. 219
Driving Guidelines
190
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Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that the tailgate is f ully
closed when it is not used as an
extended pickup bed.
Visually 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
f astened down securely. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and In-Bed
Trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators 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
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107
76
95 97
Preparing to Drive
Driving
191
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Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area in your vehicle or
the In-Bed Trunk, or take them
with you.
Lock the doors.
Check the indicator on the driver’s
door to verify that the security
system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission. Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is on an
incline.
On vehicles with security system
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thef ollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmf ul interf erence, and(2) this device must accept anyinterf erence received, includinginterf erence that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modif ications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the f ollowing twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterf erence, and (2) this device mustaccept any interf erence that may causeundesired operation of the device.
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Parking T ips
Parking
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Parking
Driving
201
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Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page
f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare
tire. 259
270
265
Towing a Trailer
Saf et y Chains
Sway Cont rolTrailer Mirrors Spare Tires
Driving
213
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The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inf lated.
When preparing to tow, and
bef ore driving away, be sure to
check the f ollowing:
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.Towing perf ormance can be
af f ected by high altitude, high
temperature, or when climbing
steep grades. Theref ore, premium
fuelisrecommendedwhentowing
more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg).
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inf lated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
You may want to fill the fuel tank
with premium f uel. Premium f uel
provides improved perf ormance.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
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Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Towing a Trailer
Break-In Period
Driving
215
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Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.Honda Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certif ication Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Install the engine oil
f ill cap, and tighten it securely. Wait
a f ew minutes, and recheck the oil
level (see page ). Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine. The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
178 Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
236
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
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Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Remove the dipstick, and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
1.
2. 3.
4.
Windshield Washers, A utomatic T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
241
DIPSTICKDIPSTICK
LOWER MARK UPPER MARK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
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