tires HONDA RIDGELINE 2008 1.G User Guide

This indicator comes on and stays on
if there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system.
If this happens, the system will shut
of f and no longer monitor tire
pressures. Have the system checked
by your dealer as soon as possible.
If the low tire pressure indicator or
TPMS indicator comes on, the VSA
system automatically turns on even
when the VSA system is turned of f
by pressing the VSA OFF switch
(see page ). If this happens, you
cannot turn the VSA system of f by
pressing the VSA of f switch again.
When you restart the vehicle with
thecompactsparetire,theTPMS
indicator may also come on and stay
on.
Although your tire pressure is
monitored, you must manually check
thetirepressuresmonthly.
Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and
set to the recommended inf lation
pressure as specif ied in the vehicle
placard and this owner’s manual (see
page ).
The appropriate tire indicator and
low tire pressure indicator comes on
if a tire becomes signif icantly
underinf lated. See
on page .
For example, if you check and f ill
your tires in a warm area, then drive
in extremely cold weather, the tire
pressure will be lower than
measured and could be underinf lated
and cause the low tire pressure
indicator to come on. Or, if you
check and adjust your tire pressure
in cooler conditions, and drive into
extremely hot conditions, the tire
maybecomeoverinflated.However,
the low tire pressure indicator will
not come on if the tires are
overinf lated.
Refer to page for tire inflation
guidelines.
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208
268
216
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (T PMS) Indicator
T ire Pressure Monitor Low Tire
Pressure Indicator
Driving
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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.
If you have a f lat tire, the low tire
pressure and tire monitor indicators
will come on. Replace the indicated
flat tire with the compact spare tire
(see page ).
Each wheel is equipped with a tire
pressure sensor mounted inside the
tire behind the valve stem. You must
use TPMS specif ic wheels. It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by your dealer or
a qualif ied technician.
After you replace the flat tire with
the spare, the TPMS indicator stays
on.Thisisnormal;thesystemisnot
monitoring the spare tire pressure.
Manually check the spare tire
pressure to be sure it is correct. The low tire pressure indicator or
the TPMS indicator will go of f when
you replace the spare tire with the
specif ied regular tire equipped with
the tire pressure monitor sensor.
Never use a puncture-repairing agent
in a f lat tire. If used, you will have to
replace the tire pressure sensor.
Havetheflattirerepairedbyyour
dealer as soon as possible.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Changing a T ire with T PMS
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In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
This switch is above the parking
brake release handle. Press it to turn
the VSA system on and of f .
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
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VSA Of f Switch VSA and Tire Sizes
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
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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. 271
282
277
Saf et y Chains
Sway Cont rolTrailer Mirrors Spare Tires
Towing a Trailer
Driving
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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.
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inf lated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
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. Towing perf ormance can be
af f ected by high altitude, high
temperature, or when climbing
steep grades. Theref ore, premium
f uel (premium unleaded gasoline
with pump octane number of 91 or
higher) is recommended when
towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590
kg).
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
CONT INUED
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Break-In Period
Towing a Trailer
Driving
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Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the lef t. Turn
the wheel to the right to move the
trailer to the right.
Do not park on an incline unless it is
unavoidable. If you must park on an
incline, f ollow the steps below to
help prevent the vehicle and trailer
f rom rolling and possibly injuring
someone.Turn the f ront wheels toward the
curb on a downhill, and away f rom
the curb on an uphill.
With the f oot brake f ully pressed,
have someone place wheel chocks
on the downhill side of the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
Firmly apply the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
putting pressure on the parking
mechanism in the transmission. It
also makes it easier to move the
shif t lever out of Park when you
want to drive away.
When parking on level ground,
f ollow all normal precautions (see
page ) including putting the
transmission in Park, and f irmly
setting the parking brake. If the vehicle’s tires slip when
retrieving a boat f rom the water,
shif t to f irst gear, and turn on VTM-4
lock (see page ). Disengage
VTM-4 lock as soon as the boat is
out of the water to prevent damage
to the VTM-4 system.
1.
2.
3.
211 206
bottom
Backing Up
Parking Ret rieving a Boat
Towing a Trailer
Driving
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Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving of f -highway can be
hazardous if you f ail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.
To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to f ollow all precautions and
recommendations.
Be sure to store cargo properly
and do not exceed your cargo load
limits (see page and ).
Be aware that a heavy load can
reduce ground clearance and your
ability to clear obstacles.
Whenever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions allow.
It’s up to you to continually assess
the situation and drive within the
limits. 191217
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember
Important Saf ety Precautions
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving
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The banks and surf ace under the
water provide good traction. The
water may hide hazards such as
rocks, holes, or mud.
Bef ore driving through water, stop,
get out if necessary, and make sure
that:
If you decide it is saf e to drive
through water, choose a suitable
speed, and proceed without shif ting,
changing speeds, stopping, or
shutting of f the engine.
Do not try to cross water at high
speeds, as this may cause severe
damage to the cooling system or
result in loss of control.
After driving through water, test
your brakes. If they got wet, gently
‘‘pump’’ them while driving slowly
until they operate normally.
If the water is deeper than the wheel
hubs, some additional service may
be required. This service is not
covered by your warranties.
The water is not f lowing too f ast.
Deep rushing water can sweep you
downstream. Even very shallow
rushingwatercanwashthe
ground f rom under your tires and
cause you to lose traction and
possibly roll over.
The banks are sloped so you can
drive out.
The water is not deep enough to
cover your wheel hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe. You could stall and
not be able to restart your engine.
The water can also damage
important vehicle components. If you get stuck, and cannot get
unstuck with the VTM-4 system,
engage the VTM-4 Lock (see page
), and carefully try to go in the
direction (f orward or reverse) that
you think will get you unstuck. Do
notspinthetiresathighspeeds.It
will not help you get out and may
cause damage to the transmission or
VTM-4 system.
If you are still unable to f ree yourself ,
your vehicle is equipped with f ront
and rear tow hooks designed f or this
purpose (see page ). 299
206
CONT INUED
If You Get Stuck
Crossing a Stream
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .238
....................
Maintenance Minder .239
..............................
Fluid Locations .247
........................
Adding Engine Oil .248
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .249
..............................
Engine Coolant .251
....................
Windshield Washers .252
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .253
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .254
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid .255
....................................
Brake Fluid .255
....................
Power Steering Fluid .256
....................................
Timing Belt .256
.............................................
Lights .257
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .263
.....................................
Floor Mats .263
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .264
.................................
Wiper Blades .264
...........................................
Wheels .266
...............................................
Tires .266
...................
Checking the Battery .272
.............................
Vehicle Storage .274
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Maintenance
Maint enance
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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
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253 184
255
267
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maint enance
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