tow HONDA RIDGELINE 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

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
235
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Use a nylon strap to attach your
vehicle to the recovery vehicle, and
caref ully take out the slack in the
strap. Once the strap is tight, the
recovery vehicle should apply f orce.
Remember that the recovery vehicle
needs good traction to avoid
becoming stuck, too.
You should never use a jack to try to
get unstuck. Your vehicle could
easily slip of f the jack and hurt you
or someone else.You may saf ely tow a trailer of f -road
if you f ollow these guidelines:
Do not exceed the trailer weight
or tongue limits (see page ).
Stay on smooth, level dirt roads,
and avoid driving in hilly terrain.
Allow extra room f or starting,
stopping, and turning.
Slow down if you encounter bumps
or other obstacles. 219
Towing a Trailer Off-Road
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
236
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Î
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Maintenance Minder
246
: 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)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Maintenance Sub Items
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
2
3
4
5
Symbol
A
B
Symbol 1
2 Symbol
6
1
1
If the message ‘‘SERVICE dUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .Independent of the maintenance messages in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
244
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).
Driving in mountainous terrain at very low vehicle speeds,
towing a trailer, or driving when fully loaded results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This requires
transmission and transfer fluid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder.
If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have
the transmission and transfer fluid changed every 30,000 miles
(48,000 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 mile (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada)
Driving in mountainous terrain at very low vehicle speeds,
towing a trailer, or driving when fully loaded causes more
mechanical (shear) stress and fluid deterioration. 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).
Maintenance Minder
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The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance minder schedule.
Replace the belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your vehicle in one or
more of these conditions:
Remove the cover, then check the
level on the side of the reservoir
when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark, and put the
cover back in place. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Towing a trailer.
Timing Belt
Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
256
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
COVER
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
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Remove the license plate light
assembly by pulling it towards you,
and then pulling the f ront edge
upward.
Remove the socket f rom the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Push the socket into the light
assembly, and turn it clockwise
until it locks.Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the light assembly in the
bumper.
1.
2. 3.
4.5.
6.
Lights
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb
Maint enance
261
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CONT INUED
Disconnect the blade assembly
fromthewiperarmbypushingin
the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in
while you push the blade assembly
toward the base of the arm.Remove the blade f rom its holder
by grabbing the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull up f irmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal
reinf orcement along the back
edge, remove the metal
reinf orcement strips f rom the old
wiper blade, and install them in
the slots along the edge of the new
blade.
3. 4. 5.
Wiper Blades
Maint enance
265
LOCK TAB BLADE
BLADE
REINFORCEMENT
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If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician. Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
The navigation system will also
disableitself.Thenexttimeyouturn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN
bef ore it can be used. Ref er to the
navigation system manual.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself . The next
timeyouturnontheradioyouwill
see ‘‘CODE’’ in the f requency display.
Use the preset bars to enter the code
(see page ).
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the time,
see page .167
166
On vehicles with navigation system
On vehicles without navigation system
Checking the Battery
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Maint enance
273
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
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If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank. Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door,
In-Bed Trunk lid, and tailgate seals.
Also,applyavehiclebodywaxto
the painted surfaces that mate
with the door, In-Bed Trunk lid
and tailgate seals.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
Vehicle Storage
274
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .276
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .277
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .285
................................
Jump Starting .286
..............
If the Engine Overheats .288
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .290
..........
Charging System Indicator .290
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .291
...............
Brake System Indicator .292
..............................................
Fuses .293
..............................
Fuse Locations .296
......................
Emergency Towing .298
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .299
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
275
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Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park. Apply the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
it.
If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area to stop
that is far away from the traffic lanes.
If you tow a trailer f requently, we
recommend that you use a regular
tire as a spare. You can store the
regular size spare tire on the tire tray,
but store the tool kit at the side of
the In-Bed Trunk (see page ),
and secure it.
2.
1.
283
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
277
TOOL BOX SPARE TIRE
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
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