emergency towing HONDA RIDGELINE 2008 1.G Owners Manual

µµ
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.
\f—\f—y

\fy
(\fy\f
y
2008 Ridgeline

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
\f—\f—y


\fy
(\fy\f\fy
2008 Ridgeline

Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er toon page .
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page . Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
You cannot start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it.
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
Turn of f all electrical accessories:
heater, A/C, climate control, audio
system, lights, etc. Put the
transmission in Park, and set the
parking brake.
Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
1.
2.
200
293 298 Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing Jump Starting
If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
286
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
\f—\f—y

y
(\fy\f
y
2008 Ridgeline

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
4.
5.
6.
7. 8.9.
10.
11.
298
298
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
289
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
\f—\f—y

y
(\fy\fy
2008 Ridgeline

However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (seeon page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position, and as a reminder
to check the parking brake. It will
stay on if you do not f ully release the
parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. 298
255
Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
292
Canada
U.S.
\f—\f—y
\fy
(\fy\fy
2008 Ridgeline

If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with all f our wheels on the
ground, do the f ollowing:Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shif t to D f or several seconds,
then to N.
Turn of f the engine. With all f our wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required.
Emergency Towing
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
298
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the all f our wheels of f
the ground. The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
Towing your vehicle with two tires on
the ground will damage parts of the
4WD system. It should be transported
on a f lat-bed truck or trailer. Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.
\f—\f—y


y
(\fy\f\fy
2008 Ridgeline

ÎÎ
CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel .185
..................................
Emergencies .275
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .286
...........
Brake System Indicator .292
................
Changing a Flat Tire .277
.....
Charging System Indicator .290
..................
Checking the Fuses .293
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .79
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .290
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .291
..................
Overheated Engine .288
............................
Stuck Vehicle .299
.......................................
Towing .298
.........................
Emergency Brake .111
.......................
Emissions Controls .312
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .72
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .62,291
.........................
Oil Lif e Display .239
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .62,290 ..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .248
...............................
Overheating .288
............................
Specif ications .305
............................
Speed Limiter .205
.......................................
Starting .200
.................
Engine, if it won’t start .285
Evaporative Emissions Control
........................................
System .312
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System .313
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .16
................
Daytime Running Lights .78
.................................
Dead Battery .286
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .320
..............
Def rosting the Windows .129
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear .254
....................................
Dimensions .304
...............
Dimming the Headlights .76
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .253
..................................
Engine Oil .184
..........................
Directional Signals .76
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .212
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .250
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor .64
Doors
..
Locking and Unlocking .83,84,87
....................
Lockout Prevention .83
......................
Power Door Locks .83
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .306
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .197
....................................
Economy .185
...................................................
D3 .203
Dual-Action Tailgate
.................................
Indicator .64,95
.....................................
Operation .93 ..........
Dual Temperature Control .132
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .264
...................................
Fan, Interior .125
.........................................
Features .123
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .182
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .264
...............................................
Oil .250
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .79
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .277
Index
E
F
INDEX
III
 — —y
y
( y  y
2008 Ridgeline

ÎÎÎ
CONT INUED
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter .314
....................................
Timing Belt .256
....................................
Tire Chains .271
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .277
.................................
Tire Labeling .308
Tire Pressure Monitoring
....................
System (TPMS) .208
Low Tire Pressure
...........................
Indicator .68,208
Required Federal ............................
Explanation .310
.......
Tire Pressure Monitor .68,209
..................
TPMS Indicator .68,209
...............................................
Tires .267
..............................
Air Pressure .268
.........................
Checking Wear .268
..........................
Compact Spare .276
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .306
......................................
Inf lation .267
..................................
Inspection .268
..............................
Maintenance .269
...................................
Replacing .270
......................................
Rotating .269
...........................................
Snow .271
....................
Specif ications .271,305
................................
Tire Chains .271 ...................
Tools, Tire Changing .277
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .220
................
Emergency Wrecker .298
.................................
Equipment .225
....
Equipment and Accessories .221
.............................
Weight Limit .217
.........................
Trailer Loading .219
.................
Trailer Towing Tips .229
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid .255
Transmission
...............
Checking Fluid Level .253
...........................
Fluid Selection .254
..............
Identif ication Number .303
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .201
.....................................
Treadwear .306
.......................................
Trip Meter .71
..................................
Trunk, In-Bed .96
....................................
Turn Signals .76
Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .275
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading .306
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .180 .......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of .250
............
WARNING, Explanation of .iii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of .54
..................
Warranty Coverages .319 ................................
Vanity Mirror .119
.........
Vehicle Capacity Load .191,304
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .304
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number .302
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
....................................
System .215
........
VSA System Indicator .67,215
...
VSA Activation Indicator .67,215
.........................
VSA Of f Switch .216
.............................
Vehicle Storage .274
.....................................
Ventilation .127
.................................................
VIN .302
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .248
..................................
VTM-4 Lock .206
Index
W
V
U
INDEX
IX
 — —y
 y
( y y
2008 Ridgeline

Î
Î......................
XM Satellite Radio .144
Washer, Windshield
........
Checking the Fluid Level .252
............................
Level Indicator .65
.....................................
Operation .75
...........................................
Wheels .266
...............
Adjusting the Steering .79
......................................
Wrench .280
Windows ................
Operating the Power .107
Windshield ...................................
Def roster .127
.......................................
Washers .75
...........
Wiper Zone, Heated .76,129
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .264
.....................................
Operation .75
....................................
Worn Tires .268
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing .298
:U.S.only
Index
X
X
\f—\f—y

\fy
(\fy\fy
2008 Ridgeline