tailgate HONDA RIDGELINE 2009 1.G User Guide

Youcanopenthetailgatetwo
dif f erent ways:Drop it open by using the upper
handle.
Swingitopenbyusingtheright
lower handle.
To drop open the tailgate, pull up the
upper handle, then pull down the
tailgate. To close the tailgate, push
f irmly up until it latches.
Bef ore you open the tailgate a
dif f erent way (dropped open, and
then swung open), make sure it is
f ully closed.
Make sure all passengers and
objects are clear of the tailgate
bef ore opening and closing it, and
make sure the tailgate is closed
securely bef ore driving.
As a saf ety f eature, the upper handle
is disabled if you do not f ully close
the tailgate af ter it is swung open.
And the lower handle is disabled if
you do not f ully close the tailgate
af ter it is dropped open.
CONT INUED
To Drop Open the Tailgate
Dual-Action Tailgate
Inst rument s and Cont rols
113
NOTE:
UPPER HANDLE
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To swing open the tailgate, f irst
make sure it is f ully closed, then pull
up the right lower handle, and swing
the tailgate to the lef t.
To close, swing the tailgate back,
and push it f irmly until it is latched.
The dropped open tailgate can be
used as an extended pickup bed.
Make sure to secure the items in the
pickup bed, and do not exceed the
maximum allowable weight on the
tailgate(seepage).
To turn the bed lights on or off, use
the bed light switch on the
dashboard (see page ).
Bef ore opening or closing the
tailgate, check that passengers,
especially children, are not in the
tailgate’s path.
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144
T o Swing Open the T ailgate
Dual-Action Tailgate
114
HANDLESwinging the tailgate open or
closed while anyone is in its
path can cause serious injury.
Make sure all passengers are
clear of the tailgate’s path
before opening or closing it.
Do not drive with the tailgate swung
open. This could damage the tailgate.
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2009 Ridgeline

See page for information on
cargo loading and weight limits.
You can also store and lock items in
the In-Bed Trunk (see page ).
If you do not f asten the seat belt, you
f irst hear the seat belt reminder
alarm, then the tailgate reminder
beeper sounds.
The indicator does not monitor the
tailgate when it is dropped open.
Do not allow anyone to hang on the
swung open tailgate. This could
damage the tailgate.
Do not leave the tailgate swung open.
The tailgate may swing and shut
accidentally. This could cause
serious injuries.
Thebedlightscomeonwhenyou
swing open the tailgate. You can also
turn the bed lights on or off by
pushing the bed light switch on the
dashboard (see page ).
If the tailgate is swung open or not
closed tightly when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position, you
will hear six beeps and see the
indicator blinking. The indicator
stays on until you close the tailgate.
The beeper also sounds and the
indicator blinks when you move the
shif t lever out of the Park or neutral
position.
This indicator is in the door and
tailgate open monitor on the
instrument panel. It comes on when
the tailgate is swung open or it is not
completely closed. This indicator
worksevenif thekeyisnotinthe
ignition switch.
The tailgate open indicator appears
on the multi-information display (see
page ).
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144
259
116
On models without navigation system
On models with navigation system
Loading Cargo
T ailgat e Open Indicat or
Dual-Action Tailgate
Inst rument s and Cont rols
115
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To avoid damaging the key and key
cylinder of the In-Bed Trunk lid, do
notclosethetailgatewhenthekeyis
in the lid.As a saf ety f eature, your vehicle has
a release lever on the latch of the
In-Bed Trunk lid so it can be opened
f rom the inside. To open the In-Bed
Trunk, push the release lever in the
direction of the arrow.
Parents should decide if their
children should be shown how to use
this f eature. For more inf ormation
about child saf ety, see page .
To avoid damaging the seal on the
In-Bed Trunk lid, remove any debris
from the lid’s mating surface before
you close it.
To avoid damaging the bottom of the
In-Bed Trunk, do not drive over large
obstacles, and do not use it as a
jacking point to raise the vehicle.
To avoid damaging the In-Bed Trunk
lid, and to prevent items f rom being
thrown about the vehicle and
possibly hurting someone in an
accident or sudden stop, be sure the
In-Bed Trunk lid is securely closed
bef ore driving away. This indicator on the instrument
panel reminds you that the In-Bed
Trunk is open (see page ).75
38
Emergency Opener
In-Bed T runk Open
Indicator
In-Bed Trunk
Inst rument s and Cont rols
117
RELEASE LEVER
TM
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2009 Ridgeline

If you turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0)
without turning of f the bed lights,
the lights and the indicator will
remain on, then go of f af ter 20
minutes (see page ).
Your vehicle has bed lights in the
pickup bed: a light on each f ront
upper and rear bottom side. With the
shif t lever in the Park position, the
bed lights come on when you push
the bed light switch on the
dashboard, swing open the tailgate,
or open the In-Bed Trunk. The
indicator on the instrument panel
alsocomesontoremindyouthatthe
bed lights are on. To turn of f the lights, push the light
switch again, or close the tailgate
and the In-Bed Trunk.
When you move the shif t lever out of
the Park position, the bed lights go
of f and cannot be used. 74
Bed L ights
144
BED LIGHT SWITCH
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2009 Ridgeline

Once the security system is set,
opening any door (without using the
key or the remote transmitter), the
hood, or the In-Bed Trunk, will cause
it to alarm. It also alarms if the radio
and navigation components are
removed f rom the dashboard or the
wiring is cut.The security system will not set if
the hood, In-Bed Trunk, or any door
is not f ully closed. If the system will
not set, check the door and tailgate
open monitor and In-Bed Trunk open
indicator on the instrument panel
(see pages and ) to see if the
doors and In-Bed Trunk are f ully
closed. Since it is not part of the
monitor display, manually check the
hood.
Use the remote transmitter
to quickly check that the hood,
In-Bed Trunk, and all doors are
closed. Push the lock button twice
within 5 seconds. There should be an
audible conf irmation beep.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it.
The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables f rom thef t.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights, parking lights, license
plate lights, and taillights f lash if
someone attempts to break into your
vehicleorremovetheradio.This
alarm continues f or 2 minutes, then
the system resets. To reset an
activated system before the 2
minutes have elapsed, unlock the
driver’s door with the key or the
remote transmitter.
The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, hood, and the In-Bed Trunk.
For the system to activate, you must
lock the doors f rom the outside with
the key, driver’s lock tab, door lock
switch, or remote transmitter. The
security system indicator on the
instrument panel starts blinking
immediately to show you the system
is setting itself .
1175
If equipped
Security System
206
NOTE:SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
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2009 Ridgeline

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 and unloading cargo,
make sure all passengers or any
objects are clear of the tailgate
bef ore opening or 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.
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CONT INUED
Carrying Cargo in the Pickup Bed
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
263
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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2009 Ridgeline

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 ).
Check the seat adjustment (see
pages and ). When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the inf ormation
display or multi-inf ormation
display (depending on models)
(seepages,,,and
).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 8. 7.
9.
10.
11.
121 133
99
16
61 76 77
90
119
Preparing to Drive
Driving
269
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Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned-out bulb by
pulling it straight out of the socket.
Drop open the tailgate.
Remove the two bolts, and remove
the rear light assembly f rom the
rear pillar.
Determine which of the three
bulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal/hazard light,
or back-up light.
Install the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the lights to test the new
bulb.
Reinstall the inner f ender. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the f ront bumper.
Reinstall the holding clip, and push
in its head, then install the bolts
and tighten them securely.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Replacing Rear Bulbs
Lights
340
BULB
SOCKET
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2009 Ridgeline

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.
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, apply a vehicle body wax to
the painted surfaces that mate
with the door, In-Bed Trunk lid
and tailgate seals.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the time,
see page .
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 ).
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 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.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Fill the f uel tank.
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CONT INUED
On models without navigation system
On models with navigation systemVehicle Storage
Checking the Battery, Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
357
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2009 Ridgeline