power steering HONDA RIDGELINE 2009 1.G Owners Manual

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .60
............................
Instrument Panel .61
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators .62
.............................................
Gauges .76
..............
Multi-Inf ormation Display.82
Controls Near the Steering
...........................................
Wheel .93
........................
Multi-Control Lever .94
........................................
Headlights .95
...............
Headlight Control Dial .95
........................................
Fog Lights .97
........
Instrument Panel Brightness .98
.................
Hazard Warning Button .99
..........
Steering Wheel Adjustment .99
................................................
Keys .100
......................
Immobilizer System .101
..............................
Ignition Switch .102
....................................
Door Locks .103
............
Childproof Door Locks .104
Auto Door Locking/
..............................
Unlocking .104
.....................
Remote Transmitter .110
.....................
Dual-Action Tailgate .113
.............................
In-Bed Trunk .116
...............................................
Seats .119
..................................
Seat Heaters .126............................
Power Windows .128
.......................................
Moonroof .131
...............................
Parking Brake .132
...........................................
Mirrors .133
.........
Interior Convenience Items .135
.........................
Center Console .136
.......
Console Compartments .136
.........................
Cargo Hooks .137
.....................
Beverage Holders .137
..................................
Glove Box .138
................................
Coat Hooks .138
....................
Sunglasses Holder .138
........
Accessory Power Sockets .139
...................................
Sun Visor .140
............................
Vanity Mirror .140
........................
AC Power Outlet .141
...............................
Interior Lights .142
.....................................
Bed Lights .144
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols
59
TM
\f—\f—\fy

\fy
(\fy\f\fy
2009 Ridgeline

µµ
µ µ
The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III). You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, the shift lever must
be in Park, and you must push the
key in slightly.
If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may make it difficult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power sockets in this
position.
This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom the
ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II)
position. Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to the ON (II) position when
you let go of the key.
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or the
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
TheshiftlevermustbeinPark
bef ore you can remove the key f rom
the ignition switch.
LOCK (0)
A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II) ST A RT (III)
Ignition Switch
102
\f—\f—\fy
y
(\fy\f
\fy
2009 Ridgeline

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The emergency
brake assist system increases the
stopping f orce when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
288
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the inf ormation display or multi-
inf ormation display (depending on
models), and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .
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.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .312
....................
Maintenance Minder .313
..............................
Fluid Locations .325
........................
Adding Engine Oil .326
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .327
..............................
Engine Coolant .329
....................
Windshield Washers .330
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .331
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .333
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid .333
....................................
Brake Fluid .334
....................
Power Steering Fluid .335
....................................
Timing Belt .336
.............................................
Lights .336
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .344
.....................................
Floor Mats .345
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .345
.................................
Wiper Blades .346
...........................................
Wheels .348
...............................................
Tires .348
...................
Checking the Battery .356
.............................
Vehicle Storage .357
407
Maintenance
Maint enance
311
\f—\f—\fy\fy
(\fy\f
y
2009 Ridgeline

Î
ÎÌ Ì
µµ
Ì
Î
Maintenance Minder
324
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
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
Symbol
Symbol
A B 1
2
3
4
5
6
If the message, ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ or ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear
more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil
every year.
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Independent of the maintenance messages in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
323
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
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).
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 miles (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada).
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. 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).
:
NOTE : :
Maintenance Minder
\f—\f—\fy\fy
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline

Î
Î
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
325
: Under the gray coverRADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
POWER STEERING FLUID
(Red cap) AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
\f—\f—\fy\fy
(\fy\f\fy
2009 Ridgeline

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.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
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.
Power Steering Fluid
Maint enance
335
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—\fy\fy
(\fy\f\fy
2009 Ridgeline

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications .257
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) .102
............
Accessory Power Sockets .139
...........................
AC Power Outlet .141
................
Active Head Restraints .124
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .327
........
Adjusting the Steering wheel .99
...........................
Advanced Airbags .27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,23
..............
Air Conditioning System .146
.................................
Usage .147,153
Air Outlets ...............
(Vents) .148,151,155,156
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .350
......................................
Antif reeze .329
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66,289
...................................
Operation .289
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .204
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .102
........................................
Armrests .122
................
Audio System .159,167,173 ...
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .104
Automatic Heated Wiper
..............................
Zone .95,150,156
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .21
.............
Automatic Speed Control .207
..............
Automatic Transmission .271
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .388
...............
Checking Fluid Level .331
.......................................
Shif ting .271
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .271
................
Shif t Lever Positions .272
....................
Shif t Lock Release .275
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .203
Back Window .......................................
Indicator .75
...........................
Operation .128,129
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .63,374
............................
Jump Starting .370
..............................
Maintenance .356
............................
Specif ications .389Bed Lights
.......................................
Indicator .74
...................................
Operation .144
..............................
Bef ore Driving .247
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .137
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.217
..................................
Booster Seats .52
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .289
.............
Break-in, New Linings .248
...........................................
Fluid .334
............
Bulb Replacement .340,341
.......................................
Parking .132
.................
System Indicator .65,376
........................
Wear Indicators .288
.............................
Braking System .288
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .248
..
Brightness Control, Instruments .98
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
 — — y y
( y 
y
2009 Ridgeline

...............
Gas Mileage, Improving .254
Gasoline
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator .68
...........................................
Gauge .76
................
Octane Requirement .248
........................
Tank, Filling the .249
................
Gas Station Procedures .249
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .76
...............................................
Fuel .76
...............................
Speedometer .76.................................
Tachometer .76
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .294
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight .......................................
Rating) .294
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions .272
......................................
Glove Box .138
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .294
....
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .336,339
...........................
HandsFreeLink
.217
..............................
HFL Buttons .218
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers .99
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .249
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .345
...............................................
Oil .328
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .99
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .361
.....................................
Floor Mats .345
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission .331
..........................................
Brake .334
..........................
Power Steering .335
.......................
Rear Differential .333
...................
Transf er Assembly .333
..................
Windshield Washer .330
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .165
.................
Folding the Rear Seats .125
........................................
Fog Lights .97
..........................
Four-way Flashers .99
..............................
Front Seat .119,121
............................
Adjusting .119,121
.....................................
Airbags .9,25
.......................................
Heaters .126
.................................................
Fuel .248
......................
Fill Door and Cap .249
...........................................
Gauge .76................
Octane Requirement .248
...............................
Oxygenated .248
........................
Reserve Indicator .68
........................
Tank, Filling the .249
...............................
Fuel Economy .254
Actual Mileage and EPA Fuel Economy Estimates .......................
Comparison .254
......
Calculating Fuel Economy .256
.............
Fuel Economy Factors .255
........
Improving Fuel Economy .255
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .378
Index
G H
IV
\f—\f—\fy\f\f\fy
(\fy\f
y
2009 Ridgeline

................
Jacking Up the Vehicle .363
.......................................
Jack, Tire .363
................................
Jump Starting .370
................................................
Keys .100
.......................
Label, Certif ication .386
.................
Lane Change, Signaling .95
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .16,21
...........................
Light Control Dial .95Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .336
.......................................
Indicator .69
.......................................
Interior .142
.........................................
Parking .95
..................................
Turn Signal .95
............................
Load Limits .260,293
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .102
Locks
.....
Anti-thef t Steering Column .102
............................
Fuel Fill Door .249
..................................
Glove Box .138
.............................
In-Bed Trunk .116
..................
Lockout Prevention .103
...............................
Power Door .103
........................
Low Coolant Level .253
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .68
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .63,374
Lubricant Specif ications
..................................
Chart .388,389
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) .259 ..................................
Maintenance .311
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .323
................................
Minder .313-324
.........................
Minder Indicator .71
..........................................
Saf ety .312
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .63,375
............
Manual Seat Adjustments .119
...............................
Meters, Gauges .76
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .134
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle .258
.......................................
Moonroof .131
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display .82
............
Engine Oil Lif e Display .317
...........
Maintenance Items .321,324
...................
Neutral Gear Position .273
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .248
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .386
........................
Inf ormation Display .77
.........
Engine Oil Lif e Indicator .313
...........
Maintenance Items .316,324
.................................
Inside Mirror .133
.............................
Inspection, Tire .350
........................
Instrument Panel .4,93
........
Instrument Panel Brightness .98
...............................
Interior Lights .142
........................................
Introduction .i
Index
J
K
L M
N
VI
 — — y  
y
( y 
y
2009 Ridgeline