check transmission fluid HONDA RIDGELINE 2012 1.G Owners Manual

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
the model), and instructions for
simple maintenance tasks you may
want to take care of yourself.U.S. Vehicles:
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 . 314
.................
Maintenance Minder . 315
..............................
Fluid Locations . 327
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 328
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter . 329
..............................
Engine Coolant . 331
....................
Windshield Washers . 332
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 333
....................................
Brake Fluid . 335
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 336
....................................
Timing Belt . 337
.............................................
Lights . 337
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 345
.....................................
Floor Mats . 346
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 346
.................................
Wiper Blades . 347
...........................................
Wheels . 349
...............................................
Tires . 349
...................
Checking the Battery . 357
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 358
..................................
Interior Care . 359
409
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied

Î Î
Ì Ì
µµ
Î Ì
Maintenance Minder
326 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/VSA)
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
TM
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
NOTE : : :
325If 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

CONT INUED
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on the inf ormation
display or multi-inf ormation display
(depending on the model). 1.
2.
Windshield Washers, A ut omat ic T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
333
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
Main MenuTable of Contents

Insert the dipstick all the way back
in the transmission.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug, then
add the f luid into the f ill hole to
bring it to the level between the
upper and lower marks on the
dipstick.
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.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. Always use Honda ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission f luid).
6.
5.
3. 4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
334
DIPSTICK UPPER MARKLOWER MARK
Use only Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission f luid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda ATF DW-1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
ATF DW-1 is not covered by the Honda
new vehicle warranty.
Main MenuTable of Contents

CONT INUED
Back Window.......................................
Indicator . 75
...........................
Operation . 128, 129
Battery
Charging System
...........................
Indicator . 63, 376
............................
Jump Starting . 372
..............................
Maintenance . 357
............................
Specif ications . 391 Bed Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 74
...................................
Operation . 144
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 247
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders . 137
........
HandsFreeLink. 221
..................................
Booster Seats . 52
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 291
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 248
...........................................
Fluid . 335
............
Bulb Replacement . 341, 342
.......................................
Parking . 132
.................
System Indicator . 65, 378
........................
Wear Indicators . 290
.............................
Braking System . 290
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 248
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 98
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 259
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) . 102
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 139
...........................
AC Power Outlet . 141
................
Active Head Restraints . 124
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 329
........
Adjusting the Steering wheel . 99
...........................
Advanced Airbags . 27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 23
..............
Air Conditioning System . 146
.................................
Usage . 147, 153
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) . 157
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 351
......................................
Antif reeze . 331
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 66, 289
...................................
Operation . 291
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 205
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock . 102
........................................
Armrests . 122
................
Audio System . 159, 167, 174
...
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 104 Automatic Heated Wiper
..............................
Zone . 95, 150, 156
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 210
..............
Automatic Transmission . 273
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 390
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 333
.......................................
Shif ting . 273
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 273
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 274
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 277
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack . 205Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
Main Menu

ÎÎ
CONT INUED
..........................
Fan, Interior . 147, 154
.........................................
Features . 145
...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iv
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 97
.................................
Dead Battery . 372
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 408
......
Def rosting the Windows . 148, 155
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear . 390
....................................
Dimensions . 390
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 95
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 333
..................................
Engine Oil . 255
..........................
Directional Signals . 95
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 290
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 330
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor . 11
Doors
Locking and ..............
Unlocking . 103, 104, 107
..................
Lockout Prevention . 103
....................
Power Door Locks . 103
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 392
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5 ...........................................
Driving . 269
....................................
Economy . 256
...................................................
D3 . 275
Dual-Action Tailgate
...............................
Indicator . 11, 115
...................................
Operation . 113
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 346
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 256
..................................
Emergencies . 361
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 372
...........
Brake System Indicator . 378
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 363
.....
Charging System Indicator . 376
..................
Checking the Fuses . 380
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 376
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 377
..................
Overheated Engine . 374
............................
Stuck Vehicle . 385
.......................................
Towing . 385
.........................
Emergency Brake . 132
.......................
Emissions Controls . 399
........................
Emissions Testing . 402 Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 76
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 63, 377
.................
Oil Lif e Display . 315, 319
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 63, 376
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 328
...............................
Overheating . 374
............................
Specif ications . 391
............................
Speed Limiter . 277
.......................................
Starting . 272
.................
Engine, if it won

....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 250
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen . 346
...............................................
Oil . 330
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 99
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 363
.....................................
Floor Mats . 346
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 333
..........................................
Brake . 335
..........................
Power Steering . 336
.......................
Rear Differential . 390
...................
Transf er Assembly . 391
..................
Windshield Washer . 332
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 . 250
...........................................
Gauge . 76 ................
Octane Requirement . 248
...............................
Oxygenated . 249
........................
Reserve Indicator . 68
........................
Tank, Filling the . 250
...............................
Fuel Economy . 256
Actual Mileage and EPA Fuel Economy Estimates .......................
Comparison . 256
......
Calculating Fuel Economy . 258
.............
Fuel Economy Factors . 257
........
Improving Fuel Economy . 257
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 380
....
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 337, 340
...........................
HandsFreeLink
. 221
..............................
HFL Buttons . 221
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 256
Gasoline
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 68
...........................................
Gauge . 76
................
Octane Requirement . 248
........................
Tank, Filling the . 250
................
Gas Station Procedures . 250
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 76
...............................................
Fuel . 76
...............................
Speedometer . 76 .................................
Tachometer . 76
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) . 296
GCWR (Gross Combined
.................
Weight Rating) . 296, 390
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 274
......................................
Glove Box . 138
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
.................
Weight Rating) . 296, 390
Index
G H
IV
Main Menu

Î
Î
Î
CONT INUED
........................................
Sun Visor . 140
........................
Sunglasses Holder . 138
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)
......................................
Servicing . 32
.........................
SRS Indicator . 30, 64
...................
System Components . 23
..................................
Synthetic Oil . 329
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the . 361
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 392
.....................................
Tachometer . 76
Tailgate, Dual-Action
...............................
Indicator . 11, 115
...................................
Operation . 113
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 341
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 361
Technical Descriptions
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 392
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 399
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter . 401
.......................
Temperature Gauge . 76
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 22
............................
Thef t Protection . 205
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 401 ....................................
Timing Belt . 337
....................................
Tire Chains . 355
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 363
.................................
Tire Labeling . 394
Tire Pressure Monitoring
....................
System (TPMS) . 280
Low Tire Pressure ..................
Indicator . 72, 280, 283
Required Federal
............................
Explanation . 396
.....
Tire Pressure Monitor . 281, 284
....
TPMS Indicator . 72, 73, 281, 283
...............................................
Tires . 349
..............................
Air Pressure . 351
.........................
Checking Wear . 351
..........................
Compact Spare . 362
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 392
......................................
Inf lation . 350
..................................
Inspection . 351
..............................
Maintenance . 352
...................................
Replacing . 353
......................................
Rotating . 352
...........................................
Snow . 354
....................
Specif ications . 354, 391
................................
Tire Chains . 355
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 363 Towing
.....................................
A Trailer . 298
................
Emergency Wrecker . 385
.................................
Equipment . 303
....
Equipment and Accessories . 299
.............................
Weight Limit . 295
.........................
Trailer Loading . 297
.................
Trailer Towing Tips . 305
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid . 391
Transmission
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 333
...........................
Fluid Selection . 334
..............
Identif ication Number . 389
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 273
.....................................
Treadwear . 392
.................................
Trip Meter . 79, 84
................................
Trunk, In-Bed . 116
....................................
Turn Signals . 95
Index
U
T
INDEX
IX
Main Menu