HONDA RIDGELINE 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with
non-Honda components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
af f ect the handling, stability, and
reliability.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer f or assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer. Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
saf ety systems could make the
systems inef f ective. Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
256
12/08/09 16:33:13 31SJC670_263
Bef ore Driving

The pickup bed on your vehicle
allows you to carry heavy and large
cargo. You can also store items in
theIn-BedTrunkandonaroof-rack
(if equipped).
Your vehicle also has these
convenient storage areas inside:Glove box
Front door and seat-back pockets
Fold-up rear seat with under-seat
storage
Console compartment
Pockets on the dashboard
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can af f ect
your vehicle’s handling, stability,
stopping distance, and tires, and
make it unsaf e. Bef ore carrying any
type of cargo, be sure to read the
f ollowing pages.
Carrying Cargo
257
DASHBOARD
POCKETS
PICKUP BED
SEAT-BACK POCKETS IN-BED TRUNK
GLOVE BOX DOOR POCKET
CONSOLE COMPARTMENTS FOLD-UP REAR SEAT WITH UNDER-SEAT STORAGE
12/08/09 16:33:21 31SJC670_264
Bef ore Driving

The maximum load for your
vehicle is:Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit:
Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
These f igures include the total
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
Label Example See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb. 1.
2.
3.
RT,RTS,DX,VP,CanadianSport
models, and Touring model withoutmoonroof
RTL, U.S. Sport models, and Touringmodel with moonroof
L oad L imits (Payload)
Carrying Cargo
258
1,470 lbs (670 kg) 1,520 lbs (690 kg) Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.
12/08/09 16:33:31 31SJC670_265
Bef ore Driving

µ·
The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs.
(1,400 750 (5 150) = 650 lbs.)
Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not saf ely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load f rom your trailer will
be transf erred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load
must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). Both are on a label on
the driver’s doorjamb.
5.
6. 4.
Example 3 Example 2
Example 1
Carrying Cargo
259
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs)
(68kgx2=136kg)Cargo Weight
(1,220 lbs)
(554 kg)
Max Load (1,520 lbs)
(690 kg)
Max Load (1,520 lbs) (690 kg)
Max Load (1,520 lbs) (690 kg) Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs)
(68kgx4=272kg)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs)
(68kgx5=340kg)
Cargo Weight
(770 lbs)
(350 kg) Cargo Weight
(920 lbs)
(418 kg)
12/08/09 16:33:43 31SJC670_266
Bef ore Driving

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor in the In-Bed Trunk, placing
the heaviest items on the bottom
and as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
during a crash or sudden stop.
Make sure the In-Bed Trunk lid is
closed securely bef ore driving.
Be sure the total weight of the
items in the In-Bed Trunk does not
exceed 300 lbs (136 kg).
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
underneath and interf ere with the
proper operation of the seats, the
sensors under the seats, or the
driver’s ability to operate the
pedals.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop. If youfoldtherearseatsup,tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. Also, keep all cargo
below the bottom of the windows.
If it is higher, it could interf ere
with the proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the cargo area with the
rear seats f olded up, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
If you carry any items on a roof
rack,besurethetotalweightof
the rack and the items does not
exceed 110 lbs (50 kg).
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Carrying Cargo in the In-Bed
T runk or on a Roof Rack
Carrying Cargo
260
12/08/09 16:33:51 31SJC670_267
Bef ore Driving

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.
8
258
CONT INUED
Carrying Cargo in the Pickup Bed
Carrying Cargo
261
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.
12/08/09 16:33:59 31SJC670_268
Bef ore Driving

You can also support motorcycles on
the pickup bed floor with the cleats.
The f loor panel of the pickup bed is
designed to hold motorcycle tires. Be
sure to tighten motorcycles securely,
with an approved tie-down or
motorcycle strap, according to the
motorcycle maker’s instructions.
They are used to secure cargo on the
pickup bed and to install a cargo net
f or securing items. Do not use any
other parts of the pickup bed to
secure cargo or nets. When carrying motorcycles or any
other cargo, do not spill any oil or
f luid on the pickup bed. A spilled
liquid may damage the pickup bed.
Your vehicle has eight tie down
cleats on the pickup bed. Tie Down Cleats
Carrying Cargo
262
TIE DOWN CLEAT
Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading cargo on the
vehicle can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously
injured or killed.
Load the cargo carefully before
starting to drive. Never let passengers ride in the
pickup bed, in the In-Bed Trunk
space, or on the bed rails. This
could cause very serious
injuries or death. No one should
ride in any position on your
vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
12/08/09 16:34:06 31SJC670_269
Bef ore Driving

The cargo net can be used to hold
lightweight items in the pickup bed.
Secure all items properly. The net
may not prevent heavy items f rom
beingthrownoutwardinacrashora
sudden stop.The cargo cover can be used to
cover the cargo area on the
pickup bed.
Your vehicle’s pickup bed has a rust
resistant surf ace. To repair small
chips and scratches in the bed, a
repair kit is available f rom your
dealer. More extensive damage
should be repaired by your dealer.
To avoid problems with the bed
surf ace and the In-Bed Trunk lid, do
not use spray-in bed liner products.
Optional Cargo Net
Optional Cargo Cover
Pickup Bed Repair
Carrying Cargo
263
12/08/09 16:34:12 31SJC670_270
Bef ore Driving

264
12/08/09 16:34:13 31SJC670_271

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the Variable Torque
Management
4-wheel drive
(VTM-4
) system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA
), aka
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
system, the tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS), and f acts you need
if you are planning to tow a trailer or
drive of f -highway. ........................
Driving Guidelines .266
........................
Preparing to Drive .267
.......................
Starting the Engine .268
..............
Automatic Transmission . 269
Variable Torque Management
...........
4WD (VTM-4) System . 274
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ......................................
(TPMS) .276
...........................................
Parking .284
.............................
Braking System .286
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) . 287
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability Control .......................
(ESC), System .288
.................
Towing Weight Limits . 291
..........
Towing Weight Guidelines . 293
...........................
Towing a Trailer .294
Of f -Highway Driving ..................................
Guidelines .304
Driving
265
12/08/09 16:34:17 31SJC670_272