check transmission fluid HONDA RIDGELINE 2017 2.G Owners Manual

424
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher ro llover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than yo u would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Honda accessory).
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something un der the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1 Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not change the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performa nce. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE
OFF (LOCK) while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake pow er assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
( N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

503
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 504
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 505
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 506
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 507
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .... 511
Opening the Hood ........................... 512
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 513
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 514
Oil Check ......................................... 515
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 516
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...517 Engine Coolant ................................ 519
Transmission Fluid ............................ 521
Brake Fluid ....................................... 522
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 522
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 523Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 529
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 531
Tire and Loading Information Label ... 532
Tire Labeling .................................... 532
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .... 534Wear Indicators................................ 536 Tire Service Life ................................ 536
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 537
Tire Rotation .................................... 538
Winter Tires ..................................... 539
Battery ............................................... 540
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 541
Heating and Cooling System*/Climate
Control System* Maintenance............. 542Cleaning Interior Care .................................... 543
Exterior Care.................................... 545
Accessories and Modifications ........ 549
* Not available on all models

504
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.)
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 521
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 522
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 531
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 523
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 529
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and fede ral regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 509
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 595
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

509
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the maintenance message in the
multi-information display, replace the brake fluid
every 3 years.
•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.
Maintenance Minder MessageSystem Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If the message
Maintenance Due Now does not appear more than 12 months after the display
is reset, change the engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first column on page 593.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: 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).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and li nes (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4: 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).
*5: 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).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3
●Replace transmission fluid and transfer fluid*
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *5
* Not available on all models

521
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1. Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
u Perform step 3 after waiting for about
60 seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick from the transmission
and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely , as shown in the
image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
u It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission flui d other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely af fect the operation and
durability of your vehicl e’s transmission, and may
even damage it.
Any damage caused by usi ng a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda’s new vehicle warranty.
Pour the fluid slowly and ca refully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately, as they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
HOT
Range Upper
Mark
Lower
Mark

573
uuIndicator, Comin g On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Depress the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate acti on. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Electric Power Steeri ng (EPS) System Indicator
Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with the EPS system.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■What to do when th e indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle re paired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe plac e. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the elec tronic brake distribution
system is not working. Th is can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspecte d by a dealer immediately.
If both red and amber brake system indicators come
on, stop the vehicle in a safe place and have it
inspected by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada

598
Index
Automatic Transmission........................... 425
Creeping ................................................. 425
Fluid ........................................................ 521
Kickdown ................................................ 425
Shift Lever Does Not Move....................... 568
Shift Lever Operation ............................... 427
Shifting.................................................... 426
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 200
Average Fuel Economy ............................. 104
B
Battery....................................................... 540
Charging System Indicator ................. 73, 571
Jump Starting .......................................... 565
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 540
Maintenance (Replacing).......................... 541
Bed Lights .................................................. 184
Indicator .................................................... 88
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 33
Beverage Holders ...................................... 173
Blind spot information (BSI) System ........ 470
Indicator .................................................... 85
Bluetooth ® Audio ............................. 219, 274
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®............. 337, 362
Booster Seats (For Children) ....................... 67
Brake System ............................................. 474
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 476
Brake Assist System ................................. 477
Brake System Indicator............................... 72
Fluid ........................................................ 522 Foot Brake............................................... 475
Indicator............................................ 72, 573
Parking Brake .......................................... 474
Brake System Indicator (Amber) ................ 72
Brake System Indicator (Red) ..................... 72
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 155
Bulb Replacement .................................... 523
Brake/Taillight and Rear Side Marker
Light...................................................... 527
Daytime Running Light and Parking
Light...................................................... 525
Front Side Marker Light ........................... 525
Front Turn Signal/Parking and Fog Light...................................................... 526
Headlights ............................................... 523
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 528
Rear License Plate Light ........................... 528
Rear Turn Signal and Back-Up Light ......... 527
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light...................................................... 526
Bulb Specifications ................................... 586
C
Carbon Monoxide Gas ............................... 68
Cargo Hooks ............................................. 185
Carrying Cargo ......................... 397, 399, 402
CD Player ................................................... 259
Certification Label .................................... 588
Changing Bulbs ........................................ 523
Charging System Indicator ................. 73, 571Child Safety
................................................ 53
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 121
Emergency Trunk Opener........................ 130
Child Seat ................................................... 53
Booster Seats ............................................ 67
Child Seat for Infants ................................ 55
Child Seat for Small Children .................... 56
Installing a Child Seat wi th a Lap/Shoulder Seat
Belt ......................................................... 61
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat ........................................................ 58
Larger Children ......................................... 66
Rear-facing Child Seat............................... 55
Selecting a Child Seat ............................... 57
Using a Tether .......................................... 63
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 121
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 545
Cleaning the Interior ............................... 543
Climate Control System ........................... 186
Changing the Mode................................ 186
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 187
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 542
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 187
Sensors ................................................... 192
Synchronized Mode ................................ 189
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 186
Clock ......................................................... 108
Coat Hook ................................................ 176

602
Index
L
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)......... 454
Indicator .................................................... 84
LaneWatch
TM............................................. 472
Language (HFL) ................................. 338, 364
LATCH (Child Seats) .............................. 58, 63
Lights ................................................. 144, 523
Automatic ............................................... 145
Bed.......................................................... 184
Bulb Replacement .................................... 523
Daytime Running Lights ........................... 148
High Beam Indicator .................................. 78
Interior .................................................... 169
Light Switches ......................................... 144
Lights On Indicator .................................... 79
Turn Signals ............................................. 143
Load Limits ................................................ 399
Locking/Unlocking .................................... 109
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .................. 122
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 121
From Inside .............................................. 119
From Outside ........................................... 112
Keys ........................................................ 109
Using a Key ............................................. 118
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 118
Low Battery Charge .................................. 571
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 75
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 73, 571
Low Tire Pressure Indicator ........................ 78
Lower Anchors ...................................... 58, 63
Lubricant Specifications Chart ................. 587Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)
............. 399
Lumbar Support ....................................... 161M
Maintenance............................................. 503
Battery .................................................... 540
Brake Fluid .............................................. 522
Cleaning ................................................. 543
Climate Control System ........................... 542
Coolant ................................................... 519
Heating and Cooling System ................... 542
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 507
Oil ........................................................... 515
Precautions ............................................. 504
Radiator .................................................. 520
Remote Transmitter ................................. 541
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 523
Safety...................................................... 505
Service Items ........................................... 509
Tires ........................................................ 531
Transmission Fluid ................................... 521
Under the Hood ...................................... 511
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 73, 572
Map Lights ................................................ 170
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 399
Meters, Gauges ......................................... 101
Mirrors ...................................................... 159
Adjusting ................................................ 159
Door ....................................................... 160
Exterior ................................................... 160 Interior Rearview ..................................... 159
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 549
Moonroof ................................................. 138
MP3 ........................................... 216, 259, 271
MP3/WMA/AAC ........................ 216, 259, 271
Multi-Information Display ....................... 102
Multi-View Rear Camera ......................... 496
N
Numbers (Identification)......................... 588
O
Odometer................................................. 103
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............. 416
Oil (Engine) .............................................. 514
Adding ................................................... 516
Checking ................................................ 515
Displaying Oil Life ................................... 507
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 73, 571
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 514
Viscosity.................................................. 514
Open Source Licenses .............................. 302
Opening/Closing Hood ...................................................... 512
Moonroof ............................................... 138
Power Windows...................................... 134
Tailgate................................................... 126
Trunk ...................................................... 128
Outside Temperature Display ................. 104

604
Index
Shift Lever................................... 20, 426, 427
Does Not Move........................................ 568
Operation .................................. 20, 426, 427
Releasing ................................................. 568
Shift Lever Position Indicator ..................... 74
Shifting (Transmission) ....................... 20, 426
Shoulder Anchor ......................................... 37
Side Airbags ................................................ 47
Side Curtain Airbags ................................... 49
Siri Eyes Free ............................................. 283
SiriusXM ® Radio ........................................ 251
Smart Entry System Indicator ..................... 81
Smart Entry with Push Button Start System ...................................................... 112
Snow Tires ................................................. 539
Song By Voice
TM (SBV) .............................. 265
Spare Tire .......................................... 553, 587
Spark Plugs ................................................ 586
Specifications ............................................ 586
Specified Fuel .................................... 498, 586
Speedometer ............................................. 101
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................. 43
Starting the Engine .................................. 418
Does Not Start ......................................... 562
Jump Starting .......................................... 565
Remote Engine Start ................................ 420
Steering Wheel ......................................... 158
Adjusting ................................................. 158
Heater ..................................................... 178
Stopping .................................................... 487
Summer Tires ............................................ 539 Sunglasses Holder
..................................... 177
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ........ 43
Indicator.................................................... 75
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ........ 4, 5, 140
SYNC Mode ............................................... 189
System Message Indicator .......................... 80
T
Tachometer............................................... 101
Tailgate ..................................................... 126
Temperature
Gauge ..................................................... 101
Outside Temperature Display ................... 104
Temperature Gauge ................................. 101
Temperature Sensor ......................... 104, 192
Tie-down Anchors .................................... 184
Time (Setting) ........................................... 108
Tire Fill Assist .................................... 466, 574
Tires ........................................................... 531
Air Pressure ..................................... 532, 587
Checking and Maintaining ...................... 531
Inspection ............................................... 531
Labeling .................................................. 532
Puncture (Flat Tire) .................................. 553
Regulations ............................................. 534
Rotation .................................................. 538
Spare Tire ........................................ 553, 587
Summer .................................................. 539
Tire Chains .............................................. 539 Wear Indicators....................................... 536
Winter .................................................... 539
Tools ......................................................... 552
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 404
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 408
Load Limits ............................................. 404
Towing Your Vehicle ............................... 415
Emergency .............................................. 580
TPMS with Tire Fill Assist ......................... 466
Indicator ........................................... 78, 574
Tire Fill Assist .......................................... 574
Trailer Stability Assist ............................... 413
Transmission ............................... 20, 425, 426
Automatic....................................... 425, 426
Fluid ....................................................... 521
Number .................................................. 588
Shift Lever Position Indicator ..................... 74
Transmission Indicator............................... 74
Trip Meter ................................................ 104
Troubleshooting ...................................... 551
Blown Fuse ............................. 575, 577, 578
Brake Pedal Vibrates ................................. 24
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door ......... 25
Emergency Towing ................................. 580
Engine Won’t Start ................................. 562
Noise When Braking ................................. 25
Overheating ............................................ 569
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 553
Rear Door Won’t Open ..................... 25, 121
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 568
Warning Indicators.................................... 72