transmission HONDA RIDGELINE 2018 (in English) User Guide

431
uuOff-Highway Driving Guidelines uAvoiding Trouble
Driving
Avoiding Trouble
• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all
scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
• Remember the route you choose presents limi ts (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your ve hicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.
• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start
or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover
or damage to your suspension or other components.
• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to
drive across a slope that is too steep. Goin g straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all cond itions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water
in your route (a small stream or large pu ddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the de pth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and di fferential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
• If You Get Stuck , carefully go in the direction that you think will get you
unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow ho oks are provided for this purpose.

438
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 while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functi ons 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.

439
uuWhen Driving uAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic Transmission
The engine runs at a higher id le speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator peda l while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unex pectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especi ally on slippery roads and curves.
■Creeping
■Kickdown
1Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover. 2 Important Handling Information P. 32
2 Precautions While Driving P. 438

441
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Driving
■Shift Lever Operation1Shift Lever Operation
NOTICE
When you change the shift lever from (D to ( R and
vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever be fore the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position befo re pulling away.
Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving,
a blinking transmission indicator indicates a
transmission problem.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut of f if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happe ns, you may experience a
slight jolt.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.Tachometer’s Red Zone
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal and press
the shift lever release button to shift.
Shift without pressing the shift lever
release button.
Press the shift lever release button
and shift.

479
uuWhen Driving ui-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management)-4 ® System*
Driving
i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management)-4 ®
System*
The Intelligent Variable Torque Management System (i-VTM4) is a full time all wheel
drive system that automatically controls and transfers varying amount of engine
torque to all wheels independently according to the driving conditions.
You still need to exercise the same care when accelerating, steering, and braking
that you would in a two wheel drive vehicle.
If the AWD light blinks while driving, it indicates the differential temperature is too
high. If this happens, pull to the side of the ro ad when it is safe, shift to park, an idle
the engine idle until the indi cator goes out. If the indicator does not go out, take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it checked.1 i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management)-4 ® System*
NOTICE
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause transmission or re ar differential damage.
The i-VTM4 system may not function properly if tire
type and size are mixed. Make sure to use the same
size and type of tire, and the air pressures as
specified. 2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 551
* Not available on all models

484
uuWhen Driving uBlind spot information (BSI) System*
Driving
Blind spot information (BSI) System*
Is designed to detect vehicles in specified alert zones adjacent to your vehicle,
particularly in harder to see area s commonly known as “blind spots.”
When the system detects vehi cles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes, the
appropriate indicator comes on for a few seconds, providing assistance when you
change lanes.
■How the system works
1 Blind spot inform ation (BSI) System*
Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, BSI has limitations. Over
reliance on BSI may result in a collision.
The system is for your convenience only. Even if an
object is within the alert zone, the following
situations may occur.
•The BSI alert indicator may not come on due to
obstruction (splashes, et c.) even without the Blind
Spot Info Not Available multi-information
display appearing.
•The BSI alert indicator may come on even with the
message appearing.
The BSI alert i ndicator may not come on under the
following conditions:
•A vehicle does not stay in the alert zone for more
than two seconds.
•A vehicle is parked in a side lane.•The speed difference betw een your vehicle and the
vehicle you are passing is gr eater than 6 mph (10 km/h).
•An object not detected by the radar sensors
approaches or passes your vehicle.
3WARNING
Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to
change lanes before doing so may result in
a crash and serious injury or death.
Do not rely only on the blind spot
information system wh en changing lanes.
Always look in your mirrors, to either side
of your vehicle, and behind you for other
vehicles before changing lanes.
Alert zone range
A: Approx. 1.6 ft. (0.5 m)
B: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m)
C: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m) Radar Sensors:
underneath the
rear bumper
corners
Alert ZoneA
B
C
●The transmission is in (D.●Your vehicle speed is
between 20 mph (32 km/h)
and 100 mph (160 km/h)
* Not available on all models

501
Driving
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped
1.Depress the brake pedal firmly.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Move the shift lever from
(D to (P.
4. Turn off the engine.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in pa rticular if you are parked on an incline.
1Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.
3WARNING
The vehicle can roll aw ay if left unattended
without confirming that Park is engaged.
A vehicle that rolls away could cause a crash
resulting in serious injury or death.
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal
until you have confirmed that
( P is shown
on the shift lever position Indicator.
1When Stopped
NOTICE
The following can dama ge the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.
•Changing into ( P before the vehicle stops
completely.
When facing uphill, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a fire
inside the vehicle.

uuParking Your Vehicle uCross Traffic Monitor*
508
Driving
An arrow icon appears on the side a vehicle is approaching on the audio/information
screen.
■When the System Detects a Vehicle1When the System Detects a Vehicle
If the on the lower right changes to when the
shift lever is in
(R, mud snow or ice may have
accumulated in the vicinity of the sensor. Check the
bumper corners for any obs tructions, and thoroughly
clean the area if necessary.
If the comes on when the transmission is in
( R,
there may be a problem with the Cross Traffic
Monitor system. Do not use the system and have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.
Wide View Normal View
Arrow IconTop Down View

517
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 518
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 519
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 520
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 521
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .... 525
Opening the Hood ........................... 526
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 527
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 528
Oil Check ......................................... 529
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 530
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...531 Engine Coolant ................................ 533
Transmission Fluid ............................ 535
Brake Fluid ....................................... 536
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 536
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 537Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 543
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 545
Tire and Loading Information Label ... 546
Tire Labeling .................................... 546
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .... 548Wear Indicators................................ 550 Tire Service Life ................................ 550
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 551
Tire Rotation .................................... 552
Winter Tires ..................................... 553
Battery ............................................... 554
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 555
Heating and Cooling System*/Climate
Control System* Maintenance............. 556Cleaning Interior Care .................................... 557
Exterior Care.................................... 559
Accessories and Modifications ........ 563
* Not available on all models

518
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. 535
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 536
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 545
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 537
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 543
■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. 523
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. 609
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