engine HONDA RIDGELINE 2018 (in English) Manual PDF

478
uuWhen Driving uAgile Handling Assist
Driving
Agile Handling Assist
Lightly brakes each of the front and rear wheels, as needed, when you turn the
steering wheel, and helps support the vehi cle’s stability and performance during
cornering.1 Agile Handling Assist
The agile handling assist cannot enhance stability in
all driving situations. You still need to drive and
corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and
always leave a sufficient margin of safety.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, the agile handling assist does not
activate.
You may hear a sound coming from the engine
compartment while the agile handling assist is
activated. This is normal.

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

489
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force 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.
2 Brake Assist System P. 491
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 490
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous me tallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by
high frequency vibr ation of the brake pads against
the rotating brake disc.
Constantly using the brak e pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pe dal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also conf use drivers behind you.

490
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you w ill need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
ABS may activate when you depress the brake pedal when driving on:
• Wet or snow covered roads.
• Roads paved with stone.
• Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.
When the vehicle speed goes unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
The following may be observed with the ABS system:
•Motor sounds coming from the engine
compartment when the brakes are applied, or
when system checks are being performed after the
engine has been started and while vehicle is
accelerates.
•Brake pedal and/or the ve hicle body vibration when
ABS activates.
These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS
systems and are no cause for concern.

Continued495
uuBraking uCollision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM)*
Driving
Press this button until the beeper sounds to
switch the system on or off.
When the CMBS
TM is off:
• The CMBSTM indicator in the instrument
panel comes on.
• A message on the multi-information display
reminds you that the system is off.
The CMBS
TM is in the previously selected ON or
OFF setting each time you start the engine.
■CMBSTM On and Off1 Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM)*
The CMBSTM may automatically shut off, and the
CMBSTM indicator will come and stay on under certain
conditions:
2 CMBS
TM Conditions and Limitations P. 496
* 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.

512
Driving
Refueling
Fuel Information
■Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.
■Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additive s in gasoline vary in the market, Honda
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Deterg ent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard join tly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the need s of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent a dditives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related informat ion for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit www.hondacars.com. In Canada, visit
www.honda.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more information on top
tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com .
■Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 US gal (73.8 ℓ)
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number 87 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICE
We recommend quality ga soline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly reco mmend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, a nd cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your inst rument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gaso line containing methanol.
If you notice any undesira ble operating symptoms, try
another service station or sw itch to another brand of
gasoline.

513
uuRefueling uHow to Refuel
Continued
Driving
How to Refuel
Your fuel tank is not equipped with a fuel filler cap. You can insert the filler nozzle
directly into the filler neck. The tank seals itself again when you pull out the filler
nozzle. 1.Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the
rear.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Press the fuel fill door release button.
u The fuel fill door opens.1How to Refuel
NOTICE
The fuel filler opening is designed to accept only
service station filler nozzles for refueling. Use of
smaller diamet er tubes (e.g., those used to siphon
fuel for other uses) or other non-service station
devices can damage the area in and around the filler
opening.
The filler nozzle automatically stops to leave space in
the fuel tank so that fuel does not overflow as a result
of changes in air temperature.
3WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
• Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks,
and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
Press

515
Driving
Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions
Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO2
Emissions
Achieving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions is dependent on several
factors, including driving conditions, load weight, idling time, driving habits, and
vehicle condition. Depending on these and other factors, you may not achieve the
rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
multi-information display.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.
■Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO2 Emissions
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/
Miles driven Gallons of
fuel Miles per
Gallon
100 LiterKilometers L per 100 km

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