check transmission fluid HONDA RIDGELINE 2021 Owner's Manual (in English)

392
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover 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 or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under 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 select a shift button 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 electric
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system
goes into a protective mode, and limits its
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down,
the EPS system is restor ed. 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 select
( N while driving as you will lose engine
braking (and accelera tion) 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)
after purchasing your new vehicle or replacing the
brake pads or rotors, to allow for proper break-in.

487
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 488
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 489
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 490
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 491
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .... 496
Opening the Hood ........................... 497
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 498
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 499
Oil Check ......................................... 500
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 501
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...502 Engine Coolant ................................ 504
Transmission Fluid ............................ 506
Brake Fluid ....................................... 507
Refilling Window Wa
sher Fluid......... 507
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 508Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 514
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 516
Tire and Loading Information Label ... 517
Tire Labeling .................................... 517
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .... 519Wear Indicators................................ 521 Tire Service Life ................................ 521
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 522
Tire Rotation .................................... 523
Winter Tires ..................................... 524
Battery ............................................... 525
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 527
Climate Control System Maintenance.......528CleaningInterior Care .................................... 529
Exterior Care.................................... 531
Accessories and Modifications ........ 535

494
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the maintenance message in the
multi-information display, replace the brake fluid
every 3 years.
•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 581.
*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 lines (Including ABS/VSA ®)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
temperatures. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder
TM. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
*5: 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).
*6: 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
TM. 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
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *6
* Not available on all models

506
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.
Do not attempt to check or change th e automatic transmission fluid yourself.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher with
other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fl uid other than Honda
ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher may adversely affect the
operation and durability of your vehicle’s
transmission, and da mage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher is
not covered by Honda’s new vehicle limited warranty.

559
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 pr oblem with the EPS system.
■What to do when the 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 (red) and ABS indicator
come on simultaneously , the electronic brake
distribution system is not wo rking. This 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

589
Index
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 394
Cross Traffic Monitor ............................... 477
Cup Holders .............................................. 179
Customer Service Information ................ 585
Customized Features ............................... 298
D
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 153
Dead Battery ............................................ 552
Defaulting All the Settings ...................... 322
Defogger/Heated Door Mirror ................ 159
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ................................................. 196
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ............... 577
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 149
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 164
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................ 500
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) ............. 148
Display Button .......................................... 212
Door Mirrors ............................................. 165
Doors ........................................................ 117
Auto Door Locking.................................. 130
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 130
Door Open Message ........................... 36, 96
Key ......................................................... 117
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside................................ 16, 127
Locking/Unlocking the Doors
from the Outside................................... 120 Lockout Prevention System ...................... 126
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 519
Driving ....................................................... 363
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ................ 438
Automatic Transmission ........................... 394
Braking .................................................... 468
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............... 383
Shifting ................................................... 395
Starting the Engine .................................. 385
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle ..................................................... 392
Driving Position Memory System ............. 161
Dust and Pollen Filter ............................... 528
E
Eco Assist® System ...................................... 12
ECON Button ............................................. 403
ECON Mode Indicator ................................ 92
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator ............................................ 85, 559
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 412
Emergency ................................................ 568
Emergency Trunk Opener ........................ 135
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ....... 579
Engine Coolant ................................................... 504
If the Battery Is Dead ............................... 552
Oil ........................................................... 499
Remote Engine Start ................................ 387
Starting ................................................... 385 Engine Compartment Cover
.................... 498
Engine Coolant ......................................... 504
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 505
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 504
Overheating ............................................ 555
Temperature Gauge ................................ 110
Engine Oil ................................................. 499
Adding .................................................... 501
Checking................................................. 500
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 491
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 79, 557
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 499
ENGINE START/STOP Button .................... 145
EPS (Electric Power Steering) System
Indicator............................................ 85, 559
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .................................. 74
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 531
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 165
F
Features.................................................... 203
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 528
Oil ........................................................... 502
Flat Tire ..................................................... 539
Floor Mats ................................................. 530
Fluids Automatic Transmission .......................... 506
Brake ...................................................... 507

592
Index
Turn Signals ............................................. 148
Load Limits ................................................ 367
Locking/Unlocking .................................... 117
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .................. 130
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 129
From Inside .............................................. 127
From Outside ........................................... 120
Key .......................................................... 117
Using a Key ............................................. 126
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 126
Low Battery Charge .................................. 557
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 82
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 79, 557
Low Tire Pressure Indicator ........................ 85
Lower Anchors ............................................ 64
Lubricant Specifications Chart ................. 575
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) .............. 367
Lumbar Support ........................................ 166
M
M (sequential mode) Indicator/Sequential
Mode Gear Selection Indicator ................ 80
Maintenance ............................................. 487
Battery..................................................... 525
Brake Fluid............................................... 507
Cleaning .................................................. 529
Climate Control System ........................... 528
Coolant ................................................... 504
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 491
Oil ........................................................... 500 Precautions ............................................. 488
Radiator .................................................. 505
Remote Transmitter ................................. 527
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 508
Safety...................................................... 489
Service Items ........................................... 494
Tires ........................................................ 516
Transmission Fluid ................................... 506
Under the Hood ...................................... 496
Wiper Blades ........................................... 514
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 79, 558
Map Lights ................................................ 176
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 367
Meters, Gauges ......................................... 110
Mirrors ...................................................... 164
Adjusting ................................................ 164
Door ....................................................... 165
Exterior ................................................... 165
Interior Rearview ..................................... 164
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 535
Moonroof ................................................. 143
MP3 ........................................................... 256
MP3/WMA/AAC ........................................ 256
Multi-Information Display ....................... 111
Multi-View Rear Camera .......................... 481
N
Numbers (Identification).......................... 576
O
Odometer................................................. 112
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............. 383
Oil (Engine) .............................................. 499
Adding ................................................... 501
Checking ................................................ 500
Displaying Oil Life ................................... 491
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 79, 557
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 499
Viscosity.................................................. 499
Open Source Licenses .............................. 297
Opening/Closing Hood ...................................................... 497
Moonroof ............................................... 143
Power Windows...................................... 139
Tailgate................................................... 132
Trunk ...................................................... 133
Outside Temperature Display ................. 113
Overheating ............................................. 555
P
Paddle Shifters (Sequential Mode) ... 22, 402
Pandora® ................................................. 254
Panic Mode ............................................... 138
Parking ..................................................... 472
Parking Brake ........................................... 468
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator ........................................... 78, 559
Parking Sensor System ............................. 473
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator ................. 56

594
Index
Spare Tire.......................................... 539, 575
Spark Plugs ................................................ 574
Specifications ............................................ 574
Specified Fuel .................................... 483, 574
Speedometer ............................................. 110
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................. 47
Starting Assist Brake Function ................. 411
Starting the Engine .................................. 385
Does Not Start ......................................... 549
If the Battery Is Dead ............................... 552
Remote Engine Start ................................ 387
Steering Wheel ......................................... 163
Adjusting ................................................. 163
Heater ..................................................... 187
Stopping .................................................... 472
Summer Tires ............................................ 524
Sunglasses Holder ..................................... 181
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ........ 47
Indicator .................................................... 82
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ......... 6, 7, 145
SYNC Mode ............................................... 198
System Message Indicator .......................... 87
T
Tachometer............................................... 110
Tailgate ..................................................... 131
Unable to Unlock ..................................... 570
Temperature
Gauge ..................................................... 110 Outside Temperature Display ................... 113
Temperature Gauge ................................. 110
Temperature Sensor ......................... 113, 201
Tie-down Anchors .................................... 193
Time (Setting) ........................................... 116
Tire Fill Assist .................................... 416, 560
Tires ........................................................... 516
Air Pressure ..................................... 517, 575
Checking and Maintaining ...................... 516
Inspection ............................................... 516
Labeling .................................................. 517
Puncture (Flat Tire) .................................. 539
Regulations ............................................. 519
Rotation .................................................. 523
Spare Tire ........................................ 539, 575
Summer .................................................. 524
Tire Chains .............................................. 524
Wear Indicators ....................................... 521
Winter..................................................... 524
Tools .......................................................... 538
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 372
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 375
Load Limits .............................................. 372
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 382
Emergency .............................................. 568
TPMS with Tire Fill Assist ......................... 416
Indicator............................................ 85, 560
Tire Fill Assist ........................................... 560
Trailer Stability Assist ............................... 380
Transmission ............................... 21, 394, 395
Automatic ................................. 21, 394, 395 Fluid ....................................................... 506
Number .................................................. 576
Sequential Mode..................................... 401
Shift Position Indicator ...................... 80, 397
Transmission System Indicator ................. 561
Trip Meter ................................................ 113
Troubleshooting ...................................... 537
Blown Fuse ..................... 562, 564, 565, 566
Brake Pedal Vibrates ................................. 27
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door ......... 28
Emergency Towing ................................. 568
Engine Won’t Start ................................. 549
Noise When Braking ................................. 28
Overheating ............................................ 555
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 539
Rear Door Won’t Open ..................... 27, 129
Warning Indicators.................................... 78
Truck Bed Audio ...................................... 277
Trunk ........................................................ 133
Lid .......................................................... 133
Main Switch............................................ 134
Turn Signals .............................................. 148
Indicators (Instru ment Panel) ..................... 85
Turn-by-Turn Directions .......................... 114U
Unlocking the Doors................................ 120
Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside ................................. 16, 127
USB Flash Drives ............................... 256, 282