transmission HONDA RIDGELINE 2023 Workshop Manual

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 Remote 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.

uuCleaning uExterior Care
532
Maintenance
• Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.
• Fold in the door mirrors.
• For models equipped with automatic inte rmittent wipers, turn the wipers off.
• Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzl e and the vehicle body.
• Take particular care around the windows. St anding too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead,
use low pressure water and a mild detergent.
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
■Using an Automated Car Wash
■Using High Pressure Cleaners
■Applying Wax
1 Using an Automated Car Wash
When using an automated car wash that pulls the
vehicle through with a c onveyor, make sure the
transmission in
( N position.
2 If you want to keep the transmission in
(N
position [car wash mode] P. 399
1Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and st rong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe
away spills immediately.

537
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 538
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 539
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 549
If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak ...550
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 551
If the Battery Is Dead ....................... 552
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 555 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 557
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 557
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 558
If the Brake System I ndicator (Red) Comes
On .................................................559
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator Comes On ....................... 559
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks........................ 560 If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks
along with the Warning Message... 561
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 562
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 567
Emergency Towing ........................... 568
If You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door....569
If You Cannot Unlock the Tailgate ... 570
Refueling
Refueling From a Portable Fuel Container ................................... 571

539Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe plac e. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possib le to have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced.
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level, non-slippery surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Put the transmission into
(P.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights an d set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF.
1Changing a Flat Tire
Follow compact spare precautions:
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model. Do not use them with
another vehicle. Do not us e another type of compact
spare tire or wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairi ng agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.

551
uuEngine Does Not Start uEmergency Engine Stop
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, do either of the
following operations:
• Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for about two seconds.
• Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button three times.
The steering wheel will not lock. However, because turning off the engine disables
the power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it will
require significantly more physical effort an d time to steer and slow the vehicle. Use
both feet on the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle and stop immediately in a
safe place.
The transmission automa tically changes to
(P after the vehicle comes to a complete
stop.
Then, the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF.
Then press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice without depressing the brake
pedal to change the mode to VEHICLE OFF.
1 Emergency Engine Stop
Do not press the ENGINE START/STOP button while
driving unless it is absolute ly necessary for the engine
to be turned off.
If you press the ENGINE START/STOP button while
driving, the beeper sounds.
U.S. models
Canadian models

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

561
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning Message
Handling the Unexpected
If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along
with the Warning Message
■Reasons for the indicator to blink
The transmission is malfunctioning.
■What to do when the indicator blinks
• Immediately have your vehicle inspected by
a dealer.
• Put the transmission into
(N after starting
the engine.
u Check if the
(N position in the
instrument panel and the indicator on
the
(N button light/blink.
2 Starting the Engine P. 385
1If the Transmission System In dicator Blinks along with the
Warning Message
You may not be able to start the engine.
Make sure to set the pa rking brake when parking
your vehicle.
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow
your vehicle.
2 Emergency Towing P. 568

568
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
■Flatbed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoti ng arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency Towing
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.
NOTICE
Improper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.
All models
2WD models