2006 HONDA RIDGELINE maintenance

This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II).
If itcomesonandstaysonatany
other time, or if it does not come on
when you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), there is a problem with the
VSA system. Take your vehicle to a
dealer to have it checked. Without
VSA, your vehicle still has normal
driving ability, but will not have VSA
traction and stability enhancement.
See page for more information
on the VSA system.This indicator has three f unctions:
Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II). For more
inf ormation, see page . This indicator reminds you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance. The
maintenance main items and sub
items will be displayed in the
inf ormation display. See page f or
more inf ormation on the
maintenance minder.
This indicator goes of f when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service.
1.
2.
3.
205 205
205 225
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
VSA A ctivation Indicator Maintenance Minder
Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
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To switch the information display
between the odometer, trip meter
and outside temperature (if
equipped), and engine oil lif e and
maintenance service items, press the
SELECT button repeatedly.
This shows the total distance your
vehicle has been driven. It measures
miles in U.S. models and kilometers
in Canadian models.
It is illegal under U.S. f ederal law and
Canadian provincial regulations to
disconnect, reset, or alter the
odometer with the intent to change
the number of miles or kilometers
indicated.
Gauges
Odometer
Inst rument s and Cont rols
67
SPEEDOMETER
TACHOMETER TEMPERATURE GAUGE
ODOMETER/
CHECK FUEL CAP
INDICATORFUEL GAUGE
SELECT
BUTTON
TRIP METER RESET
BUTTON
OUTSIDE
TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
U.S. model is shown. INFORMATION
DISPLAY
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If your f uel f ill cap is loose or
missing, a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’
message appears in the odometer
display af ter you start the engine.
The message goes f rom CHECK to
FUEL CAP repeatedly. You will also
hear a beep.
Turn the engine of f , and conf irm the
f uel f ill cap is installed. If it is, loosen
the cap, then retighten it at least 3
clicks. When you restart the engine,
the message appears again. To clear
the message, press and hold the
RESET button until the odometer
display returns.If the system still detects a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap, the malf unction
indicator lamp (MIL) comes on.
Turn the engine of f , and check or
retighten the f uel f ill cap at least 3
clicks. The MIL goes out af ter 3 days
of normal driving once the cap is
tightened or replaced. If it does not
go out, have your dealer inspect the
vehicle. For more inf ormation, see
page .
The inf ormation display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil lif e and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
inf ormation helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs f or continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more inf ormation.
279 225
Check Fuel Cap Indicator Maintenance Minder Display
Gauges
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Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time. Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not tow a trailer.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 86 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
We recommended using a quality
gasoline containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contactyour authorized dealer f or service.
Some gasoline today is blended with
oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on oxygenated gasoline
containing up to 10 percent ethanol
by volume and up to 15 percent
MTBE by volume. Do not use
gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
Premium f uel is recommended when
towing in certain conditions (see
page ).
For f urther important f uel-related
inf ormation, please ref er to your
.
215
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
Quick Start Guide
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
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Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert it all the way back in its hole. Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page . Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page .
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
1.
2.
3. 4.
236 239
231
Service Station Procedures
A dding Engine Oil Engine Coolant Check
Oil Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
178
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK MAX
MIN
RESERVE TANK
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Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
messages displayed in the
inf ormation display. See(see page
).
an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses more f uel.
The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside or on the
truck bed adds weight and rolling
resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your f uel mileage and
reduces the chance of corrosion.
Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear
possible. Try to maintain a constant speed.
Everytimeyouslowdownand
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
f uel. Use cruise control when
appropriate.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Usethefresh-air
ventilation when possible.
231
For example,
Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
179
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Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving of f -highway can be
hazardous if you f ail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.
To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to f ollow all precautions and
recommendations.
Be sure to store cargo properly,
and do not exceed your vehicle
cargo load limits (see pages and ).
Whenever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts. Be aware that a heavy load can
reduce ground clearance and your
ability to clear obstacles.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions allow.
It’s up to you to continually assess
the situation and drive within the
limits. 183 207
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember
Important Saf ety Precautions
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .224
....................
Maintenance Minder .225
....................
Maintenance Record .233
..............................
Fluid Locations .235
........................
Adding Engine Oil .236
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Changing the Oil and Filter .237
..............................
Engine Coolant .239
....................
Windshield Washers .240
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Automatic Transmission Fluid .241
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .242
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid .243
....................................
Brake Fluid .243
....................
Power Steering Fluid .244
....................................
Timing Belt .244
.............................................
Lights .245
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Cleaning the Seat Belts .251
.....................................
Floor Mats .252
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Dust and Pollen Filter .252
.................................
Wiper Blades .253
...............................................
Tires .255
...................
Checking the Battery .260
.............................
Vehicle Storage .262
305
Maintenance
Maint enance
223
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