2006 HONDA RIDGELINE light

Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty. Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make it unsaf e. Bef ore you make any
modif ications or add any accessories,
be sure to read the f ollowing
inf ormation.
Although non-Honda accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability.When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
If you install a truck cap, be sure it is
properly installed and does not
exceed your vehicle’s load limits (see
page ). 281
183
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
Your vehicle should not be used to
carry a slide-in camper.
180
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that the tailgate is f ully
closed when it is not used as an
extended pickup bed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and In-Bed
Trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Check the seat adjustment (see
pages and ).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8. 7.
9.
10.
11. 14
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76
95 97
Preparing to Drive
Driving
191
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Your vehicle is equipped with a
variable torque management
4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4) that
distributes engine torque to the
appropriate drive axle depending on
the available traction conditions. The
system is completely automatic,
always active, and does not require
any driver interaction.To get unstuck, apply light pressure
to the accelerator pedal. Do not spin
the f ront tires f or more than a f ew
seconds. Because of the amount of
torque applied to the rear tires, they
should not spin. This is normal. If
you are not able to move the vehicle,
stop and reverse direction.
If you become stuck, you can
activatetheVTM-4bypressingthe
VTM-4 LOCK button while in f irst
(1), second (2), or reverse (R) gear
below18mph(30km/h).Thismode
overrides the auto system to send
maximum torque to the rear axle.
This mode is only intended f or
intermittent use at low speed to free
your vehicle if it becomes stuck or
when you encounter a steep grade
with one wheel on a slippery surf ace.
Generally, you should f irst allow the
auto mode to operate to adjust for
the available traction conditions.
The vehicle speed must be below
18 mph (30 km/h).
Move the shift lever to first (1),
second (2), or reverse (R) gear. Press the VTM-4 LOCK button.
The indicator in the button comes
on.
1.
2. 3.
VTM-4 System
To Engage the VTM-4 Lock:
198
VTM-4 LOCK BUTTON
Do not use the VTM-4 LOCK button on
dry, paved roads. Driving on dry,
paved roads with VTM-4 Lock ON may
damage the rear dif f erential when
making a turn. Strange noise and
vibration can also result.
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Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area in your vehicle or
the In-Bed Trunk, or take them
with you.
Lock the doors.
Check the indicator on the driver’s
door to verify that the security
system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission. Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is on an
incline.
On vehicles with security system
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thef ollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmf ul interf erence, and(2) this device must accept anyinterf erence received, includinginterf erence that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modif ications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the f ollowing twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterf erence, and (2) this device mustaccept any interf erence that may causeundesired operation of the device.
CONT INUED
Parking T ips
Parking
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Parking
Driving
201
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If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them. Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, increases wear, and reduces
their ef f ectiveness. It also keeps
your brake lights on all the time,
conf using drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb, and set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and set the parking brake.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the parking brake.
Brake Wear Indicators Braking System Design
Braking System
Parking, Braking System
202
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Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check trailer
light requirements f or the areas
where you plan to tow, and use only
equipment designed f or your vehicle.If you use a non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, you
cangetthematingconnectorand
pins that mate with the connector in
your vehicle f rom your dealer.
Since lighting and wiring vary with
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualif ied mechanic install
a suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
connector to install an optional trailer
lighting connector that mates with
your vehicle. You can get this
optional connector f rom your dealer. We recommend that you have your
dealer install a Honda wiring harness
and converter. This harness has
been designed f or your vehicle. Ref er to the above illustration f or
wiring information.
Trailer Lights
Towing a Trailer
214
GROUND
(BLACK)
GROUND
(BLACK)
LEFT TURN SIGNAL
AND BRAKE LIGHTS
(GREEN/WHITE)
TAILLIGHTS
(GREEN/BLACK) RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
AND BRAKE LIGHTS
(GREEN/RED)
ELECTRIC BRAKE
(BROWN/WHITE) BACK-UP LIGHTS
(GREEN)
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The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inf lated.
When preparing to tow, and
bef ore driving away, be sure to
check the f ollowing:
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.Towing perf ormance can be
af f ected by high altitude, high
temperature, or when climbing
steep grades. Theref ore, premium
fuelisrecommendedwhentowing
more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg).
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inf lated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
You may want to fill the fuel tank
with premium f uel. Premium f uel
provides improved perf ormance.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
CONT INUED
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Towing a Trailer
Break-In Period
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
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Maintenance Minder .225
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Maintenance Record .233
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Fluid Locations .235
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Adding Engine Oil .236
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Changing the Oil and Filter .237
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Engine Coolant .239
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Windshield Washers .240
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Automatic Transmission Fluid .241
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Rear Dif f erential Fluid .242
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Transf er Assembly Fluid .243
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Brake Fluid .243
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Power Steering Fluid .244
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Timing Belt .244
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Lights .245
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Cleaning the Seat Belts .251
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Floor Mats .252
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Dust and Pollen Filter .252
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Wiper Blades .253
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Tires .255
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Checking the Battery .260
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Vehicle Storage .262
305
Maintenance
Maint enance
223
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