2007 HONDA RIDGELINE automatic transmission

Remove the key from the shift
lock release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the instrument panel
side. Press the brake pedal, and
restart the engine.
Set the parking brake.
Insert a key into the shift lock
release slot.If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
Make sure the ignition switch is in
the LOCK (0) position.
This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pulling the shif t lever does
not work.
Putaclothonthenotchof the
shif t lock release slot cover. Using
a small f lat-tipped screwdriver or a
metal f ingernail f ile, caref ully pry
on the notch of the cover to
remove it. Push down on the key while you
pull the shif t lever towards you
and move it out of Park to neutral.6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Shif t L ock Release
Automatic Transmission
202
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
COVER

If youmuststopwhenfacinguphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and use D3. Do not
‘‘ride’’ the brakes.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
When towing a f ixed-sided trailer
(e.g., camper), do not exceed 55 mph
(88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or affect vehicle
handling.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
When towing a trailer on level roads
under normal driving conditions, do
not use D3. This will increase the
automatic transmission fluid
temperature and may cause
overheating. Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses.
Allow more time and distance f or
braking. Do not brake or turn
suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
With heavy cargo on the pickup bed,
your vehicle has a higher center of
gravity. Drive more slowly and
cautiously. Loading heavy cargo
could af f ect your vehicle’s handling
and performance.
CONT INUED
Remember, it
takes longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
T owing Speeds and Gears
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Towing a Trailer
Driving
225

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform 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. This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, a
maintenance record, and instructions
for simple maintenance tasks you
may want to take care of yourself. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .234
....................
Maintenance Minder .235
....................
Maintenance Record .243
..............................
Fluid Locations .245
........................
Adding Engine Oil .246
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .247
..............................
Engine Coolant .249
....................
Windshield Washers .250
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .251
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .252
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid .253
....................................
Brake Fluid .253
....................
Power Steering Fluid .254
....................................
Timing Belt .254
.............................................
Lights .255
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .261
.....................................
Floor Mats .261
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .262
.................................
Wiper Blades .262
...........................................
Wheels .264
...............................................
Tires .265
...................
Checking the Battery .270
.............................
Vehicle Storage .272
315
Maintenance
Maint enance
233

µµµ
µ
µ µ
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specified interval s. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
. Lights
Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and licen se plate lights monthly.
See page .
182 182
251 253
265 255
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maint enance
241

Î
Î
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
245
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)RADIATOR CAP AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
: Under the gray cover

CONT INUED
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Windshield Washers, A utomatic T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
251
DIPSTICKDIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
Start the engine and let it run until
the radiator fan comes on, then
shut off the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds
wait longer than 90 seconds.
before going to step 2, but do not

The rear differential should be
drained and refilled with new fluid
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the
info rmation display. This service
may be needed more often under
certain driving conditions (see page
).
Always use Honda VTM-4
Dif f erential Fluid, and have your
dealer replace the rear differential
f luid.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
in the transmission.
If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug, then
add the f luid into the hole to bring
it to the level between the upper
and lower marks.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). If it’s
not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 by your dealer
as soon as it is convenient. If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer. 6.
5.
242
Automatic transmission Fluid, Rear Dif f erential Fluid
Rear Dif f erential Fluid
252

If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service
to pull it out (see the previous page).
For very short distances, such as
f reeing the vehicle, you can use the
tie down hooks on the lower lef t of
the f ront and rear bumpers.
CONT INUED
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
297
FRONTREAR
TIE DOWN
HOOK TIE DOWN
HOOK
‘‘Rocking’’ your vehicle between
f orward and reverse gear or revving up
the engine and allowing the wheels to
spin f reely at high speeds can damage
the automatic transmission. Use a tow
service to prevent transmission damage.