2007 HONDA RIDGELINE engine

Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it. Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.9.
8. 7. 6.
4. 5.
3.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
248
OIL FILTER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.5 US qt (4.3
) Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks. Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
249
RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
Wh en the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressu re in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. The
coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
carefully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill imme diately; it
could damage componen ts in the
engine compartm ent.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Check
the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
The washer level indicator will come
on when the level is low (see page ).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2. 65
Windshield Washers
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
250

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

µµ
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance minder schedule.
Replace the belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your vehicle in one or
more of these conditions:
Remove the cover, then check the
level on the side of the reservoir
when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark, and put the
cover back in place. 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.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible. Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Towing a trailer.
Timing Belt
Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
254
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
COVER
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

Install the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.
Install the rubber weather seal
over the back of the headlight
assembly.Makesureitisright
side up.To change the passenger’s side
bulb, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
lef t, and turn of f the engine. To
change the driver’s side bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the right.
Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender, and pull the inner
f ender cover back.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Make sure it is
connected securely. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.3.
4.
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal/
Hazard/Parking L ight Bulb
256
HOLDING CLIPS

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door,
In-Bed Trunk lid, and tailgate seals.
Also,applyavehiclebodywaxto
the painted surfaces that mate
with the door, In-Bed Trunk lid
and tailgate seals.
Vehicle Storage
272