2008 HONDA RIDGELINE Owners Manual

CONT INUED
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2. 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
253
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.
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2008 Ridgeline

The rear dif f erential should be
drained and ref illed with new f luid
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the
inf ormation display. This service
may be needed more of ten 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.
If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug, then
add the f luid into the f ill hole to
bring it to the level between the
upper and lower marks on the
dipstick.
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 you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.Insert the dipstick all the way back
in the transmission.
6.
5.
246
Automatic transmission Fluid, Rear Dif f erential Fluid
Rear Dif f erential Fluid
254
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
new vehicle warranty.
Using transmission f luid other than
genuine Honda ATF-Z1 may cause
operation and durability, and could
result in damage to the transmission.
Use only genuine Honda ATF-Z1
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(AutomaticTransmissionFluid).Do not
deterioration in transmission mix with other transmission fluids.
ATF-Z1isnotcoveredbytheHonda
2008 Ridgeline

The transf er assembly should be
drained and ref illed with new f luid
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the
inf ormation display.
Always use Hypoid gear oil GL4 or
GL5 with a viscosity of SAE 90 or
80W-90, and have your dealer
replace the transfer assembly fluid.Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoir monthly.
Replace the brake f luid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance minder schedule.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Brake Fluid
Transf er Assembly Fluid
Transf er A ssembly Fluid, Brake Fluid
Maint enance
255
MAX
MIN
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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
256
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.
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2008 Ridgeline

Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items on the
pickup bed or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or other qualif ied mechanic.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot it out of
the way, and remove the bulb.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.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.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Make sure it is
connected securely. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
Headlight A iming
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
Maint enance
257
WEATHER SEAL
CONNECTOR HOLD-DOWN WIRE
BULB
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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2008 Ridgeline

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.Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Put the inner f ender cover in place.
Install and lock each holding clip
bypushingonthecenter.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
5.
6.
1.
2. 3.
4.7.
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal/
Hazard/Parking L ight Bulb
258
HOLDING CLIPS
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2008 Ridgeline

Drop open the tailgate.
Remove the two bolts, and remove
the rear light assembly f rom the
rear pillar.
Determine which of the three
bulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal/hazard light,
or back-up light.Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned-out bulb by
pulling it straight out of the socket.Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Push the socket into the light
assembly, and turn it clockwise
until it locks.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Install the rear light assembly in
the rear pillar. Tighten the two
bolts securely.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
Maint enance
259
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2008 Ridgeline

Place a cloth on the edge of the
lens segment. Remove each lens
segment by caref ully prying on its
edge with a small f lat-tipped
screwdriver.
Remove the screw under each lens.
Pull the high-mount brake light
assembly out of the vehicle.Remove the three mounting
screws f rom the light assembly.
Remove the lens f rom the light
assembly.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Put the lens back on the light
assembly, and tighten the
mounting bolts securely.
Put the light assembly back into
the vehicle. Install the screws and
tighten them securely.
Reinstall the lens segments.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.7.
8.
9.
6.
Lights
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
260
LENS SEGMENT
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2008 Ridgeline