2008 HONDA RIDGELINE air conditioning

How to operate the heating and air
conditioning system, the audio
system, and other convenience
f eatures.
A convenient ref erence to the
sections in this manual.
A quick ref erence to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
and how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.The proper way to start the engine,
shif t the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you’re
planning to tow a trailer.
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
A summary of the inf ormation you
need when you pull up to the f uel
pump.
The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance service.
There is also a list of things to check
and instructions on how to check
them.
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual f or detailed
inf ormation.
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them.
Important inf ormation about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable inf ormation on how to
protect children with child restraints. What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Instruments and Controls
Features Bef ore Driving
Driving
Maintenance
T echnical Inf ormation
Warranty and Customer
Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Index
Service Inf ormation Summary
T aking Care of the Unexpected
Overview of Contents
2
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The standard audio system has
many f eatures. This section
describes those f eatures and how to
use them. (If you have an optional
audio system, ref er to the operating
instructions that came with it.)
The heating and air conditioning
system in your vehicle provides a
comf ortable driving environment in
all weather conditions.
Your vehicle has an anti-theft audio
system that requires a code number
to enable it.
The security system helps to
discourage vandalism and thef t of
your vehicle..............
Vents, Heating, and A/C .124
...........................
Using the A/C .128
Using Automatic Climate
...................................
Control .130
........................
Rear Ventilation .131
..........
Dual Temperature Control .132
..............
Climate Control Sensors .134
..........
Playing the AM/FM Radio .135
............
AM/FM Radio Reception .142
.
Playing the XM
Satellite Radio .144
..........
Playing a CD, CD Changer .150
....................
Protecting Your CDs .161
CD Player/Changer Error
...................................
Messages .164
................
Remote Audio Controls .165
...
Playing an Optional Audio Unit .165
.................
Radio Thef t Protection .166
..........................
Setting the Clock .167
............................
Security System .168
...............................
Cruise Control .169
.........................................
Compass .172
HomeLink Universal
................................
Transceiver .175
On all models except RT, RTX, and
Canadian LX
Features
Features
123
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Vents, Heating, and A/C
124
FAN CONTROL DIALMODE BUTTONSTEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
RECIRCULATION
BUTTON WINDSHIELD DEFROST
BUTTON
PASSENGER’S SIDE
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
DRIVER’S SIDE
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL OFF BUTTON WINDSHIELD DEFROST BUTTONDUAL BUTTON
AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON
MAX A/C BUTTON
MODE BUTTONS
AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON
AUTO BUTTON
DRIVER’S SIDE
TEMPERATURE
DISPLAY
RECIRCULATION BUTTON
PASSENGER’S SIDE
TEMPERATURE DISPLAY
MODE
BUTTON
FAN CONTROL BUTTONS
RTS, RTL, and
Canadian EXL models
RT,RTX,and
Canadian LX models
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The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep this
area clear of leaves and other debris.
Thesystemshouldbeleftinfresh
air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to recirculation mode when
driving through dusty or smoky
conditions, then return to fresh air
mode.Use the mode control buttons to
select the vents air flows from. Some
air will f low f rom the dashboard
corner vents in all modes.
When the recirculation indicator is
on, air f rom the vehicle’s interior is
sent throughout the system again.
When the indicator is off, air is
brought in f rom the outside of the
vehicle (fresh air mode).
Press the A/C button to turn the air
conditioningonandoff.Youwillsee
A/C ON or A/C OFF in the display.
When you turn the A/C of f , the
system cannot regulate the inside
temperature if you set the
temperature control below the
outside temperature.
Each time you press the MODE
button (On RTS, RTL, and Canadian
EXL models) or either mode button
(On RT, RTX, and Canadian LX
models), the display shows the mode
selected.
Air f lows f rom the f loor
vents. Airf low is divided between
the vents in the dashboard, rear and
the f loor vents. Air flows from the center,
corner, and rear vents in the
dashboard.
Recirculation Button Mode Control
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button
Vents, Heating, and A/C
126
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The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes bef ore you
f eel warm air coming f rom the
system.Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reading returns to normal.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The display shows A/C
ON on when a f an speed is
selected.
Make sure the temperature is set
to maximum cool.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select f resh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed. you can
cool it down more rapidly by partially
opening the windows, turning on the
A/C, and setting the fan to
maximum speed in f resh air mode.
To cool the interior with MAX A/C:
Select .
When you select , the system
automatically switches to the fresh
air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control dial. Set the f an to the desired speed.
Select MAX A/C.
The system automatically turns on
the A/C, selects , and
switches to recirculation mode.
Make sure the temperature is set
to maximum cool.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. 72
If the interior is very warm,
On RT, RTX, and Canadian LX modelsUsing the Heater Using the A /C
Vents, Heating, and A/C
128
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Air conditioning, as it cools, removes
moisture from the air. When used in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry.
This setting is suitable f or all driving
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).To remove f og f rom the inside of the
windows:
Turn the fan on.
Press the A/C button.
Select and fresh air mode.
Adjust the temperature to your
pref erence.
When you switch to another mode
f rom , the A/C stays on.
Press the A/C button to turn it of f .Set the f an to the desired speed or
high f or f aster def rosting.
Select . When you select
, the system automatically
switches to f resh air mode and
turns on the A/C. The A/C
indicator will not be displayed if it
was off to start with.
Adjust the temperature so the
airflow feels warm.
To increase airf low to the
windshield, close the side vents. Your vehicle has heating wires at the
bottom of the windshield to help
heat the wiper blades and the
windshield. If the outside
temperature is near f reezing, the
heater turns on automatically when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. The heater turns
of f automatically when the outside
temperature is above f reezing.
This f unction helps to increase wiper
perf ormance when the wiper arms
sit in the parked position in snowy or
icy conditions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dehumidif y the Interior T o Def og and Def rost A utomatic Heated Wiper Zone
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Features
129
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The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see on page ).
For example: An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption. In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption. Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible. Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
Combine several short trips into
one. A warmed-up engine is more
f uel ef f icient than a cold one. The A/C
puts an extra load on the engine
which makes it use more f uel. Use
the f resh-air ventilation when
possible.
245
Fuel Economy Factors
Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page
).
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
Drive moderately Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
Plan and combine trips
Minimize the use of the air
conditioning system
248
Fuel Economy
Vehicle Maint enance
Drive Ef f icient ly
186
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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 the 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 slowly and cautiously,
and allow more time and distance f or
braking. Loading heavy cargo could
af f ect your vehicle’s handling and
perf ormance. 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
230
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