This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .238
....................
Maintenance Minder .239
..............................
Fluid Locations .247
........................
Adding Engine Oil .248
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .249
..............................
Engine Coolant .251
....................
Windshield Washers .252
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .253
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .254
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid .255
....................................
Brake Fluid .255
....................
Power Steering Fluid .256
....................................
Timing Belt .256
.............................................
Lights .257
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .263
.....................................
Floor Mats .263
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .264
.................................
Wiper Blades .264
...........................................
Wheels .266
...............................................
Tires .266
...................
Checking the Battery .272
.............................
Vehicle Storage .274
321
Maintenance
Maint enance
237
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Maintenance Minder
246
: Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Maintenance Sub Items
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
2
3
4
5
Symbol
A
B
Symbol 1
2 Symbol
6
1
1
If the message ‘‘SERVICE dUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .Independent of the maintenance messages in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
244
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-
powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Driving in mountainous terrain at very low vehicle speeds,
towing a trailer, or driving when fully loaded results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This requires
transmission and transfer fluid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder.
If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have
the transmission and transfer fluid changed every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F,
43°C), in very low temperatures (under-20°F, -29°C), or towing a
trailer, replace every 60,000 mile (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada)
Driving in mountainous terrain at very low vehicle speeds,
towing a trailer, or driving when fully loaded causes more
mechanical (shear) stress and fluid deterioration. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than recommended
by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle
under these conditions, have the differential fluid changed at
7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder
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2008 Ridgeline
Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect the engine or transmission
perf ormance and durability.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API certif ication seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals shown on the information
display.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the odometer
and trip meter display. The oil and
f ilter collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
1.
2.
CONT INUED
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditivesChanging the Engine Oil and
Filter
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
249
WASHER
DRAIN BOLT
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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
250
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.
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Specif ications
304
Dimensions
Weights Air Conditioning
Seating Capacities Capacities
206.7 in (5,250 mm)
78.0 in (1,980 mm)
70.3 in (1,785 mm)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
122.0 in (3,100 mm)
67.1 in (1,705 mm)
66.9 in (1,700 mm)
See the tire information label
attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross combined weight
rating (GCWR)
Maximum load limit
(Payload)
The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation. 1,530 lbs (690 kg)
1,480 lbs (670 kg)
10,088 lbs (4,575 kg)
8.5 US qt (8.0
)
3.3 US qt (3.1)
5.3 US qt (5.0)
4.2 US qt (4.0
)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
2.14 US gal (8.1
)
1.64 US gal (6.2)
22.01 US gal (83.3)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:
0.16 US gal (0.6
)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type
HFC-134a (R-134a)
21.2 22.9 oz (600 650 g) ND-OIL8
Total
Front
Rear 5
2
3Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Approx.
Front
Rear
1:
2:
1:
2:
3:
On vehicles without moonroof or navigation system
On vehicles with moonroof and navigation system Change
Total
Change
Including
filter
Without
filter
Total
Change
Total
1
2
3 1
2
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CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel .185
..................................
Emergencies .275
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .286
...........
Brake System Indicator .292
................
Changing a Flat Tire .277
.....
Charging System Indicator .290
..................
Checking the Fuses .293
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .79
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .290
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .291
..................
Overheated Engine .288
............................
Stuck Vehicle .299
.......................................
Towing .298
.........................
Emergency Brake .111
.......................
Emissions Controls .312
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .72
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .62,291
.........................
Oil Lif e Display .239
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .62,290 ..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .248
...............................
Overheating .288
............................
Specif ications .305
............................
Speed Limiter .205
.......................................
Starting .200
.................
Engine, if it won’t start .285
Evaporative Emissions Control
........................................
System .312
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System .313
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .16
................
Daytime Running Lights .78
.................................
Dead Battery .286
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .320
..............
Def rosting the Windows .129
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear .254
....................................
Dimensions .304
...............
Dimming the Headlights .76
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .253
..................................
Engine Oil .184
..........................
Directional Signals .76
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .212
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .250
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor .64
Doors
..
Locking and Unlocking .83,84,87
....................
Lockout Prevention .83
......................
Power Door Locks .83
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .306
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .197
....................................
Economy .185
...................................................
D3 .203
Dual-Action Tailgate
.................................
Indicator .64,95
.....................................
Operation .93 ..........
Dual Temperature Control .132
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .264
...................................
Fan, Interior .125
.........................................
Features .123
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .182
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .264
...............................................
Oil .250
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .79
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .277
Index
E
F
INDEX
III
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.......................
Label, Certif ication .302
.................
Lane Change, Signaling .76
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .14,19
...........................
Light Control Dial .76
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .257
.......................................
Indicator .66
.......................................
Interior .120
.........................................
Parking .76
..................................
Turn Signal .76
............................
Load Limits .191,217
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .82
Locks
.......
Anti-thef t Steering Column .82
............................
Fuel Fill Door .181
..................................
Glove Box .117
...............................
In-Bed Trunk .96
....................
Lockout Prevention .83
.................................
Power Door .83
........................
Low Coolant Level .184
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .65
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .62,290
Lubricant Specif ications
..................................
Chart .304,305 ...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) .190
..................................
Maintenance .237
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .245
................................
Minder .239-246
.........................
Minder Indicator .67
..........................................
Saf ety .238
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .62,291
..............
Manual Seat Adjustments .99
...............................
Meters, Gauges .70
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .113
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle .189
.......................................
Moonroof .110
...................
Neutral Gear Position .203
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .180
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .302 ...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline .180
.........................................
Odometer .70
....................
Of f -Highway Driving .232
...................
Of f -Road Precautions .233
Oil
........................
Change, How to .249
......................
Change, When to .239
......................
Checking Engine .184
...........................................
Filter .250
..............
Pressure Indicator .62,290
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart .248
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) .82
............................
Outside Mirrors .113
....................
Overheating, Engine .288
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks .245
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .180
..............
Panel Brightness Control .78
........................
Park Gear Position .202
...........................................
Parking .211
...............................
Parking Brake .111
Index
N O
P
M
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CONT INUED
.................................
Parking Lights .76
..
Parking Over Things that Burn .315
.............................
PGM-FI System .313
Pickup Bed
.........................
Carrying Cargo .190
.........................................
Lights .122
..............
Power Seat Adjustments .101
...............
Power Socket Locations .118
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .16
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens .11
...
Additional Safety Precautions .17
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women .16
........................
Protecting Children .32
.....................
General Guidelines .32
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .37
.......
Protecting Larger Children .49
.........
Protecting Small Children .38
Using Child Seats with
.....................................
Tethers .46
.............................
Using LATCH .41
...................
Radiator Overheating .288
Radio/CD Sound
.......................
System .135,144,150 .................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .254
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement .259
..........................
Rear View Mirror .112
Rear View Mirror with
.....................................
Compass .172
....................
Rear (Back) Window .108
.......
Reclining the Seat-Backs .99,101
................
Remote Audio Controls .165
.......................
Remote Transmitter .90
Replacement Inf ormation
................
Engine Oil and Filter .249
..........................................
Fuses .293
................................
Light Bulbs .257
........................................
Minder .246
................................
Timing Belt .256
...........................................
Tires .277
.............................
Wiper Blades .264
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .20
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant .184
..................
Reverse Gear Position .202
................................
Rotation, Tire .269
..................................
Saf ety Belts .8,19 .........
Safety Defects, Reporting .320
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
...........................................
Airbags .9
..................................
Door Locks .11
..........................
Head Restraints .13
.................................
Seat Belts .8,18
...........
Seats and Seat-Backs .11,12
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of .54
..............................
Saf ety Messages .iii
.....................
Satellite Radio, XM .144
.....................................
Seat Belts .8,18
...............
Additional Information .18
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................
Tensioners .19
.....................................
Cleaning .263
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .19
................................
Maintenance .20
Reminder Light and
................................
Beeper .18,61
...................
System Components .18
...............
Use During Pregnancy .16
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt .14
.........................
Seating Capacities .304
Index
INDEX
S
R
VII
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