Page 225 of 427

TheHFLisoperatedbytheHFL
Talk and Back buttons on the left
side of the steering wheel. The next
f ew pages provide instructions f or all
basic f eatures of the HFL.Here are some guidelines f or using
voice control:
To enter a command, press and
release the Talk button. Then,
af ter the beep, say your command
in a clear, natural tone.
Close the windows and the
moonroof . Give a voice command in a clear
natural speaking voice without
pausing between words or
numbers. If the system cannot
recognize your command because
of the background noise, speak
louder.
If the HFL does not recognize a
command, its response is, ‘‘Pardon.’’
If it doesn’t recognize the
command a second time, its
response is, ‘‘Please repeat.’’ If it
doesn’t recognize the command a
third time, it plays the Help
prompt.
If the microphone picks up voices
other than yours, the system may
not interpret your voice
commands correctly.
Lower the A/C f an speed during
voice recognition operation.
Adjust the airflow from both the
dashboard and side vents so they
do not blow against the
microphone on the ceiling.
CONT INUED
How to Use the HFL
A ll phones may not
operate identically, and some
may cause inconsistent operation
of the HFL . Using Voice Control
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
Features
221
NOTE:
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline
Page 232 of 427

You can make calls using any phone
number, or by using a name in the
HFL phonebook. You can also redial
the last number called. During a call,
theHFLallowsyoutotalkupto30
minutes af ter you remove the key
f rom the ignition switch. Continuing
a call without running the engine
may discharge and weaken the
vehicle’s battery.Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say the number
you want to call. For example, say
‘‘123 456 7891.’’ The HFL response
is ‘‘123 456 7891. Say call, dial, or
continue to add numbers.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Call’’ or ‘‘Dial.’’
The HFL response is ‘‘Calling’’ or
‘‘Dialing.’’ Once connected, you
will hear the person you called
through the audio speakers. To
change the volume, use the audio
system volume knob, or the
steering wheel volume controls.
To end the call, press the Back
button.
With your phone on and the
ignition in the ACCESSORY (I) or
ON (II) position, press and release
the Talk button. After the beep,
say ‘‘Call’’ or ‘‘Dial.’’ The HFL
response is, ‘‘What name or
number would you like to call/
dial?’’ You can also make a call directly
f rom the list shown on the
navigation display.
For more inf ormation on how to
make a call, see page .
2.
4.
1. 3.
231
To make a call using a phone number, do this:
Making a Call
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
228
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline
Page 233 of 427

Ì
To make a call using a name in the HFLphonebook, do this:
To send a number during a call, do this:
With your phone on and the
ignition in the ACCESSORY (I) or
ON (II) position, press and release
the Talk button. After the beep,
say ‘‘Call’’ or ‘‘Dial.’’ The HFL
response is, ‘‘What name or
number would you like to call/
dial?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
After the beep, say the name you
want to call. For example, say
‘‘Eric.’’ The HFL response is
‘‘Would you like to call Eric?’’To end the call, press the Back
button.
The HFL allows you to send
numbers or names during a call. This
is usef ul when you call a menu-
driven phone system. You can also
program account numbers into the
HFL phonebook for easy retrieval
during menu-driven calls.
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Send.’’ The
HFL response is, ‘‘What name or
number would you like to send?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say the number
you want to send. For example,
say‘‘1,2,3.’’TheHFLresponseis
‘‘1, 2, 3. Say send, or continue to
add numbers.’’
To redial the last number called by
the phone, press and release the
Talk button. After the beep, say
‘‘Redial.’’ The HFL response is,
‘‘Redialing.’’ Once connected, you
will hear the person you called
through the audio speakers. To
change the volume, use the audio
system volume knob, or the steering
wheel volume controls.
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Calling’’ or
‘‘Dialing.’’ Once connected, you
will hear the person you called
through the audio speakers. To
change the volume, use the audio
system volume knob, or the
steering wheel volume controls. To send a pound ( ), say
‘‘pound.’’ To send a star (*), say ‘‘star.’’
1.
1.
2.
3. 4.
2.
CONT INUED
Sending Numbers or Names
During a Call
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
Features
229
NOTE:
\f—\f—\fy\f
\fy
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline
Page 237 of 427

To call a name f rom the phonebook list,do this:
handsf reelink.
honda.com
To store a phone number f rom yourphone:
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Phonebook.’’
The HFL response is ‘‘Phonebook
options are store, edit, delete,
receive contact, and list.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘List.’’ The
HFL responds by listing the
names in the phonebook. When it
saysthenameyouwanttocall,for
example, Eric, press the Talk
button, and then say ‘‘Call.’’ The
HFL response is, ‘‘Would you like
to call Eric?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Calling.’’ Once
connected, you will hear the
person you called through the
audio speakers. To change the
volume, use the audio system
volume knob, or the steering wheel volume controls.
You can store the desired number to
the HFL phonebook directly f rom
your cell phone. Your phone may not have
this capability. Visit , or call the Hands Free
Link
consumer support at (888)
528-7876. In Canada, call (888) 9-
HONDA-9. You can see your phone’s
owner’s manual f or inf ormation.
With your phone on and the
ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II)
position, press and release the
Talk button. After the beep, say
‘‘Phonebook.’’ The HFL response
is, ‘‘Phonebook options are store,
edit, delete, receive contact and list.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Receive
contact.’’ The HFL response is,
‘‘The receive process requires
operation of your mobile phone.
For saf ety, only perf orm this
f unction while the vehicle is
stopped. HFL is now waiting to
receive a contact f rom a Bluetooth
device.’’
Select a desired number f rom the
list on your phone, and transmit/
send (individual steps will vary f or
each type of phone, ref er to your
phone’s owner’s manual) via
Bluetooth. The HFL response is
‘‘One phone number has been
received f or this contact. What
name would you like to store f or
the mobile number? To discard
this number, say ‘Discard.’ ’’
1.
1.
2.
3.
2.
3.
CONT INUED
Storing a Phone Number Directly
f rom Your Phone
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
Features
233
NOTE:
\f—\f—\fy\f
\fy
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline
Page 262 of 427

Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
saf ety systems could make the
systems inef f ective.
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with
non-Honda components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:
Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
af f ect the handling and stability.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer f or assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
258
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline
Page 273 of 427

Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that the tailgate is f ully
closed when it is not used as an
extended pickup bed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and In-Bed
Trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Check the seat adjustment (see
pages and ). When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the inf ormation
display or multi-inf ormation
display (depending on models)
(seepages,,,and
).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 8. 7.
9.
10.
11.
121 133
99
16
61 76 77
90
119
Preparing to Drive
Driving
269
——yy
(yy
2009 Ridgeline
Page 278 of 427

µTo shif t to second,
pull the shif t lever towards you, then
shif t to the lower gear. This position
locks the transmission in second
gear. It does not downshif t to f irst
gear when you come to a stop.
Use second gear: For more power when climbing.
To increase engine braking when
going down steep hills.
For starting out on a slippery
surf ace or in deep snow.
To help reduce wheel spin.
When driving downhill with a
trailer.
This will increase the
automatic transmission f luid
temperature and may cause
overheating.
Shif ting out of the D position will
cancel D3, and cause the D3
indicator to go out. Selecting the D
position again will resume D3, and
the indicator will come on.
Turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position turns D3 of f . To
use D3 when you restart the engine,
select the D position, and press the
D3 switch again.
TheD3indicatoralsocomesonfora
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
When D3 is on, the transmission
selects only the f irst three gears.
Use D3 f or engine braking when
going down a steep hill.
Automatic Transmission
Second (2)When t owing a t railer on level roads
under normal driving condit ions, donot use D3.
274
D3 INDICATOR
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
(\fy\fy
2009 Ridgeline
Page 280 of 427
Insert the built-in key into the shift
lock release slot.
Push down on the key while you
pull the shif t lever towards you,
and move it out of Park to neutral.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.
If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer. Your vehicle is equipped with a
variable torque management
4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4) that
distributes engine torque to the
appropriate drive axle depending on
the available traction conditions. The
system is completely automatic,
always active, and does not require
any driver interaction.
6.
4.
5.
A utomatic T ransmission, VT M-4 System
VTM-4 System
276
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
COVER
VTM-4 LOCK BUTTON
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
(\fy\f
y
2009 Ridgeline