Thevoiceof theHFLcanbesetto
male or f emale (U.S. models only).
Also, the incoming notif ication can
be set to a ring tone, a prompt, or no
notification.Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘System.’’ The
HFL response is, ‘‘System options
are setup and clear.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Setup.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Would you like
male or f emale prompts?’’ Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Male’’ or
‘‘Female,’’ depending on the
system voice you want. The HFL
response is, ‘‘Male (Female)
prompts have been selected.
Would you like an audible
notif ication of an incoming call?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
If you say ‘‘Yes’’ af ter the beep, the
HFL response is, ‘‘Would you like
the notif ication to be a ring tone or
prompt?’’ If you say ‘‘No’’ af ter the
beep, the HFL returns to its main
menu. Saying ‘‘No’’ will result in no
ring tone or prompt playback
during an incoming call. The audio
system will still mute, and a
message will be displayed.Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Ring tone’’ or
‘‘Prompt.’’ The HFL response is ‘‘A
ring tone will be used’’ or ‘‘An
incoming call prompt will be used.’’
If you choose ‘‘Ring tone,’’ you will
hear a ring tone through the audio
speakers to announce an incoming
call. If you choose ‘‘Prompt,’’ you
will hear this message to
announce an incoming call: ‘‘You
have an incoming call.’’
The HFL response continues ‘‘A
security option is available to lock
the HFL system. Each time the
vehicle is turned on, a passcode
would be required to use this
system. Would you like this
security option turned on?’’ If you
say ‘‘Yes,’’ you can set your
passcode. Ref er to the setting
procedure in the next column.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To set up the system, do this:
Setting Up the System
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The HFL will accept a numeric, f our-
digit passcode that you can use f or
security purposes.Follow the system setup
procedure as described previously.
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’
The HFL response is ‘‘What is the
f our-digit number you would like
to set as your passcode?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say the f our-digit
passcode you want to use. For
example,say‘‘1,2,3,4.’’TheHFL
responseis‘‘1,2,3,4.Isthis
correct?’’ Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Security is on.
Each time the vehicle is turned on,
the passcode will be required to
use the system. The system setup
is complete. Returning to the main
menu.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
If you say ‘‘No.’’ af ter the beep, the
HFL response is ‘‘Security will not
be used. The system setup is
complete.’’
Once a passcode is set, you can lock
the HFL so it only operates after the
passcode is entered. The HFL will prompt you f or your
passcode each time the ignition
switch is turned to the ON (II)
position and you press the Talk
button. You will only be asked f or
thepasscodeonceperignition cycle. If the passcode is set, its
response is ‘‘The system is locked.
What is the f our-digit passcode?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say your f our-digit
passcode.Forexample,say‘‘1,2,3,
4.’’
If the passcode is correct, the HFL
response is ‘‘Main menu.’’ If the
passcode is not correct, the HFL
responseis‘‘1,2,3,4isincorrect.
Pleasetryagain.’’Gobacktothe
step 2.
If you f orget your passcode and you
cannot activate the HFL, consult
your dealer to cancel the passcode.
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
1.2.
3.
To set your passcode, do this:
To enter your passcode, do this;
Setting Your Passcode
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2009 Ridgeline
Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.
Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make it unsaf e. Bef ore you make any
modif ications or add any accessories,
be sure to read the f ollowing
inf ormation.
Although non-Honda accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability.
If you install a truck cap, be sure it is
properly installed and does not
exceed your vehicle’s load limits (see
page ).
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Bef ore installing any accessory:
260
378
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A ccessories
Your vehicle should not be used to
carry a slide-in camper.
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
257
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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2009 Ridgeline
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
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2009 Ridgeline
This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the VTM-4 system, the
vehicle stability assist (VSA
)
system, the tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS), and f acts you need
if you are planning to tow a trailer or
drive of f -highway. ........................
Driving Guidelines .268
........................
Preparing to Drive .269
.......................
Starting the Engine .270
..............
Automatic Transmission .271
Variable Torque Management
.............
4WD (VTM-4) System .276
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ......................................
(TPMS) .278
...........................................
Parking .286
.............................
Braking System .288
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .289
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
)
........................................
System .291
.................
Towing Weight Limits .293
..........
Towing Weight Guidelines .295
...........................
Towing a Trailer .296
Of f -Highway Driving ..................................
Guidelines .306
Driving
Driving
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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
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These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shif t
lever is in.The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it f lashes while driving (in
any shif t position), it indicates a
possible problem in the transmission.
If the malf unction indicator lamp
comes on along with the ‘‘D’’
indicator, there is a problem with the
automatic transmission control
system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and
have the transmission checked by
your dealer as soon as possible.
To shif t f rom Park to any position,
pressfirmlyonthebrakepedal,and
pull the shif t lever toward you. You
cannot shif t out of Park when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position.
When the ‘‘D’’ indicator warns of a
possible problem with the
transmission, you will see a ‘‘CHECK
TRANSMISSION’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display (see page
).
91
CONT INUED
On models with navigation system
Shif t L ever Position Indicators Shif ting
Automatic Transmission
Driving
271
SHIFT LEVER
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2009 Ridgeline
µµThis position mechani-
cally locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning of f or
starting the engine. To shif t out of
Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and have your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal. Pull the shif t lever
towards you, then move it out of
Park.
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, see on
page .
You must also pull the shif t lever
towards you to shift into Park. To
avoid transmission damage, come to
a complete stop bef ore shif ting into
Park. The shif t lever must be in Park
for you to remove the key from the
ignition switch. Press the brake
pedal and pull the shif t lever towards
you to shif t f rom Park to reverse. To
shif t f rom reverse to neutral, come
to a complete stop, and then shif t.
Pull the shif t lever towards you
bef ore shif ting into reverse f rom
neutral.
275
To shift from: PtoR
RtoP
NtoR Dto2 2to1
1to2
2toD
DtoN
NtoD RtoN Do this:
Press the brake pedal, and
pull the shift lever towards
you.
Pull the shift lever towards
you.
Move the shift lever.
Automatic Transmission
Park (P)
Shif t L ock Release Reverse (R)
272
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