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The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle’s engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating f rom the tank
also produces hydrocarbons. Con-
trolling the production of NOx, CO,
and HC is important to the environ-
ment. Under certain conditions of
sunlight and climate, NOx and HC
react to f orm photochemical ‘‘smog.’’
Carbon monoxide does not contri-
bute to smog creation, but it is a
poisonous gas. The United States Clean Air Act
sets standards f or automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
workandwhattodotomaintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
.
In Canada, Honda vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specif ied in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manuf actured.
Your vehicle has a positive
crankcase ventilation system. This
keeps gasses that build up in the
engine’s crankcase f rom going into
the atmosphere. The positive crankcase ventilation valve routes
them from the crankcase back to the
intake manif old. They are then
drawn into the engine and burned.
As gasoline evaporates in the f uel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister f illed with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is of f . Af ter
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
The onboard ref ueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the f uel vapors during ref ueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
f illed with activated carbon. While
driving, the f uel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned of f .
324
The Clean Air Act
Crankcase Emissions Control
System Evaporative Emissions Control
System
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
Recovery
Emissions Cont rols
T echnical Inf ormation
397
Main MenuTable of Contents
The exhaust emissions controls
include f our systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, exhaust gas
recirculation, and three way catalytic
converter. These f our systems work
together to control the engine’s
combustion and minimize the
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate f rom the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
The PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport f uel injection.
It has three subsystems: air intake,
engine control, and f uel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine. It then controls how much
f uel to inject under all operating
conditions.This system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system takes some of the exhaust
gas and routes it back into the intake
manif old. Adding exhaust gas to the
air/f uel mixture reduces the amount
of NOx produced when the f uel is
burned.
The three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO ), nitrogen
(N ), and water vapor.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate f rom
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual f or more inf orma-
tion.
The emissions control systems are
designed and certif ied to work to-
gether in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Honda replacement parts or their
equivalent f or repairs. Using lower
qualitypartsmayincreasethe
emissions f rom your vehicle.
2
2
Exhaust Emissions Controls Replacement Parts
PGM-FI SystemIgnit ion T iming Cont rol Syst em
Exhaust Gas Recirculat ion (EGR)Syst em
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Emissions Cont rols
398
Main MenuTable of Contents
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on f ire any
combustible materials that come
near it. Park your vehicle away from
high grass, dry leaves, or other
f lammables.A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine’s per-
f ormance. Follow these guidelines to
protect your vehicle’s three way
catalytic converter.
Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter inef f ective. Keep the engine well maintained.
Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misf iring, back-
f iring, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without af f ecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is ref erred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Honda part
or its equivalent.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
T echnical Inf ormation
399
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
WARM UP THREE WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTERS
Main MenuTable of Contents
If you take your vehicle f or an
emissions test shortly af ter the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not pass the test.
This is because of certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that must be set in the on-
board diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. These codes are erased
when the battery is disconnected,
and set again only after several days
of driving under a variety of
conditions.
If the testing f acility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle retested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle f or retesting by
doing the f ollowing.Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, f ull (around
3/4). Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine, and let it
idle f or 20 seconds.
Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine of f f or 6
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 40° and
95°F (4° and 35°C).
Keep the vehicle in Park. Increase
the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and
hold it there until the temperature
gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the
scale (about 3 minutes).
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, let the engine idle f or 20
seconds. Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80to97km/h)foratleast20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D. Do not use the cruise control.
When traffic allows, drive for 90
seconds without moving the
accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed
may vary slightly; this is okay.) If
you cannot do this f or a
continuous 90 seconds because of
traffic conditions, drive for at least
30 seconds, then repeat it two
more times (for a total of 90
seconds).
1. 2. 3.4.5. 6.
7.
T esting of Readiness Codes
Emissions T est ing
400
Main MenuTable of Contents
Then drive in city/suburban
traffic for at least 10 minutes.
When traf f ic conditions allow, let
the vehicle coast f or several
seconds without using the
accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine of f f or 30
minutes.
If the testing f acility determines the
readiness codes are still not set, see
your dealer.
8. 9.
Emissions T est ing
T echnical Inf ormation
401
Main MenuTable of Contents
T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
(U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
407
Publication
Form Number
61SJC05
61SJC05EL
61SJC30
31SJC650 31SJC840
31SJCR40
31SJCM50 HON-R Form Description
2009-2011 Honda Ridgeline Service Manual 2009-2011 Honda Ridgeline
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2006 Model Series Ridgeline Body Repair Manual
2011 Honda Ridgeline Owner’s Manual
2011 Honda Ridgeline Navigation Manual
2011 Honda Ridgeline Technology Reference Guide 2011 Ridgeline Honda Service History
Order Form for Previous Years-Indicate
Year and Model Desired
www. helminc. com
Main MenuTable of Contents
CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 257
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) . 102
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 139
...........................
AC Power Outlet . 141
................
Active Head Restraints . 124
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 327
........
Adjusting the Steering wheel . 99
...........................
Advanced Airbags . 27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 23
..............
Air Conditioning System . 146
.................................
Usage . 147, 153
Air Outlets ...............
(Vents) . 148, 151, 155, 156
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 350
......................................
Antif reeze . 329
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 66, 289
...................................
Operation . 289
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 206
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock . 102
........................................
Armrests . 122
................
Audio System . 159, 167, 173 ...
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 104
Automatic Heated Wiper
..............................
Zone . 95, 150, 156
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 21
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 210
..............
Automatic Transmission . 271
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 388
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 331
.......................................
Shif ting . 271
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 271
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 272
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 275
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack . 205
Back Window
.......................................
Indicator . 75
...........................
Operation . 128, 129
Battery Charging System
...........................
Indicator . 63, 374
............................
Jump Starting . 370
..............................
Maintenance . 356
............................
Specif ications . 389 Bed Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 74
...................................
Operation . 144
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 247
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders . 137
........
HandsFreeLink. 221
..................................
Booster Seats . 52
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 289
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 248
...........................................
Fluid . 334
............
Bulb Replacement . 340, 341
.......................................
Parking . 132
.................
System Indicator . 65, 376
........................
Wear Indicators . 288
.............................
Braking System . 288
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 248
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 98Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
Main Menu
ÎÎ
CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 254
..................................
Emergencies . 359
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 370
...........
Brake System Indicator . 376
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 361
.....
Charging System Indicator . 374
..................
Checking the Fuses . 378
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 374
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 375
..................
Overheated Engine . 372
............................
Stuck Vehicle . 383
.......................................
Towing . 383
.........................
Emergency Brake . 132
.......................
Emissions Controls . 397
........................
Emissions Testing . 400 Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 76
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 63, 375
.................
Oil Lif e Display . 313, 317
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 63, 374
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 326
...............................
Overheating . 372
............................
Specif ications . 389
............................
Speed Limiter . 275
.......................................
Starting . 270
.................
Engine, if it won’t start . 369
Evaporative Emissions Control
........................................
System . 397
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 55
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System . 398
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 18
..........................
Fan, Interior . 147, 154
.........................................
Features . 145
...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 97
.................................
Dead Battery . 370
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 406
......
Def rosting the Windows . 150, 155
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear . 333
....................................
Dimensions . 388
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 95
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 331
..................................
Engine Oil . 253
..........................
Directional Signals . 95
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 288
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 328
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor . 11
Doors
Locking and ..............
Unlocking . 103, 104, 107
..................
Lockout Prevention . 103
....................
Power Door Locks . 103
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 390
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5 ...........................................
Driving . 267
....................................
Economy . 254
...................................................
D3 . 273
Dual-Action Tailgate
...............................
Indicator . 11, 115
...................................
Operation . 113
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 345
Index
E
F
D
INDEX
III
Main Menu