2011 HONDA RIDGELINE ECU

Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area in your vehicle or
the In-Bed Trunk, or take them
with you.
Lock the doors.
Check the indicator on the driver’s
door to verify that the security
system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
On vehicles with security system
Parking
Parking T ips
Driving
287
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Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page
f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare
tire.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
dealer or rental agency can tell you
what kind of sway control you need
and how to install it.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot. 366
353
361
Saf et y Chains
Sway Cont rol Spare Tires
Trailer Mirrors
Towing a Trailer
Driving
299
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CONT INUED
Insert the connector securely into
the socket.
Hook the retaining tab on the
inner side of the lid against the
retaining tab of the connector to
prevent disconnection during
operation.
Your vehicle has a class 3 trailer
hitch as standard equipment. Make sure the connector and the
socketarefreeof dirt,moisture,
or other f oreign material.
Open the socket lid by pulling it up.
Also see page f or trailer-related
inf ormation.
The 7-pin trailer connector is needed
f or the trailer lights. To connect the
connector: 1. 2.3. 4.
299
Except RT models
Towing Equipment
Towing a Trailer
Connect ing t he T railer Connect ors
Driving
301
TRAILER HITCH
7-PIN TRAILER CONNECTOR
7-PIN TRAILER CONNECTORLID
RETAINING TAB
SOCKET RETAINING TAB
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The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
Towing perf ormance can be
af f ected by high altitude, high
temperature, or when climbing
steep grades. Theref ore, premium
f uel (premium unleaded gasoline
with pump octane number of 91 or
higher) is recommended when
towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590
kg).
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inf lated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inf lated.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
on the f ollowing page.
CONT INUED
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Towing a Trailer
Driving
303
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Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.Honda Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certif ication Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on the valve cover. Pour in
the oil slowly and caref ully so you do
not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Reinstall the engine
oil f ill cap, and tighten it securely.
Wait a f ew minutes, and recheck the
oil level on the engine oil dipstick.
Do not f ill above the upper mark; you
could damage the engine. Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
326
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
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Insert the dipstick all the way back
in the transmission.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug, then
add the f luid into the f ill hole to
bring it to the level between the
upper and lower marks on the
dipstick.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid).
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. 6.
5.
3. 4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
332
DIPSTICK UPPER MARKLOWER MARK
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). Do not
mix with other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Honda new vehicle warranty.
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Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot it out of
the way, and remove the bulb.Install the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.
Install the rubber weather seal
over the back of the headlight
assembly. Make sure it is right
side up.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Make sure it is
connected securely. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6.
Lights
Maint enance
337
WEATHER SEALCONNECTOR HOLD-DOWN WIRE
BULB
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Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned-out bulb by
pulling it straight out of the socket.
Drop open the tailgate.
Remove the two bolts, and remove
the rear light assembly f rom the
rear pillar.
Determine which of the three
bulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal/hazard light,
or back-up light.
Install the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the lights to test the new bulb.
Reinstall the inner f ender. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the f ront bumper.
Reinstall the holding clip, and push
in its head, then install the bolts
and tighten them securely.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
5. 6.7. 8. 9.
Replacing Rear Bulbs
Lights
340
BULB
SOCKET
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