2011 HONDA RIDGELINE check transmission fluid

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the inf ormation display or multi-
inf ormation display (depending on
models), and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .U.S. Vehicles:
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. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 312
.................
Maintenance Minder . 313
..............................
Fluid Locations . 325
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 326
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter . 327
..............................
Engine Coolant . 329
....................
Windshield Washers . 330
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 331
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid . 333
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid . 333
....................................
Brake Fluid . 334
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 335
....................................
Timing Belt . 336
.............................................
Lights . 336
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 344
.....................................
Floor Mats . 345
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 345
.................................
Wiper Blades . 346
...........................................
Wheels . 348
...............................................
Tires . 348
...................
Checking the Battery . 356
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 357
407
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
311
TM
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Maintenance Minder
324
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/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
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
Symbol
Symbol
A
B 12 3 4 5 6
TM
If the message, ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ or ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more
than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
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 if they are noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
NOTE : : :
323
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
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).
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 miles (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada).
Driving in mountainous terrain at very low 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
Main MenuTable of Contents

CONT INUED
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on the inf ormation
display or multi-inf ormation display
(depending on models). 1.
2.
Windshield Washers, A utomatic T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
331
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
Main MenuTable of Contents

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.
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
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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
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Main Menu

...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 254
Gasoline
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 68
...........................................
Gauge . 76
................
Octane Requirement . 248
........................
Tank, Filling the . 249
................
Gas Station Procedures . 249
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 76
...............................................
Fuel . 76
...............................
Speedometer . 76 .................................
Tachometer . 76
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) . 294
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight .......................................
Rating) . 294
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 272
......................................
Glove Box . 138
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
.......................................
Rating) . 294
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 249
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen . 345
...............................................
Oil . 328
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 99
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 361
.....................................
Floor Mats . 345
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 331
..........................................
Brake . 334
..........................
Power Steering . 335
.......................
Rear Differential . 333
...................
Transf er Assembly . 333
..................
Windshield Washer . 330
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception . 165
.................
Folding the Rear Seats . 125
........................................
Fog Lights . 97
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 99
..............................
Front Seat . 119, 121
............................
Adjusting . 119, 121
.....................................
Airbags . 9, 25
.......................................
Heaters . 126
.................................................
Fuel . 248
......................
Fill Door and Cap . 249
...........................................
Gauge . 76 ................
Octane Requirement . 248
...............................
Oxygenated . 248
........................
Reserve Indicator . 68
........................
Tank, Filling the . 249
...............................
Fuel Economy . 254
Actual Mileage and EPA FuelEconomy Estimates
.......................
Comparison . 254
......
Calculating Fuel Economy . 256
.............
Fuel Economy Factors . 255
........
Improving Fuel Economy . 255
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 378
....
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 336, 339
...........................
HandsFreeLink
. 221
..............................
HFL Buttons . 221
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
Index
G H
IV
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Î
Î
Î
CONT INUED
........................................
Sun Visor . 140
........................
Sunglasses Holder . 138
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)
......................................
Servicing . 32
.........................
SRS Indicator . 30, 64
...................
System Components . 23
..................................
Synthetic Oil . 327
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the . 359
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 390
.....................................
Tachometer . 76
Tailgate, Dual-Action
...............................
Indicator . 11, 115
...................................
Operation . 113
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 340
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 359
Technical Descriptions
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 390
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 397
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter . 399
.......................
Temperature Gauge . 76
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 21
............................
Thef t Protection . 206
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 399 ....................................
Timing Belt . 336
....................................
Tire Chains . 354
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 361
.................................
Tire Labeling . 392
Tire Pressure Monitoring
....................
System (TPMS) . 278
Low Tire Pressure ...........................
Indicator . 72, 278
Required Federal ............................
Explanation . 394
.............
Tire Pressure Monitor . 279
....
TPMS Indicator . 72, 73, 279, 281
...............................................
Tires . 348
..............................
Air Pressure . 350
.........................
Checking Wear . 350
..........................
Compact Spare . 360
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 390
......................................
Inf lation . 349
..................................
Inspection . 350
..............................
Maintenance . 351
...................................
Replacing . 352
......................................
Rotating . 351
...........................................
Snow . 353
....................
Specif ications . 353, 389
................................
Tire Chains . 354
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 361 Towing
.....................................
A Trailer . 296
................
Emergency Wrecker . 383
.................................
Equipment . 301
....
Equipment and Accessories . 297
.............................
Weight Limit . 293
.........................
Trailer Loading . 295
.................
Trailer Towing Tips . 303
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid . 333
Transmission
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 331
...........................
Fluid Selection . 332
..............
Identif ication Number . 387
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 271
.....................................
Treadwear . 390
.................................
Trip Meter . 79, 84
................................
Trunk, In-Bed . 116
....................................
Turn Signals . 95
Index
U
T
INDEX
IX
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