2012 HONDA RIDGELINE check engine light

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 the model)(
s e e pag es,,, an d
).
1. 2. 3. 4.5. 6. 8.
7. 9.
10. 11.
121 133
99
16
61 76 77
119 89
Preparing to Drive
Driving
271
Main MenuTable of Contents

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The emergency
brake assist system increases the
stopping f orce when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, reduces their ef f ectiveness and
reduces brake pad lif e. In addition,
f uel economy can be reduced. It also
keeps your brake lights on all the
time, conf using drivers behind you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
290
Main MenuTable of Contents

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
the model), and instructions for
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 . 314
.................
Maintenance Minder . 315
..............................
Fluid Locations . 327
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 328
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter . 329
..............................
Engine Coolant . 331
....................
Windshield Washers . 332
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 333
....................................
Brake Fluid . 335
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 336
....................................
Timing Belt . 337
.............................................
Lights . 337
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 345
.....................................
Floor Mats . 346
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 346
.................................
Wiper Blades . 347
...........................................
Wheels . 349
...............................................
Tires . 349
...................
Checking the Battery . 357
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 358
..................................
Interior Care . 359
409
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

µµµ µ
µ
µ
Ì
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page . Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Lights Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the odometer/
trip meter display or the multi-
inf ormation display. 255
333255
337349 335
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Owner

Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er toon page .
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page . Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
You cannot start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it.
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
Turn of f all electrical accessories:
heater, A/C, climate control, audio
system, lights, etc. Put the
transmission in Park, and set the
parking brake.
Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
1. 2.
272
385
380 Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing Jump Starting
If the Engine Won

CONT INUED
Back Window.......................................
Indicator . 75
...........................
Operation . 128, 129
Battery
Charging System
...........................
Indicator . 63, 376
............................
Jump Starting . 372
..............................
Maintenance . 357
............................
Specif ications . 391 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) . 291
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 248
...........................................
Fluid . 335
............
Bulb Replacement . 341, 342
.......................................
Parking . 132
.................
System Indicator . 65, 378
........................
Wear Indicators . 290
.............................
Braking System . 290
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 248
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 98
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 259
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) . 102
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 139
...........................
AC Power Outlet . 141
................
Active Head Restraints . 124
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 329
........
Adjusting the Steering wheel . 99
...........................
Advanced Airbags . 27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 23
..............
Air Conditioning System . 146
.................................
Usage . 147, 153
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) . 157
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 351
......................................
Antif reeze . 331
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 66, 289
...................................
Operation . 291
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 205
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock . 102
........................................
Armrests . 122
................
Audio System . 159, 167, 174
...
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 104 Automatic Heated Wiper
..............................
Zone . 95, 150, 156
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 210
..............
Automatic Transmission . 273
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 390
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 333
.......................................
Shif ting . 273
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 273
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 274
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 277
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack . 205Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
Main Menu

ÎÎ
CONT INUED
..........................
Fan, Interior . 147, 154
.........................................
Features . 145
...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iv
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 97
.................................
Dead Battery . 372
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 408
......
Def rosting the Windows . 148, 155
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear . 390
....................................
Dimensions . 390
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 95
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 333
..................................
Engine Oil . 255
..........................
Directional Signals . 95
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 290
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 330
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor . 11
Doors
Locking and ..............
Unlocking . 103, 104, 107
..................
Lockout Prevention . 103
....................
Power Door Locks . 103
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 392
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5 ...........................................
Driving . 269
....................................
Economy . 256
...................................................
D3 . 275
Dual-Action Tailgate
...............................
Indicator . 11, 115
...................................
Operation . 113
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 346
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 256
..................................
Emergencies . 361
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 372
...........
Brake System Indicator . 378
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 363
.....
Charging System Indicator . 376
..................
Checking the Fuses . 380
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 376
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 377
..................
Overheated Engine . 374
............................
Stuck Vehicle . 385
.......................................
Towing . 385
.........................
Emergency Brake . 132
.......................
Emissions Controls . 399
........................
Emissions Testing . 402 Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 76
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 63, 377
.................
Oil Lif e Display . 315, 319
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 63, 376
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 328
...............................
Overheating . 374
............................
Specif ications . 391
............................
Speed Limiter . 277
.......................................
Starting . 272
.................
Engine, if it won

....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 250
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen . 346
...............................................
Oil . 330
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 99
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 363
.....................................
Floor Mats . 346
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 333
..........................................
Brake . 335
..........................
Power Steering . 336
.......................
Rear Differential . 390
...................
Transf er Assembly . 391
..................
Windshield Washer . 332
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 . 250
...........................................
Gauge . 76 ................
Octane Requirement . 248
...............................
Oxygenated . 249
........................
Reserve Indicator . 68
........................
Tank, Filling the . 250
...............................
Fuel Economy . 256
Actual Mileage and EPA Fuel Economy Estimates .......................
Comparison . 256
......
Calculating Fuel Economy . 258
.............
Fuel Economy Factors . 257
........
Improving Fuel Economy . 257
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 380
....
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 337, 340
...........................
HandsFreeLink
. 221
..............................
HFL Buttons . 221
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 256
Gasoline
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 68
...........................................
Gauge . 76
................
Octane Requirement . 248
........................
Tank, Filling the . 250
................
Gas Station Procedures . 250
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 76
...............................................
Fuel . 76
...............................
Speedometer . 76 .................................
Tachometer . 76
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) . 296
GCWR (Gross Combined
.................
Weight Rating) . 296, 390
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 274
......................................
Glove Box . 138
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
.................
Weight Rating) . 296, 390
Index
G H
IV
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