Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door,
In-Bed Trunk lid, and tailgate seals.
Also, apply a vehicle body wax to
the painted surfaces that mate
with the door, In-Bed Trunk lid
and tailgate seals.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the time,
see page .
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself . The next
timeyouturnontheradioyouwill
see ‘‘CODE’’ in the f requency display.
Use the preset bars to enter the code
(see page ).
The navigation system will also
disableitself.Thenexttimeyouturn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN
bef ore it can be used. Ref er to the
navigation system manual.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry. Wash and dry the exterior
completely. Fill the f uel tank.
207
205On models without navigation system
On models with navigation systemVehicle Storage
Checking the Battery, Vehicle Storage
354
12/08/09 16:46:02 31SJC670_361
Maint enance
Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or replaced,
and put it back on your vehicle as
soon as you can.
Check the air pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inf lated to:
Follow these precautions:Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement tire should be the same
sizeanddesign,mountedonthe
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed f or mounting a regular tire.
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surf aces. Use greater caution
while driving.
Do not mount snow chains on a
compact spare. Do not use your compact spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
thesamemakeandmodel.
The low tire pressure indicator
comes on and stays on af ter you
replace the flat tire with the compact
spare tire. Af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving with the
compact spare tire, the TPMS
indicator comes on and the low tire
pressure indicator goes of f .
After the flat tire is replaced with the
spare tire, the low tire pressure/
TPMS indicator stays on. After
several miles (kilometers) driving
with the spare, this indicator begins
to f lash, then stays on again. You will
also see a ‘‘CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). 282
On models without navigation system
On models with navigation system
Compact Spare Tire
358
INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
12/08/09 16:46:20 31SJC670_365
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon
).
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the
engine is running, the battery
is not being charged.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on.
The indicator notif ies you of low oil
pressure and does not measure the
oil level. Check your vehicle’s oil
level at each ref ueling. 1.
2.
3.
4.
90
251
324
On models with navigation system On models with navigation system
Emergency Towing
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
372
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
12/08/09 16:48:10 31SJC670_379
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
page 381
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving. If the indicator comes on
repeatedly, even though it may
turn off as you continue driving,
have your vehicle checked by the
dealer as soon as possible.
The indicator may also come on with
the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
FUEL CAP’’ message on the
information display.
You will also see a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL
CAP’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).90On models without navigation system
On models with navigation system
On models with navigation system
Malf unction Indicator L amp
373
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
12/08/09 16:48:17 31SJC670_380
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
However, if the brake pedal does
not feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down,
and you will have to press harder
on the pedal.
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
90
90381On models with navigation system
On models with navigation system
Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
375
12/08/09 16:48:30 31SJC670_382
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
µ
Always check the TPMS malf unction
telltale af ter replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow
TPMS malf unctions may occur f or a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS f rom
f unctioning properly. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated,
the sytem may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intented. Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malf unction indicator
to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malf unction indicator is provided by
a separate telltale, which displays the
symbol ‘‘TPMS’’ when illuminated.On models without navigation system
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
393
12/08/09 16:51:05 31SJC670_400
Technical Inf ormation
function properly. the TPMS to continue to
µ
TPMS malf unctions may occur f or a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS f rom
f unctioning properly.
Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to
function properly.
When the malf unction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malf unction indicator
to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malf unction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malf unction, the telltale will f lash f or
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.On models with navigation system
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
394
12/08/09 16:51:09 31SJC670_401
Technical Inf ormation
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)
405
Publication
Form Number 61SJC07
61SJC07EL
61SJC30
31SJC670
31SJC860
31SJCQ70
31SJCM70 HON-R Form Description
2009-2013 Honda Ridgeline Service Manual 2009-2013 Honda Ridgeline
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2006 Model Series Ridgeline Body Repair Manual
2013 Honda Ridgeline Owner’s Manual
2013 Honda Ridgeline Navigation Manual
2013 Honda Ridgeline Technology Reference Guide 2013 Ridgeline Honda Service History
Order Form for Previous Years-Indicate Year and Model Desired
www.helminc.com
12/09/07 16:43:42 31SJC670_412
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions