2013 HONDA RIDGELINE maintenance

This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It
remindsyouthatitistimetotake
your vehicle in f or scheduled
maintenance. The maintenance main
items and sub items will be displayed
in the information display. See pagef or more inf ormation on the
Maintenance Minder .
This indicator goes of f when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. For more inf ormation, see
page .
Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned of f the vehicle stability
assist (VSA) system.
289
311Maintenance Minder
Indicator
VSA OFF Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
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Inst rument s and Cont rols

With the ignition switch in the ON
(II) position, the inf ormation display
changesasshownonthenextpage
each time you press the SELECT
button or TRIP/RESET button.
The inf ormation display shows the
odometer, trip meter, engine oil lif e,
outside temperature (if equipped),
instant f uel economy, average f uel
economy, range (estimated distance),
and maintenance item code(s).
For inf ormation about the multi-
inf ormation display, see page
.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, your last
selection is displayed. 82
CONT INUED
On models without navigation system
On models with navigation system
Gauges
Inf ormation Display
77
TRIP/RESET BUTTONSELECT BUTTON
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Inst rument s and Cont rols

The inf ormation display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil lif e and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
inf ormation helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs f or continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more inf ormation.Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic
system will detect a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap as an evaporative system
leak. The f irst time a leak is detected
a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message
appears on the information display.
If the system still detects a leak in
your vehicle’s evaporative emissions
system, the malf unction indicator
lamp (MIL) comes on. If the f uel f ill
cap was not already tightened, turn
the engine of f , and check or
retighten the f uel f ill cap until it
clicks at least once. The MIL should
go off after several days of normal
driving once the cap is tightened or
replaced. If the MIL does not go of f ,
have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer. For more inf ormation, see
page
.
Turn the engine of f , and conf irm the
f uel f ill cap is installed. If it is, loosen
it, then retighten it until it clicks at
least once. The message should go
off after several days of normal
driving once you tighten or replace
the f uel f ill cap. To scroll to another
display, press the SELECT button or
TRIP/RESET button.
The ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message
will appear each time you restart the
engine until the system turns the
message of f .
311
373
Maint enance MinderCheck Fuel Cap Message
Gauges
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Inst rument s and Cont rols

ÛÝ
ÛÝ
Û
ÝWith the ignition switch in the ON
(II) position, the multi-inf ormation
display changes as shown on the
next page each time you press the
INFO ( / ) button or the SEL/
RESET button.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, your last
selection is displayed.
The multi-inf ormation display in the
instrument panel displays various
inf ormation and messages when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II)
position. Some of the messages help
you operate your vehicle more
comf ortably. Others help to keep
you aware of the periodic
maintenance your vehicle needs f or
continued trouble-f ree driving.
To change the display, press the
INFO( / )buttononthe
dashboard repeatedly until the main
menu appears (see page ).
When you open the driver’s door, a
‘‘Welcome’’ message is shown on the
multi-inf ormation display.
In the multi-information display, the
system message is also displayed
(see page ).
83 90On models with navigation system
Multi-Inf ormation Display
82
SEL/RESET
BUTTON
INFO ( ) BUTTON
INFO ( ) BUTTON
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Inst rument s and Cont rols

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time. Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not tow a trailer.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
Premium f uel is recommended when
towing in certain conditions (see
page ).
301
Break-in Period
Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
244
T o help prevent harmf ul f uel system
and engine deposits, use high quality
f uel containing detergent and additives.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain harmf ul manganese-
based f uel additives such as MMT , if
such gasoline is available.
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Bef ore Driving

Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole. Remove the dipstick again,
and check the level. It should
be between the upper and
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page
information on adding the proper
Refer to on page for information
about checking other items on
your
1.
2.
3. 4.
324 327
321
A dding Engine Oil Engine Coolant Check
Oil Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Service Station Procedures
251
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
DIPSTICK
MIN
MAX
RESERVE TANK
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Bef ore Driving
lower marks.
vehicle.
proper coolant.

µ
µ µ
µ
µ
µµ
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
are more efficient when
warmed up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see on page ).For example:
Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible. Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
An underinf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your
fuel economy.
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CONT INUED
Fuel Economy Factors
Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see
). Drive moderately
Always drive in the highest gear
possible Observe the speed limit
Avoid excessive idling
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
253
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Bef ore Driving
fuel consumption.
fuel consumption.
page 324

Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to
recognize limits and take the
proper precautions.
To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to f ollow all precautions and
recommendations.
Be sure to store cargo properly
and do not exceed your cargo load
limits (see page and ).
Be aware that a heavy load can
reduce ground clearance and your
ability to clear obstacles.
Whenever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions allow.
It’s up to you to continually
assess the situation and drive
within the limits. 258 291
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember
Important Saf ety Precautions
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
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Driving