2013 HONDA RIDGELINE belt

Your vehicle can carry a large
amount of cargo in the pickup bed.
However, the pickup bed is not
intended f or carrying passengers.
Peoplewhorideinthepickupbed
can be very seriously injured or
killed in a crash (see page ).
Make sure your cargo is properly
loaded and all items are secured so
they will not shif t or f all out while
driving.When loading and unloading cargo,
make sure all passengers or any
objects are clear of the tailgate
bef ore opening or closing it. The
tailgate should be closed securely
bef ore driving when it is not used
as the extended pickup bed.
The maximum allowable loading
weight on the pickup bed is 1,100
lbs (500 kg). Do not exceed the
load limit (see page ).
Distribute cargo evenly on the
pickup bed. Place the heaviest
items on the bottom and as f ar
f orward as possible of the rear
axle. Tie down and secure all
items that could be thrown out of
the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.If you stack items higher than the
bed sides, tailgate, or back window,
secure them with a net or cover.
This will reduce the risk of items
beingthrownoutof thepickup
bed during a crash or sudden stop.
When the tailgate is dropped open,
itcanbeusedasanextended
pickup bed. The maximum
allowable weight on the tailgate
while driving is 300 lbs (136 kg).
Exceeding this limit could damage
the tailgate.
Carrying heavy cargo in the
pickup bed will raise your vehicle’s
center of gravity. This can affect
handling and perf ormance. Drive
more slowly and cautiously, and
allow extra time and distance f or
braking.
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258
CONT INUED
Carrying Cargo in the Pickup Bed
Carrying Cargo
261
Allowing passengers to ride in
the pickup bed or on the tailgate
can result in death or serious
injury in a crash.
Make sure all passengers ride
in a seat and wear a seat belt
properly.
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Bef ore Driving

You can also support motorcycles on
the pickup bed floor with the cleats.
The f loor panel of the pickup bed is
designed to hold motorcycle tires. Be
sure to tighten motorcycles securely,
with an approved tie-down or
motorcycle strap, according to the
motorcycle maker’s instructions.
They are used to secure cargo on the
pickup bed and to install a cargo net
f or securing items. Do not use any
other parts of the pickup bed to
secure cargo or nets. When carrying motorcycles or any
other cargo, do not spill any oil or
f luid on the pickup bed. A spilled
liquid may damage the pickup bed.
Your vehicle has eight tie down
cleats on the pickup bed. Tie Down Cleats
Carrying Cargo
262
TIE DOWN CLEAT
Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading cargo on the
vehicle can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously
injured or killed.
Load the cargo carefully before
starting to drive. Never let passengers ride in the
pickup bed, in the In-Bed Trunk
space, or on the bed rails. This
could cause very serious
injuries or death. No one should
ride in any position on your
vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
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Bef ore Driving

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 information
display or multi-information
display (depending on the model)
(see pages , ,
,
).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 8. 7.
9.
10.
11.
121 133
99
16
61 76 77
119
Preparing to Drive
Driving
267
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and 89

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
305
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Driving

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 .310
.................
Maintenance Minder . 311
..............................
Fluid Locations .323
........................
Adding Engine Oil .324
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .325
..............................
Engine Coolant .327
....................
Windshield Washers .328
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 329
....................................
Brake Fluid .331
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 332
....................................
Timing Belt .333
.............................................
Lights .333
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 341
.....................................
Floor Mats .342
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 342
.................................
Wiper Blades .343
...........................................
Wheels .345
...............................................
Tires .345
...................
Checking the Battery . 353
.............................
Vehicle Storage .354
..................................
Interior Care .355
405
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.
309
TM
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Î
Î
Ì Ì
µµ
Î
Ì
Maintenance Minder
322
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 1
2
3
4
5
6
TM
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 .
Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
NOTE : :
:
321
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
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µµTheheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items on the
pickup bed or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or other qualif ied technician.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb,
handle it by its base, and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
Maintenance Minder schedule.
Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (100,000 km) if you regularly
drive your vehicle in any of the
f ollowing conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently towing a trailer.
CONT INUED
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Timing Belt
T iming Belt, L ights
333
TM
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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Maint enance

If your seat belts get dirty, use a sof t
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air-dry bef ore
you use the vehicle.Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
Reinstall the light assembly.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the mounting screw, and
tighten it securely.
6.
7.
8.
Cleaning the Seat Belts
Lights, Cleaning the Seat Belts
341
LOOP
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Maint enance