2014 HONDA RIDGELINE emergency towing

If the vehicle’s tires slip when
retrieving a boat f rom the water,
shif t to f irst gear, and turn on VTM-4
lock (see page ). Disengage
VTM-4 lock as soon as the boat is
out of the water to prevent damage
to the VTM-4 system.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
Do not park on an incline unless it is
unavoidable. If you must park on an
incline, f ollow the steps below to
help prevent the vehicle and trailer
f rom rolling and possibly injuring
someone.
Turn the f ront wheels toward the
curb on a downhill, and away f rom
the curb on an uphill.
With the f oot brake f ully pressed,
have someone place wheel chocks
on the downhill side of the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
Firmly apply the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
putting pressure on the parking
mechanism in the transmission. It
also makes it easier to move the
shif t lever out of Park when you
want to drive away.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
When parking on level ground,
f ollow all normal precautions (see
page ) including putting the
transmission in Park, and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the lef t. Turn
the wheel to the right to move the
trailer to the right.
1.
2.
3.
284 274
381
bottom Ret rieving a Boat
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Parking
Backing Up
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle
303
12/08/09 16:39:15 31SJC670_310
Driving

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .358
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .359
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 367
................................
Jump Starting .368
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 370
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 372
..........
Charging System Indicator . 372
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 373
...............
Brake System Indicator . 374
..............................................
Fuses .376
..............................
Fuse Locations .379
......................
Emergency Towing .381
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 381
Taking Care of the Unexpected
357
12/08/09 16:46:12 31SJC670_364

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.
268
376 381 Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing Jump Starting
If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
368
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
12/08/09 16:47:36 31SJC670_375
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back
on tightly.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pushing down, to the first stop.
After the pressure releases,
push down on the cap, and turn it
until it comes off.Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at ‘‘
’’). Add coolant to the radiator
up to the base of the filler neck.
If you do not have the proper
coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture
as soon as you can.
4.
5.
6.
7. 8.9.
10.
11.
381
381
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
371
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
12/08/09 16:47:59 31SJC670_378
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

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

CONT INUED
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your
vehicle with just a rope or chain. It
is very dangerous.The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required. If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing
service to pull it out (see the
previous column).
For very short distances, such as
f reeing the vehicle, you can use the
tie down hooks on the lower of the
f ront and rear bumpers.
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
381
FRONT
REAR
TIE DOWN
HOOK TIE DOWN
HOOK
‘‘Rocking’’ your vehicle between
f orward and reverse gear or revving up
the engine and allowing the wheels to
spin f reely at high speeds can damage
the automatic transmission. Use a tow
service to prevent transmission damage.
Towing your vehicle with two tires on
the ground will damage parts of the
4WD system. It should be transported
on a f lat-bed truck or trailer.
12/08/09 16:49:20 31SJC670_388
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed

ÎÎ
CONT INUED
...................................
Dashboard .3, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 97
.................................
Dead Battery .368
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 404
......
Def rosting the Windows . 148, 155
................
Dif f erential Fluid, Rear . 386
....................................
Dimensions .386
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 95
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 329
..................................
Engine Oil .251
..........................
Directional Signals .95
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 286
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .326
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor . 11
Doors Locking and ..............
Unlocking . 103, 104, 107
..................
Lockout Prevention . 103
....................
Power Door Locks . 103
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 388
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .265
....................................
Economy .252
...................................................
D3 .271 Dual-Action Tailgate
...............................
Indicator .11, 115
...................................
Operation .113
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 342
..............................
Economy, Fuel .252
..................................
Emergencies .357
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 368
...........
Brake System Indicator . 374
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 359
.....
Charging System Indicator . 372
..................
Checking the Fuses . 376
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 99
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 372
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 373
..................
Overheated Engine . 370
............................
Stuck Vehicle .381
.......................................
Towing .381
.........................
Emergency Brake .132
.......................
Emissions Controls .395
........................
Emissions Testing .398
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 76Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .63, 373
.................
Oil Lif e Display . 311, 315
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 63, 372
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 324
...............................
Overheating .370
............................
Specif ications .387
............................
Speed Limiter .273
.......................................
Starting .268
.................
Engine, if it won’t start . 367
Evaporative Emissions Control ........................................
System .395
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .55
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .396
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
..........................
Fan, Interior .147, 154
.........................................
Features .145
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 246
E
F
III
12/08/09 16:52:46 31SJC670_416
IndexA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Î:U.S.only