2017 HONDA RIDGELINE maintenance

543Continued
Maintenance
Cleaning
Interior Care
Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt.
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts.
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
■Cleaning Seat Belts
1 Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sp rays on electrical devices
such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a fire
inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.
Depending on their compos ition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-ba sed parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as
benzene or gasoline.
After using chemical s, make sure to gently wipe them
away using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.
Opening
■Cleaning the Window1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the in side of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direct ion as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

uuCleaning uInterior Care
544
Maintenance
The front and rear seat floor mats hook over
the floor anchors, which keep mats them from
sliding forward. To remove a mat for cleaning,
turn the anchor knobs to the unlock position.
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of
the anchored mats.
Vacuum dirt and dust from the leather freq uently. Pay close attention to the pleats
and seams. Clean the leather with a so ft cloth dampened with a 90% water and
10% neutral soap solution. Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Remove any dust or
dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
■Floor Mats1 Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific ve hicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mat properly. If they are
not properly positioned, the floor mats can interfere
with the front seat functions.
Lock
Unlock
■Maintaining Genuine Leather*
* Not available on all models

545
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Continued
Maintenance
Exterior Care
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scra tches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
• If driving on roads with road salt.
• If driving in coastal areas.
• If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.
Use a water and mild detergent solution, and
a soft brush or cloth to clean the inside of the
trunk.
To drain water from the trunk, remove the
drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise.
u When you are finished washing the
trunk, dry it with a soft cloth, and
reinstall the drain plug.
■Washing the Vehicle
■Washing the Trunk
1Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents or engine
compartment. It can cause a malfunction.
Air Intake Vents
Drain plug

uuCleaning uExterior Care
546
Maintenance
• Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.
• Fold in the door mirrors.
• Automatic intermittent wipers
* equipment vehicles, wi pers switch to OFF.
• Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzl e and the vehicle body.
• Take particular care around the windows. St anding too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead,
use low pressure water and a mild detergent.
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time an d expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
■Using an Automated Car Wash
■Using High Pressure Cleaners
■Applying Wax1 Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe
away spills immediately.
* Not available on all models

Continued547
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Prom ptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (inc luding some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that help
keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1 Maintaining the Bumpers an d Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the pa inted surface of the parts
made of resin.

548
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlig hts, brake lights, etc.) may fog temporarily
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash.
Dew condensation also may build up inside the lenses when there is a significant
enough difference between the ambient and inside lens temperatures (similar to
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions). These conditions are natural
processes, not structural design problems in the exterior lights.
Lens design characteristics may result in mo isture developing on the light lens frame
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.
However, if you see large amounts of wa ter accumulation, or large water drops
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
■Fogged Exterior Light Lenses

549
Maintenance
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories
When installing accessories, check the following:
• Do not install accessories on the windsh ield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install any accessories over areas marked SRS Airbag, on the sides or backs
of the front seats, on front or side pillars, or near the side windows. Accessories
installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the vehicle’s
airbags or may be propelled into you or another occupant if the airbags deploy.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 575
•Before installing any electro nic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a deal er inspect the final installation.
• Your vehicle should not be used to carry a slide-in camper. If you install a truck
cap, be sure it is properly installed and does not exceed your vehicle’s load limits.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 399
Modifications
Do not modify your vehicle in a manner that may affect its handling, stability, or
reliability, or install non-genuine Honda pa rts or accessories that may have a similar
effect.
Even minor modifications to vehicle systems can affect overall vehicle performance.
Always make sure all equipment is proper ly installed and maintained, and do not
make any modification to your vehicle or its systems that might cause your vehicle
to no longer meet federal, state, pr ovince, territory, and local regulations.
Do not modify or attempt to repair any of the electrical components.
1Accessories and Modifications
Honda Genuine accessor ies are recommended to
ensure proper operati on on your vehicle.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner’s
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

598
Index
Automatic Transmission........................... 425
Creeping ................................................. 425
Fluid ........................................................ 521
Kickdown ................................................ 425
Shift Lever Does Not Move....................... 568
Shift Lever Operation ............................... 427
Shifting.................................................... 426
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 200
Average Fuel Economy ............................. 104
B
Battery....................................................... 540
Charging System Indicator ................. 73, 571
Jump Starting .......................................... 565
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 540
Maintenance (Replacing).......................... 541
Bed Lights .................................................. 184
Indicator .................................................... 88
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 33
Beverage Holders ...................................... 173
Blind spot information (BSI) System ........ 470
Indicator .................................................... 85
Bluetooth ® Audio ............................. 219, 274
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®............. 337, 362
Booster Seats (For Children) ....................... 67
Brake System ............................................. 474
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 476
Brake Assist System ................................. 477
Brake System Indicator............................... 72
Fluid ........................................................ 522 Foot Brake............................................... 475
Indicator............................................ 72, 573
Parking Brake .......................................... 474
Brake System Indicator (Amber) ................ 72
Brake System Indicator (Red) ..................... 72
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 155
Bulb Replacement .................................... 523
Brake/Taillight and Rear Side Marker
Light...................................................... 527
Daytime Running Light and Parking
Light...................................................... 525
Front Side Marker Light ........................... 525
Front Turn Signal/Parking and Fog Light...................................................... 526
Headlights ............................................... 523
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 528
Rear License Plate Light ........................... 528
Rear Turn Signal and Back-Up Light ......... 527
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light...................................................... 526
Bulb Specifications ................................... 586
C
Carbon Monoxide Gas ............................... 68
Cargo Hooks ............................................. 185
Carrying Cargo ......................... 397, 399, 402
CD Player ................................................... 259
Certification Label .................................... 588
Changing Bulbs ........................................ 523
Charging System Indicator ................. 73, 571Child Safety
................................................ 53
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 121
Emergency Trunk Opener........................ 130
Child Seat ................................................... 53
Booster Seats ............................................ 67
Child Seat for Infants ................................ 55
Child Seat for Small Children .................... 56
Installing a Child Seat wi th a Lap/Shoulder Seat
Belt ......................................................... 61
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat ........................................................ 58
Larger Children ......................................... 66
Rear-facing Child Seat............................... 55
Selecting a Child Seat ............................... 57
Using a Tether .......................................... 63
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 121
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 545
Cleaning the Interior ............................... 543
Climate Control System ........................... 186
Changing the Mode................................ 186
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 187
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 542
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 187
Sensors ................................................... 192
Synchronized Mode ................................ 189
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 186
Clock ......................................................... 108
Coat Hook ................................................ 176