2017 HONDA RIDGELINE check engine

DRIVING
124 || 125
H
ANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
n Refueling from a Portable Fuel Container
If you need to refuel your vehicle from a portable fuel container, use the funnel
provided with your vehicle.
1.
Turn off the engine.
2.
Press the fuel fill door release button. The fuel fill
door opens.
3.
Open the in-bed trunk and pull out the tire tray.
4.
Remove the funnel from the tool box.
5.
Place the end of the funnel on the lower part of
filler opening, then insert it slowly and fully. Make
sure that the end of the funnel goes down along
with the filler pipe.
6.
Fill the tank with fuel from the portable fuel
container. Pour fuel carefully so you do not spill
any.
7.
Remove the funnel from the filler neck. Wipe up
any fuel from the funnel before storing it.
8.
Shut the fuel fill door by hand.
Funnel
Funnel
Do not insert the nozzle of a portable fuel container or any funnel othe\
r than the one
provided with your vehicle. Doing so can damage the fuel system.
Do not try to pry open or push open the sealed fuel tank with foreign ob\
jects.
This can damage the fuel system and its seal.
NOTICE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Smart Entry Remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, a message appear\
s in the MID with
information on how to start the engine.
1.
Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the
ENGINE START/STOP button while the indicator
is flashing.
2.
With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button within 10 seconds.
Shift Lever Does Not Move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Par\
k (P).
1.
Set the parking brake.
2.
Remove the built-in key from the remote transmitter.
3.
Open the lid of the console compartment.
4.
Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-tip
screwdriver. Put it into the shift lock release slot as
shown in the image, and remove the cover.
5.
Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
6.
While pushing the key down, press the shift lever
release button and place the shift lever into Neutral
(N). The lock is now released. Have the shift lever
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
Cover
Release
button
Shift lock
release slot

HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
126 || 127
H
ANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine, then
open the hood.
1.
Remove the engine compartment cover
(see page 141).
2.
Remove the holding clips and the air intake duct.
3.
Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s battery
(+) terminal.
4.
Connect the other end of the first jumper cable to the
booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt booster
battery only.
5.
Connect the second jumper cable to the booster
battery (-) terminal.
6.
Connect the other end of the second jumper cable
to the engine hanger as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part.
7.
If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle, start
the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its rpm
slightly.
8.
Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over
slowly, make sure that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
Clip
Air intake duct
Engine cover
Pins
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\

compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriou\
sly
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the batt\
ery.
WARNING
n After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the
following order:
1.
Disconnect the jumper cable from the engine hanger.
2.
Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster
battery’s (-) terminal.
3.
Disconnect the jumper cable from the booster battery’s (+) terminal.
4.
Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
5.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly lo\
ses power, or
steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheating\
.
1.
Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off
all accessories and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2.
If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and
wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
Reserve tank
MIN MAX
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the tem\
perature
gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediatel\
y stop
the engine.
4.
Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the\
cooling
system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank is\
low, add
coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the res\
erve tank,
make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a heavy\
cloth and
open the cap. If necessary

, add coolant up to the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not g\
one down,
contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
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 radiato\
r
cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE

HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
128 || 129
H
ANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Emergency Engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an emergency
situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, choose one of\
the following
operations:
•
Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button
for two seconds, or
•
Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button
three times.
If the vehicle is in Park (P), the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF. Otherwise, the
power mode changes to ACCESSORY.
The steering wheel will not lock. Because turning off the engine also di\
sables the
power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it\
will require
significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehi\
cle. Use both feet
on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in
a safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary \
for the engine to
be switched off.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a tru\
ck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires
and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground.
This is an acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious dama\
ge.
The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle\
can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low,
the low tire pressure indicator comes on and a message
appears on the multi-information display. The specific tire
with low pressure is displayed.
n What to Do
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust th\
e pressure to
the specified level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on th\
e driver’s doorjamb.
n
Tire Fill Assist
Your vehicle gives you visual and audible alerts to help you adjust the t\
ire pressure to its appropriate level when the vehicle is on.
While inflating: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash once every 5 seconds.
When the correct pressure is reached:

The system beeps and the exterior lights
flash continuously for 5 seconds. Stop filling the tire.
If you overinflate: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash twice every
3 seconds.
Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. A\
n overheated
tire can fail. Always inflate your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE

HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
136 || 137
M
AINTENANCE
n Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1.
Turn the vehicle off, including all lights and
accessories.
2.
Remove the fuse box cover.
3.
Check the large fuse in the engine compartment.
4.
If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-head
screwdriver to remove the screws and replace the
fuse with a new one. Reinstall the screws.
5.
Inspect the small fuses in the engine compartment
and the vehicle interior.
6.
If there is a burned out fuse, remove it with the fuse
puller and replace it with a new one.
Fuse puller
Blown fuse
Combined
fuse
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the\
chances of
damaging the electrical system.
NOTICE
MAINTENANCE
Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourse\
lf, as well as
information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however, we cannot
warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing mainte\
nance. Only
you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
n
Maintenance Safety •
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks\
, and flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
•
Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
•
To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
•
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery\
or
compressed air.
•
Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can\

accumulate.
n
Vehicle Safety •
The vehicle must be stationary, and parked on level ground with the parking
brake set and the engine off.
•
Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
•
Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem befo\
re
driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. \
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations
according to the schedules in this guide.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can \
cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WARNING
*if equipped

MAINTENANCE
138 || 139
M
AINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and a mes\
sage
appears on the display every time you turn the vehicle on. See page 139 to check what
maintenance is due indicated by the codes that appear.
Press the Info (
/) button on the steering wheel to change displays.
System message
indicator
Maintenance Minder message
Main
items Sub items
• Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake fl\
uid every
3 years.
•
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.
U.S. models
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and sys\
tems may
be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using part\
s that are
certified to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenan\
ce on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions warranties.
However

, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display. n
Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If the message Maintenance Due Now does not appear more than 12 months after the display
is reset, change the engine oil every year.
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of s\
oot in the air from industry and diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
Replace engine oi l*1
BReplace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension components
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connection s#
*4: 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/100,000 km.
*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towin\
g results in higher level
of mechanical (Shear) stress to uid. This requires differential \
uid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your \
vehicle under these
conditions, have the differential uid changed at 7,500 miles (12,00\
0 km), then every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Item s
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lte r*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transfer-case uid and transmission ui d
4Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
6Replace rear differential ui d*, *5
*
*if equipped

MAINTENANCE
142 || 143
M
AINTENANCE
Engine Oil
Park the vehicle on level ground, and wait approximately three minutes after turning the
engine off before you check the oil.
n
Checking the Oil
1.
Remove the dipstick (orange).
2.
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper
towel.
3.
Insert the dipstick back all the way into its hole.
4.
Remove the dipstick again, and check the level.
It should be between the upper and lower marks.
Add oil if necessary.
Upper mark
Lower mark
n Recommended Engine Oil •
Genuine Honda Motor Oil
•
Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with
an API Certification Seal on the container
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving and
that it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s latest
requirements.
Use Honda Genuine Motor Oil or another commercial
engine oil of suitable viscosity for the ambient
temperature as shown.
Ambient temperatureAmbient temperature
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certifi\
cation Seal
and is of the specified viscosity grade. n
Adding Oil
1.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2.
Add oil slowly.
3.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten it
securely.
4.
Wait for three minutes and recheck the engine
oil dipstick.Engine oil ll cap
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. Overfilling the eng\
ine oil can result in
leaks and engine damage.
NOTICE
n
Resetting the Engine Oil Life
If you change or replace the vehicle’s engine oil yourself, you must reset the engine
oil life. Use the steering wheel buttons to operate the menu.
1.
Use the Info (/) buttons to scroll to the Vehicle
Settings menu. Press the RESET button to enter
the menu.
2.
Scroll to Maintenance Info, and select it.
3.
Press and hold the RESET button to enter the oil life
reset mode.
4.
Select Reset. The maintenance codes disappear,
and the engine oil life returns to 100%.
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance service results\
in the system
showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious mecha\
nical
problems.
NOTICE

MAINTENANCE
144 || 145
M
AINTENANCE
Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant\
level in the
radiator. We recommend Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
n
Checking the Reserve Tank
1.
Remove the engine compartment cover.
2.
Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
3.
If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, add the
specified coolant until it reaches the MAX mark.
4.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
MAX
MIN
If temperatures consistently below −22°F (−30°C) are expec\
ted, the coolant mixture
should be changed to a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for detail\
s for more
information.
NOTICE
n
Adding Coolant
1.
Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2.
Remove the engine compartment cover.
3.
Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and relieve
any pressure in the coolant system. Do not push
the cap down when turning.
4.
Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
5.
The coolant level should be up to the base of the
filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
6.
Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
7.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches
the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the
reserve tank.
Radiator
cap
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.
WARNING
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
Checking the Battery
The battery condition is monitored by the sensor on the negative termina\
l. If there is a
problem with the sensor, a message appears on the multi-information display. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.
For jump starting, see page 126.
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to\
kill
or seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do it.
WARNING
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\

compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Window Washer Fluid
If the washer fluid level is low, fill the washer reservoir. You can check the level by
looking at the reservoir, or a message* will appear on the MID.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshie\
ld washer
reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
NOTICE
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of\
the reservoir.
We recommend using Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3.
Pour the fluid carefully.
If the fluid level is at or below the MIN mark, have a dealer
inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as soon as possible.
Brake reservoir
MAX
MIN
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your vehicle’s braking system and can
cause extensive damage.
NOTICE
*if equipped

MAINTENANCE
152 || 153
M
AINTENANCE
n Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the\
tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat w\
hen tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test whee\
l. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and re\
duce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Th\
e grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must\
meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minim\
um required
by law.
W
ARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflatio\
n, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and\
possible
tire failure.Testing of Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has readiness codes as part of the onboard self-diagnostic s\
ystem. Some
states use these codes for testing to verify your vehicle’s emissions components are
working properly. The codes may not be read if you go through the testing just after the\

battery has gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, turn the vehicle on without starting the engine\
. The malfunction
indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it goes off, the rea\
diness codes are
set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle tested before the readiness cod\
es are set,
prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1.
Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2.
Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3.
Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°\
C and 35°C).
4.
Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle\
for 20
seconds.
5.
Keep the vehicle in Park (P). Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, \
and hold it
there for about 3 minutes.
6.
Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
7.
Select a nearby, lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed of
50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the hig\
hway with the
vehicle in Drive. Do not use cruise control. When traffic allows, driv\
e for 90 seconds
without using the accelerator pedal. (V

ehicle speed may vary slightly; this is OK.)
If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of traffic c\
onditions, drive
for at least 30 seconds, then repeat two more times (for a total of 90 \
seconds).
8.
Drive in city/suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic\
conditions allow,
let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator \
pedal or the
brake pedal.
9.
Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 30 minutes.
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set\
again only
after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, y\
ou may be
requested to return at a later date to complete the test, or see your de\
aler.