2018 HONDA RIDGELINE check engine

517
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 518
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 519
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 520
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 521
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .... 525
Opening the Hood ........................... 526
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 527
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 528
Oil Check ......................................... 529
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 530
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...531 Engine Coolant ................................ 533
Transmission Fluid ............................ 535
Brake Fluid ....................................... 536
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 536
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 537Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 543
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 545
Tire and Loading Information Label ... 546
Tire Labeling .................................... 546
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .... 548Wear Indicators................................ 550 Tire Service Life ................................ 550
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 551
Tire Rotation .................................... 552
Winter Tires ..................................... 553
Battery ............................................... 554
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 555
Heating and Cooling System*/Climate
Control System* Maintenance............. 556Cleaning Interior Care .................................... 557
Exterior Care.................................... 559
Accessories and Modifications ........ 563
* Not available on all models

523
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the maintenance message in the
multi-information display, replace the brake fluid
every 3 years.
•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder MessageSystem Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*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 in the first column on page 607.
*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 soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●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 li nes (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*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 (U.S.) / 100,000 km (Canada).
*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. 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).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3
●Replace transmission fluid and transfer fluid*
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *5
* Not available on all models

529
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turn ing the engine off before you check 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.1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil, being careful not to overfill.
Lower MarkUpper Mark

530
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine 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.1Adding Engine Oil
NOTICE
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components.
Engine Oil Fill Cap

uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
532
Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter ga sket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the oil filter base, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.7 US qt (5.4 ℓ)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

533
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% an tifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 527
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.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Li fe Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
Genuine Honda engine coolan t is a 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at
temperatures as low as a bout -31°F (-35°C). If your
vehicle is consistently subjected to temperatures
below this, the concentration of antifreeze in the
coolant should be increased. Consult a dealer for
details.
If Honda antifreeze /coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non- silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda anti freeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
MAX
MIN

536
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reserve
tank.
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake Fluid
NOTICE
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and re filled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn
brake pads as soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MIN
MAX
1 Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage y our vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution ca n damage the windshield
washer pump.
Models without washer level sensor
Models with washer level sensor

565
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 566
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 567
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 576
If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak .......................................... 577
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 578
Jump Starting .................................... 579
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 582Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 583
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 585
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 585
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 586
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................... 587
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator Comes On ........................... 587 If the Low Tire Pressure/Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) Indicator Comes
On or Blinks........................................ 588
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 589
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 593
Emergency Towing ........................... 594
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door ................................................. 595
Refueling
Refueling From a Portable Fuel Container ................................... 596