2018 HONDA RIDGELINE tow

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

526
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.1 Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised: The hood will stri ke the wipers, and may
damage either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifti ng the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support RodGrip
Clamp

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

542
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uRear License Plate Lights
Maintenance
Rear License Plate Lights
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the license plate light assembly by
pulling it towards you, and then pulling the
front edge upward.
2. Turn the socket counter-clockwise and
remove it. Remove the old bulb.
3. Insert a new bulb and turn clockwise.
High-Mount Brake Light
High-mount brake light is LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.
Rear License Plate Lights:5W
Bulb
Socket

554
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the Battery
The condition of the battery is monitored by a sensor located on the negative
terminal of the battery. If there is a prob lem with this sensor, the multi-information
display will display a warning message. If this happens, have you vehicle inspected
by a dealer.
Check the battery termin als for corrosion monthly.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.
2 Audio System Theft Protection P. 203
•The clock resets.
2 Clock P. 110
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent da maging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1 Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
If you find corrosion, clea n the battery terminals by
applying a baking powder a nd water solution. Clean
the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNING
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 prot ective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Models without navigation system

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

uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
568
Handling the Unexpected
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the two tire tray holding bolts.
3. Pull out the tire tray with the handles, and
hook the rear of the ti re tray to the guides
on the back edge of the trunk.
4. Loosen the strap, then take the jack out.
■Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire1Changing a Flat Tire
NOTICE
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call
your dealer or a prof essional towing service.
Tire Tray
Tire Tray Holding Bolts
Handles
StrapJack

576
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter conditionChecklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check for a message on the multi-information display.
●If the To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button message appears
2If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak P. 577
uMake sure the smart entry remote is in its operating range.
2ENGINE START/STOP Button Operating Range P. 142
Check the brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.
●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 554●If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 589
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly. Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2
Starting the Engine P. 432
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 133
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 103
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 593
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 594
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehi cle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 579