2018 HONDA RIDGELINE check transmission fluid

438
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher ro llover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than yo u would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Honda accessory).
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something un der the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1 Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not change the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performa nce. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functi ons will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
( N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

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

518
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.)
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 535
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 536
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 545
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 537
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 543
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and fede ral regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 523
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 609
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. 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

535
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.
Do not attempt to check or change th e automatic transmission fluid yourself.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission fluid) with other transmission
fluids.
Using a transmission flui d other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely af fect the operation and
durability of your vehicle’ s transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by usi ng a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda’s new vehi cle limited warranty.

587
uuIndicator, Comin g On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Depress the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate acti on. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Electric Power Steeri ng (EPS) System Indicator
Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with the EPS system.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■What to do when th e indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle re paired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe plac e. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the elec tronic brake distribution
system is not working. Th is can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspecte d by a dealer immediately.
If both red and amber brake system indicators come
on, stop the vehicle in a safe place and have it
inspected by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada

612
Index
Automatic Transmission........................... 439
Creeping ................................................. 439
Fluid ........................................................ 535
Kickdown ................................................ 439
Shift Lever Does Not Move....................... 582
Shift Lever Operation ............................... 441
Shifting.................................................... 440
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 202
Average Fuel Economy ............................. 106
B
Battery....................................................... 554
Charging System Indicator ................. 75, 585
Jump Starting .......................................... 579
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 554
Maintenance (Replacing).......................... 555
Bed Lights .................................................. 186
Indicator .................................................... 90
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 35
Beverage Holders ...................................... 175
Blind spot information (BSI) System ........ 484
Indicator .................................................... 87
Bluetooth ® Audio ............................. 221, 276
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®............. 351, 376
Booster Seats (For Children) ....................... 69
Brake System ............................................. 488
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 490
Brake Assist System ................................. 491
Brake System Indicator............................... 74
Fluid ........................................................ 536 Foot Brake............................................... 489
Indicator............................................ 74, 587
Parking Brake .......................................... 488
Brake System Indicator (Amber) ................ 74
Brake System Indicator (Red) ..................... 74
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 157
Bulb Replacement .................................... 537
Brake/Taillight and Rear Side Marker
Light...................................................... 541
Daytime Running Light and Parking
Light...................................................... 539
Front Side Marker Light ........................... 539
Front Turn Signal/Parking and Fog Light...................................................... 540
Headlights ............................................... 537
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 542
Rear License Plate Light ........................... 542
Rear Turn Signal and Back-Up Light ......... 541
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light...................................................... 540
Bulb Specifications ................................... 600
C
Carbon Monoxide Gas ............................... 70
Cargo Hooks ............................................. 187
Carrying Cargo ......................... 411, 413, 416
CD Player ................................................... 261
Certification Label .................................... 602
Changing Bulbs ........................................ 537
Charging System Indicator ................. 75, 585Child Safety
................................................ 55
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 123
Emergency Trunk Opener........................ 132
Child Seat ................................................... 55
Booster Seats ............................................ 69
Child Seat for Infants ................................ 57
Child Seat for Small Children .................... 58
Installing a Child Seat wi th a Lap/Shoulder Seat
Belt ......................................................... 63
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat ........................................................ 60
Larger Children ......................................... 68
Rear-facing Child Seat............................... 57
Selecting a Child Seat ............................... 59
Using a Tether .......................................... 65
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 123
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 559
Cleaning the Interior ............................... 557
Climate Control System ........................... 188
Changing the Mode................................ 188
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 189
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 556
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 189
Sensors ................................................... 194
Synchronized Mode ................................ 191
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 188
Clock ......................................................... 110
Coat Hook ................................................ 178

616
Index
L
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)......... 468
Indicator .................................................... 86
LaneWatch
TM............................................. 486
Language (HFL) ................................. 352, 378
LATCH (Child Seats) .............................. 60, 65
Lights ................................................. 146, 537
Automatic ............................................... 147
Bed.......................................................... 186
Bulb Replacement .................................... 537
Daytime Running Lights ........................... 150
High Beam Indicator .................................. 80
Interior .................................................... 171
Light Switches ......................................... 146
Lights On Indicator .................................... 81
Turn Signals ............................................. 145
Load Limits ................................................ 413
Locking/Unlocking .................................... 111
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .................. 124
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 123
From Inside .............................................. 121
From Outside ........................................... 114
Keys ........................................................ 111
Using a Key ............................................. 120
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 120
Low Battery Charge .................................. 585
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 77
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 75, 585
Low Tire Pressure Indicator ........................ 80
Lower Anchors ...................................... 60, 65
Lubricant Specifications Chart ................. 601Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)
............. 413
Lumbar Support ....................................... 163M
Maintenance............................................. 517
Battery .................................................... 554
Brake Fluid .............................................. 536
Cleaning ................................................. 557
Climate Control System ........................... 556
Coolant ................................................... 533
Heating and Cooling System ................... 556
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 521
Oil ........................................................... 529
Precautions ............................................. 518
Radiator .................................................. 534
Remote Transmitter ................................. 555
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 537
Safety...................................................... 519
Service Items ........................................... 523
Tires ........................................................ 545
Transmission Fluid ................................... 535
Under the Hood ...................................... 525
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 75, 586
Map Lights ................................................ 172
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 413
Meters, Gauges ......................................... 103
Mirrors ...................................................... 161
Adjusting ................................................ 161
Door ....................................................... 162
Exterior ................................................... 162 Interior Rearview ..................................... 161
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 563
Moonroof ................................................. 140
MP3 ........................................... 218, 261, 273
MP3/WMA/AAC ........................ 218, 261, 273
Multi-Information Display ....................... 104
Multi-View Rear Camera ......................... 510
N
Numbers (Identification)......................... 602
O
Odometer................................................. 105
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............. 430
Oil (Engine) .............................................. 528
Adding ................................................... 530
Checking ................................................ 529
Displaying Oil Life ................................... 521
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 75, 585
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 528
Viscosity.................................................. 528
Open Source Licenses .............................. 316
Opening/Closing Hood ...................................................... 526
Moonroof ............................................... 140
Power Windows...................................... 136
Tailgate................................................... 128
Trunk ...................................................... 130
Outside Temperature Display ................. 106