2020 HONDA RIDGELINE engine

497
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. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 491
3.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
u 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 of 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. Th ey may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
3WARNING
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.
MAX
MIN
Reserve Tank

uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
498
Maintenance
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
2. Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 491
3.Turn the radiator cap 1/8 turn counter-
clockwise and relieve any pressure in the
cooling system.
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.
■Radiator1Radiator
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and ca refully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.Radiator
Cap

500
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 br ake fluid is not av ailable, 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.
Reserve Tank
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.
Use only commercially avai lable windshield washer
fluid.
Avoid prolonged use of hard water to prevent lime
scale build up.
Models without washer level sensor
Models with washer level sensor

501Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 491
2. Remove the clips.
3. Remove the air intake duct.
High beam headlight:60 W (HB3 for halogen bulb type)
Low beam headlight:
LED type
55 W (H11 for halogen bulb type)
■High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overhe at and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted.
However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area, have the aiming readjusted at a dealer or
by a qualified technician.
When replacing a halogen bu lb, handle it by its base,
and protect the glass from c ontact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.Models with Auto high-beam system
Models without Auto high-beam system
ClipsDriver side

518
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 problem with this sensor,
the multi-information display will display a
warning message. If this happens, have your
vehicle inspected by a dealer.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion
monthly.
To access the battery terminals:
1. Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 491
2.Remove the clips using a ph illips-head screwdriver, then remove the air intake
duct.
2 High Beam Headlight P. 501
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2 Audio System Theft Protection P. 200
•The clock resets.
2 Clock P. 112
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
When you find corrosion, cl ean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
When replacing the battery, the replacement must be
of the same specifications.
Consult a dealer for more information.
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

521
Maintenance
Climate Control System Maintenance
Air Conditioning
To ensure proper and safe operation, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE
J2845) recommends that the refrigerant sy stem only be serviced by trained and
certified technicians.
Never repair or replace the air conditio ning evaporator (cooling coil) with one
removed from a used or salvaged vehicle.
New replacement mobile air conditioning evaporators must be certified (and
labeled) as meeting SAE Standard J2842.
Dust and Pollen Filter
The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance MinderTM messages will let
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you repl ace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1 Climate Control System Maintenance
NOTICE
Vented refrigerant is harmful to the environment.
To avoid refrigerant from venting, never replace the
evaporator with one re moved from a used or
salvaged vehicle.
Refrigerant in your vehicle’ s air conditioning system is
flammable and can be igni ted during servicing if
proper procedures are not followed.
The air conditioner labe l is found under the hood:
2 Safety Labels P. 71
2 Specifications P. 568
Canadian models
: Caution
: Flammable Refrigerant
: Requires Registered
Technician to Service
: Air Conditioning
System
1Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

524
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
Exterior Care
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehi cle for scratches 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 de tergent 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
1 Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can
cause a malfunction.
Do not spray water onto the capless unit when the
fuel fill door is open. It ca n cause damage to the fuel
system or engine.
Air Intake Vents
Drain plug

Continued525
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
• Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.
• Fold in the door mirrors.
• For models equipped with automatic inte rmittent wipers, turn the wipers off.
• Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.
• Take particular care around the windows. Standing 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 and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
■Using an Automated Car Wash
■Using High Pressure Cleaners
■Applying Wax
1 Using an Automated Car Wash
When using an automated car wash that pulls the
vehicle through with a conveyor, make sure the
transmission in
( N position.
2 If you want to keep the transmission in
(N
position [car wash mode] P. 392
1Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and st rong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe
away spills immediately.