2020 HONDA RIDGELINE check transmission fluid

385
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Continued
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover 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 th at 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 or
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 select a shift button 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 electric
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system
goes into a protective mode, and limits its
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down,
the EPS system is restor ed. 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 press the
( N button, as you will lose engine
braking (and accelera tion) 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.

481
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 482
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 483
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 484
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 485
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .... 489
Opening the Hood ........................... 490
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 491
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 492
Oil Check ......................................... 493
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 494
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...495 Engine Coolant ................................ 497
Transmission Fluid ............................ 499
Brake Fluid ....................................... 500
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 500
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 501Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 507
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 509
Tire and Loading Information Label ... 510
Tire Labeling .................................... 510
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .... 512Wear Indicators................................ 514 Tire Service Life ................................ 514
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 515
Tire Rotation .................................... 516
Winter Tires ..................................... 517
Battery ............................................... 518
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 520
Climate Control System Maintenance.......521CleaningInterior Care .................................... 522
Exterior Care.................................... 524
Accessories and Modifications ........ 528

487
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 575.
*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: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
temperatures. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder
TM. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
*5: 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).
*6: 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
TM. 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
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *6
* Not available on all models

499
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-TYPE 3.1 or higher
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher with
other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fl uid other than Honda
ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher may adversely affect the
operation and durability of your vehicle’s
transmission, and da mage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher is
not covered by Honda’s new vehicle limited warranty.

553
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 (red) and ABS indicator
come on simultaneously , the electronic brake
distribution system is not wo rking. This 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

584
Index
L
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)......... 445
Indicator .............................................. 87, 88
LaneWatch
TM............................................. 415
LATCH (Child Seats) .............................. 60, 65
Lights ................................................. 145, 501
Auto High Beam ...................................... 150
Automatic ............................................... 146
Bed.......................................................... 185
Bulb Replacement .................................... 501
Daytime Running Lights ........................... 149
Fog Lights ................................................ 148
High Beam Indicator .................................. 81
Interior .................................................... 171
Light Switches ......................................... 145
Lights On Indicator .................................... 82
Turn Signals ............................................. 144
Load Limits ................................................ 361
Locking/Unlocking .................................... 113
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .................. 126
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 125
From Inside .............................................. 123
From Outside ........................................... 116
Key .......................................................... 113
Using a Key ............................................. 122
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 122
Low Battery Charge .................................. 551
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 78
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 75, 551
Low Tire Pressure Indicator ........................ 81
Lower Anchors ............................................ 60 Lubricant Specifications Chart
................. 569
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 361
Lumbar Support ....................................... 162
M
M (sequential mode) Indicator/Sequential
Mode Gear Selection Indicator ................ 76
Maintenance ............................................. 481
Battery .................................................... 518
Brake Fluid .............................................. 500
Cleaning ................................................. 522
Climate Control System ........................... 521
Coolant ................................................... 497
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 485
Oil ........................................................... 493
Precautions ............................................. 482
Radiator .................................................. 498
Remote Transmitter ................................. 520
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 501
Safety...................................................... 483
Service Items ........................................... 487
Tires ........................................................ 509
Transmission Fluid ................................... 499
Under the Hood ...................................... 489
Wiper Blades ........................................... 507
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 75, 552
Map Lights ................................................ 172
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 361
Meters, Gauges ......................................... 106 Mirrors
...................................................... 160
Adjusting ................................................ 160
Door ....................................................... 161
Exterior ................................................... 161
Interior Rearview ..................................... 160
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 528
Moonroof ................................................. 139
MP3 ................................................... 239, 251
MP3/WMA/AAC ................................ 239, 251
Multi-Information Display ....................... 107
Multi-View Rear Camera ......................... 475
N
Numbers (Identification)......................... 570
O
Odometer................................................. 108
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............. 377
Oil (Engine) .............................................. 492
Adding ................................................... 494
Checking ................................................ 493
Displaying Oil Life ................................... 485
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 75, 551
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 492
Viscosity.................................................. 492
Open Source Licenses .............................. 294

586
Index
Security System......................................... 132
Immobilizer System Indicator ..................... 82
Security System Alarm Indicator ................. 83
Selecting a Child Seat ................................. 59
Sequential Mode ...................................... 394
Sequential Mode Operation .................... 395
Setting the Clock ...................................... 112
Shift Button......................................... 19, 388
Operation .......................................... 19, 390
Shift Position Indicator ....................... 76, 390
Shifting (Transmission) ....................... 19, 388
Shoulder Anchor ......................................... 39
Side Airbags ................................................ 49
Side Curtain Airbags ................................... 51
Siri Eyes Free ............................................. 263
SiriusXM ® Radio ........................................ 231
Smart Entry System ................................... 116
Smart Entry System Indicator ..................... 84
Snow Tires ................................................. 517
Song By Voice
TM (SBV) .............................. 245
Spare Tire .......................................... 533, 569
Spark Plugs ................................................ 568
Specifications ............................................ 568
Specified Fuel .................................... 477, 568
Speedometer ............................................. 106
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................. 45
Starting Assist Brake Function ................. 403
Starting the Engine .................................. 379
Does Not Start ......................................... 543
Jump Starting .......................................... 546
Remote Engine Start ................................ 381 Steering Wheel
......................................... 159
Adjusting ................................................ 159
Heater ..................................................... 179
Stopping ................................................... 466
Summer Tires ............................................ 517
Sunglasses Holder ..................................... 177
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ........ 45
Indicator.................................................... 78
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ........ 4, 5, 141
SYNC Mode ............................................... 190
System Message Indicator .......................... 83
T
Tachometer............................................... 106
Tailgate ..................................................... 127
Unable to Unlock .................................... 564
Temperature Gauge ..................................................... 106
Outside Temperature Display ................... 109
Temperature Gauge ................................. 106
Temperature Sensor ......................... 109, 193
Tie-down Anchors .................................... 185
Time (Setting) ........................................... 112
Tire Fill Assist .................................... 408, 554
Tires ........................................................... 509
Air Pressure ..................................... 510, 569
Checking and Maintaining ...................... 509
Inspection ............................................... 509
Labeling .................................................. 510 Puncture (Flat Tire) .................................. 533
Regulations ............................................. 512
Rotation.................................................. 516
Spare Tire ....................................... 533, 569
Summer .................................................. 517
Tire Chains.............................................. 517
Wear Indicators....................................... 514
Winter .................................................... 517
Tools ......................................................... 532
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 366
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 369
Load Limits ............................................. 366
Towing Your Vehicle ............................... 376
Emergency .............................................. 562
TPMS with Tire Fill Assist ......................... 408
Indicator ........................................... 81, 554
Tire Fill Assist .......................................... 554
Trailer Stability Assist ............................... 374
Transmission ............................... 19, 387, 388
Automatic................................. 19, 387, 388
Fluid ....................................................... 499
Number .................................................. 570
Sequential Mode..................................... 394
Shift Position Indicator ...................... 76, 390
Transmission System Indicator ................. 555
Trip Meter ................................................ 109
Troubleshooting ...................................... 531
Blown Fuse ..................... 556, 558, 559, 560
Brake Pedal Vibrates ................................. 25
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door ......... 26
Emergency Towing ................................. 562