2020 HONDA RIDGELINE differential

84
uuIndicators u
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage
Smart Entry
System Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.
●Comes on as soon as a problem is
detected in the smart entry
system or push button starting
system.
●Stays on constantly or does not come on
at all - Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer.
All-wheel drive
( AWD ) Indicator*
●Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.
●Comes on if there is a problem
with the AWD system.
●Blinks when the differential
temperature is too high.
●Stays on constantly - The engine drives
the front wheels only in this state. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.
●Blinks while driving - The engine drives
only the front wheels in this state. Stop in a
safe place, shift to
(P, and idle the engine
until the indicator goes off. If the indicator
does not stop blinking, take your vehicle to
a dealer.
2 Intelligent Variable Torque
Management (i-VTM4TM) AWD System*
P. 407
* Not available on all models

378
uuOff-Highway Driving Guidelines uAvoiding Trouble
Driving
Avoiding Trouble
• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all
scheduled maintenance has been comple ted. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, an d check the tire pressures.
• Remember the route you choose presents limit s (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.
• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start
or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover
or damage to your suspension or other components.
• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to
drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all cond itions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water
in your route (a small stream or large pu ddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
• If You Get Stuck , carefully go in the direction that you think will get you
unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.

407
uuWhen Driving uIntelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4TM) AWD System*
Driving
Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4TM)
AWD System*
The Intelligent Variable To rque Management (i-VTM4TM) AWD System is a full time
all wheel drive system that automatically controls and transfers varying amount of
engine torque to all wheels independently according to the driving conditions.
You still need to exercise the same care when accelerating, steering, and braking
that you would in a two wheel drive vehicle.
Avoid continuously driving on slippery surfaces where a wheel is likely to spin out,
and do not drive if the AWD indicator starts blinking. Driving continuously under
such conditions can damage the system’s torque distribution unit.
If the AWD indicator blinks while driving, it indicates the differential temperature is
too high. If this happens, pull to the side of the road when it is safe, shift to park,
and idle the engine until the indicator goes out. If the indicator does not go out, take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it checked.1 Intelligent Variable Torq ue Management (i-VTM4TM) AWD
System*
NOTICE
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause transmission or re ar differential damage.
The Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-
VTM4
TM) AWD System may not function properly if
tire type and size are mixed. Make sure to use the
same size and type of tire , and the air pressures as
specified. 2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 515
* Not available on all models

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

569
uuSpecifications u
Information
■
Brake Fluid
■ Automatic Tran smission Fluid
■ Rear Differential Fluid
*
■Transfer Assembly Fluid*
SpecifiedHonda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
SpecifiedHonda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher
Capacity Change 3.7 US qt (3.5 L)
SpecifiedHonda DPSF-II
Capacity Change 1.92 US qt (1.82 L)
SpecifiedHonda HGO-1
Capacity Change 0.45 US qt (0.43 L)
■ Engine Oil
■ Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 5.4 US qt (5.1 L)
Change
including
filter
5.7 US qt (5.4 L)
SpecifiedHonda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.96 US gal (7.40 L)
(change including the remaining 0.22 US gal
(0.82 L) in the reserve tank)
■ Tire
RegularSize245/60R18 105HPressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm2])35 (240 [2.4])
Compact
Spare Size
T165/90R17 105M
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular18 x 8JCompact Spare17 x 4T
* Not available on all models