2020 HONDA RIDGELINE transmission fluid

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Your Vehicle
376
Driving
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the mark, turn off the climate
control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
When retrieving a boat from the water, we recommend using the sequential shift
mode
(S to utilize the trans missions lower gears.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refe r to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 562
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
■Retrieving a Boat
1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically up shift, even in the sequential shift
mode.
H

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.

uuWhen Driving uAuto Idle Stop
400
Driving
To turn the Auto Idle Stop system off, press
this button. The Auto Idle Stop system stops.
u Auto Idle Stop system will stop and the
indicator (Amber) will come on.
The Auto Idle Stop system is turned on every
time you start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the vehicle.
The vehicle stops with the transmission in
(D and the brake pedal depressed.
When you put the transmission into
(P, the Auto Idle Stop continues to operate,
even if the brake pedal is released. u If you depress the brake pedal, the engine may automatically restart.
■Auto Idle Stop does not activate when:
• The Auto Idle Stop OFF button is pressed.
• The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• The engine coolant temperature is low or high.
• The transmission fluid temperature is low or high.
• The vehicle comes to a stop again befo re the vehicle speed reaches 3 mph (5
km/h) after the engine starts.
■Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF1 Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF
If you turn off the Auto Id le Stop system while it is
activated, the engine will restart.
Auto Idle Stop
System Indicator
(Amber)
■Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
1 Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated. If the hood is opened, the
engine will not re start automatically.
In this case, restart the engine with the ENGINE
START/STOP button.
2 Starting the Engine P. 379
Pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button causes
the engine to no longer restart automatically.
Follow the standard proce dure to start the engine.
2 Starting the Engine P. 379

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

Index
579
Index
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 464
AC Power Outlet ...................................... 183
Accessories and Modifications ................ 528
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 178
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ................ 432
Indicator ................................................... 87
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 497
Engine Oil ............................................... 492
Washer ................................................... 500
Adjusting Armrest .................................................. 170
Front Seats.............................................. 162
Head Restraints ............................... 167, 168
Mirrors.................................................... 160
Rear Seats ............................................... 165
Steering Wheel ....................................... 159
Temperature ........................................... 109
Agile Handling Assist ............................... 406
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control System) ....................... 187
Changing the Mode................................ 187
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 188
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 521
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 188
Sensor .................................................... 193
Synchronized Mode ................................ 190
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 187
Air Pressure ...................................... 510, 569 Airbags
........................................................ 42
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 48
After a Collision ......................................... 46
Airbag Care ............................................... 54
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 45
Indicator .............................................. 52, 78
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 53
Sensors ...................................................... 42
Side Airbags .............................................. 49
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 51
All-wheel drive (AWD) Indicator ............... 84
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 228
Android Auto ............................................ 267
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 464
Indicator .................................................... 78
Apple CarPlay ........................................... 264
Armrest ..................................................... 170
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 201
Audio System ............................................ 196
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 221
Audio/Information Screen ........................ 204
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 199
Changing the Home Screen Icon Layout ................................................... 208
Closing Apps ........................................... 218
Display Setup ........................................... 222
Error Messages ........................................ 272
General Information ................................ 276
Home Screen ........................................... 211
Limitations for Manua l Operation ............ 223
MP3/WMA/AAC .............................. 239, 251 Playing a CD............................................ 239
Reactivating ............................................ 200
Recommended CDs ................................. 277
Remote Controls ..................................... 201
Security Code .......................................... 200
Selecting an Audio Source ....................... 223
Status Area ............................................. 217
Theft Protection ...................................... 200
Truck Bed Audio...................................... 271
USB Flash Drives .............................. 251, 279
USB Port.................................................. 197
Wallpaper Setup...................................... 209
Audio/Information Screen ....................... 204
Authorized Manuals ................................ 577
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 126
Customize ....................................... 311, 312
Auto High-Beam ....................................... 150
Indicator.................................................... 82
Auto Idle Stop .......................................... 399
OFF Button .............................................. 400
Auto Idle Stop Indicator (Green) ............... 85
Auto Idle Stop System Indicator
(Amber) ..................................................... 85
Automatic Intermittent Wipers ............... 154
Automatic Lighting .................................. 146
Automatic Transmission .........

.................. 387
Creeping ................................................. 387
Fluid ........................................................ 499
Kickdown ................................................ 387
Operating the Shift Button ...................... 390
Shifting ................................................... 388