2021 HONDA RIDGELINE engine coolant

487
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 488
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 489
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 490
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 491
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .... 496
Opening the Hood ........................... 497
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 498
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 499
Oil Check ......................................... 500
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 501
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...502 Engine Coolant ................................ 504
Transmission Fluid ............................ 506
Brake Fluid ....................................... 507
Refilling Window Wa
sher Fluid......... 507
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 508Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 514
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 516
Tire and Loading Information Label ... 517
Tire Labeling .................................... 517
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .... 519Wear Indicators................................ 521 Tire Service Life ................................ 521
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 522
Tire Rotation .................................... 523
Winter Tires ..................................... 524
Battery ............................................... 525
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 527
Climate Control System Maintenance.......528CleaningInterior Care .................................... 529
Exterior Care.................................... 531
Accessories and Modifications ........ 535

494
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
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 581.
*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 lines (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

496
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Washer Fluid
Radiator Cap
Engine Coolant
Reserve Tank Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange) Engine Oil Fill Cap
Battery

504
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze 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. 498
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 Life 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 antifreeze/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

505
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
2. Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 498
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
counter-clockwise 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

Continued533
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resi n coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Prom ptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. When necessary, as early as possible use a sponge and mild detergent
to wipe away these contaminants. Do no t use a stiff brush or harsh chemicals
(including some commercial wheel cleaners).
These can damage the protective finish on aluminum alloy wheels, resulting in
corrosion. Depending on the type of finish, the wheels also may lose their luster or
appear burnished. To avoid water stains, wi pe the wheels dry with a cloth while they
are still wet.
■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1 Maintaining the Bumpers an d Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the corr ect coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.

uuOverheating uHow to Handle Overheating
556
Handling the Unexpected
■Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle goes down.
u If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level an d check the cooling
system components for leaks.
u If the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, remove the engine compartment
cover then add coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
2Engine Compartment Cover P. 498
uIf there is no coolan t in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, re start it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone do wn, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1 How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
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.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN

575
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·Honda Genuine 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