2021 HONDA RIDGELINE towing

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

537
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 538
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 539
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 549
If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak .......................................... 550
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 551
If the Battery Is Dead ....................... 552
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 555 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 557
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 557
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 558
If the Brake System I ndicator (Red) Comes
On .................................................559
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator Comes On ....................... 559
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks........................ 560 If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks
along with the Warning Message... 561
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 562
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 567
Emergency Towing ........................... 568
If You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door....569
If You Cannot Unlock the Tailgate ... 570
Refueling
Refueling From a Portable Fuel Container ................................... 571

uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
540
Handling the Unexpected
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the two tire tray holding bolts.
3. Pull out the tire tray with the handles, and
hook the rear of the ti re tray to the guides
on the back edge of the trunk.
4. Loosen the strap, then take the jack out.
■Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire1Changing a Flat Tire
NOTICE
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call
your dealer or a prof essional towing service.
Tire Tray
Tire Tray Holding Bolts
Handles
StrapJack

549
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter conditionChecklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check for a message on the multi-information display.
●If the To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button message appears
2If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak P. 550
uMake sure the smart entry remote is in its operating range.
2 ENGINE START/STOP Button Operating Range P. 145
Check the brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.
●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 525●If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 562
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with a
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly. Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try
to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 385
Check the immobilize r system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2 Immobilizer System P. 136
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 110
Check the fuses.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 567
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 568
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehi cle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle or booster battery to jump start it.
2 If the Battery Is Dead P. 552

561
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning Message
Handling the Unexpected
If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along
with the Warning Message
■Reasons for the indicator to blink
The transmission is malfunctioning.
■What to do when the indicator blinks
• Immediately have your vehicle inspected by
a dealer.
• Put the transmission into
(N after starting
the engine.
u Check if the
(N position in the
instrument panel and the indicator on
the
(N button light/blink.
2 Starting the Engine P. 385
1If the Transmission System In dicator Blinks along with the
Warning Message
You may not be able to start the engine.
Make sure to set the pa rking brake when parking
your vehicle.
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow
your vehicle. 2 Emergency Towing P. 568

568
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoti ng arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency Towing
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.
NOTICE
Improper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.
All models
2WD models

594
Index
Spare Tire.......................................... 539, 575
Spark Plugs ................................................ 574
Specifications ............................................ 574
Specified Fuel .................................... 483, 574
Speedometer ............................................. 110
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................. 47
Starting Assist Brake Function ................. 411
Starting the Engine .................................. 385
Does Not Start ......................................... 549
If the Battery Is Dead ............................... 552
Remote Engine Start ................................ 387
Steering Wheel ......................................... 163
Adjusting ................................................. 163
Heater ..................................................... 187
Stopping .................................................... 472
Summer Tires ............................................ 524
Sunglasses Holder ..................................... 181
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ........ 47
Indicator .................................................... 82
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ......... 6, 7, 145
SYNC Mode ............................................... 198
System Message Indicator .......................... 87
T
Tachometer............................................... 110
Tailgate ..................................................... 131
Unable to Unlock ..................................... 570
Temperature
Gauge ..................................................... 110 Outside Temperature Display ................... 113
Temperature Gauge ................................. 110
Temperature Sensor ......................... 113, 201
Tie-down Anchors .................................... 193
Time (Setting) ........................................... 116
Tire Fill Assist .................................... 416, 560
Tires ........................................................... 516
Air Pressure ..................................... 517, 575
Checking and Maintaining ...................... 516
Inspection ............................................... 516
Labeling .................................................. 517
Puncture (Flat Tire) .................................. 539
Regulations ............................................. 519
Rotation .................................................. 523
Spare Tire ........................................ 539, 575
Summer .................................................. 524
Tire Chains .............................................. 524
Wear Indicators ....................................... 521
Winter..................................................... 524
Tools .......................................................... 538
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 372
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 375
Load Limits .............................................. 372
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 382
Emergency .............................................. 568
TPMS with Tire Fill Assist ......................... 416
Indicator............................................ 85, 560
Tire Fill Assist ........................................... 560
Trailer Stability Assist ............................... 380
Transmission ............................... 21, 394, 395
Automatic ................................. 21, 394, 395 Fluid ....................................................... 506
Number .................................................. 576
Sequential Mode..................................... 401
Shift Position Indicator ...................... 80, 397
Transmission System Indicator ................. 561
Trip Meter ................................................ 113
Troubleshooting ...................................... 537
Blown Fuse ..................... 562, 564, 565, 566
Brake Pedal Vibrates ................................. 27
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door ......... 28
Emergency Towing ................................. 568
Engine Won’t Start ................................. 549
Noise When Braking ................................. 28
Overheating ............................................ 555
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 539
Rear Door Won’t Open ..................... 27, 129
Warning Indicators.................................... 78
Truck Bed Audio ...................................... 277
Trunk ........................................................ 133
Lid .......................................................... 133
Main Switch............................................ 134
Turn Signals .............................................. 148
Indicators (Instru ment Panel) ..................... 85
Turn-by-Turn Directions .......................... 114U
Unlocking the Doors................................ 120
Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside ................................. 16, 127
USB Flash Drives ............................... 256, 282