2021 HONDA RIDGELINE ECU

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uuBefore Driving uCarrying Cargo
Driving
You can also support motorcycles on the pickup bed floor with the cleats.
The floor panel of the pickup bed is designed to hold motorcycle tires. Be sure to
tighten motorcycles securely, with an ap proved tie-down or motorcycle strap,
according to the motorcyc le maker’s instructions.
When carrying motorcycles or any other cargo, do not spill any oil or fluid on the
pickup bed. A spilled liquid may damage the pickup bed.

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uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly servic ed and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 372
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the tra iler so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressure of the trail er tires, including the spare.
• Turn off the Auto Idle Stop syst em using the Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The
trailer weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is
activated on a hill wh ile towing a trailer.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
When towing a trailer, we recommend that you carry
a full-size spare wheel and tire for both your vehicle
and trailer. If you use the compact spare tire that
came with your vehicle, it could adversely affect
vehicle handling.
Remember to unhitch the tra iler before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.
1 Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
At higher speeds, the trai ler may sway or affect
vehicle handling.

uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
388
Driving
■To start the engine
When started remotely, the engine automati cally shuts off after 10 minutes of idling
and/or the brake pedal and ENGINE START/STOP button have not been pressed
simultaneously.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the
button, then press and hold the button. u Some exterior lights flash six times if a 10-minute extension request was
transmitted successfully.1Remote Engine Start
The engine may not start by the remote engine start
if:
•You have disabled a remo te engine start setting
using the audio/information screen.
•You do not press and hold the button
within 5 seconds after the button is pressed.
•The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF.•The transmission is in a position other than ( P.
•The hood is open, or any door or the trunk is
unlocked.
•You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.
•Another registered smart entry remote is in the
vehicle.
•There is any antenna failure.
•The door is unlocked with the built-in key.•The engine oil pressure is low.
•The engine coolant temper ature is extremely high.
•The security system alarm is not set.
Press the button, then press and hold
the button.
Some exterior lights flash once.
LED: Blinks when any button is pressed. Go within the range,
and try again.
Some exterior lights flash six
times if the engine starts
successfully. Exterior lights will not flash if
the engine does not start.

Continued389
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
■To stop the engine1Remote Engine Start
The engine may stop whil e it is running if:
•You do not start the vehicl e within 10 minutes of
starting the engine with the smart entry remote.
•The engine is stopped by using the smart entry
remote.
•There is any antenna failure.
•The security system alarm is not set.•The door is unlocked with the built-in key.
•The hood is open, or any door, or the trunk is
unlocked.
•The transmission is in a position other than ( P.
•The engine coolant temper ature is extremely high.
•The battery is low.•The engine oil pressure is low.
•The Malfunction Indicator Lamp comes on if there
is a problem with the emissions control systems.
Press and hold the
button for one second.
Go within the range, and try again.
The exterior lights will not flash when the remote is out of
the smart entry system range.
The engine will not stop.
The exterior lights flash once if the engine stops
successfully.

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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
driver’s side lower left corner of the
dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push the hood latch lever (located under
the front edge of the hood to the center) to
the side and raise the hood. Once you have
raised the hood slightly, you can release the
lever.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.1 Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipe rs, resulting in possible
damage to the hood and/or the wipers.
NOTICE
Do not press the engine cover forcibly. This may
damage the engine cover and component parts.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifti ng the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cl eaned and lubricated.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support RodGrip
Clamp

501
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.1Adding Engine Oil
NOTICE
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil may result in leaks and
engine damage.
If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components.
Engine Oil Fill Cap

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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the oil filter base, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.1 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.7 US qt (5.4 L)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

uuCleaning uInterior Care
530
Maintenance
The front and rear seat floor mats hook over
floor anchors, which keep them from sliding
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn
the anchor knobs to the unlock position.
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of
the anchored mats.
To properly clean leather:
1. Use a vacuum or soft dry cloth first to remove any dirt or dust.
2. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampen ed with a solution comprised of 90%
water and 10% neutral soap.
3. Wipe away any soap residu e with a clean damp cloth.
4. Wipe away residual water and allow leather to air dry in the shade.
■Floor Mats1Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific ve hicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat fl oor mat properly. If not
properly positioned, the fl oor mat can interfere with
the front seat functions.
Lock
Unlock
■Maintaining Genuine Leather1
Maintaining Genuine Leather
It is important to clean or wipe away dirt or dust as
soon as possible. Spills can soak into leather resulting
in stains. Dirt or dust ca n cause abrasions in the
leather. In addition, pl ease note that some dark
colored clothing can rub onto the leather seats
resulting in discol oration or stains.