2021 HONDA RIDGELINE check engine

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uuIf the Battery Is Dead u
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
5.Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the engine hanger as
shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to
any other part.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your ve hicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.

uuOverheating uHow to Handle Overheating
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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

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Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1. Immediately park the vehicle on level ground in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for approximately three minutes.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.
2 Oil Check P. 500
3.Start the engine and check th e low oil pressure indicator.
u The indicator goes off: Start driving again.
u The indicator does not go off within 10 seconds: Immediately stop
the engine and contact a dealer for repairs.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when there is a prob lem with the charging system.
■What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the climate control system, rear defogger, and other electrical
systems, and immediately co ntact a dealer for repairs.
1If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.
1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engi ne may rapidly discharge
the battery.

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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 pr oblem with the EPS system.
■What to do when the 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

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

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Handling the Unexpected
Fuses
Fuse Locations
If any electrical devices are not working, set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF and
check to see if any app licable fuse is blown.
Fuse locations are shown on the fuse box
cover. Locate the fuse in question by the fuse
number and box cover number.
Located near the passenger’s side damper
house. Push the tabs to open the box.
■Engine Compartment Fuse Box Type A
Tab

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uuFuses uInspecting and Changing Fuses
Handling the Unexpected
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF. Turn
headlights and all accessories off.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Check the large fuses in the engine
compartment.
u If the fuse is blown, use a phillips-head
screwdriver to remove the screw and
replace it with a new one.
4. Inspect the small fu ses in the engine
compartment and the vehicle interior.
u If there is a blown fuse, remove it with
the fuse puller and replace it with a new
one.1Inspecting and Changing Fuses
NOTICE
Replacing a fuse with on e that has a higher rating
greatly increases the chances of damaging the
electrical system.
Use the charts to locate the fuse in question and
confirm the specified amperage on the fuse label. 2 Fuse Locations P. 562
Replace fuse with a spare fuse of the same specified
amperage.
There is a fuse puller on the back of the type A engine
compartment fuse box cover.
Combined
Fuse Blown Fuse
Fuse Puller

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Information
Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has readiness codes as part of the onboard self diagnostic system.
Some states use these codes for testing to verify whether your vehicle’s emissions
components are working properly.
The codes may not be read properly if testing is performed just after the battery has
gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, set the power mo de to ON, without starting the engine. The
malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it then goes off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks fi ve times, the readiness codes are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle te sted before the readiness codes are ready,
prepare the vehicle for retest ing by doing the following:
1. Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3. Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°C and 35°C).
4. Start the engine without touching the ac celerator pedal, and let it idle for 20
seconds.
5. Keep the vehicle in
(P. Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there
for about 3 minutes.
6. Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
1Testing of Readiness Codes
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is
disconnected, and set again onl y after several days of
driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness
codes are not set, you may be requested to return at
a later date to complete the test.
If the testing facility determines the readiness codes
are still not set, see a dealer.