2021 HONDA RIDGELINE tow

497
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

500
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engi ne oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turn ing the engine off before you check the
oil. 1.Remove the dipstick (orange).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil, being carefu l not to overfill.
Lower MarkUpper Mark

508
Maintenance
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 498
2. Remove the clips.
3. Remove the air intake duct.
High beam headlight:60 W (HB3 for halogen bulb type)
Low beam headlight:LED
■High Beam Headlights
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overhe at and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. Howeve r, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
When replacing a halogen bu lb, handle it by its base,
and protect the glass from c ontact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
ClipsDriver side

513
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uRear License Plate Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Rear License Plate Light Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the license plat e light assembly by
pulling it towards you, and then pulling the
front edge upward.
2. Turn the socket counter-clockwise and
remove it. Remove the old bulb.
3. Insert a new bulb and turn clockwise.
High-Mount Brake Light
High-mount brake light is LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.
Rear License Plate Lights:5W
Bulb
Socket

525
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the Battery
The condition of the battery is monitored by a
sensor located on the negative terminal of the
battery. If there is a problem with this sensor,
the multi-information display will display a
warning message. If this happens, have your
vehicle inspected by a dealer.
Check the battery termi nals for corrosion
monthly.
To access the battery terminals:
1. Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 498
2.Remove the clips using a phillips-head scre wdriver, then remove the air intake
duct.
2 High Beam Headlights P. 508
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2 Audio System Theft Protection P. 208
•The clock resets.
2 Clock P. 116
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
When you find corrosion, cl ean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
When replacing the battery, the replacement must be
of the same specifications.
Consult a dealer for more information.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear prot ective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Models without navigation system

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