2021 HONDA RIDGELINE Owner's Manual (in English)

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

506
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.
Do not attempt to check or change th e automatic transmission fluid yourself.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher with
other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fl uid other than Honda
ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher may adversely affect the
operation and durability of your vehicle’s
transmission, and da mage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher is
not covered by Honda’s new vehicle limited warranty.

507
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reserve
tank.
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake Fluid
NOTICE
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified br ake fluid is not av ailable, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and re filled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn
brake pads as soon as possible.
Reserve Tank
MIN
MAX
1 Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage y our vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution ca n damage the windshield
washer pump.
Use only commercially avai lable windshield washer
fluid.
Avoid prolonged use of hard water to prevent lime
scale build up.
Models without washer level sensor
Models with washer level sensor

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

509
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uHeadlight Bulbs
Maintenance
4. Push the tab to remove the coupler.
5. Rotate the old bulb counter-clockwise to
remove.
6. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it clockwise.
7. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
Low beam headlights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.
1 Headlight Bulbs
Remove clip using phill ips-head screwdriver.
Insert the clip with the center pin raised, and push
until it is flat.
Center pin
Push until the
pin is flat.
TabCoupler
BulbBoth sides
■Low Beam Headlights

510
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uDaytime Running Lights and Parking Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Daytime Running Lights and Parking Light Bulbs
Daytime running lights and parking lights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda
dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.
Daytime running light bulbs and high beam headlight bulbs are the same.
2Headlight Bulbs P. 508
Parking light bulbs and front turn signal bulbs are the same.
2Front Turn Signal/Parking* Light Bulbs P. 511
Front Side Marker Lights
Front side marker lights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.
Fog Lights
Fog lights are LED type. Have an authoriz ed Honda dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.
Models with LED parking lights
Models without LED parking lights
* Not available on all models

511
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFront Turn Signal/Parking* Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Front Turn Signal/Parking* Light Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the front turn signal/
parking
* light being replaced.
Driver side: Turn the steering wheel to the
right.
Passenger side: Turn the steering wheel to
the left.
2. Remove the screws using a phillips-head
screwdriver.
3. Pull the inner fender back.
4. Turn the socket counter-clockwise and
remove it.
5. Remove the old bulb and insert a new bulb.
Side Turn Signal/Emer gency Indicator Lights*
Door mirror side turn lights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.
Front Turn Signal/Parking* Light:28/8W (Amber)
Screws
Inner Fender
Bulb
Socket
* Not available on all models