2021 HONDA RIDGELINE maintenance

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

526
uuBattery uCharging the AGM Battery
Maintenance
Charging the AGM Battery
AGM labeled batteries like those installe d in your vehicle require a compatible
charger to be properly charged. Damage to the battery can result if the battery is
charged improperly or with the wrong equipment. For more information on how to
charge your vehicle’s AGM battery, consult a dealer.1Battery
The battery installed in this vehicle is specifically
designed for a model wi th Auto Idle Stop.
Using a battery other than this specified type may
shorten the battery life, a nd prevent Auto Idle Stop
from activating. If you need to replace the battery,
make sure to select the specified type and size. Ask a
dealer for more details.

527
Maintenance
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery
If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.
1. Remove the built-in key.
2. Remove the upper half of the cover by
carefully prying on the edge with a coin.
u Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent
scratching the smart entry remote.
u Remove carefully to avoid losing the
buttons.
3. Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.1Replacing the Button Battery
NOTICE
An improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always conf irm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
3WARNING
CHEMICAL BURN HAZARD
The battery that powers the remote
transmitter can cause severe internal burns
and can even lead to death if swallowed.
Keep new and used batteries away from
children.
If you suspect that a child has swallowed
the battery, seek medical attention
immediately.
Battery type: CR2032
Battery

528
Maintenance
Climate Control System Maintenance
Air Conditioning
To ensure proper and safe operation, th e Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE
J2845) recommends that the refrigerant system only be serviced by trained and
certified technicians.
Never repair or replace the air conditioning evaporator (cooling coil) with one
removed from a used or salvaged vehicle.
New replacement mobile air conditioning evaporators must be certified (and
labeled) as meeting SAE Standard J2842.
Dust and Pollen Filter
The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance MinderTM messages will let
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust a nd pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1 Climate Control System Maintenance
NOTICE
Vented refrigerant is harmful to the environment.
To avoid refrigerant from venting, never replace the
evaporator with one re moved from a used or
salvaged vehicle.
Refrigerant in your vehicle’ s air conditioning system is
flammable and can be igni ted during servicing if
proper procedures are not followed.
The air conditioner labe l is found under the hood:
2 Safety Labels P. 75
2 Specifications P. 574
Canadian models
: Caution
: Flammable Refrigerant
Requires Registered
Technician to Service
Air Conditioning
System
:
:
1
Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

529Continued
Maintenance
Cleaning
Interior Care
Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt.
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts.
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the loops of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
■Cleaning Seat Belts
1 Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and sy stems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical devices
such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or
cause a fire inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.
Depending on their compos ition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-ba sed parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as
benzene or gasoline.
After using chemicals, make su re to gently wipe them
away using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.
Loop
■Cleaning the Window1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the in side of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direct ion as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.
Be careful not to spill fluids, such as water or glass
cleaner, on or around the co ver of both the front
sensor camera and the rainfall/light sensor
*.
* Not available on all models

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.

531
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Continued
Maintenance
Exterior Care
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more fr equently when driving in the following
conditions:
• If driving on roads with road salt.
• If driving in coastal areas.
• If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.
Use a water and mild detergent solution, and
a soft brush or cloth to clean the inside of the
trunk.
To drain water from the trunk, remove the
drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise. u When you are finished washing the
trunk, dry it with a soft cloth, and
reinstall the drain plug.
■Washing the Vehicle
■Washing the Trunk
1Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can
cause a malfunction.
Do not spray water onto the capless unit when the
fuel fill door is open. It ca n cause damage to the fuel
system or engine.
Air Intake Vents
Drain plug

uuCleaning uExterior Care
532
Maintenance
• Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.
• Fold in the door mirrors.
• For models equipped with automatic inte rmittent wipers, turn the wipers off.
• Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzl e and the vehicle body.
• Take particular care around the windows. St anding too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead,
use low pressure water and a mild detergent.
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
■Using an Automated Car Wash
■Using High Pressure Cleaners
■Applying Wax
1 Using an Automated Car Wash
When using an automated car wash that pulls the
vehicle through with a c onveyor, make sure the
transmission in
( N position.
2 If you want to keep the transmission in
(N
position [car wash mode] P. 399
1Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and st rong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe
away spills immediately.