2021 HONDA RIDGELINE check oil

25
Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance (P487)
Under the Hood (P496)
●Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
●Check brake fluid.●Check the battery condition monthly.
aPull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
bLocate the hood latch lever, push it to the side, and then
raise the hood. Once you have raised the hood slightly, you
can release the lever.
cWhen finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights (P508)
●Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades (P514)
●Replace blades if they leave streaks across
the windshield or become noisy.
Tires (P516)
●Inspect tires and wheels regularly.●Check tire pressures regularly.●Install snow tires for winter
driving.

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uuIndicators u
Continued
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●Comes on when you set the
power mode to ON, and goes off
when the engine starts.
●Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.
●Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place.
2 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On P. 557
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
●Comes on when you set the
power mode to ON, and goes off
either when the engine starts, or
after several seconds if the
engine did not start. If “readiness
codes” have not been set, it
blinks five times before it goes
off.
●Comes on if there is a problem
with the emissions control
systems.
●Blinks when a misfire in the
engine’s cylinders is detected.
●Readiness codes are part of the on board
diagnostics for the emissions control
systems.
2 Testing of Readiness Codes P. 579●Comes on while driving - Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.
●Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe place
where there are no flammable objects. Stop
the engine for 10 minutes or more, and wait
for it to cool down. Then, take your vehicle
to a dealer.
2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Comes On or Blinks P. 558
Charging System
Indicator
●Comes on when you set the
power mode to ON, and goes off
when the engine starts.
●Comes on when there is a
problem with the charging
system.
●Comes on while driving - Turn off the
climate control system and rear defogger in
order to reduce electricity consumption.
2 Checking the Battery P. 525
2 If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On P. 557

487
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 488
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 489
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 490
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 491
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .... 496
Opening the Hood ........................... 497
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 498
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 499
Oil Check ......................................... 500
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 501
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...502 Engine Coolant ................................ 504
Transmission Fluid ............................ 506
Brake Fluid ....................................... 507
Refilling Window Wa
sher Fluid......... 507
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 508Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 514
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 516
Tire and Loading Information Label ... 517
Tire Labeling .................................... 517
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .... 519Wear Indicators................................ 521 Tire Service Life ................................ 521
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 522
Tire Rotation .................................... 523
Winter Tires ..................................... 524
Battery ............................................... 525
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 527
Climate Control System Maintenance.......528CleaningInterior Care .................................... 529
Exterior Care.................................... 531
Accessories and Modifications ........ 535

488
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of an y abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.)
■Routine inspections
Perform inspections before long distance tri ps, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
2 Maintenance P. 25
■Periodic inspections
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 507
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 516
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 508
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 514
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and fede ral regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all ma intenance services should
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 494
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 584
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenanc e, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

494
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the maintenance message in the
multi-information display, replace the brake fluid
every 3 years.
•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder MessageSystem Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If the message Maintenance Due Now does not appear more than 12 months after the display
is reset, change the engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first column on page 581.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA ®)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
temperatures. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder
TM. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under
-20°F, -29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.) / 100,000 km (Canada).
*6: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder
TM. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3
●Replace transmission fluid and transfer fluid*, *4
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *6
* Not available on all models

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

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

503
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