2021 HONDA RIDGELINE transmission fluid

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Behind a Motorhome
382
Driving
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the mark, turn off the climate
control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
When retrieving a boat from the water, we recommend using the sequential mode
(S to utilize the transmissions lower gears.
Towing Behind a Motorhome
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refe r to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 568
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
■Retrieving a Boat
1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically up shift, even in the sequential mode.
H

392
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than yo u would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Honda accessory).
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1 Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not select a shift button while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in
the full left or right position for a while, the electric
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system
goes into a protective mode, and limits its
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down,
the EPS system is restor ed. Repeated operation under
these conditions can eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functi ons will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not select
( N while driving as you will lose engine
braking (and accelera tion) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km)
after purchasing your new vehicle or replacing the
brake pads or rotors, to allow for proper break-in.

uuWhen Driving uAuto Idle Stop
408
Driving
The vehicle stops with the transmission in (D and the brake pedal depressed.
When you put the transmission into
(P, the Auto Idle Stop continues to operate,
even if the brake pedal is released. u If you depress the brake pedal, the engine may automatically restart.
■Auto Idle Stop does not activate when:
• The Auto Idle Stop OFF button is pressed.
• The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• The engine coolant temperature is low or high.
• The transmission fluid temperature is low or high.
• The vehicle comes to a stop again befo re the vehicle speed reaches 3 mph (5
km/h) after the engine starts.
• Stopped on a steep incline.
• The transmission is in a position other than
(D.
• The engine is started with the hood open.
u Turn off the engine. Close the hood before you restart the engine to activate
Auto Idle Stop.
• The battery charge is low.
• The internal temperature of the battery is 14°F (−10°C) or less.
• The climate control system is in use, an d the outside temperature is below −4°F
(−20°C) or over 104°F (40°C).
• The climate control system is in us e, and the temperature is set to Hi or Lo.
• is ON (indicator on).
• The Intelligent Traction Management is set to Snow, Mud
*, or Sand*.
• The AC power outlet is used.
■Auto Idle Stop Activates When:1Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated. If the hood is opened, the
engine will not re start automatically.
In this case, restart the engine with the ENGINE
START/STOP button.
2 Starting the Engine P. 385
Pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button causes
the engine to no longer restart automatically.
Follow the standard proce dure to start the engine.
2 Starting the Engine P. 385
Models with AC Power Outlet
* Not available on all models

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

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

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.

559
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

Index
587
Index
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 470
AC Power Outlet ...................................... 191
Accessories and Modifications ................ 535
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 182
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ................ 438
Indicator ................................................... 91
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 504
Engine Oil ............................................... 499
Washer ................................................... 507
Adjusting Armrest .................................................. 174
Front Seats.............................................. 166
Head Restraints ............................... 171, 172
Mirrors.................................................... 164
Rear Seats ............................................... 169
Steering Wheel ....................................... 163
Temperature ........................................... 113
Agile Handling Assist ............................... 414
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control System) .................................................... 195
Changing the Mode................................ 195
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 196
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 528
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 196
Sensor .................................................... 201
Synchronized Mode ................................ 198
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 195
Air Pressure ...................................... 517, 575 Airbags
........................................................ 44
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 50
After a Collision ......................................... 47
Airbag Care ............................................... 58
Event Data Recorder .................................... 0
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 47
Indicator .............................................. 55, 82
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 56
Sensors ...................................................... 44
Side Airbags .............................................. 52
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 54
All-wheel drive (AWD) Indicator ............... 88
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 236
Android Auto ............................................ 273
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 470
Indicator .................................................... 82
Apple CarPlay ........................................... 269
Armrest ..................................................... 174
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 209
Audio System ............................................ 204
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 229
Audio/Information Screen ........................ 212
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 207
Changing the Home Screen Icon Layout ................................................... 216
Closing Apps ........................................... 226
Display Setup ........................................... 230
Error Messages ........................................ 278
General Information ................................ 281
Home Screen ........................................... 219
Limitations for Manua l Operation ............ 231 MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 256
Reactivating ............................................ 208
Remote Controls ..................................... 209
Security Code .......................................... 208
Selecting an Audio Source ....................... 231
Status Area ............................................. 225
Theft Protection ...................................... 208
Truck Bed Audio...................................... 277
USB Flash Drives .............................. 256, 282
USB Port.................................................. 205
Wallpaper Setup...................................... 217
Audio/Information Screen ....................... 212
Authorized Manuals ................................ 584
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 130
Customize ....................................... 314, 315
Auto High-Beam ....................................... 154
Indicator.................................................... 86
Auto Idle Stop .......................................... 406
OFF Button .............................................. 407
Auto Idle Stop Indicator (Green) ............... 89
Auto Idle Stop System Indicator (Amber) ..................................................... 89
Automatic Intermittent Wipers ............... 158
Automatic Lighting .................................. 150
Automatic Transmission ........................... 394
Creeping ................................................. 394
Fluid ................. .....................

.................. 506
Kickdown ................................................ 394
Operating the Shift Button ...................... 397
Shifting ................................................... 395
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 207