2023 HONDA RIDGELINE engine

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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Continued
Driving
Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer
brake controller following the trailer brake
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake controller
may increase the distance it takes for you to
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.
The trailer hitch harness is used to install the
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine
compartment sub fuse box.
2 Engine Compartment Fuse Box Type B
P. 564
Electric Brake
(Brown)
Ground
(Black) +B (Light
Green) (20A)
Stop
(Violet)
Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals:
Electric Brake
(Brown)
+B (20A)
(Blue)
Ground
(Black)
Brake Lights
(Sky Blue)

380
uuTowing a Trailer uTrailer Stability Assist
Driving
Trailer Stability Assist
Helps to stabilize the vehicle and tra iler when the trailer severely sways.
■How trailer stability assist works
When the vehicle and trailer become unstab le while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscillat ion is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.
1 Trailer Stability Assist
Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep th e trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle,
causing the trailer to ro ll over or get damaged.
2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 381
Trailer towing sway is caused by:
•Crosswinds
•Improper towbar down load
•Excessive speed
The VSA ® system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation. 2 VSA ® Operation P. 412

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

385Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parkin g brake is applied.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
without depressing the accelerator pedal.1 Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to st art in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altit udes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear de fogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Bring the keyless remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the batte ry in the keyless
remote is weak. 2 If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak
P. 550
The engine may not start if the keyless remote is
subjected to strong radio waves.
Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before starting the engine again.
Parking Brake
Brake Pedal

uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
386
Driving
1Starting the Engine
The immobilizer system pr otects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly c oded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled. 2 Immobilizer System P. 136

Continued387
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
You can remotely start the engine using the keyless remote.
■Remote Engine Start1Remote Engine Start
The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote e ngine start, check your
local laws.
If there are buildings an d obstacles between your
vehicle and the remote, th e range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.
3WARNING
Carbon monoxide ga s is toxic and can
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly
enclosed areas.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Never use the remote engine starter with
the vehicle parked in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.

uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
388
Driving
■To start the engine
When started remotely, the engine automati cally shuts off after 10 minutes of idling
and/or the brake pedal and ENGINE START/STOP button have not been pressed
simultaneously.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the
button, then press and hold the button. u Some exterior lights flash six times if a 10-minute extension request was
transmitted successfully.1Remote Engine Start
The engine may not start by the remote engine start
if:
•You have disabled a remo te engine start setting
using the audio/information screen. 2Customized Features P. 299
•You do not press and hold the button
within 5 seconds after the button is pressed.
•The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF.
•The transmission is in a position other than (P.
•The hood is open, or any door or the trunk is
unlocked.
•You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.
•Another registered keyless remote is in the vehicle.
•There is any antenna failure.
•The door is unlocked with the built-in key.•The engine oil pressure is low.
•The engine coolant temper ature is extremely high.
•The security system alarm is not set.
Press the button, then press and hold
the button.
Some exterior lights flash once.
LED: Blinks when any button is pressed. Go within the range,
and try again.
Some exterior lights flash six
times if the engine starts
successfully. Exterior lights will not flash if
the engine does not start.

Continued389
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
■To stop the engine1Remote Engine Start
The engine may stop whil e it is running if:
•You do not start the vehicl e within 10 minutes of
starting the engine with the keyless remote.
•The engine is stopped by using the keyless remote.•There is any antenna failure.
•The security system alarm is not set.
•The door is unlocked with the built-in key.•The hood is open, or any door, or the trunk is
unlocked.
•The transmission is in a position other than (P.•The engine coolant temper ature is extremely high.
•The battery is low.
•The engine oil pressure is low.•The Malfunction Indicator Lamp comes on if there
is a problem with the emissions control systems.
Press and hold the
button for one second.
Go within the range, and try again.
The exterior lights will not flash when the remote is out of
the keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.
The exterior lights flash once if the engine stops
successfully.