Honda Ridgeline (2019 year). Manual

528

Maintenance Under the Hood

Opening the Hood

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Opening the Hood

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set

the parking brake.

2. Pull the hood release handle under the

lower left corner of the dashboard.

The hood will pop up slightly.

3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center

of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.

4. Remove the support rod from the clamp

using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.

When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.

Opening the Hood

NOTICE

Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised: The hood will strike the wipers, and may
damage either the hood or the wipers.

When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.

If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.

Hood Release Handle

Pull

Lever

Support Rod

Grip

Clamp

529

Maintenance Under the Hood

Engine Compartment Cover

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Engine Compartment Cover

The component parts in the engine compartment are protected by a cover.
You may need to remove the cover when you perform certain maintenance work.
Pull up on the engine compartment cover, remove it from the pins.

Engine Compartment Cover

530

Maintenance Under the Hood

Recommended Engine Oil

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Recommended Engine Oil

Oil is a major contributor to your engine’s
performance and longevity. If you drive the
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil,
the engine may fail or be damaged.

This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving
and that it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.

Use a Genuine Honda Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for
the ambient temperature as shown.

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Synthetic oil

You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is the specified viscosity grade.

• Genuine Honda Motor Oil
• Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the

container.

Recommended Engine Oil

Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,
they may adversely affect the engine performance
and durability.

Ambient Temperature

531

Maintenance Under the Hood

Oil Check

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Oil Check

We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning 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.

Oil Check

If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil, being careful not to overfill.

Lower Mark

Upper Mark

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Adding Engine Oil

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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.

Adding Engine Oil

NOTICE

Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can 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

533

Maintenance Under the Hood

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.

Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display.

1. Run the engine until it reaches normal

operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.

2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil

fill cap.

3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from

the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

NOTICE

You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.

Drain Bolt

Washer

Maintenance Under the Hood

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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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.

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.

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.

Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)

8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the

engine.

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.

If necessary, add more engine oil.

Changing 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

535

Maintenance Under the Hood

Engine Coolant

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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. Remove the engine compartment cover.

2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 529

2. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve

tank.

3. 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

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Reserve Tank

Engine Coolant

NOTICE

Genuine Honda engine coolant is a 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at
temperatures as low as about -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 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. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.

MAX

MIN

Maintenance Under the Hood

Engine Coolant

536

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1. Make sure the engine and radiator are

cool.

2. Remove the engine compartment cover.

2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 529

3. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and

relieve any pressure in the cooling system.
Do not push the cap down when turning.

4. Push down and turn the radiator cap

counterclockwise 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.

7. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it

reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.

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Radiator

Radiator

NOTICE

Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.

WARNING

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.

Radiator
Cap

537

Maintenance Under the Hood

Transmission Fluid

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Transmission Fluid

Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.

Do not attempt to check or change the automatic transmission fluid yourself.

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Automatic Transmission Fluid

Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)

Automatic Transmission Fluid

NOTICE

Do not mix Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission fluid) with other transmission
fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle’s transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda’s new vehicle limited warranty.

538

Maintenance Under the Hood

Brake Fluid

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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

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Checking the Brake Fluid

Brake Fluid

NOTICE

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.

If the specified brake fluid is not available, 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 refilled 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.

Brake Reservoir

MIN

MAX

Refilling Window Washer Fluid

NOTICE

Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.

Models without washer level sensor

Models with washer level sensor

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Replacing Light Bulbs

Headlight Bulbs

When replacing, use the following bulbs.

1. Remove the engine compartment cover.

2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 529

2. Remove the clips.
3. Remove the air intake duct.

High beam headlight:

60 W (HB3 for halogen bulb type)

Low beam headlight:

LED type

55 W (H11 for halogen bulb type)

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High Beam Headlight

Headlight Bulbs

NOTICE

Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted.
However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area, have the aiming readjusted at a dealer or
by a qualified technician.

When replacing a halogen bulb, handle it by its base,
and protect the glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.

Models with Auto high-beam system

Models without Auto high-beam system

Clips

Driver side

Replacing Light Bulbs

Headlight Bulbs

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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.

Headlight Bulbs

Remove clip using phillips head screwdriver.

Insert the clip with the central pin raised, and push
until it is flat.

Center pin

Push until the
pin is flat.

Tab

Coupler

Bulb

Both sides

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Replacing Light Bulbs

Daytime Running Lights and Parking Lights

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1. Push the tab to remove the coupler.
2. Rotate the old bulb counter-clockwise to

remove.

3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight

assembly and turn it clockwise.

4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the

bulb.

Daytime Running Lights and Parking Lights

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.

2 Headlight Bulbs P. 539

Parking light bulbs and front turn signal bulbs are the same.

2 Front Turn Signal/Parking

and Fog

Light Bulbs P. 542

Front Side Marker Lights

Front side marker lights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.

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Low Beam Headlights

Low Beam Headlights

Low beam headlights are LED type. Have an
authorized Honda dealer inspect and replace the light
assembly.

Models with Auto high-beam

Models without Auto high-beam

Tab

Coupler

Bulb

Models with LED type daytime running lights

Models without LED type daytime running lights

* Not available on all models

542

Replacing Light Bulbs

Front Turn Signal/Parking

and Fog

Light Bulbs

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Front Turn Signal/Parking

and Fog

Light Bulbs

When replacing, use the following bulbs.

1. Remove the clip using a flat-tip screwdriver,

remove the bolt, and push up the under
cover.

2. Remove the coupler

3. Turn the socket counter-clockwise and

remove it.

4. Remove the old bulb and insert a new bulb.

Side Turn Signal

/Emergency 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)

Fog Light

35 W (H8 for halogen bulb type)

Front Turn Signal/Parking

and Fog

Light Bulbs

Insert a flat-tip screwdriver, lift and remove the center
pin to remove the clip.

Insert the clip with the center pin raised, and push
until it is flat.

Push until the pin
is flat.

Bolt

Clip

Bulb

Socket

Bulb

Tab

Coupler

Models with fog light

All models

* Not available on all models

543

Replacing Light Bulbs

Rear Turn Signal and Back-Up Light Bulbs

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Rear Turn Signal and Back-Up Light Bulbs

When replacing, use the following bulbs.

1. Use a Phillip-head screwdriver to remove

the screws.

2. Pull the light assembly out of the rear pillar.

3. Turn the socket counter-clockwise and

remove it. Remove the old bulb.

4. Insert a new bulb and turn clockwise.
5. Slide the light assembly onto the guide on

the body.

6. Align the pins with the body grommets,

then push in until they fully seat.

Brake/Taillight and Rear Side Marker Lights

Brake/taillight and rear side marker lights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda
dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

Back-Up Light:

21 W

Rear Turn Signal Light:

21 W

Screws

Bulb

Socket

Bulb

Socket

Honda Ridgeline (2019 year). Manual - part 34