2017 Honda Ridgeline Owner’s Manual

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck that is both modern and flexible. It raises the bar in the truck class with its unique features and usefulness. The Ridgeline combines the comfort and ease of an SUV with the usefulness of a truck, so it can be used for both daily commutes and more exciting trips. It has a large, well-designed interior with room for up to five people and a lot of smart storage options, like an in-bed bag that is new and different. With a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood, the Ridgeline performs well, and the option of all-wheel drive gives you trust on any road. Advanced technology, like an optional 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen system and Honda Sensing® safety suite, makes driving the 2017 Honda Ridgeline a more enjoyable experience and makes it a top choice for people who want a modern and flexible pickup truck.

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

Important Safety Precautions
To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and recommendations:

• Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.
  Maximum Load Limit P. 401
• Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
• Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.
• It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

Avoiding Trouble 

• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
• Remember the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in a hazardous situation.
• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover or damage to your suspension or other components.
  Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it. Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around. Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
• Crossing a Stream – Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
• If You Get Stuck, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in (P, then depress the brake pedal.
   Although it is possible to start the vehicle in (N, it is safer to start it in (P.
3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button without depressing the accelerator pedal. The engine will crank until it starts.

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and cooling system*/climate control system*, and rear defogger 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.
Bring the smart entry remote close to the ENGINE START/STOP button if the battery in the smart entry remote is weak.
If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak P. 565
The engine may not start if the smart entry 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 trying again.

Stopping the Engine
You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.

1. Shift to (P.
2. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button with your foot on the brake pedal.

Remote Engine Start*
You can remotely start the engine using the smart entry remote.

WARNING
Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide.
Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or cause unconsciousness.
Never use the remote engine starter when the vehicle is parked in a garage or other area with limited ventilation.

If there are buildings and obstacles between your vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced. This distance may vary by external electrical interference.
The engine may not start by the remote engine start if:

• You have disabled a remote engine start setting using the audio/information screen.
• You do not press and hold the button
  within 5 seconds after the button is pressed.
• The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).
• The shift lever 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 smart entry remote is in the vehicle.

To start the engine

The engine runs for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the locking button, then press and hold the button.
Some exterior lights come back on three times, twice, if a 10-minute extension the request was transmitted successfully.
Some exterior lights come back on three times, twice, if a 10-minute extension request was transmitted successfully.

• There is any antenna failure.
• Door is unlocked with the built-in key.
• The engine oil pressure is low.
• The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.
• The telematics unit malfunctions.
• The security system alarm is not set.
  The engine may stop while it is running if:
• You do not start the vehicle within 10 minutes of starting the engine with the smart entry remote.
• The engine is stopped by using the smart entry remote.
• There is any antenna failure.
• The security system alarm is not set.
• Door is unlocked with the built-in key.
• The hood is open, or any door, or the trunk is unlocked.
• The shift lever is in a position other than (P.
• The telematics unit malfunctioned.
• The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.
• The battery is low.
• The engine oil pressure is low.
• The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on if there is a problem with the emissions control systems.

To stop the engine
While the engine is running, the vehicle will automatically precondition inside the vehicle. When it is warm outside:

• The heating and cooling system*/climate control system* is activated in recirculation mode.
• The seat ventilation* is activated.
  When it is cold outside:
• The defroster is activated at a moderately warm temperature.
• The rear defogger and door mirror heaters* are activated.
• The seat heaters* and heated steering wheel* are activated.

Starting to Drive 
When the engine was started using the smart entry remote remote

1. Depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button simultaneously.
   When the engine was started in any case
2. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that the parking brake indicator has gone off.
3. Parking Brake P. 476
4. Put the shift lever in (D. Select (R when reversing.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull away.
   Hill start assist system
   Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
   Move the shift lever to (D, , or (L when facing uphill, or (R when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.
   The brakes remain engaged briefly as you release the brake pedal.

FAQ