HONDA Ridgeline 2008 User Manual

Page 1

Introduction

2008 Ridgeline

Main Menu

Congratulations! Your selection of a 2008 Honda Ridgeline was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.

One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so youcanrefertoitatanytime.

Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Maintaining your vehicle according to the maintenance minder shown in the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.

As you read this manual, you will find inf ormation that is preceded by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

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Introduction

2008 Ridgeline

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California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING:

defects or other reproductive harm.

Event Data Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These devices record front seat belt use, front passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the f ailure of any airbag system component.

except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.

Service Diagnostic Recorders This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data f rom other sources for research purposes, but it remains conf idential.

This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else

Page 3

AFewWordsAboutSafety

2008 Ridgeline

Main Menu

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.

You will f ind this important safety inf ormation in a variety of forms, including:

−

Safety Labels Safety Messages

three signal words: , , or . These signal words mean:

Safety Headings

Safety Precautions.

Safety Section Instructions

This entire book is f illed with important saf ety information please read it carefully.

on the vehicle.

−

preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of

DANGER WARNING CAUTION

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

−

such as Important Safety Reminders or Important

−

such as Driver and Passenger Safety.

−

how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

−

iii

Page 4

Important Handling Information

2008 Ridgeline

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Your vehicle has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed f or use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier. Your vehicle also has a shorter wheelbase, allowing it to respond quicker to the steering wheel than other sport utility vehicles with a longer wheelbase.

In addition to these characteristics, your vehicle’s pickup bed area allows you to carry more cargo and has the dualaction tailgate to handle the items easily.

These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is signif icantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.

Overloading or improperly loading cargo could affect your handling and the vehicle’s stability, and could result in a crash. Make sure the cargo is properly loaded and all items are secured in the pickup bed area.

For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read ‘‘Driving Guidelines’’ on page of this manual and the

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

control or an accident.

section on page . Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of

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Page 5

2008 Ridgeline Online Reference Owner's Manual

Contents

Owner's Identification Form

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i

A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii

Important Handling Information .................................................................................................................... iv

Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3

Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5

Instruments and Controls

Features (climate control

Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break- in, and cargo loading) ..................................................................... 179

Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 197

Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 237

Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fuses) ...................................... 275

Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 301

Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 317

Authorized Manuals (U. S. only) (how to order) ......................................................................................... 321

Index ............................................................................................................................... ........................................ I

(indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column)

, audio, steering wheel, security, cruise control and Homelink )

............................................ 57

...................................... 123

Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)

00X31-SJC-6202

Page 6

Overview of Contents

2008 Ridgeline

Main Menu

Contents

A convenient reference to the sections in this manual.

Your Vehicle at a Glance

A quick reference to the main controls in your vehicle.

Driver and Passenger Saf ety

Important information about the proper use and care of your vehicle’s seat belts, an overview of the supplemental restraint system, and valuable information on how to protect children with child restraints.

Instruments and Controls

Explains the purpose of each instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use the controls on the dashboard and steering column.

Features

How to operate the heating and air conditioning system, the audio system, and other convenience features.

Before Driving

What gasoline to use, how to breakin your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.

Driving

The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park; plus what you need to know if you’re planning to tow a trailer.

Maintenance

The maintenance minder shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer for maintenance service. There is also a list of things to check and instructions on how to check them.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and details how to handle them.

Technical Information

ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada only)

A summary of the warranties covering your new vehicle, and how to contact us for any reason. Refer to your warranty manual for detailed information.

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)

How to order manuals and other technical literature.

Index

Service Information Summary

A summary of the information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Page 7

Your Vehicle at a Glance

2008 Ridgeline

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INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS GAUGES

MIRROR CONTROLS (P.113)

POWER DOOR LOCK MASTER SWITCH (P.83)

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.107)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.183)

FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE HANDLE (P.181)

Vehicle with navigation system is shown.

＊

: If equipped

(P.70)

PARKING BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE (P.111)

PARKING BRAKE

(P.111)

PEDAL

(P.59)

DRIVER’S FRONT AIRBAG

CENTER CONSOLE (P.115)

(P.9, 23)

REAR VIEW MIRROR WITH COMPASS

＊

(P.172)

ACCESSORY POWER SOCKETS (P.118)

PASSENGER’S FRONT AIRBAG

AUDIO SYSTEM (P.135)

AUXILIARY INPUT JACK (P.165)

HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

GLOVE BOX (P.117)

(P.9, 29)

＊

(P.124)

(P.130)

CONTINUED

Your Vehicle at a Glance

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Your Vehicle at a Glance

2008 Ridgeline

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＊

MOONROOF SWITCH INSTRUMENT PANEL (P.110)

BRIGHTNESS

(P.78)

HORN

SHIFT LEVER

＊

MULTI-CONTROL LEVER (WINDSHIELD WIPERS/ WASHERS/TURN SIGNALS/ HEADLIGHT HIGH BEAMS) (P.75)

BED LIGHT SWITCH (P.122)

HEADLIGHT CONTROL

(P.76)

DIAL

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH (P.216)

CRUISE BUTTON (P.169)

REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS

＊

(P.165)

VOICE CONTROL SWITCHES

＊

Vehicle with navigation system is shown.

To use the horn, press the pad around the ‘‘H’’ logo.

＊

If equipped.

＊

Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Refer to the navigation system manual.

CRUISE CONTROLS

(P.169)

STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT

(P.79)

INTERIOR LIGHT CONTROL SWITCH (P.120)

(P.201)

VTM-4 LOCK

(P.206)

SELECT BUTTON (P.70)

RESET BUTTON (P.70)

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P.29)

HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P.79)

SEAT HEATERS (P.105)

＊

Page 9

Driver and Passenger Safety

2008 Ridgeline

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This section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts. It explains how your airbags work. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle.

.........Important Safety Precautions . 6

.......Your Vehicle’s Safety Features . 7

.......................................Seat Belts . 8

...........................................Airbags . 9

.........Protecting Adults and Teens . 11

.....1. Close and Lock the Doors . 11

...........2. Adjust the Front Seats . 11

............3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 12

...4. Adjust the Head Restraints . 13

5. Fasten and Position the

.............................Seat Belts . 14

6. Maintain a Proper Sitting

................................Position . 15

.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 16

...Additional Safety Precautions . 17

Additional Information About Your

.................................Seat Belts . 18

..Seat Belt System Components . 18

......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 19

Automatic Seat Belt

...............................Tensioners . 19

...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 20

Additional Information About

...........................Your Airbags . 21

......Airbag System Components . 21

How Your Front Airbags

.........................................Work . 23

...How Your Side Airbags Work . 26

How your Side Curtain Airbags

.........................................Work . 28

..How the SRS Indicator Works . 28

How the Side Airbag Off

......................Indicator Works . 29

How the Passenger Airbag Off

......................Indicator Works . 29

.............................Airbag Service . 30

...Additional Safety Precautions . 31

Protecting Children General

All Children Must Be

−

................................Guidelines . 32

...............................Restrained . 32

All Children Should Sit in a

.................................Back Seat . 33

The Passenger’s Front Airbag

If You Must Drive with Several

...................................Children . 35

If a Child Requires Close

..................................Attention . 35

Protecting Infants and Small

...................................Children . 37

.......................Protecting Infants . 37

.....................Selecting a Child Seat . 39

....................Installing a Child Seat . 40

...............................With LATCH . 41

..............................With a Tether . 46

...............Checking Seat Belt Fit . 49

..................Using a Booster Seat . 50

When Can a Larger Child Sit in

.........................................Front . 51

.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 53

...................................Safety Labels . 54

.........Can Pose Serious Risks . 33

...Additional Safety Precautions . 36

.........Protecting Small Children . 38

.........With a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 44

...........Protecting Larger Children . 49

...Additional Safety Precautions . 52

Driver and Passenger Safety

Page 10

Important Safety Precautions

2008 Ridgeline

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You’ll find many saf ety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. Therecommendationsonthispage are the ones we consider to be the most important.

Always Wear Your Seat Belt

A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passenger always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly (see page ).

Restrain All Children

Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and smallchildrenshouldberestrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/ shoulder belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat (see pages ).

Be Aware of Airbag Hazards

While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to f ollow all instructions and warnings in this manual.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with

32 52

−

every additional drink. So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive, either.

Control Your Speed

Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.

Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition

Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance (see page ).

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(7)

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(9)

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Your vehicle is equipped with many

(1)

(5)

(4)

(8)

(3)(10)

(2)

(11)

(6)

(1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (9) Door Locks (10) Side Airbags (11) Side Curtain Airbags

(10)

(2)

features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash.

Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in a crash.

However, you and your passengers can’t take full advantage of these features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and

your seat belts

features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.

The f ollowing pages explain how you cantakeanactiveroleinprotecting yourself and your passengers.

. In fact, some safety

always wear

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

2008 Ridgeline

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Seat Belts

Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions.

The pickup bed is not equipped with seats or seat belts. Do not let anyone ride in the pickup bed as they can easily be thrown out and be killed or seriously injured.

Your seat belt system also includes an indicator on the instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.

Allowing passengers to ride in the pickup bed or on the tailgate can result in death or serious injury in a crash.

Make sure all passengers ride in a seat and wear a seat belt properly.

Why Wear Seat Belts

Seat belts are the single most effectivesafetydeviceforadultsand larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.)

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.

In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.

Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

When properly worn, seat belts:

Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the vehicle’s built-in safety features.

Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including f rontal, side and rear impacts, and rollovers.

Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants.

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Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

2008 Ridgeline

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Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle.

Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag.

Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts can reduce your risk of serious injury.

What you should do:

Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.

Airbags

Your vehicle has a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe f rontal collision (see page

for more information on how

your front airbags work).

Your vehicle has side airbags to help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact (see

page for more information on how your side airbags work).

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Page 14

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

2008 Ridgeline

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In addition, your vehicle has side curtain airbags to help protect the heads of the driver, f ront passenger, and passengers in the outer rear seating positions during a moderate to severe side impact or rollover (see page for more information on how

your side curtain airbags work).

The most important things you need to know about your airbags are:

Airbags do not replace seat belts.

They are designed to supplement the seat belts.

Airbags off er no protection in rear impacts, or minor frontal or side collisions.

Airbags can pose serious hazards.

To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.

What you should do:

Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.

The rest of this section gives more detailed inf ormation about how you can maximize your safety.

Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.

Page 15

Protecting Adults and Teens

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Introduction Adjust the Front Seats

The f ollowing pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver, adult passengers, and teenage children who are large

instrument panel to indicate when a specific door or the tailgate is not tightly closed.

Your vehicle has a door and tailgate monitor on the

enough and mature enough to drive or ride in the front.

Your vehicle also has an In-Bed Trunk open

326436

See pages for important

−

guidelines on how to properly protect infants, small children, and

indicator to show when the In-Bed Trunk lid is not tightly closed (see

page ). larger children who ride in your vehicle.

Locking the doors also helps prevent

an outsider from unexpectedly

Close and Lock the Doors1.

After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors are closed and locked. Before driving, be sure the tailgate is also closed.

opening a door when you come to a

stop.

See page f or how to lock the

doors, and page for how the door

Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a front passenger adjust their seat as far to the rear as possible.

and tailgate monitor system works. Locking the doors reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent passengers from

Your vehicle has the auto door

locking/unlocking feature. For more

information, see page .

accidentally opening a door and falling out.

Driver and Passenger Safety

CONTINUED

Page 16

Protecting Adults and Teens

2008 Ridgeline

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If you sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, you can be seriously injured by an inflating front airbag, or by striking the steering wheel or dashboard.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest.

If you cannot get f ar enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help.

Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.

Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.

On RT, RTX, and Canadian LX models

Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure it is locked into position. See page

for how to adjust the front seats.99

Adjust the Seat-Backs3.

Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel.

Passengers with adjustable seatbacks should also adjust their seatback to a comfortable, upright position.

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Protecting Adults and Teens

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Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.

Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.

Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant’s chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury.

See pages and for how to adjust the seat-backs.

101

Adjust the Head Restraints4.

Adjust the driver’s head restraint so the center of the back of your head rests against the center of the restraint.

Have passengers adjust their head restraints properly as well. Taller persons should adjust their restraint as high as possible.

When a passenger is seated in the rear center seating position, make sure the center head restraint is adjusted to its highest position.

Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash.

Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving.

Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries.

See page for how to adjust the head restraints.

103

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Adults and Teens

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Fasten and Position the Seat

Belts

Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash.

Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries.

If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder.

This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body.

Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash.

Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.

If the seat belt touches or crosses your neck, or if it crosses your arm instead of your shoulder, you need to adjust the seat belt anchor height.

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Protecting Adults and Teens

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RELEASE BUTTONS

The front seats have adjustable seat belt anchors. To adjust the height of an anchor, squeeze the two release buttons, and slide the anchor up or down as needed (it has four positions).

Never place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.

This could cause

very serious injuries in a crash.

If a seat belt does not seem to work as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash.

No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt.

Using a seat belt that is not working properly can result in serious injury or death. Have your dealer check the belt as soon as possible.

See page f or additional

information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.

Maintain a Proper Sitting

6. Position

After all occupants have adjusted their seats and head restraints, and put on their seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is parked and the engine is off .

Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Adults and Teens

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In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or f atally injured in a crash by striking interior parts of the vehicle or being struck by an inflating front airbag.

Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash.

Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor.

Advice for Pregnant Women

If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt, and keep the lap part of the belt as low as possible across the hips.

When driving, remember to sit upright and adjust the seat as far back as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. When riding as a front passenger, adjust the seat as far back as possible.

This will reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating front airbag.

Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to drive.

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Protecting Adults and Teens

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Additional Safety Precautions

Never let passengers ride in the area in front of a folded-uprear seat.

If they do, they could be very

seriously injured in a crash.

Never let passengers ride in the pickup bed.

If they do, they could be killed or very seriously injured in a crash.

Never let passengers ride inside a truck cap (shell).

They could be killed or injured in a crash, or become ill or even die from carbon monoxide poisoning if engine exhaust enters the cap.

Passengers should not stand up or change seats while the vehicle is moving.

A passenger who is not wearing a seat belt during a crash or emergency stop can be thrown against the inside of the vehicle, against other occupants, or out of the vehicle.

Two people should never use the same seat belt.

If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.

Do not put any accessories on seat belts.

Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability of the seat belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.

Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.

Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers.

If your hands or arms are close to an airbag cover, they could be injured if the airbag inf lates.

Do not attach or place objects on the f ront airbag covers.

Objects on the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.

Do not attach hard objects on or near a door.

If a side airbag or a side curtain airbag inflates, a cup holder or other hard object attached on or near the door could be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Page 22

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

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Seat Belt System Components

Your seat belt system includes lap/ shoulder belts in all five seating positions. The front seat belts are also equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners.

This system uses the same sensors as the front airbags to monitor whether the front seat belts are latched or unlatched, and how much weight is on the front passenger’s seat (see pages and ).

The seat belt system

includes an indicator on the instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.

This system monitors the front seat belts. If you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position before your seat belt is fastened, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash. If your seat belt is not fastened before

2625

the beeper stops, the indicator will stop flashing but remain on.

If a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the indicator will come on about 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position.

If either the driver or a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt while driving, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals.

When no one is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, or a child or small adult is riding there, the indicator should not come on and the beeper should not sound.

If the indicator comes on or the beeper sounds when the driver’s seat belt is latched and there is no front seat passenger and no items on the front seat, something may be interfering with the monitoring system. Look for and remove:

Any items under the front passenger’s seat.

Any object(s) hanging on the seat or in the seat-back pocket.

Any object on the f loor that is touching the rear of the seat-back.

If no obstructions are found, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

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Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

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The lap/shoulder belt goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips.

To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched (see page for how to

properly position the belt).

To unlock the belt, press the red PRESSbuttononthebuckle.Guide the belt across your body so that it retracts completely. Af ter exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door.

All seat belts have an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.

The seat belts in all positions except the driver’s have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat (see page ).

If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the lockable retractor will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely.

To deactivate the lockable retractor, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the seat belt, pull it out only as far as needed.

Automatic Seat Belt TensionersLap/Shoulder Belt

Driver and Passenger Safety

For added protection, the front seat belts are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. When activated, the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a front passenger in position.

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The tensioners are designed to activate in any collision severe enough to cause the front airbags to deploy, or if a sensor detects your vehicle is about to roll over (see page

If a side airbag or side curtain airbag deploys during a side impact, the tensioner on that side of the vehicle will also deploy.

The tensioners can also be activated during a collision in which the front airbags . In this case, the airbags would not be needed, but the additional restraint could be helpful.

When the tensioners are activated, the seat belts will remain tight until they are unbuckled.

do not deploy

Seat Belt Maintenance

For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly.

Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem (see page

). Any belt that is not in good

263

condition or working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Honda provides a limited warranty on seat belts. See your

Warranty Information

details.

Honda

booklet for

If a seat belt is worn during a crash, it must be replaced by the dealer. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash.

The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed. If the automatic seat belt tensioners activate during a crash, they must be replaced.

Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.

Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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Airbag System Components

(8)

(9)

(2)

(11)

(12)

(1)

(3)

(5)

(1) Driver’s Front Airbag (2) Passenger’s Front Airbag (3) Control Unit (4) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (5) Side Airbags (6) Driver’s Seat Position Sensor (7) Front Passenger’s Weight Sensors (8) Front Impact Sensors (9) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator (10) Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) Sensors (11) Front Passenger’s Weight Sensors/OPDS Sensors Control Unit (12) SRS Indicator (13) Side Curtain Airbags (14) Side Impact Sensors (First) (15) Side Impact Sensors (Second) (16) Roll Rate Sensor

(6)

(4)

(14)

(15)

(7)

(10)(13)

(16)

(5)

(7)

(4)

(15)

(14)

Your airbag system includes:

Two SRS (supplemental restraint system) front airbags. The driver’s airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ (see page ).

Two side airbags, one for the driver and one for a front passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the seatbacks. Both are marked ‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page ).

Two side curtain airbags, one f or each side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored in the ceiling, above the side windows. The front and rear pillars are marked ‘‘SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG’’ (see page

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Driver and Passenger Safety

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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Automatic front seat belt tensioners (see page ).

Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe front impact, side impact, or rollover.

Sensors that can detect whether a child is in the passenger’s side airbag path and signal the control unit to turn the airbag off (see page ).

Sensors that can detect whether the driver’s seat belt and the front passenger’s seat belt are latched or unlatched (see page ).

A driver’s seat position sensor that monitors the distance of the seat from the front airbag. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force (see page

Weight sensors that monitor the weight on the front passenger’s seat. If the weight is about 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant or small child), the passenger’s front airbag will be turned off (see page ).

A rollover sensor that can detect if your vehicle is about to roll over and signal the control unit to deploy both side curtain airbags and front seat belt tensioners (see page ).

A sophisticated electronic system that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, the seat belt tensioners, and driver and front passenger seat belt use when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position.

An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem with your airbags, sensors, or seat belt tensioners (see page ).

An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you that the passenger’s side airbag has been turned off (see page ).

An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the passenger’s front airbag has been turned off (see page ).

Emergency backup power in case your vehicle’s electrical system is disconnected in a crash.

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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How Your Front Airbags Work

If you ever have a moderate to severe f rontal collision, sensors will detect the vehicle’s rapid deceleration.

If the rate of deceleration is high enough, the control unit will instantly inflate the driver’s and f ront passenger’s airbags, at the time and with the force needed.

During a frontal crash, your seat belt restrains your lower body and torso, and the f ront airbag helps protect your head and chest.

Although both airbags normally inflate within a split second of each other, it is possible for only one airbag to deploy.

This can happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

Only the driver’s airbag will deploy if there is no passenger in the front seat, or if the advanced airbag system has turned the passenger’s airbag off (see page ).25

Driver and Passenger Safety

After inf lating, the front airbags immediately deflate, so they won’t interfere with the driver’s visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls.

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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Main Menu

The total time for inflation and deflation is one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps.

After a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag’s surface. Although the powder is not harmful, people with respiratory problems mayexperiencesometemporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Your front airbags are dual-stage airbags. This means they have two inflation stages that can be ignited sequentially or simultaneously, depending on crash severity.

more severe

In a crash, both stages will ignite simultaneously to provide the quickest and greatest protection.

less severe

In a crash, one stage will ignite first, then the second stage will ignite a split second later. This provides longer airbag inflation time with a little less force.

Dual-Threshold AirbagsDual-Stage Airbags

Your front airbags are also dualthreshold airbags. Airbags with this feature have two deployment thresholds that depend on whether sensors detect the occupant is wearing a seat belt or not.

If the occupant’s belt is ,

not latched

the airbag will deploy at a slightly lower threshold, because the occupant would need extra protection.

If the occupant’s belt is , the

latched

airbag will deploy at a slightly higher threshold, when the airbag would be needed to supplement the protection provided by the seat belt.

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Advanced Airbags

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Main Menu

Your front airbags are also advanced airbags. The main purpose of this feature is to help prevent airbagcaused injuries to short drivers and children who ride in front.

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Driver and Passenger Safety

For both advanced airbags to work properly:

Occupants must sit upright and wear their seat belts properly.

Do not spill any liquids on or under the seats, cover the sensors, or put any objects or metal items under the front seats.

Back-seat passengers should not put their f eet under the front seats.

Failure to follow these instructions could damage the sensors or prevent them from working properly.

DRIVER’S SEAT POSITION SENSOR

The driver’s advanced front airbag system includes a seat position sensor under the seat. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force, regardless of the severity of the impact.

If there is a problem with the sensor, the SRS indicator will come on, and the airbag will inflate in the normal manner regardless of the driver’s seating position.

PASSENGER’S SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR

The passenger’s advanced f ront airbag system has weight sensors under the seat. Although Honda does not encourage carrying an infant or small child in front, if the sensors detect the weight of an infant or small child (up to about 65 lbs or 29 kg), the system will automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off. Be aware that objects placed on the passenger’s seat can also cause the airbag to be turned off.

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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When the airbag is turned off, a ‘‘passenger airbag off’’ indicator in the center of the dashboard comes on (see page ).

If the weight sensors detect there is no passenger in the front seat, the airbag will be off. However, the passenger airbag off indicator will not come on.

To ensure that the passenger’s advanced front airbag system will work properly,

that would increase or decrease the weight on the front passenger’s seat.

This includes:

do not do anything

A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger’s seat.

Moving the front seat forcibly back against cargo on the seat or floor behind it.

Hanging heavy items on the front passenger seat, or placing heavy items in the seat-back pocket.

Also,makesurethefloormatbehind the front passenger’s seat is hooked to the floor mat anchor (see page

). If it is not, the mat may

263

interfere with the proper operation of the sensors and operation of the seat.

How Your Side Airbags Work

If you ever have a moderate to severe side impact, sensors will detect rapid acceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inf late either the driver’s or the passenger’s side airbag and activate the seat belt tensioner on the affected side.

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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Only one airbag will deploy during a side impact. If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the passenger’s side airbag will deploy even if there is no passenger.

To get the best protection from the side airbags, front seat occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.

Side Airbag Cutoff System

Your vehicle has a side airbag cutof f system designed primarily to protect a child riding in the f ront passenger’s seat.

Although Honda does not encourage children to ride in front, if position sensors detect a child has leaned into the side airbag’s deployment path, the airbag will shut of f.

Thesideairbagmayalsoshutoffifa short adult leans sideways, or a larger adult slouches and leans sideways into the airbag’s deployment path.

Objects placed on the front passenger seat can also cause the side airbag to be shut off.

If the side airbag off indicator comes on (see page ), have the passenger sit upright. Once the passenger is out of the airbag’s deployment path, the system will turn the airbag back on, and the indicator will go out.

There will be some delay between the moment the passenger moves into or out of the airbag deployment pathandwhentheindicatorcomes on or goes off.

A front seat passenger should not use a cushion or other object as a backrest. It may prevent the cutoff system f rom working properly.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work

SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG

In a Side Impact

In a moderate to severe side impact, sensors will detect rapid acceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate the side curtain airbag and activate the seat belt tensioner on the driver’s or the passenger’s side of the vehicle. If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.

In a Rollover

A rollover sensor monitors the degree and rate your vehicle may roll over and automatically deploy the side curtain airbags and activate the front seat belt tensioners (see page

In a rollover toward the front passenger’s side of the vehicle, both side curtain airbags will inf late and the front seat belt tensioners will activate even if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.

To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.

How the SRS Indicator Works

The SRS indicator alerts

you to a potential problem with your airbags or seat belt tensioners.

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, this indicator comes on for several seconds then goes off. This tells you the system is working properly.

If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, you should have the system checked by your dealer. For example:

If the SRS indicator does not come on after you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.

If the indicator stays on after the engine starts.

If the indicator comes on or flashesonandoffwhileyoudrive.

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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If you see any of these indications, the airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly when you need them.

Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag systems or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts you to a possible problem.

How the Side Airbag Off Indicator Works

U.S.

Canada

This indicator alerts you that the passenger’s side airbag has been automatically shut off. It does

not

mean there is a problem with your side airbags.

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, the indicator should come on for several seconds andthengooff(seepage ).Ifit

doesn’t come on, stays on, or comes on while driving without a passenger in the front seat, have the system checked.

How the Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Works

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR

U.S.

Canada

This indicator alerts you that the passenger’s front airbag has been shut off because weight sensors detect about 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant or small child) on the front passenger’s seat. It does there is a problem

not mean

with the airbag.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

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Additional Information About Your Airbags

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Be aware that objects placed on the front seat can cause the indicator to come on.

If no weight is detected in the front seat, the airbag will be automatically shut off. However, the indicator will not come on.

The passenger airbag off indicator maycomeonandoffrepeatedlyif the total weight on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.

If an adult or teenage passenger is riding in front, move the seat as far to the rear as possible, and have the passenger sit upright and wear the seat belt properly.

If the indicator comes on with no front seat passenger and no objects on the seat, or with an adult riding there, something may be interfering with the weight sensors. Look for and remove:

Any items under the front passenger’s seat.

Any object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back pocket.

Any object touching the rear of the seat-back.

If no obstructions are found, have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

Airbag Service

Your airbag systems are virtually maintenance free, and there are no parts you can safely service. However, you must have your vehicle serviced if:

An airbag ever inflates.

that has deployed must be replaced along with the control unit and other related parts. Any seat belt tensioner that activates must also be replaced.

Do not try to remove or replace anyairbagbyyourself.Thismust be done by an authorized dealer or a knowledgeable body shop.

The SRS indicator alerts you to a problem.

authorized dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, your airbags may not operate properly.

Take your vehicle to an

Any airbag

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If your vehicle has a moderate to severe impact.

Even if your airbags do not inflate, your dealer should inspect the driver’s seat position sensor, the front passenger’s weight sensors, the front seat belt tensioners, and all seat belts worn during a crash to make sure they are operating properly.

Additional Safety Precautions

Donotattempttodeactivateyour airbags.

Together, airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.

Do not tamper with airbag components or wiring for any reason.

Tampering could cause the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury.

Do not expose the f ront passenger’s seat-back to liquid.

If water or another liquid soaks into a seatback, it can prevent the side airbag cutoff system from working properly.

Do not cover or replace front seatback covers without consulting your dealer.

Improperly replacing or covering front seat-back covers can prevent your side airbags from inflating during a side impact.

Do not remove or modif y a front seat without consulting your dealer.

This could make the driver’s seat position sensor or the front passenger’s weight sensors ineffective. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, first contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at (800) 999-1009.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

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Main Menu

Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many adults do not know how to protect child passengers.

If you have children, or ever need to drive with a child in your vehicle, be sure to read this section. It begins with important general guidelines, then presents special information for infants, small children, and larger children.

properly

−

All Children Must Be Restrained

Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In f act, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of the death of children ages 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state and Canadian province requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride in a vehicle.

Infants and small children must be restrained in an approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle

(see pages ).

−

37 48

Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt and use a booster seat if necessary.

Larger children must be restrained with a lap/shoulder belt and ride on a booster seat until the seat belt f its them properly

(see pages ).

−

49 52

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−

All Children Should Sit in a Back Seat

According to accident statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in a back seat. The National Highway Traff ic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children aged 12 and under be properly restrained in a back seat. Some states have laws restricting where children may ride.

Children who ride in the back are less likely to be injured by striking interior vehicle parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating front airbag when they ride in the back.

The Passenger’s Front Airbag Can Pose Serious Risks

Front airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe f rontal collision. To do this, the passenger’s front airbag is quite large, and it can inflate with enough force to cause very serious injuries.

Even though your vehicle has an advanced front airbag system that automatically turns the passenger’s front airbag off (see page ),

please follow these guidelines:

Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger’s front airbag.

If the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant.

Small Children Placing a f orward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger’s front airbag can be hazardous.

If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating front airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child.

Larger Children Children who have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an inflating passenger’s front airbag.Infants

Whenever possible, larger children should sit in the back seat, on a booster seat if needed, and be properly restrained with a seat belt (see page for important

information about protecting larger children).

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Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

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−

To remind you of the passenger’s front airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in a back seat, your vehicle has warninglabelsonthedashboard (U.S. models) and on the front visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.

U.S. Models

SUN VISORS DASHBOARD

Canadian Models

SUN VISORS

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

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−

If You Must Drive with Several Children

Your vehicle has a back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:

Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear the lap/shoulder belt properly (see page ).

Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page ).

Have the child sit upright and well backintheseat(seepage ).

Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page

If a Child Requires Close Attention

Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or a small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention.

Placing a child in the front seat exposes the child to hazards in a frontal collision, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk.

If a child requires close physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Children General Guidelines

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−

Additional Safety Precautions

Neverholdaninfantorchildon your lap.

If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward and crush the child against the dashboard or a seat-back. If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms and be seriously hurt or killed.

Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child.

During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

Never let two children use the same seat belt.

If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.

Make sure any unused seat belt that a child can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is activated, and the belt is fully retracted and locked.

If a child wraps a loose

seat belt around their neck, they can be seriously or fatally injured. (See pages and for how to

44 45

activate and deactivate the lockable retractor.)

Use the childproof door locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors.

This can prevent children from accidentally falling out (see page ).

Do not leave children alone in a vehicle.

Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, and can be very hazardous.

For example, infants and small childrenleftinavehicleonahot day can die from heatstroke. A child left alone with the key in the ignition switch can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others.

Lock all doors and the In-Bed Trunk when your vehicle is not in use.

Children who play in vehicles can accidentally get trapped inside. Teach your children not to play in or around vehicles. Know how to operate the emergency In-Bed Trunk opener and decide if your children should be shown how to use this feature (see page ).

Teach your children not to play on the pickup bed.

Opening or

closing the tailgate could cause accidental injuries.

Keep vehicle keys/remote transmitters out of the reach of children.

Even very young children learn how to unlock vehicle doors, turn on the ignition switch, and open the windows, which can lead to accidental injury or death.

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Protecting Infants and Small Children

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Protecting Infants

Child Seat Type

An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the child reaches the seat maker’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the child is at least one year old.

Only a rear-facing child seat provides proper support for a baby’s head, neck, and back.

Two types of seats may be used: a seat designed exclusively for infants, or a convertible seat used in the rearfacing, reclining mode.

Do not put a rear-f acing child seat in a forward-facing position.

If placed facing forward, an infant could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision.

Rear-f acing Child Seat Placement

A rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the back seat, but not in the front.

rear-f acing child seat in the f ront seat.

Never put a

If the passenger’s front airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant.

When properly installed, a rearfacing child seat may prevent the driver or a f ront passenger from moving their seat as far back as recommended, or f rom locking their seat-back in the desired position.

It could also interfere with proper operation of the passenger’s advanced front airbag system.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Infants and Small Children

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In any of these situations, we strongly recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death during a collision.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, not the front.

Protecting Small Children

Child Seat Type

A child who is at least one year old, and who fits within the child seat maker’s weight and height limits, should be restrained in a f orwardfacing, upright child seat.

Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a fivepoint harness system as shown.

We also recommend that a small child use the child seat until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the seat.

Child Seat Placement

We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing child seat in a back seat, not the front.

Placing a f orward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger’s airbag can be hazardous.

If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can strike the child with enough force to cause very serious or fatal injuries.

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Protecting Infants and Small Children, Selecting a Child Seat

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Even with advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off (see page ), a back seat is the safest

place for a small child.

If it is necessary to put a f orwardfacing child seat in the front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, and be sure the child seat is firmly secured to the vehicle and the child is properly strapped in the seat.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the front airbag inflates.

Ifyoumustplaceaforwardfacing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.

Selecting a Child Seat

When buying a child seat, you need to choose either a conventional child seat, or one designed for use with the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system.

Conventional child seats must be secured to a vehicle with a seat belt, whereas LATCH-compatible seats are secured by attaching the seat to hardware built into each rear seating position in the back seat.

Since LATCH-compatible child seats are easier to install and reduce the possibility of improper installation, we recommend selecting this style.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCHcompatible child seat can be installed using a seat belt.

Whatever type of seat you choose, to provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements:

The child seat should meet U.S. or

Canadian Motor Vehicle Saf ety Standard 213.

Look f or FMVSS

213 or CMVSS 213 on the box.

The child seat should be of the

proper type and size to fit the child.

Rear-facing for infants, forwardfacing for small children.

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Selecting a Child Seat, Installing a Child Seat

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The child seat should f it the

3. vehicle seating position (or positions) where it will be used.

Before purchasing a conventional child seat, or using a previously purchased one, we recommend that you test the seat in the specific vehicle seating position or positions where the seat will be used.

Installing a Child Seat

After selecting a proper child seat and a good place to install the seat, there are three main steps in installing the seat:

Properly secure the child seat to

1. the vehicle.

All child seats must be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt or with the LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the vehicle can be endangered in a crash.

Make sure the child seat is firmly

2. secured.

After installing a child seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure.

A child seat secured with a seat belt should be installed as firmly as possible. However, it does not need to be ‘‘rock solid.’’ Some side-to-side

movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat’s effectiveness.

If the child seat is not secure, try installing it in a different seating position, or use a dif ferent style of child seat that can be firmly secured.

Secure the child in the child seat.

Make sure the child is properly strappedinthechildseat according to the child seat maker’s instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be seriously injured in a crash.

The f ollowing pages provide guidelines on how to properly install a child seat. A forward-facing child seat is used in all examples, but the instructions are the same for rearfacing child seats.

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Installing a Child Seat

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Main Menu

Installing a Child Seat with LATCH

Your vehicle is equipped with LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) at the rear seats.

The lower anchors are located between the seat-back and seat bottom, and are to be used only with a child seat designed for use with LATCH.

The location of each lower anchor is indicated by a small button above the anchor point.

Whenever using the center tether anchor point, make sure to push down the head restraint to the lowest position, route the strap over the seat-back, then around the upper guide before attaching the tether strap hook to the center tether anchor (see page ).

BUTTON

LATCH ANCHOR POINTS

To install a LATCH-compatible child seat:

If needed, move the seat belt buckle or tongue away from the lower anchors.

Make sure there are no objects near the anchors that could prevent a secure connection between the child seat and the anchors.

UPPER GUIDE

CENTER TETHER ANCHOR

On the center seating position

3. When using the tether strap on the child seat, attach the tether strap hook to the center tether anchor before installing the child seat to the lower anchors for the LATCH system, because the center tether anchor is positioned behind the child seat.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Installing a Child Seat

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Main Menu

Make sure the head restraint is in the lowest position. Lift the cover, then route the tether strap around the upper guide. Route the tether strap downward properly, making sure the strap is not twisted, then attach the strap hook to the center tether anchor.

Flexible typeRigid type

Place the child seat on the vehicle

4. seat, then attach the seat to the lower anchors according to the child seat maker’s instructions.

Some LATCH-compatible seats have a rigid-type connector as shown above.

Other LATCH-compatible seats have a f lexible-type connector as shown above.

Whatever type you have, follow

5. the child seat maker’s instructions for adjusting or tightening the fit.

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Installing a Child Seat

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UPPER GUIDE

Outer Position

On the outer seating position

6. 7. Lift the head restraint (see page

103

), then route the tether strap over the seat-back and through the head restraint legs. Lift the cover, then route the tether strap around the upper guide. Route the tether strap downward properly, making sure the strap is not twisted, then attach the strap hook to the tether anchor on the outside of the seat bottom (see page ).

UPPER GUIDE

Center Position TETHER ANCHORTETHER ANCHOR

Tighten the strap according to the seat maker’s instructions.

Push and pull the child seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Page 48

Installing a Child Seat

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Main Menu

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/ Shoulder Belt

When not using the LATCH system, all child seats must be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/ shoulder belt.

In addition, the lap/shoulder belts in all seating positions except the driver’s have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat.

If you intend to install the child seat in the rear center seating position and use the tether strap for additional security, make sure to push down the head restraint to the lowest position and hook the tether strap hook to the anchor before securing the child seat with the lap/ shoulder belt. Refer to page for how to route the tether strap properly.

With the child seat in the desired

1. 2. seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker’s instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle.

To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor.

After the belt has retracted, tug on

3. it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull thebeltout,itisnotlocked,and you will need to repeat these steps.

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Installing a Child Seat

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Main Menu

To deactivate the lockable retractor and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract.

Driver and Passenger Safety

4. 5.

After conf irming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure.

To remove slack, it may help to putweightonthechildseat,or push on the back of the seat while pulling up on the belt.

Push and pull the child seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps.

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Installing a Child Seat

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Main Menu

Installing a Child Seat with a Tether

COVER

UPPER GUIDE

CENTER TETHER ANCHOR

OUTER TETHER ANCHOR

A child seat with a tether can be installed in any seating position in the back seat. Each outer seating position has a tether anchor at the outside of the seat bottom. The center seating position has a tether anchor between the lower anchors for the LATCHcompatible child seat. Each anchor point is shown above.

When using a tether anchor, always hook the tether strap through the upper guide to route it properly.

Since a tether can provide additional security to the lap/shoulder belt installation, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available.

Using an Outer Tether Anchor

UPPER GUIDE

OUTER TETHER ANCHOR

After properly securing the child

1. seat (see page ), lift the head

restraint, then route the tether strap over the seat-back and through the head restraint legs.

Lift the cover, then hook the

2. tether strap through the upper guide as shown.

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Route the tether strap downward

3. properly, making sure the strap is not twisted.

Attach the tether strap hook to the

4. outertetheranchorontheoutside of the seat bottom.

Tighten the strap according to the

5. seat maker’s instructions.

Using the Center Tether Anchor

Make sure to attach the tether strap hook to the anchor before installing the child seat, because the tether anchor is positioned behind the child seat.

Place the child seat on the rear

1. seat.

Push down the rear center head

2. restraint to the lowest position.

UPPER GUIDE

CENTER TETHER ANCHOR

Route the tether strap over the

3. seat-back, lift the cover, then hook the tether strap through the upper guide as shown.

Route the tether strap downward

4. properly along the seat-back, making sure the strap is not twisted.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Installing a Child Seat

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Main Menu

UPPER GUIDE

CENTER TETHER ANCHOR

Attach the tether strap hook to the center tether anchor between the loweranchorsfortheLATCHcompatible child seat.

Properlysecurethechildseat(see

page ), then tighten the tether strap according to the seat maker’s instructions.

Whenever using the tether strap, make sure to route the strap through the upper guide bef ore attaching the tether strap hook to the tether anchor. If the tether strap is not routed properly and secured, the child seat may not be secured. This could lead to serious injury or death.

Page 53

Protecting Larger Children

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit in a back seat on a booster seat and wear a lap/shoulder belt.

The f ollowing pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who must sit in front.

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in front can result in injury or death if the passenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible, use a booster seat if needed, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly.

Checking Seat Belt Fit

To determine if a lap/shoulder belt properly fits a child, have the child put on the seat belt, then ask yourself:

Does the child sit all the way back against the seat?

Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat?

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Larger Children

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Does the shoulder belt cross

3. between the child’s neck and arm?

Is the lap part of the belt as low as

4. possible, touching the child’s thighs?

Will the child be able to stay

5. seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a booster seat.

Using a Booster Seat

A child who has outgrown a forwardfacing child seat should ride in a back seat and use a booster seat until the lap/shoulder belt fits them properly without the booster.

Some states and Canadian provinces also require children to use a booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the states or provinces where you intend to drive.

Booster seats can be high-back or low-back. Whichever style you select, make sure the booster seat meets federal safety standards (see page

) and that you follow the booster

seat maker’s instructions.

If a child who uses a booster seat must ride in f ront, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and be sure the child is wearing the seat belt properly.

A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of their ears are even with the top of the vehicle’s or booster’s seat-back. A child of this height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster seat.

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Protecting Larger Children

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When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children age 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat.

If the passenger’s front airbag inflates in a moderate to severe frontal collision, the airbag can cause serious injuries to a child who is unrestrained, improperly restrained, sitting too close to the airbag, or out of position.

A side airbag also poses risks. If any part of a larger child’s body is in the path of a deploying side airbag, the child could receive possibly serious injuries.

Of course, children vary widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in front, there are other important f actors you should consider.

Physical Size

Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit (see pages and ). If

14 49

the seat belt does not fit properly, with or without the child sitting on a booster seat, the child should not sit in front.

Maturity

To safely ride in front, a child must be able to f ollow the rules, including sitting properly, and wearing the seat belt properly throughout a ride.

If you decide that a child can safely ride up front, be sure to:

Carefully read the owner’s manual, and make sure you understand all seat belt instructions and all safety information.

Move the vehicle seat to the rearmost position.

Have the child sit up straight, back against the seat, and feet on or near the floor.

Check that the child’s seat belt is properly and securely positioned.

Supervise the child. Even a mature child sometimes needs to be reminded to fasten the seat belt or sit properly.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Protecting Larger Children

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Main Menu

Additional Safety Precautions

Do not let a child wear a seat belt across the neck.

This could result in serious neck injuries during a crash.

Do not let a child put the shoulder part of a seat belt behind the back or under the arm.

This could cause very serious injuries during a crash. It also increases the chance that the child will slide under the belt in a crash and be injured.

Two children should never use the same seat belt.

If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.

Do not put any accessories on a seat belt.

Devices intended to improve a child’s comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can make the belt less effective and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Page 57

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

2008 Ridgeline

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Main Menu

Your vehicle’s exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide should not enter the vehicle in normal driving if you maintain your vehicle properly and follow the information on this page.

Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:

The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust.

The vehicle was in an accident that may have damaged the underside.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

High levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even with the door open, run the engine only long enough to move the vehicle out of the garage.

With a truck cap installed and the back window open, engine exhaust may enter the vehicle and cause a hazardous condition. Keep the back window tightly closed whenever you drive with a truck cap installed.

If you must sit in your parked vehicle with the engine running, even in an unconfined area, adjust the heating and cooling system/climate control system as follows:

Select the fresh air mode.

1. Select the mode.

2. Turn the fan on high speed.

3. Set the temperature control to a

4. comfortable setting.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Page 58

Safety Labels

2008 Ridgeline

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Main Menu

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact your dealer for a replacement.

RADIATOR CAP

DASHBOARD

U.S. models only

SUN VISORS

U.S. models

Canadian models

SUN VISOR

U.S. models only

Page 59

Safety Labels

2008 Ridgeline

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Main Menu

HOOD

U.S. models

Canadian models

DOORJAMBS

U.S. models

PICKUP BED

Canadian models

Driver and Passenger Safety

Canadian modelsU.S. models

Page 60

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Main Menu

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Instruments and Controls

2008 Ridgeline

Main Menu

This section gives information about the controls and displays that contribute to the daily operation of your vehicle. All the essential controls are within easy reach.

...........................Control Locations . 58

............................Instrument Panel . 59

.............................................Gauges . 70

Controls Near the Steering

...........................................Wheel . 74

........................Multi-Control Lever . 75

...................Headlight Control Dial . 76

.................Hazard Warning Button . 79

..................................................Keys . 80

........................Immobilizer System . 81

................................Ignition Switch . 82

......................................Door Locks . 83

.......................Remote Transmitter . 90

.......................Dual-Action Tailgate . 93

...............................In-Bed Trunk . 96

.................................................Seats . 99

..................................Seat Heaters . 105

............................Power Windows . 107

.......................................Moonroof . 110

...............................Parking Brake . 111

...........................................Mirrors . 112

..........Instrument Panel Indicators . 61

........Instrument Panel Brightness . 78

..........Steering Wheel Adjustment . 79

..............Childproof Door Locks . 84

.Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 84

.........Interior Convenience Items . 114

.........................Center Console . 115

.......Console Compartments . 115

.........................Cargo Hooks . 116

.....................Beverage Holders . 116

..................................Glove Box . 117

................................Coat Hooks . 117

....................Sunglasses Holder . 117

........Accessory Power Sockets . 118

...................................Sun Visor . 119

............................Vanity Mirror . 119

...............................Interior Lights . 120

.....................................Bed Lights . 122

Instruments and Controls

Page 62

Control Locations

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Main Menu

INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS GAUGES

PARKING BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE (P.111)

MIRROR CONTROLS (P.113)

POWER DOOR LOCK MASTER SWITCH (P.83)

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.107)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.183)

Vehicle with navigation system is shown.

＊

: If equipped

(P.70)

FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE HANDLE

(P.181)

(P.59)

PARKING BRAKE

(P.111)

PEDAL

REAR VIEW MIRROR WITH COMPASS

CENTER CONSOLE (P.115) (P.118)

＊

(P.172)

ACCESSORY POWER SOCKETS

AUDIO SYSTEM (P.135)

AUXILIARY INPUT

＊

(P.165)

JACK

HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

GLOVE BOX (P.117)

(P.124)

(P.130)

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U.S. models

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Main Menu

Instrument Panel

VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR

VTM-4 INDICATOR HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR

TPMS INDICATOR

IN-BED TRUNK OPEN INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.63)

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

BED LIGHTS ON INDICATOR (P.69)

(P.69)

(P.62)

(P.291)

(P.66)

(P.68)

(P.65)

(P.66)

(P.67)

(P.66)

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.67)

LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR

DOOR AND TAILGATE MONITOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (P.68)

BACK WINDOW OPEN INDICATOR

(P.68)

(P.64)

(P.69)

MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) INDICATOR

(P.67)

SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR

CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR (P.65)

(P.62)

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR

LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P.65)

(P.63)

WASHER LEVEL INDICATOR (P.65)

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.62)

SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P.61)

Instruments and Controls

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Instrument Panel

2008 Ridgeline

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Main Menu

Canadian models

VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR VTM-4 INDICATOR HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS

INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR TPMS INDICATOR

(P.68)

IN-BED TRUNK OPEN INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.63)

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

BED LIGHTS ON INDICATOR (P.69)

(P.65)

(P.69)

(P.62)

(P.291)

(P.66)

(P.65)

(P.66)

(P.67)

(P.66)

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.67)

LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR

DOOR AND TAILGATE MONITOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (P.68)

BACK WINDOW OPEN INDICATOR

(P.68)

(P.64)

(P.69)

MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) INDICATOR

(P.67)

SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR

CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR (P.65)

(P.62)

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR

LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P.65)

(P.63)

WASHER LEVEL INDICATOR

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.62)

SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P.61)

(P.65)

Page 65

Instrument Panel Indicators

2008 Ridgeline

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Main Menu

The instrument panel has many indicators to give you important information about your vehicle. This indicator comes on when you

turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It reminds you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. A beeper also sounds if you have not fastened your seat belt.

If you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position before fastening your seat belts, the beeper sounds, and the indicator flashes. If you do not fasten your seat belts before the beeper stops, the indicator stops flashing but remains on.

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

If your front passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the indicator comes on about 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position.

If either of you do not fasten your seat belt while driving, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals. For more information, see page .18

Instruments and Controls

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Instrument Panel Indicators

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp

See page .

The engine can be severely damaged if this indicator f lashes or stays on when the engine is running. For more information, see page .

If this indicator comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged. For more information, see page .

291

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

290

Charging System Indicator

290

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator Side Airbag Off

This indicator comes on for several seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a potential problem with your front airbags. This indicator will also alert you to a potential problem with your side airbags, passenger’s side airbag automatic cutoff system, side curtain airbags, rollover sensor, automatic seat belt tensioners, driver’s seat position sensor, or the front passenger’s weight sensors. For more information, see page .

U.S. Canada

Indicator

This indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it comes on at any other time, it indicates that the passenger’s side airbag has automatically shut off. For more information, see page .

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Instrument Panel Indicators

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Main Menu

U.S. Canada

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

This indicator has two functions:

Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It is a reminder to check the parking brake. A beeper sounds if you drive with the parking brake not fully released. Driving with the parking brake not fully released can damage the brakes and tires.

If it stays on after you have fully

2. released the parking brake while the engine is running, or if it comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the brake system. For more information, see page .

292

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator

This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, and when the ignition switch is turned to the START (III) position. If it comes on at any other time, there is a problem with the ABS. If this happens, have your vehicle checked at a dealer. With the indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no antilock brakes. For more inf ormation, see page .

213

Immobilizer System Indicator

This indicator comes on f or a f ew seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It will gooffifyouhaveinserteda properly-coded ignition key. If it is not a properly-coded key, the indicator will blink and the engine will not start (see page ).

This indicator also blinks several times when you turn the ignition switch from the ON (II) position to the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position.

Instruments and Controls

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Instrument Panel Indicators

2008 Ridgeline

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Main Menu

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

The lef t or right turn signal indicator blinks when you signal a lane change or turn. If an indicator does not blink or blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see pages and ). Replace the bulb as soon as possible, since other drivers cannot see that you are signaling.

When you press the hazard warning button, both turn signal indicators and all turn signals on the outside of the vehicle flash.

258

259

Door and Tailgate Monitor

This monitor includes two functions; the door open indicator and the tailgate open indicator. This monitor works with the ignition switch in any position.

The specific door indicator comes on in this monitor if any door is not closed tightly.

Thetailgateindicatorcomeson whenthetailgateisswungopenorif it is not closed completely after you swing it closed.

If the tailgate is swung open or is not closed tightly, you will hear six beeps and see the indicator blinking when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. The beeper also sounds and the indicator blinks when you move the shift lever out of the Park or neutral position.

The tailgate open indicator does not monitor the tailgate when it is dropped open.

If the driver does not fasten the seat belt and the tailgate is swung open, the seat belt reminder alarm will sound at first, then the tailgate open reminder beeper will sound. For more inf ormation on the tailgate, see page .

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Instrument Panel Indicators

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Main Menu

‘‘Daytime Running Lights’’ Indicator

Canadian models only

This indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position with the headlight switch off and the parking brake set. It should go off when you turn on the headlights or release the parking brake. If it comes on at any other time, it means there is a problem withtheDRL.Theremayalsobea problem with the high beam headlights.

Cruise Control Indicator

This indicator comes on when you set the cruise control. See page

for inf ormation on operating the

169

cruise control.

High Beam Indicator Low Fuel Indicator

This indicator comes on with the high beam headlights. For more information, see page .

On Canadian models, this indicator comes on with reduced brightness when the daytime running lights (DRL) are on (see page ).

Washer Level Indicator

This indicator comes on when the washer fluid level is low. Add washer fluid when you see this indicator (see page ).

252

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

This indicator is located in the fuel gauge. It comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon.

When the indicator comes on, there is about 3.30 U.S. gal (12.5

)offuel remaining in the tank before the needle reaches E. There is a small reserve of fuel remaining in the tank when the needle does reach E.

Instruments and Controls

Page 70

Instrument Panel Indicators

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Main Menu

Lights On Indicator A/T Temperature

This indicator reminds you that the exterior lights are on. It comes on when you turn the headlight control dial to either the or

position.

If you turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position without turning off the headlight control dial, this indicator remains on. A reminder chime will also sound when you open the driver’s door.

Indicator

This indicator monitors the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid. It should come on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it comes on while driving, it means the transmission fluid temperature is too high. Pull to the side of the road when it is saf e, shift to Park, and let the engine idle until the indicator goes out.

Continuing to drive with the A/T temperature indicator on may cause serious damage to the transmission.

VTM-4 Indicator

This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it comes on at any other time, there is a problem in the 4WD system. Take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked.

If the indicator blinks while driving, the VTM-4 fluid temperature is too high. Pull to the side of the road when it is safe, shift to Park, and let the engine idle until the indicator goes out.

Continuing to drive with the VTM-4 indicator blinking may cause serious damage to the system.

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Instrument Panel Indicators

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Main Menu

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System Indicator

This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.

Ifitcomesonandstaysonatany other time, or if it does not come on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, there is a problem with the VSA system. Take your vehicle to a dealer to have it checked. Without VSA, your vehicle still has normal driving ability, but will not have VSA traction and stability enhancement. See page

for more information on the

215

VSA system.

VSA Activation Indicator Maintenance Minder

This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. For more information, see

215

page .

This indicator has three functions:

Itcomesonasareminderthatyou have turned off the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system.

It flashes when VSA is active (see

215

page ).

It comes on along with the VSA

system indicator if there is a problem with the VSA system.

Indicator

This indicator comes on f or a f ew seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It remindsyouthatitistimetotake your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance. The maintenance main items and sub items will be displayed in the information display. See page

for more information on the

239

maintenance minder.

This indicator goes of f when your dealer resets it after completing the required maintenance service.

Instruments and Controls

Page 72

Instrument Panel Indicators

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Main Menu

Low Tire Pressure Indicator

This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.

If it comes on while driving, it indicates that one or more of your vehicle’s tires are signif icantly low on pressure.

If this happens, pull to the side of the road when it is safe, check which tire has lost the pressure on the tire pressure monitor, and determine the cause. If it is because of a flat tire, replace the flat tire with the compact spare (see page ), and have the flat tire repaired as soon as possible. If two or more tires are underinflated, call a professional towing service (see page ). Refer to page

for more information.

208

276

298

Tire Pressure Monitor

The appropriate tire indicator will come on along with the low tire pressure indicator if a tire is significantly underinf lated or has suddenly lost pressure. See

Tire Pressure Indicator

do if this indicator comes on.

Low

for what to

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Indicator

This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.

If this indicator comes on and stays on at any other time, or if it does not come on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, there is a problem with the TPMS. With this indicator on, the low tire pressure indicator and the tire pressure monitor will not come on when a tire loses pressure. Take the vehicle to your dealer to have the system checked.

Page 73

Instrument Panel Indicators

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Bed Lights On Indicator In-Bed Trunk Open

Indicator

This indicator reminds you that the bed lights are on. With the shift lever in the Park position, they come on when you push the light switch on the dashboard, swing open the tailgate, or open the In-Bed Trunk.

If you turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position without turning off the bed lights, this indicator will remain on, andthengooffafter20minutes.See

122

page for more information. If you remove the ignition key, turn

This indicator reminds you that the In-Bed Trunk is open. If you do not close it, the indicator stays on for about 3 minutes. See page f or more information.

This indicator reminds you that the back window is not completely closed when you turn the ignition switch from the ON (II) position to the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position. With the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position, it goes off after about 30 seconds. With the ignition switch in the LOCK (0) position, it goes off after about 3 minutes.

off the lights, and open the driver’s door without closing the back window, you will hear five beeps and see the indicator blink. If you do not close the back window before the beeper stops, the indicator stops blinking but remains on. It will go off after about 3 minutes. See page

108

Back Window Open Indicator

for more information.

Instruments and Controls

Page 74

Gauges

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

FUEL GAUGE

SPEEDOMETERTACHOMETER TEMPERATURE GAUGE

ODOMETER/ TIGHTEN FUEL CAP MESSAGE

SELECT BUTTON

To switch the information display between the odometer, trip meter and outside temperature (if equipped), and engine oil lif e and maintenance service items, press the SELECT button repeatedly.

Odometer

This shows the total distance your vehicle has been driven. It measures miles in U.S. models and kilometers in Canadian models. It is illegal under U.S. federal law and Canadian provincial regulations to disconnect, reset, or alter the odometer with the intent to change the number of miles or kilometers indicated.

OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR

U.S. model is shown.

TRIP METER

INFORMATION DISPLAY

RESET BUTTON

Page 75

Gauges

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Trip Meter Fuel Gauge

This meter shows the number of miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) driven since you last reset it.

SELECT BUTTON

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, the last selection is displayed.

To reset a trip meter, display it, and then press and hold the RESET

This shows how much fuel you have. It may show slightly more or less than the actual amount. The needle returns to the bottom after you turn

off the ignition. button until the number resets to ‘‘0.0’’. Both trip meters will reset if the vehicle’s battery goes dead or is disconnected. And both continue to track mileage, even when only one is displayed.

Avoid driving with an extremely low

f uel level. Running out of fuel could

cause the engine to misf ire, damaging

the catalytic converter.

RESET BUTTON

There are two trip meters: TRIP A and TRIP B. Switch between these displays by pressing the SELECT button repeatedly. Each trip meter works independently, so you can keep track of two different distances.

Instruments and Controls

Page 76

Gauges

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Temperature Gauge Outside Temperature Indicator

This shows the temperature of the engine’s coolant. During normal operation, the pointer should rise to about the middle of the gauge. In severe driving conditions, the pointer may rise to the upper zone. If it reaches the red (hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. For instructions and precautions on checking the engine’s cooling system, see page .

288

If equipped

This indicator displays the outside temperature in Fahrenheit (U.S. models) or Centigrade (Canadian models).

The temperature sensor is in the front bumper. Therefore, the temperature reading can be affected by heat reflection from the road surface, engine heat, and the exhaust from surrounding traffic. This can cause an incorrect temperature reading when your speed is under 19 mph (30 km/h).

The sensor delays the indicator update until it reaches the correct outside temperature. This may take several minutes.

If the outside temperature is incorrectly displayed, you can adjust it up to 5°F in U.S. models ( 3°C in Canadian models) warmer or

±±

cooler.

NOTE: The temperature must be

stabilized before doing this

procedure.

To adjust the outside temperature

indicator, make sure the outside

temperature indicator is shown in

thedisplay,thenpressandholdthe

RESET button for 10 seconds (the

TRIP A or B is also reset). The

following sequence will appear for 1

secondeach:0,1,2,3,4,5, 5, 4,

−−−

3, 2, 1, 0 (U.S.) or 0, 1, 2, 3,

−−−

3, 2, 1, 0 (Canada).

When it reaches the desired value,

release the RESET button. You

should see the new outside

temperature displayed.

In certain weather conditions,

temperature readings near freezing

(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is

forming on the road surface.

−−

Page 77

Gauges

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

If your fuel fill cap is loose or missing, a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message appears on the information display after you start the engine. Turn the engine off, and confirm the fuel fill cap is installed. If it is, loosen it, then retighten it until it clicks at least once. When you restart the engine, the message appears again. The message goes off after several days of normal driving once you tighten or replace the fuel fill cap. To scroll to another display, press the SELECT button.

If the system still detects a leak in your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) comes on. If the fuel fill cap was not already tightened, turn the engine off, and check or retighten the fuel fill cap until it clicks at least once. The MIL should go off after several days of normal driving once the cap is tightened or replaced. If the MIL does not go of f, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. For more information, see page .291

Maintenance Minder DisplayTighten Fuel Cap Message

The information display in the

instrument panel shows you the

engine oil life and maintenance

service items when the ignition

switch is in the ON (II) position. This

information helps to keep you aware

of the periodic maintenance your

vehicle needs f or continued trouble-

free driving. Refer to page for

more information.

239

Instruments and Controls

Page 78

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

＊

MOONROOF SWITCH

(P.110)

MULTI-CONTROL LEVER (WINDSHIELD WIPERS/ WASHERS/TURN SIGNALS/ HEADLIGHT HIGH BEAMS) (P.75)

BED LIGHT SWITCH

(P.122)

HEADLIGHT CONTROL

(P.76)

DIAL

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH (P.216)

CRUISE BUTTON (P.169)

REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS

＊

(P.165)

STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT

Vehicle with navigation system is shown.

INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS

HORN

(P.79)

(P.78)

＊

CRUISE CONTROLS (P.169)

SHIFT LEVER (P.201)

INTERIOR LIGHT CONTROL SWITCH (P.120)

VTM-4 LOCK

(P.206)

SELECT BUTTON (P.70)

RESET BUTTON (P.70)

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P.29)

HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P.79)

＊

SEAT HEATERS (P.105)

＊＊To use the horn, press the pad around the ‘‘H’’ logo.

If equipped.

Page 79

Multi-Control Lever

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

OFF

INT: Intermittent

INT TIME ring

LO: Low speed

HI: High speed

MIST

Windshield washers

Turn signal

High beams

10.

Flashhighbeams

The multi-control lever has many functions, including windshield wipers and washers, turn signals, headlight high beams, and headlight high beam flashing.

To select a position, turn the rotary switch,pushthebuttonontheendof the lever, or push the lever up, down, forward, or backward.

The wipers are not activated.

OFF:

INT:

The length of the wiper interval is varied automatically according to the vehicle’s speed.

Vary the delay by turning the INT TIME ring. If you turn it to the shortest delay, the wipers change to low speed when the vehicle speed exceeds 12 mph (20 km/h).

MIST:

The wipers run at low speed.

−

The wipers run at high speed.

−

The wipers run at high speed

until you release the lever.

Windshield Washer:

buttonontheendof the multi-control lever. The washers spray until you release the button. The wipers run at low speed, then complete one more sweep after you release the button.

Instruments and Controls

Push the

CONTINUED

Page 80

Multi-Control Lever, Headlights

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Automatic Heated Wiper Zone

Your vehicle has heating wires at the bottom of the windshield to help heat the wiper blades and the windshield. If the outside temperature is near freezing, the heater turns on automatically when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. The heater turns off automatically when the outside temperature is above freezing.

This f unction helps to increase wiper performance when the wiper arms sit in the parked position in snowy or icy conditions.

Push down on the

−

multi-control lever to signal a left turn and up to signal a right turn. To signal a lane change, push lightly on the lever and hold it. The lever will return to center when you release it or complete a turn.

High Beams

beams, push the multi-control lever forward until you hear a click. The blue high beam indicator will come on (see page ). Pull the lever back to return to the low beams.

To flash the high beams, pull the lever back lightly, then release it. The high beams will stay on as long as you hold the lever back.

−

To turn on the high

Headlight Control DialTurn Signal

OFF

Parking and indicator lights

Headlights

Page 81

Turning the dial to

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

− If you remove the key from the

the ‘‘ ’’ position turns on the parking lights, taillights, instrument panel lights, and license plate lights.

Turning the dial to the ‘‘ ’’ position turns on the headlights. If you leave the lights on and remove the key from the ignition switch, you will hear a reminder chime when you open the driver’s door.

When the dial is in the ‘‘ ’’ or ‘‘ ’’ position, the lights on indicator comes on as a reminder. This indicator stays on if you leave the lights on and turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position.

Headlights

Automatic Lighting Off FeatureHeadlights

The automatic lighting off f eature turns off the headlights, all other exterior lights, and the instrument panel lights within 15 seconds of removing the key from the ignition switch and closing the driver’s door. The lights will turn on again when

This feature activates if you leave the headlight control dial in the ‘‘ ’’ or ‘‘ ’’ position, remove the key, then open and close the driver’s door.

ignition switch with the headlight control dial on, but do not open the door, the lights will turn off after 10 minutes.

you unlock or open the driver’s door. If you unlock the door, but do not open it within 15 seconds, the lights go off. With the driver’s door open, you will hear a lights-on reminder chime.

Instruments and Controls

Page 82

Headlights, Instrument Panel Brightness

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Canadian models only

With the headlight control dial off, the high beam headlights and the high beam indicator come on with reduced brightness when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and release the parking brake. They remain on until you turn the ignition switch off, even if you set the parking brake.

The headlights revert to normal operation when you turn them on with the headlight control dial.

Instrument Panel BrightnessDaytime Running Lights

INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS CONTROL DIAL

The dial on the instrument panel controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights and the console compartment light. Turn the dial to adjust the brightness.

The instrument panel will illuminate when you unlock and open the driver’s door. The brightness will increase when you insert the key in the ignition switch.

If you do not insert the key in the ignition switch after opening the driver’s door, the illumination turns off about 30 seconds after you close the door.

If you insert the key but do not turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, the illumination turns off in about 10 seconds.

The instrument panel brightness is dimmedwhenyouturntheheadlight controldialtothe‘‘ ’’or ‘‘ ’’ position to reduce glare at night. To cancel it, turn the instrument panel brightness control dial upward f ully until you hear a click.

Page 83

Pushthebuttontoturnonthe

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

hazard warning lights (four-way flashers). This causes all four outside turn signals and both turn indicators in the instrument panel to flash. Use the hazard warning lights if you need to park in a dangerous area near heavy traffic, or if your vehicle is disabled.

Hazard Warning Button, Steering Wheel Adjustment

Steering Wheel AdjustmentHazard Warning Button

Make any steering wheel adjustment before you start driving.

Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and be seriously injured inacrash.

Adjust the steering wheel only when the vehicle is stopped.

Push the lever on the left side of the steering column all the way down.

Move the steering wheel so it points toward your chest, not toward your face. Make sure you can see the instrument panel gauges and indicators.

Push the lever up to lock the steering wheel in position.

4.1.

Make sure you have securely locked the steering wheel in place by trying to move it up and down.

Instruments and Controls

Page 84

Keys

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

KEY NUMBER TAG

MASTER KEY WITH REMOTE TRANSMITTER

VALET KEY (LIGHT GRAY)

The master key fits all the locks on your vehicle. The valet key works only in the ignition and the driver’s door lock. You can keep the glove boxlockedwhenyouleaveyour vehicle and the valet key at a parking facility.

You can also keep the In-Bed Trunk locked by using the main switch in theglovebox(seepage ).

Youshouldhavereceivedakey number tag with your keys. You will need this key number if you ever have to get a lost key replaced. Use only Honda-approved key blanks.

These keys contain electronic circuits that are activated by the immobilizer system. They will not work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged.

Protect the keys from direct sunlight, high temperature, and high humidity.

Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy objects on them.

Keep the keys away from liquids. If they get wet, dry them immediately with a soft cloth.

The valet key does not contain a battery. Do not try to take it apart.

Page 85

Immobilizer System

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft. If an improperly-coded key (or other device) is used, the engine’s fuel system is disabled.

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, the immobilizer system indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go off. If the indicator starts to blink, it means the system does not recognize the coding of the key. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position, remove the key, reinsert it, and turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position again.

The system may not recognize your key’s coding if another immobilizer key or other metal object (i.e. key fob) is near the ignition switch when you insert the key.

If the system repeatedly does not recognize the coding of your key, contact your dealer.

Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems could result that may make your vehicle undrivable.

If you have lost your key and cannot start the engine, contact your dealer.

Always take the ignition key with you whenever you leave the vehicle alone.

As required by the FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Industry Canada Standard RSS-210. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Instruments and Controls

Page 86

Ignition Switch

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY (I), ON (II), and START (III).

−

LOCK (0)

remove the key only in this position. To turn the key, the shift lever must be in Park, and you must push the key in slightly.

If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may make it difficult to turn the key. Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or right as you turn the key.

ACCESSORY (I)

operate the audio system and the accessory power sockets in this position.

ON (II)

position when driving. Several of the indicators on the instrument panel come on as a test when you turn the ignition switch from the ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II) position.

You can insert or

−

You can

−

This is the normal key

−

START (III)

only to start the engine. The switch returns to the ON (II) position when you let go of the key.

You will hear a reminder beeper if you leave the key in the ignition switch in the LOCK (0) or the ACCESSORY (I) position and open the driver’s door. Remove the key to turn off the beeper.

TheshiftlevermustbeinPark before you can remove the key from the ignition switch.

Use this position

Page 87

Door Locks

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Power Door Locks

LOCK TAB

MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

To lock all doors and the In-Bed Trunk, push the front of the master door lock switch on either front door, pressthelocktabdownonthe

The lock tab on each door locks and unlocks that door. Pulling up on the driver’s door lock tab only unlocks the driver’s door. To unlock the driver’s door and the In-Bed Trunk from the outside, turn the key and release it. If you turn it again, all the doors unlock.

Youcanopenorclosetheside windows by using the key in the driver’s door (see page ).

109

To lock any passenger’s door when getting out of the vehicle, push the lock tab down, and close the door. To lock the driver’s door, remove the key from the ignition switch, and push the lock tab down, or push the front of the master switch, then close the door.

Lockout Prevention

With the driver’s door open and the key in the ignition, both master door lock switches will not lock, but they will unlock. The lock feature is not disabled if the driver’s door is closed. Pushing the front of the switch on the open passenger’s door will lock

all doors and the In-Bed Trunk. driver’s door, or use the key on the outside lock on the driver’s door. This vehicle has auto door locking/

unlocking features. See page for

how to set them.Pushing the rear of either master door lock switch will unlock all of the doors and the In-Bed Trunk.

Instruments and Controls

Page 88

Door Locks

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

LOCK LEVER

The childproof door locks are designed to prevent children seated in the rear from accidentally opening the rear doors. Each rear door has a lock lever near the edge. With the lever in the LOCK position, the door cannot be opened from inside regardless of the position of the lock tab. To open the door, pull the lock tab up, and use the outside door handle.

Auto Door Locking/UnlockingChildproof Door Locks Auto Door Locking

Your vehicle has customizable settings f or the doors to automatically lock and unlock. There are default settings for each of these features. You can turn off or change the settings for these features as described on the f ollowing pages. When you customize the setting, make sure your vehicle is parked in safe, the engine is off, and apply the parking brake. Make all settings before you start driving.

With the auto door locking and unlocking, the In-Bed Trunk also locks and unlocks.

The auto door locking f eature has

three possible settings:

The auto door locking is deactivated all the time.

The doors lock whenever you move the shift lever out of the Park (P) position.

The doors lock when the vehicle speed reaches 9 mph (15 km/h). This is the default setting.

Page 89

Door Locks

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

To turn of f the Auto Door Lock modes:

Make sure the shift lever is in the

Park (P) position.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON

(II) position, and open the driver’s door.

Pushandholdthefrontofthe

3. master door lock switch on the driver’s door until you hear a click (after about 5 seconds).

Release the switch and, within 5

4. seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position.

To program the Park Lock mode:

Locks all doors when the shift lever is moved out of the Park (P) position.

Make sure the shift lever is in the

1. Park (P) position.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON

2. (II) position, and make sure to close the driver’s door.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Page 90

Door Locks

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Pushandholdthefrontofthe

3. master door lock switch on the driver’s door. You will hear a click. Keep holding the switch until you hear another click (after about 5 seconds).

Release the switch and, within 5

4. seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position.

To program the Drive Lock mode:

Locks all doors when the vehicle’s speed reaches about 9 mph (15 km/h).

Make sure the shift lever is in the

1. Park (P) position.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON

2. (II) position, and make sure to close the driver’s door.

Push and hold the brake pedal,

3. and move the shift lever out of the Park (P) position.

Pushandholdthefrontofthe

4. master door lock switch on the driver’s door. You will hear a click. Keep holding the switch until you hear another click (after about 5 seconds).

Release the switch and, within 5

5. seconds, turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) position. Move the shift lever to the Park (P) position.

Turn the ignition switch to the

6. LOCK (0) position.

Page 91

Door Locks

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Auto Door Unlocking

The auto door unlocking f eature has five possible settings:

The auto door unlocking is deactivated all the time.

The driver’s door unlocks when you move the shift lever to the Park (P) position. This is the default setting.

All doors unlock when you move the shift lever to the Park (P) position.

The driver’s door unlocks whenever you turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) position.

All doors unlock whenever you turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) position.

To turn off the Auto Door Unlock modes:

Make sure the shift lever is in the

1. Park (P) position.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON

2. (II) position, and open the driver’s door.

Pushandholdtherearofthe

3. master door lock switch on the driver’s door. You will hear a click and, after about 5 seconds, you will hear another click.

Release the switch and, within 5

4. seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Page 92

Door Locks

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

To program the Park Unlock mode: To program the Ignition Switch

Unlocks the driver’s door or all doors when the shift lever is moved into the Park (P) position.

Pushandholdtherearofthe

3. master door lock switch on the driver’s door. You will hear a click. Continue to hold down the switch:

Until you hear another click

−

Unlock mode:

Unlocks the driver’s door or all doors when the ignition switch is moved out of the ON (II) position.

(after about 5 seconds) to activate the driver’s door unlock feature.

Or, until you hear two more

−

clicks (after about 10 seconds) to activate the all doors unlock feature.

Release the switch and, within 5

4. seconds, turn the ignition switch

Make sure the shift lever is in the

1. Park (P) position.

to the LOCK (0) position.

Make sure the shift lever is in the

1. Park (P) position.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON

2. (II) position, and make sure to close the driver’s door.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON

2. (II) position, and make sure to close the driver’s door.

Page 93

Door Locks

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Push and hold the brake pedal,

3. then move the shift lever out of the Park (P) position.

Pushandholdtherearofthe master door lock switch on the driver’s door. You will hear a click. Continue to hold down the switch:

Until you hear another click

−

(after about 5 seconds) to activate the driver’s door unlock feature.

−Or, until you hear two more

clicks (after about 10 seconds) to activate the all doors unlock feature.

Release the switch and, within 5

5. seconds, turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) position. Move the shift lever to the Park (P) position.

Turn the ignition switch to the

6. LOCK (0) position.

If your vehicle’s battery is removed or goes dead, the auto door lock/ unlock setting is reset to the deactivated mode.

Instruments and Controls

Page 94

Remote Transmitter

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

LED

UNLOCK BUTTON

−

LOCK

Press this button once to lock all doors and the In-Bed Trunk. Some exterior and interior lights will flash once. When you push LOCK twice within 5 seconds, you will hear a beep to verify that the doors and In-Bed Trunk are locked and the security system (if equipped) has set. This button does not work if any door is not fully closed or the key is in the ignition switch.

LOCK BUTTON

PANIC BUTTON

−

UNLOCK

Press this button once to unlock the driver’s door and the In-Bed Trunk. Push it twice to unlock the remaining doors. Some exterior and interior lights will flash twice each time you push the button.

When you press the UNLOCK button, the front and rear individual map lights, depending on the interior light control switch position, will come on (see page ). If you do

120

not open any door, the lights stay on for about 30 seconds, then go out. If you relock the doors and the In-Bed Trunk with the remote transmitter before 30 seconds have elapsed, the lights will go off immediately.

If you do not open any door within 30 seconds, the doors automatically relock, and the security system sets (if equipped). The UNLOCK button does not work when the key is in the ignition switch.

You can also open all side windows from outside the vehicle with the remote transmitter (see page ).

−

PANIC

Press and hold this

109

button for about 1 second to attract attention; the horn will sound and the exterior lights will flash for about 30 seconds. To cancel panic mode, press any other button on the remote transmitter, or turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. Panic mode does not work when the key is in the ignition switch.

Page 95

Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Transmitter

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Avoid dropping or throwing the

Battery

transmitter.

Remote Transmitter

Protect the transmitter from extreme temperature.

Do not immerse the transmitter in any liquid.

If you lose a transmitter, the replacement needs to be reprogrammed by your dealer.

SCREW

If it takes several pushes on the button to lock or unlock the doors, replace the battery as soon as possible. Battery type: CR1616

To replace the battery:

Remove the screw at the base of

the transmitter with a small Phillips-head screwdriver.

BATTERY

Separate the transmitter by prying

2. its middle seam with your fingernail.

Inside the transmitter, separate

3. the inner cover from the keypad by releasing the two tabs on the cover.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Page 96

Remote Transmitter

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Remove the old battery from the back of the inner cover, and insert a new battery into the back of the cover with the side facing down.

＋

An improperly disposed of battery can hurt the environment. Always confirm local regulations for battery disposal.

Install the parts in reverse order.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Page 97

Dual-Action Tailgate

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

Youcanopenthetailgatetwo diff erent ways:

Drop it open by using the upper handle.

Swingitopenbyusingtheright lower handle.

NOTE:

As a safety feature, the upper handle is disabled if you do not fully close the tailgate after it is swung open. And the lower handle is disabled if you do not fully close the tailgate after it is dropped open.

Before you open the tailgate a diff erent way (dropped open, and then swung open), make sure it is fully closed.

Make sure all passengers and objects are clear of the tailgate before opening and closing it, and make sure the tailgate is closed securely before driving.

To Drop Open the Tailgate

UPPER HANDLE

Instruments and Controls

To drop open the tailgate, pull up the upper handle, then pull down the tailgate. To close the tailgate, push firmly up until it latches.

CONTINUED

Page 98

Dual-Action Tailgate

2008 Ridgeline

Table Of Contents

Main Menu

The dropped open tailgate can be used as an extended pickup bed. Make sure to secure the items in the pickup bed, and do not exceed the maximum allowable weight on the tailgate(seepage ).

To turn the bed lights on or off, use the bed light switch on the dashboard (see page ).

194

122

To Swing Open the Tailgate

HANDLE

To swing open the tailgate, f irst make sure it is fully closed, then pull up the right lower handle, and swing the tailgate to the left. To close, swing the tailgate back, and push it firmly until it is latched.

Before opening or closing the tailgate, check that passengers, especially children, are not in the tailgate’s path.

Do not drive with the tailgate swung open. This could damage the tailgate.

Swinging the tailgate open or closed while anyone is in its path can cause serious injury.

Make sure all passengers are clear of the tailgate’s path before opening or closing it.

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Dual-Action Tailgate

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Do not allow anyone to hang on the swung open tailgate. This could damage the tailgate.

Do not leave the tailgate swung open. The tailgate may swing and shut accidentally. This could cause serious injuries.

Thebedlightscomeonwhenyou swing open the tailgate. You can also turn the bed lights on or off by pushing the bed light switch on the dashboard (see page ).

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Tailgate Open Indicator

This indicator is in the door and tailgate open monitor on the instrument panel. It comes on when the tailgate is swung open or it is not completely closed. This indicator worksevenifthekeyisnotinthe ignition switch.

If the tailgate is swung open or not closed tightly when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position, you will hear six beeps and see the indicator blinking. The indicator stays on until you close the tailgate. The beeper also sounds and the indicator blinks when you move the shift lever out of the Park or neutral position.

If you do not fasten the seat belt, you first hear the seat belt reminder alarm, then the tailgate reminder beeper sounds.

The indicator does not monitor the tailgate when it is dropped open.

Loading Cargo

See page for information on cargo loading and weight limits.

You can also store and lock items in the In-Bed Trunk (see page ).

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Instruments and Controls

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In-Bed Trunk

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RELEASE BUTTON

YoucanopentheIn-BedTrunktwo diff erent ways:

Push the release button on the lower right side of the In-Bed Trunk lid when the driver’s door is unlocked.

Usethemasterkeytoopenthe In-Bed Trunk when the driver’s door is locked.

To close the In-Bed Trunk, lower the lid, then press down on the back edge.

When the In-Bed Trunk is closed securely, it can be locked or unlocked along with the power door locks (see page ).

If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead, the release button on the In-Bed Trunk lid is disabled. To open the In-Bed Trunk, use the master key.

Thebedlightscomeonwhenyou open the In-Bed Trunk. You can also turn the bed lights on or off by pushing the bed light switch on the dashboard (see page ).

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You can store items in the In-Bed Trunk up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Do not exceed this weight limit, or you may damage the In-Bed Trunk. See page

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for inf ormation on loading cargo

and weight limits.

To store items separately in the In-Bed Trunk, optional divider guides are available from your dealer.