Honda Ridgeline (2019 year). Instruction

432

Driving

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information

Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-highway activities.

If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations:
• Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.

2 Maximum Load Limit P. 415

• Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
• Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.
• It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.

2 Important Handling Information P. 32
2 Precautions While Driving P. 440

Spinning the tires excessively can also damage the
Intelligent VTM4 (i-VTM4) system.

WARNING

Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-
pavement can cause a crash or rollover in
which you and your passengers could be
seriously injured or killed.

• Follow all instructions and guidelines in

this owner’s manual.

• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive

faster than conditions permit.

433

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Avoiding Trouble

Driving

Avoiding Trouble

• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all

scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.

• Remember the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have

limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.

• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start

or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.

• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover

or damage to your suspension or other components.

• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to

drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.

• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water

in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.

• If You Get Stuck, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you

unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.

434

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Check that the shift lever is in

(

P, then

depress the brake pedal.

Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in

(

N, it is safer to start it in

(

3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button

without depressing the accelerator pedal.
The engine will crank until it starts.

Starting the Engine

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).

When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling system

/climate control system

, and rear

defogger in order to reduce battery drain.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

Bring the smart entry remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the battery in the smart entry
remote is weak.

2 If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak

P. 579

The engine may not start if the smart entry remote is
subjected to strong radio waves.

Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before trying again.

Parking Brake

Brake Pedal

* Not available on all models

Continued

435

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.
1. Shift to

(

2. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button with your foot on the brake pedal.

■

Stopping the Engine

Starting the Engine

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.

2 Immobilizer System P. 133

When Driving

Starting the Engine

436

Driving

You can remotely start the engine using the smart entry remote.

■

Remote Engine Start

Remote Engine Start

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

•

You have disabled a remote engine start setting
using the audio/information screen.

•

You do not press and hold the

button

within 5 seconds after the

button is pressed.

•

The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).

•

The shift lever is in a position other than

(

•

The hood is open, or any door or the trunk is
unlocked.

•

You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.

•

Another registered smart entry remote is in the
vehicle.

WARNING

Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon
monoxide.

Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or
cause unconsciousness.

Never use the remote engine starter when
the vehicle is parked in a garage or other
area with limited ventilation.

* Not available on all models

Continued

437

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

■

To start the engine

The engine runs for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the

button, then press and hold the

button.

Some exterior lights come back on three times, twice, if a 10-minute extension
request was transmitted successfully.

Remote Engine Start

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The telematics unit malfunctions.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

The engine may stop while it is running if:

•

You do not start the vehicle within 10 minutes of
starting the engine with the smart entry remote.

•

The engine is stopped by using the smart entry
remote.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

•

The door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The hood is open, or any door, or the trunk is
unlocked.

•

You press the shift lever release button.

•

The telematics unit malfunction.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The battery is low.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on if
there is a problem with the emissions control
systems.

Press the

button, then press and hold

the

button.

Some exterior lights flash once.

LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Some exterior lights flash six
times if the engine runs
successfully.

Some exterior lights will not
flash if the engine does not
start.

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

438

Driving

■

To stop the engine

Remote Engine Start

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

•

The heating and cooling system

/climate control

system

is activated in recirculation mode.

•

The seat ventilation

is activated.

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.

•

The rear defogger and door mirror heaters

are

activated.

•

The seat heaters

and heated steering wheel

are

activated.

2 Heated Steering Wheel

P. 180

2 Front Seat Heaters and Seat

Ventilation

P. 182, 183

Press and hold the

button for one second.

Go within the range, and try again.

Some exterior lights will not flash when the remote is out of
the keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.

Some exterior lights flash once if the engine stops
successfully.

* Not available on all models

439

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

1. Depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button

simultaneously.

2. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that

the parking brake indicator has gone off.

2 Parking Brake P. 490

3. Put the shift lever in

(

D. Select

(

R when reversing.

4. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull

away.

■

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

Move the shift lever to

(

D, ,

(

L when facing uphill, or

(

R when facing

downhill, then release the brake pedal.

The brakes remain engaged briefly as you release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

Starting to Drive

The engine stops when the shift lever is moved out of

(

P before the ENGINE START/STOP button is

pressed. Follow the step 1 when starting to drive.

When the engine was started using the smart entry
remote

When the engine was started using the smart entry remote

When the engine was started in any case

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
will not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.

* Not available on all models

440

When Driving

Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Honda accessory).

Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.

If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.

■

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

■

In Rain

■

Other Precautions

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not change the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.

NOTICE

If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.

If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functions will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.

Do not put the shift lever in

(

N, as you will lose

engine braking (and acceleration) performance.

During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.

Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

441

When Driving

Automatic Transmission

Driving

Automatic Transmission

The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.

2 Important Handling Information P. 32
2 Precautions While Driving P. 440

442

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift lever positions

Shifting

You cannot change the power mode from ON to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) unless the shift lever is in

(

The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in

(

N while the engine is cold.

Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.

When shifting gears in extremely low temperatures
(-22°F/-30°C), there may be a short delay before the
shift indicated in the display. Always confirm you are
in the correct gear before driving.

Park
Used when parking or starting
the engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used:

●

For normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 6th
automatically)

Low

●

Strong engine power when
climbing and strong engine
braking when going down steep
hills.

Drive (D4)
Press the

button while the shift

lever is in

(

Used when:

●

Going up or down hills

Release Button

Button

443

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

Shift Lever Operation

Shift Lever Operation

NOTICE

When you change the shift lever from

(

D to

(

R and

vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.

Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position before pulling away.

Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving,
a blinking transmission indicator indicates a
transmission problem.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.

It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.

Tachometer’s Red Zone

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Depress the brake pedal and press
the shift lever release button to shift.

Shift without pressing the shift lever
release button.

Press the shift lever release button
and shift.

444

When Driving

ECON Button

Driving

ECON Button

The ECON button turns the ECON mode on
and off.
The ECON mode helps you improve your fuel
economy by adjusting the performance of the
engine, air conditioning system, and cruise
control.

ECON Button

While in ECON mode, the climate control system

has

greater temperature fluctuation.

* Not available on all models

445

When Driving

Intelligent Traction Management

Driving

Intelligent Traction Management

The Intelligent Traction Management optimizes vehicle performance to help you
drive on various surfaces. The system has available modes to select from: Normal,
Snow, Mud

, and Sand

Press the mode button to select the appropriate mode. The mode you select appears
on the multi-information display. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted,
Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal.

Intelligent Traction Management

Refer to the Off-Highway Driving section for driving
tips and safety precautions.

2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 432

Mud
Use when driving on
muddy road or off-
road surfaces.

Sand
Use when driving on
soft, sandy road or
off-road surfaces.

Normal
Provides balanced
driving performance
on most road surfaces.

Mode Button

Snow
Use when driving on
snowy road surfaces.

AWD models

* Not available on all models

447

When Driving

Cruise Control

Continued

Driving

Cruise Control

Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a
constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.

Cruise Control

It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.

When not using cruise control:
Turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE
button.

While in the ECON mode, it may take relatively more
time to accelerate to maintain the set speed.

Cruise control is not available when the Intelligent
Traction Management Snow, Mud

or Sand

modes

are in operation.

WARNING

Improper use of the cruise control can lead
to a crash.

Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.

■

Shift positions for cruise control:
In

(

When to use

Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.

■

Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~

How to use

CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.

■

Press the CRUISE
button on the
steering wheel.

* Not available on all models

Honda Ridgeline (2019 year). Instruction - part 28