The Honda Ridgeline is a reliable truck, and like any other automotive it may break down or malfunction from time to time. Keep reading to learn about the causes of Honda Ridgeline’s breakdown and how to remedy the issues.
Honda Ridgeline is not starting
The most common causes include;
1. Weak Battery
If your Ridgeline’s engine won’t crank very slowly, then the most likely culprit is a weak or dead 12v battery. Investigating more closely and doing a battery voltage test will clarify whether the starting problem is due to the battery. A test can be done to measure the voltage between the battery poles, check the acid level, and assess the condition of the starter battery.
If a new car battery has been installed, the battery may not have yet reached its full capacity. However, there is nothing to worry about. A new battery only develops its full capacity over time.
The 12v battery of the Honda Ridgeline is hidden under the air duct. Therefore, you will first have to remove the radiator cover, then the air duct to access it.
Solution: Jumpstart Honda Ridgeline
Suppose a dead battery is a reason for the breakdown of your Ridgeline. Then, you can easily jump-start it using jumper cables and a healthy battery from another vehicle or using a battery booster if available.
First, connect the red cable to the positive terminal of your Ridgeline’s dead battery, then to the positive terminal of the donor battery. Next, connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the donor battery, then to the bare metal in the engine bay of your Ridgeline. Start the donor vehicle and then your Ridgeline. Remove the cables in reverse order.
2. Corrosion on battery
Corrosion on the contacts of your car battery leads to loss of contact and reduced current flow, which means that your engine can no longer start properly.
To know if your Ridgeline’s starting problems are from dirty battery contacts, you need to investigate them. If you lift the rubber covers over the two battery terminals, you can check the terminals for corrosion.
If you discover white or silvery-green deposits but no further cracks or damage, you do not have to replace the battery; just clean it.
Solution: Clean battery corrosion
To clean the battery on your Honda Ridgeline, you have to remove the pole cables first, which requires no special knowledge, just a little concentration, as the order is very important. So first, remove the black cable from the negative pole. Then, if the pole clamp is very tight, you can open it with pliers.
Next, you can unplug the red positive pole cable. Once the battery has been removed from the circuit, you can start cleaning the corroded battery. After cleaning, reconnect the terminals.
Note: Do not use metal pliers, but if you use them, ensure that you do not touch any other parts of the body.
3. Weak key fob battery
If your Ridgeline has a push start/stop button, your vehicle may not start due to a weak key fob battery. However, you can still start your vehicle – the battery is only used to send the signal for locking/unlocking. If the key fob battery is empty, the door no longer locks or unlocks at the push of a button.
The doors must then be opened manually. A passive transponder controls the immobilizer. Passive means, among other things, that the transponder in the key does not need its power source.
How to start Honda Ridgeline with a dead key fob battery
If you have a model of Ridgeline which only has a key fob with a start/stop button and no place to insert a key, try placing your key fob as close to the start/stop button as you can then start the vehicle. If it doesn’t work, look in your vehicle’s operational manual for the exact location of key fob placement, as it may vary depending on the model.
Note: You can try starting your Ridgeline with its second key. It will also rule out any other problem with the first key, for example, water damage.
4. Broken starter motor
A starter is a motor for starting the engine of your Ridgeline. The average life of a starter motor is about 100,000 to 150,000 miles, and the life will be shortened if the engine is started more frequently. Since the starter motor also has a limited life, it will break down after using the car for a long time, and if the starter motor breaks down, the engine will not start.
Symptom: When you turn the key to start the engine of your Ridgeline, you will hear a clicking sound, which is the sound of a bad starter motor. And if the starter motor does not work with a healthy battery, suspect a malfunction of the starter.
If the starter fails, it usually needs to be replaced with a new one.
Temporary fix for starter
If the engine does not start due to the starter, the engine may start if you turn the key while hitting the starter motor with something like a stick or metal tool. This workaround is effective when the parts inside the starter are stuck together, or the gears are slightly out of alignment.
However, the starter may be nearing the end of its life, so it is recommended that you have it inspected at a dealer or maintenance shop.
5. Defective alternator
An alternator is a generator that produces electricity. If your Ridgeline’s alternator fails, it will not produce electricity, and the battery will not be able to charge. Therefore, even if you think that the cause of the engine not starting is a battery failure and replacing the battery, the battery will soon run out, and the engine will not start.
Alternators rarely break down. In particular, modern cars have improved performance, so it is said that they will last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Still, it can break down depending on how you use it, and in the case of a used car, the alternator may be quite old. So don’t let your guard down.
If the alternator breaks down, it must be replaced with a new alternator.
6. Clogged fuel filter
The fuel filter of your Ridgeline does not wear out like a mechanical part, but it gets clogged by dirt and airborne particles and clogs over time. The permeability of the filter drops, and so does the fuel pressure. To a certain extent, this doesn’t matter, but if the fuel filter is too dirty, the engine will no longer perform at full capacity and, in some instances, may not start at all. Cleaning is not possible. You can only change the filter.
7. Fuel pump failure
If your Ridgeline’s fuel pump fails, the engine won’t start. The pump normally ensures that the necessary amount of fuel is passed from the tank to the engine’s injection system with sufficient pressure.
Before your fuel pump stops working, it usually becomes noticeable: if your car’s engine breaks down from time to time, the car is difficult to start, the engine jerks a little, or the engine performance drops, you should have your pump checked.
Wear or contamination of the pump can be the reason for this. If the pump is leaking, a power contact is broken, a line or a pump lever is broken, the fuel pump is usually noticeable before failure. You can have a defective fuel pump replaced in your workshop.
8. Blown fuse
In rare cases, a blown a fuse could also be the culprit in the breakdown of your Ridgeline. So, check all fuses essential for starting the engine in the fuse box. But, be careful when lending a hand yourself to the fuse box! The box is under power, and repairs or tests should always be done in a workshop.
9. Defective spark plugs
Without functioning spark plugs, the engine will not start. The spark plugs themselves are often not affected by a defect. Instead, plug connections on the ignition system come loose. If only one plug is loose, you can fix the problem yourself on site. If a spark plug has failed, it must be replaced in the workshop.
10. Rodent damage
Rodent damage can be another reason why your Honda Ridgeline won’t start. The animals crawl under the vehicle and bite through cables and wires. In principle, this can affect all vehicle systems, such as fuel, oil, or power supply.
The rodent damage can usually be seen quickly by looking into the engine compartment. The damage caused by the rodent bite can be repaired in the workshop. Be prepared for relatively high costs here.
11. Engine failure
Although very rare, it can also be the cause of the breakdown of your Ridgeline. If a vehicle has an engine failure, then nothing works anymore. It is not uncommon for the vehicle driver to be responsible for such damage. Typical causes include tearing the timing belt, incorrect fueling, insufficient oil, hydrolock, overheating the engine, or continuous driving in an excessive speed range.
Only an experienced mechanic can diagnose engine failure in a workshop.
Honda Ridgeline windows are not working
If only the rear windows aren’t working, there is a lock-out switch on most vehicles. Make sure that hasn’t been pressed. If this does not work, press your palm against the glass and “help” the window up while pushing the button. If there is any life left in the motor, this may be enough to get it back up.
Here are the common causes for a window that won’t go up in your Ridgeline.
1. Wiring/Fuses
Seeing if your Ridgeline blew a fuse is a great place to start. This is particularly true if the window does not seem to have struggled before it failed to go up.
If all of the windows don’t work, there will be a fuse or window relay that has gone bad. If the fuse is blown, replacing it will increase your power window. If it keeps blowing, you’ll need to figure out what is causing your wiring harness to short out.
2. Window Switch
Your power window switch can go bad. They are exposed to the elements every time you open the door. A 12 volt signal at the switch sends that signal to the power window motor.
If you put a voltmeter on it, there should be 12 volts in as long as the key is on and ±12 volts out when you press the switch.
3. Power Window Motor
Your Honda Ridgeline’s power window motors can and do fail over time. You’ll have to take the door panel off to get to it. Many of them are riveted in, so be prepared to deal with that. If you’ve verified that it is getting power with a voltmeter, but it is not working, it’s time to get a new one.
The motor going bad is almost always a slow process. So if it was struggling to go up for a while, that’s a good sign that it’s the window motor itself.
4. Window Guide
The window guide is what guides a window through the door as it goes back up. If it goes bad, then the window can stick.
Honda Ridgeline AC fan not working
The blower motor is the central component of the air conditioning system in Honda Ridgeline, responsible for blowing hot or cold air through the AC vents. If the blower motor stops working due to a fault, the air will not flow out of the vents when you switch on the AC in your Ridgeline.
Here are the main reasons why your AC fan motor is not working;
1. Blown fuse
The AC blower motor in Honda Ridgeline needs electricity to work. If there is a faulty fuse, the circuit is interrupted, and the motor can not work.
Check the owner’s manual of your Ridgeline or the fuse box cover to find the exact location of the fuse for the blower motor. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one with the specified amp rating.
Pull it out of the fuse box using a fuse puller or needle nose plier and hold it against the light to check the fuse. The fuse has blown if the metal strip is broken in the middle.
You must replace it with one of the same amperages and therefore the same color. It does not matter in which direction you insert the fuse.
2. Bad relay
Relays are electromagnetic switches used to switch electrical loads on and off. A bad relay can also cause AC blower motor failure in your Honda Ridgeline.
First of all, you should find out where the blower motor relay is located in your particular model of Ridgeline. The information may be listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Typically relays are located in the engine compartment or under the steering wheel on the left-hand side.
If you are lucky, the wiring diagram will be drawn on the facing. You can test the relay by swapping it with other relays in the fuse box with a similar amp rating. But before you begin the replacement, it is highly recommended to disconnect the vehicle’s battery.
Note: Vehicles with auto climate control may not have a blower motor relay.
3. Bad resistor or control module
The function of the blower motor resistor is to control the speed of the blower motor. When you increase or decrease the AC fan speed in your Ridgeline, the climate control unit signals the resistor module to increase or decrease the flow of electric current to the blower motor.
If the resistor module develops a fault, it can cause the blower motor to stop working. The resistor is located under the passenger side dashboard, near the blower motor.
Testing the blower motor resistor
There are many ways to test a resistor, but the easiest and most basic method is to check the voltage at the electrical connector on the blower motor with a multimeter. Follow this procedure after ruling out any problem with the blower motor fuse or relay.
- Locate the blower motor in your Ridgeline, typically located under the passenger side dashboard.
- Remove the electrical connector from the blower motor.
- Turn on the multimeter and insert the probes into the connector, one at each point.
- ensure the metal part of probes doesn’t touch each other. Otherwise, it will short out and blow up the fuse and may cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Turn on the AC fan in your Ridgeline.
- The output voltage on the multimeter should read around 12 volts.
- If you do not see any volts or only see volts at a certain fan speed setting, it could be due to a bad resistor.
- If the volts reading is normal, the fault probably lies with the blower motor itself.
- The most basic multimeter voltage test is to check if the blower motor is getting any current.
- You can also use a test light for this purpose.
4. Faulty blower motor
When you turn on the AC fan in your Ridgeline, and the air does not flow out of the vents, or the airflow is poor or inconsistent, it could be due to a broken blower motor.
Early signs of blower motor failure
Blower motors can fail without warning, but there are usually early signs before they stop working. The most common signs of a failing blower motor in Honda Ridgeline are unusual whirring noises coming from behind the dashboard when the air conditioner is in operation, weak or inconsistent airflow, and a burning plastic odor or smoke coming from AC vents. Especially when the fan speed is set to high.
How to test the blower motor
- Unplug the electrical connector from the blower motor.
- Turn on the multimeter and insert the probes into the connector, one at each point, making sure the metal part of the probes don’t touch each other.
Note: You can also use a test light.
- Turn on the AC fan in your Ridgeline.
- The output voltage on the multimeter should read around 12 volts.
- If the volts reading is normal, it indicates a fault in the blower motor.
The more accurate way to test if the blower motor is bad in Honda Ridgeline is to connect it directly to a 12-volt battery using an alligator clip test cable. If the motor does not spin after directly connecting to the battery, it confirms that the blower motor is dead and should be replaced with a new one.
5. Bad connector or broken wire
A bad connector on the blower motor, the resistor module, or the climate control unit can interrupt the power supply to the blower motor in Ridgeline. Additionally, a damaged wire in the circuit, including the wire from the fuse box, can also cause the blower motor to stop working.
6. Rodent damage
Rodents, such as rats or mice, can get under the hood or even make their way inside the dashboard of your Ridgeline and chew on wire coatings, which can cause all sorts of electrical problems. If bite marks are discovered, carefully examine all the cables and hoses for damage, including electrical wires for the blower motor.
7. Defective climate control unit
The climate control module is the brain of the air-conditioning system in your Honda Ridgeline, also responsible for turning on and controlling the blower motor’s speed. In rare cases, a fault in the climate control unit can cause the blower motor to stop functioning properly.
Honda Ridgeline Bluetooth is not working
The first thing you should do is check if your device is compatible with your Honda. If your device is compatible, here are some reasons why your Bluetooth is not be working;
Ensure your device is fully charged
A device with a low battery will struggle to put out a strong signal to the Bluetooth unit in your Honda. Likewise, because Bluetooth relies on radio waves, a device with a poor signal will struggle with a bad connection.
There is another device with Bluetooth enabled nearby
If you are trying to pair your device with Bluetooth and are running into issues, you may be getting some interference from other devices. This is a very common problem because Bluetooth uses an unlicensed part of the radio spectrum. To troubleshoot, make sure Bluetooth is turned off on devices in the general vicinity.
There is bad Bluetooth connectivity where you are
Sometimes the interference could be due to where you are in the city or from a device inside the vehicle that has Bluetooth enabled. If you have tried everything and are still having trouble, you may want to drive a few blocks away from where you are and try connecting again.
Solution: reset
One of the best things to do if you have connection issues is to disconnect everything and starting. First, turn the Bluetooth off, Then turn off and on your Honda and your device. Finally, try connecting your smartphone and Honda again.
How to lock the tailgate on a Honda Ridgeline
- Park your vehicle on flat ground.
- Make sure you turn the ignition to ON. Don’t start the car.
- On the left of your display screen, press the home button.
- Select the Setting option.
- A list of options will appear. Select the Vehicle option.
- Next, search for the Door Setup option and tap it.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list and tap Tailgate Power Locking.
- Tap Enable to have the tailgate power lock and unlock along with the vehicle doors.
- For future reference, if you tap Disable, the tailgate will remain unlocked at all times.
- After clicking Enable, confirm your choice by clicking OK on the menu screen.
- Touch the Home icon on the left of the display menu to return to the Home screen.
How to reset the oil light in a Honda Ridgeline
Years: 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position one position before starting the engine.
- Press the SELECT button repeatedly until the engine oil life display or the service message is displayed. Picture below.
- Reset oil service light Honda Ridgeline, reset oil life.
- Press the RESET button for about ＞ 10 seconds. You will see a “MAINT RESET” message. Picture below.
- Reset oil service light Honda Ridgeline, maint reset.
- Select the appropriate answer, “MAINT RESET N” (NO) or “MAINT RESET Y” (YES), by pressing the SELECT button. “N” or “Y” is displayed on the outside temperature display.
- Select the “MAINT RESET Y” (YES), and press and hold the RESET button again to reset the engine oil life to “100.”
- All information is taken from the Honda Ridgeline owners manual.
- Reset oil service light Honda Ridgeline.
Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
- Press the Select button repeatedly until the engine oil life is displayed.
- Press the TRIP/RESET button for about 10 seconds. Then, the engine oil life and maintenance idem code(s) will blink.
- Press the TRIP/RESET button for another 5 seconds. The maintenance item code(s) will disappear, and the engine oil life will reset to 100.
Honda Ridgeline how to remote start
- Stand within 400 feet of the vehicle
- Press the lock button on the Honda key fob
- Immediately press and hold the remote start button for 5 seconds
- Vehicle lights will flash when your Honda starts
- The engine runs for up to 10 minutes. To extend the run time for another 10 minutes, repeat the procedure during the initial 10 minutes.
- While the engine is running, the climate control system adjusts the cabin temperature, the security system remains on, and lights and accessories remain off.
How much can a Honda Ridgeline tow?
| Year | Towing Capacity |
| 2021-2022 | 5,000 pounds |
| 2016-2019 | 3,500 – 5,000 pounds |
Common 2017 Honda Ridgeline problems to look out for
Here’s what you might not like about the 2017 Honda Ridgeline:
Propulsion Problems
The 2017 Ridgeline has 117 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Twenty-five of these has to do with the propulsion system, with several users noting that the truck may chug when accelerating, and the rpm may bounce when going up an incline.
Leaky Pump
The 2017 Ridgeline has three recalls with the NHTSA. The most worrying of these recalls were issued for 106,683 units, year models 2017-2019, on January 24, 2019. The recall concerned a pump feed port liable to leak pressurized fuel after exposure to everyday acids like car wash soap.
Water Leaks
Affecting 9,179 2017 all-wheel-drive Ridgelines, this December 9, 2016, the recall had to do with potential water leakage into the rear wiring harness, causing short circuits and corrosion.
Shaky Transmission
Several Ridgeline owners have complained that the truck tends to shake and rattle at around 65 mph. It also shakes when shifting in and out of gear, with less than 100k miles on the odometer.
Unreliable Electronics
On-board electronics like the navigation system have been reported to go out without warning or suddenly reboot themselves. This may be connected to the water leak issue, with damaged wiring making for an inconsistent power supply.
Common 2006 Honda Ridgeline problems to look out for
These are the main issues you should look out for;
Check engine and D4 lights flashing
The 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline may develop issues with the automatic transmission. Rough shifting may occur, and the “D4” light and check engine may begin to blink. The check engine light will also illuminate, and OBD trouble codes P0700, P0730, P0740, P0780, P1768, and P1768 will be stored in the computer.
If the transmission shifts roughly, the failure is very likely a mechanical failure of the transmission. A faulty sensor or dirty transmission fluid may be the case if the transmission normally performs.
In most cases, it is necessary to use professional diagnostic equipment to provide a diagnosis and complete the repair.
Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls
The 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline may have issues with the idle air control system, causing:
- Erratic/bouncing idle
- Poor fuel mileage
- Illumination of the check engine light
- OBD trouble code P0505
- Engine stalling is possible
Check engine light and engine takes too long to start
From 2006-to 2014, the Honda Ridgeline commonly has problems with the EVAP canister vent solenoid. It stops responding to commands to open and close, and the following occurs:
- Illumination of the check engine light
- OBD trouble code P1457 is stored
- The engine takes longer than usual to start
- Fuel mileage decreases noticeably
Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting
The exhaust recirculation valve ( EGR ) on the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline may fail, causing:
- Illumination of the check engine light
- OBD trouble codes P0401 and P1491
- Illumination of the VTR-4 light
- Rough idle
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine vibrations
- Hesitation or stalling
- Long cranking before the engine starts
- Failure of state or federal smog tests
The software update problems
Some models have a problem where the transmission won’t shift into fourth gear intermittently. This problem can commonly be repaired with a software update from Honda.
Tailgate will not open because the sensor rod is too long
A sensor rod that is too long can cause the tailgate not to open in the swing mode. Replacing the sensor rod will commonly correct this issue.
Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
Due to differential fluid breakdown, noise and judder can develop from the rear axle. Replacing the fluid will commonly correct this issue.
Poor connection in antenna harness may cause static when going over bumps
On some models, a poor connection between the radio antenna and sub-harness can cause static when going over bumps. Replacing the antenna harness and sub-harness will commonly repair this problem.
Chirping timing belt
A tilted idler pulley can cause a chirping noise from the timing belt area. Installing a corrective shim from Honda will commonly correct this issue.
Software update for false coolant sensor fault code
The PCM misinterprets data from the coolant sensor on certain models and sets a false Check Engine light (MIL). A software update from Honda will repair this issue.
Top 2011 Honda Ridgeline problems
These are the main issues you should look out for;
Check engine and D4 lights flashing
The 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline may develop issues with the automatic transmission. Rough shifting may occur, and the “D4” light and check engine may begin to blink. The check engine light will also illuminate, and OBD trouble codes P0700, P0730, P0740, P0780, P1768, and P1768 will be stored in the computer.
If the transmission shifts roughly, the failure is very likely a mechanical failure of the transmission. A faulty sensor or dirty transmission fluid may be the case if the transmission normally performs. In most cases, it is necessary to use professional diagnostic equipment to provide a diagnosis and complete the repair.
Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls
The 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline may have issues with the idle air control system, causing:
- Erratic/bouncing idle
- Poor fuel mileage
- Illumination of the check engine light
- OBD trouble code P0505
- Engine stalling is possible
In all cases involving the IACV, the throttle body ports should be cleaned before installing the IACV onto the throttle body.
Check engine light, and the engine takes too long to start
From 2006-to 2014, the Honda Ridgeline commonly has problems with the EVAP canister vent solenoid. It stops responding to commands to open and close, and the following occurs:
- Illumination of the check engine light
- OBD trouble code P1457 is stored
- The engine takes longer than usual to start
- Fuel mileage decreases noticeably
A worn, missing, or loose gas cap can cause the same issues.
Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting
The exhaust recirculation valve ( EGR ) on the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline may fail, causing:
- Illumination of the check engine light
- OBD trouble codes P0401 and P1491
- Illumination of the VTR-4 light
- Rough idle
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine vibrations
- Hesitation or stalling
- Long cranking before the engine starts
- Failure of state or federal smog tests
Sometimes, it is sufficient to clean the valve to correct this issue, but replacement is recommended in all cases.
Common 2018 Honda Ridgeline problems
These are some issues to be aware of, including:
Propulsion problems
The propulsion problems in the 2017 model persisted in 2018, with drivers noting that their trucks would lose power on inclines with well under 50k miles on the odometer.
Loose seats
The 2018 Ridgeline was subject to the same fuel pump port recall as 2017, plus a new recall, affecting 5,810 Pilot, Ridgeline, and Acura MDX models, which saw the front seats come detached in the event of an accident due to improperly manufactured rivets.
Noisy cabin
Some 2018 Ridgeline drivers have reported that you get way too much road noise in the cabin. You expect that thing in a dedicated off-roader, but not in a truck that’s marketed as a highway-friendly family vehicle.
Transmission troubles
The 2018 Ridgeline saw the same shaky transmission as 2017, with many drivers reporting that transmission went out completely at under 100k miles.
Common 2019 Honda Ridgeline problems
With six recalls, the 2019 Ridgeline is the most-recalled of the second generation. In addition, 2019 was subject to the same fuel pump recall as the 2017 and 2018 and an April 12, 2019 recall that saw the timing belt teeth separating in 93,946 2018-19 Honda vehicles.
These are some issues to be aware of, including:
Wobblin’ Hood
This time, only six of these complaints had to do with the propulsion system. The most common complaint was a structural concern, with nine drivers noting that the truck’s hood tended to flutter at highway speeds.
All-Wheel-Drive Issues
At least one driver reports an experience with the passenger-side wheels staying in AWD while the driver-side wheels lost power. This problem was addressed by replacing the relay.
Transmission Shaking problem
Like 2017 and 2018, 2019 has a serious problem with the shaky transmission.
Faulty Tires
If your 2019 is still running on the same tires, it was wearing on the lot. You’ll want to get those replaced as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many of the 2019s were sold with faulty tires, covered by warranty but not by the recall.
How to change the cabin filter in a Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline service manual states you should replace your engine air filter and cabin air filter every 10,000 miles in extreme conditions and every 15,000-30,000 miles in normal driving conditions. It’s remarkably important to have your filters checked every time you take your car in for an oil change.
How do you know if your Honda Ridgeline needs a new air filter?
It’s pretty easy to spot the need for a new engine air filter and a new cabin air filter. If your Honda Ridgeline needs a new engine air filter, you will undoubtedly notice some or all of the following symptoms:
- Odd noises from the engine when idle
- Residue or grime build-up around the engine air intake
- Slow engine start-up
- Dark smoke coming from the exhaust
- Decrease in fuel efficiency
- Decrease in acceleration
- Service engine light on your dashboard
- Dirty air filter
- Abnormal increase in noise coming from your air vents
- Decrease in airflow
- Bad odor
How to change the filter
The Air conditioner filter on Honda Ridgeline is located inside the car behind the glove box.
- Open the glove box and then remove the arm that holds the glovebox.
- Press the two sides of the glovebox to take this out.
- Then remove the glove box.
- Push the two tabs from the filter frame to unhook from the housing cover.
- Take the frame out and replace the old cabin air filter with the new one with the airflow indicating arrow pointing down.
Honda Ridgeline trunk lock not working
Common reasons for this to happen:
Broken latch
The latch is what allows your trunk to close. The latch in your trunk operates the same as the latch in your door or seatbelt. There is a connecting unit between the trunk and the car’s frame, and when you close the trunk, the two pieces latch together, sealing the trunk securely—the latch releases when you open the trunk and allows the door unhinge.
If this latch is damaged while the trunk is closed, it can lose its ability to release. This will often happen if the car absorbs impact around the trunk. When your latch breaks, you’ll be unable to open the trunk.
Damaged trunk cable
There is no connection between the trunk latch and the trunk opening lever when this cable is broken. And you won’t be able to open the trunk.
Some vehicles don’t have a handle on their trunk and rely entirely on a lever in the cabin or a button on the keys to open. Release the latch by tugging on a trigger near the driver’s seat.
Lock actuator malfunction
The lock actuator is what controls the lock on your trunk. It is a small motor with gears that shift when you lock the trunk so the latch cannot release the door. If this motor dies, the trunk latch will no longer be able to lock or unlock.
Broken locking mechanism
When you press the trunk lock button inside your vehicle or on your car keys, it signals the actuator to lock the doors and the trunk. If this button doesn’t lock any of the doors, then most likely the battery in the button is dead, or the button is faulty. If the button locks the doors but doesn’t lock the trunk, the actuator is probably at fault.
How to turn off TPMS light Honda Ridgeline
Once you have properly inflated your tires, the tire pressure light should go off. However, if it stays on, try one of the following methods to reset it:
- Drive at or above 50 mph for 10 minutes. This can cause the tire pressure sensor the next time you turn on the car.
- Turn the key to the “on” position with the vehicle off, but don’t start the car. Instead, hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. Then, start the car and wait 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh. The TPMS reset button is usually located beneath the steering wheel. If you cannot find it, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- Inflate all tires to 3 PSI over their recommended amount, then deflate them completely. Be sure to include the spare tire, as it may also have a sensor. Once they’re all deflated, re-inflate to the recommended tire pressure.
With the vehicle off, disconnect the positive battery cable. Next, turn the car on and honk the horn for about three seconds. This will discharge any power still stored in the vehicle. Then reconnect the battery.
Honda Ridgeline All wheel drive system problems
These are some issues to be aware of, including:
Cylinder Going Bad
This issue usually crops up around 100k miles and is most common in the 2006 model. In some cases, mechanics may opt for an engine rebuild after this problem, but it’s just as common to replace it entirely.
Failed Fuel Injectors
Another serious issue is that failed fuel injectors are common in a more recent model of Ridgeline, 2017. This issue affects your fuel efficiency, may affect how it feels to drive the Ridgeline, and can seriously affect engine performance and overall health if you don’t catch the issue quickly.
Check this too: Mastering Your Honda Civic: Common Problems & Questions Answered
Thankfully, failed fuel injectors always throw a maintenance code, so it’s usually easy to fix the problem quickly. The problem is that this can be an expensive problem, and some 2017 Ridgeline owners are reporting it happening pretty quickly after they buy the vehicle.
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A/C and Heater Problems
This problem is most common with the 2008 Ridgeline but can happen in any model from around that time.
This problem is mostly about driver comfort in the cab, and some drivers may choose not to have the problem addressed, especially if they were thinking about upgrading soon anyway.
The issue is often a wiring problem, which most mechanics can fix easily. The problem is that getting to dash wiring can be a time-consuming process, which means that this issue isn’t a cheap fix, even if it is a simple one.