🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Honda Model: Ridgeline Year: 2008 Codes Platform Code: Y-P (First Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Crossover SUV / Light Truck Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Toyota Tacoma, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Nissan Frontier Key Features Unique Selling Points: Unibody construction, integrated body-frame design, standard VTM-4 AWD system, lockable/waterproof in-bed trunk (Honda Originality Feature). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Complete Service and Repair Market Coverage: North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 2000+ Manual Type Type: Factory-Authorized Service Manual (Digital Software) Language Language: English Format Format: Online Access (Web Browser) Access Duration Duration: 1 Year (Renewable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (3.5L V6 VTEC J35A9), Transmission (5-Speed Automatic V4A51/BGFA), Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive - VTM-4) Chassis: Suspension (Independent Front/Rear), Steering (Hydraulic Power), Brakes (Front Disc/Rear Disc, ABS, EBD) Electrical: Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio, HVAC Control, Security System Body And Frame: Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Tailgate, Underbody Structure Procedures Included Maintenance: Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Cabin), Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection/Replacement Repair: Engine Component R&R (Alternator, Starter, Water Pump), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement (Struts, Ball Joints, Bushings), Brake System Repair (Calipers, Rotors, Lines), Steering System Repair (Pump, Rack), Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, PCM Data Stream Analysis, Component Testing Procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; Covers routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete unit overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Web-based, accessible via standard web browsers on PC, laptop, smartphone, and tablet. Print Quality Output Quality: High-resolution digital display, searchable text for efficient information retrieval. Printing capabilities depend on user's device and browser. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Type: J35A9 - 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6 Performance Horsepower @ Rpm: 247 hp @ 5700 rpm Torque @ Rpm: 245 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) Fuel Type Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Regular Unleaded Engine Oil Oil Capacity W Filter: 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 5W-20 (API Certified) Cooling System Coolant Capacity: 7.1 US qt (6.7 L) Ignition System Spark Plugs: Iridium-tipped (NGK IZFR6K11 or equivalent), Gap: 0.044" (1.1 mm) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Automatic (with Grade Logic Control) Optional Type: N/A (Manual transmission not offered) Features Drive System: Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive (VTM-4) Fluid Capacity Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: 3.2 US qt (3.0 L) - Drain and Fill Fluid Specification Transmission Fluid Type: Honda Genuine ATF DW-1 (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 118.1 inches (3000 mm) Length: 200.1 inches (5083 mm) Width: 77.8 inches (1976 mm) Height: 70.2 inches (1783 mm) Cargo Bed Length Max: 60.0 inches (1524 mm) Bed Width Between Wheel Wells: 44.0 inches (1118 mm) Bed Depth: 19.5 inches (495 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 4,545 - 4,600 lbs (2,062 - 2,087 kg) (approx.) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) (standard), 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) (with optional trailer brake controller and factory tow package) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating: Good IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating: Good Active Features Braking System: 4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, Front side airbags, Side curtain airbags Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters Structure: ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) Body Structure 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature premium audio and in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system available on higher trim levels. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil And Filter: Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type). Variable timing based on Honda Maintenance Minder System (MM Code B or 2). Automatic Transmission Fluid: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions). Inspect at 30,000 miles. Honda recommends replacement if towed frequently. Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. MM Code 4. Cabin Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. MM Code B. Spark Plugs: Replace at 100,000 miles (Iridium type). MM Code 5. Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid: Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent HONDA PSF) Brake Fluid: Honda Genuine DOT 3 Brake Fluid Coolant: Honda Genuine All-Season Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) Known Issues Timing Belt Or Chain: The J35A9 engine utilizes a timing *chain*, which is designed for the life of the engine and does not require periodic...
Comprehensive; Covers routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete unit overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Web-based, accessible via standard web browsers on PC, laptop, smartphone, and tablet.
Print Quality
Output Quality:
High-resolution digital display, searchable text for efficient information retrieval. Printing capabilities depend on user's device and browser.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code And Type:
J35A9 - 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6
Performance
Horsepower @ Rpm:
247 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque @ Rpm:
245 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Fuel Type
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded
Engine Oil
Oil Capacity W Filter:
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
7.1 US qt (6.7 L)
Ignition System
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-tipped (NGK IZFR6K11 or equivalent), Gap: 0.044" (1.1 mm)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (with Grade Logic Control)
Optional
Type:
N/A (Manual transmission not offered)
Features
Drive System:
Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive (VTM-4)
Fluid Capacity
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
3.2 US qt (3.0 L) - Drain and Fill
Fluid Specification
Transmission Fluid Type:
Honda Genuine ATF DW-1 (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
118.1 inches (3000 mm)
Length:
200.1 inches (5083 mm)
Width:
77.8 inches (1976 mm)
Height:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Cargo
Bed Length Max:
60.0 inches (1524 mm)
Bed Width Between Wheel Wells:
44.0 inches (1118 mm)
Bed Depth:
19.5 inches (495 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
4,545 - 4,600 lbs (2,062 - 2,087 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Towing Capacity:
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) (standard), 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) (with optional trailer brake controller and factory tow package)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating:
Good
Active Features
Braking System:
4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, Front side airbags, Side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Structure:
ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) Body Structure
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature premium audio and in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system available on higher trim levels.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type). Variable timing based on Honda Maintenance Minder System (MM Code B or 2).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions). Inspect at 30,000 miles. Honda recommends replacement if towed frequently.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. MM Code 4.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. MM Code B.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 100,000 miles (Iridium type). MM Code 5.
Fluid Specifications
Power Steering Fluid:
Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent HONDA PSF)
The J35A9 engine utilizes a timing *chain*, which is designed for the life of the engine and does not require periodic replacement like a timing belt.
Vtm 4 System:
Potential for VTM-4 actuator issues or fluid leaks. Regular maintenance and fluid changes are crucial. Diagnostic procedures for VTM-4 system are detailed in the manual.
Timing Chain Tensioner:
Some early models may experience noise related to the timing chain tensioner, though less common on 2008. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Suspension Components:
Wear on suspension bushings and ball joints can occur with mileage. Manual provides torque specifications and replacement procedures.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion or leaks in the exhaust system can be a concern depending on climate and road salt usage. Manual covers diagnostic and replacement of exhaust components.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Reputation:
Honda is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and innovative engineering across its automotive and powersports product lines.
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation (2006-2014). The 2008 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for some components, but core platform remained consistent.
Production
Assembly Location:
East Liberty, Ohio, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Previous Awards:
While the 2008 model itself may not have specific new awards, the first-generation Ridgeline consistently received praise for its unique utility, handling, and safety features upon its introduction.
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