this is not an ashtray

anybody else having problems opening this thing. i can't imagine it would be designed to open with some difficulty. i have to use my thumb to open it up from the top after using the tab to open it about 1/4 inch wide.

Same issue here. Haven't looked at it closely yet.

I agree. It is difficult to open and I don't know why.

No problem on mine, just a slight push downward opens it. I use it often as it supports my cell phone perfectly (while I use my bluetooth enabled headset).

Seems like mine used to open easy, but now the bottom edge is catching, making it very difficult to open. If I push in on the bottom while pulling down, it opens. I plan to bring this up when I go in for an oil change.

Same issue here, although I do not remember having this issue earlier.

Mine seems to be jamming on something. When I pull a bit, I hear a click.

Seems like mine used to open easy, but now the bottom edge is catching, making it very difficult to open. If I push in on the bottom while pulling down, it opens. I plan to bring this up when I go in for an oil change.

I have the same problem. Let us know the dealers response. It feels like it's catching on something or moving from a detent position. It almost feels like I'm breaking to get it open.

Maybe there's some kind of special secret sequence (hold your mouth a certain way) or something to get it to open!

I noticed that too. It looks like the bottom has bowed out a little and now catches...new and very annoying. I will bring it up too.

Uh oh. :eek:
I just checked my Ridge and mine does the same thing. It opens about 1/4 of an inch then stops. With a little extra pull it opens with a "pop". The rubber lining on the inside along the top pulled away a while ago and I thought maybe that was it but I watched it closely and it doesn't catch to stop it. I'll mention it too when they come to inspect for my leak.

My impression is that this is by design, to keep the thing from coming open unintentionally. It is surprisingly tight though.

My impression is that this is by design, to keep the thing from coming open unintentionally. It is surprisingly tight though.
No. It didn't do this when I first got it. The plastic is definately making contact at the bottom center of the door.

Interesting. Mine was like this when delivered, with 8 miles on it. Maybe yours needed some exercise to come up to factory specs. :D

mine was fine from the get go too. I just noticed it recently...it looks like the middle of the bottom lip is hanging up. Does yours look like it is bowed?

Even though I use it several times a day for my keys, I did not notice it until I paid attention after reading this thread. Mine does the same thing - ever so slightly. I will file down the lip just a bit in the morning. That should take care of it. I will post the results.

Mine is the same. I noticed when I was test driving. did not think it was a big deal. But I will ask the dealer about it when I being in for service.

I took my in yesterday and the service advisor ordered a replacement. No explanation, in fact he barely looked at it. He claimed mine was the first he had seen with a problem opening. I didn't have time to go and try a couple of their trucks on their show room floor.

Cal
19 mpg last fill up!!

Did you bring it up as a problem? Part of the service call? Or did the service manager just replace it because he had some information on his own.

I have the same problem but haven't taken it in yet.

I went around this morning and checked all the RL's on the lot. They all do that. I was told it does it so the tray won't flop open when driving rough roads. ( I guess they figure alot of people from Cleveland, the pot hole capital of the world, would be buying them ) :eek:

Did you bring it up as a problem? Part of the service call? Or did the service manager just replace it because he had some information on his own.

I have the same problem but haven't taken it in yet.

I did try to tell'em it was a problem. He just seemed to act like it was not a big deal and they would just replace it. I'm gonna be pissed if it still malfunctions. Sloppy service.

Cal

i decided to let mine alone. it seems better if it's a little snug and seems to be getting more loose as i use it. one i examined in the showroom was too easy to open. i also started opening it like someone suggested, putting your finger on the lip and then pushing the bottom part with your other fingers. it's quite easy to open that way.

In case someone already said this, im sorry. BUT...
THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE...
Mine has done that since day one. they ordered a new one, and installed it for it to do the same thing. Its not the drawr itself. Its the entire cover to that colse area. it is BENT underneath the door so when you open it it catches. My dealership has ordered a new cover entirely. the floor model works fine. HUGE difference. it should open softly and smoothly. Ill try to remember to let everyone know how my fix goes. IF YOURS DOES THIS GET IT FIXED. You will only continue to bend and possibly break the cover piece.

In case someone already said this, im sorry. BUT...
THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE...
Mine has done that since day one. they ordered a new one, and installed it for it to do the same thing. Its not the drawr itself. Its the entire cover to that colse area. it is BENT underneath the door so when you open it it catches. My dealership has ordered a new cover entirely. the floor model works fine. HUGE difference. it should open softly and smoothly. Ill try to remember to let everyone know how my fix goes. IF YOURS DOES THIS GET IT FIXED. You will only continue to bend and possibly break the cover piece.

Hi Dab. Could you please do me a favor?! I just want to make sure I have the facts correct for all of us. Ask the dealer if there is a SB on this making them believe that it's not suppose to do this. Aside from mine and several other on here that do it, I have a lot full of Ridgelines that do it and if it's wrong, I would like to have them repaired before people buy them and have to return with them for a fix. Not that I don't want people coming back, but I want them to come back for accessories and or maintenance, not because something is wrong with their Ridgeline when they left the dealership with it. I'm not only Customer Realtions Director but a customer and I see both sides of the fence. I appreciate any help you can give me. Please email any technical information you have from your dealer to me at jccampbell@rickcase.com. I would also like to alert other dealers of this as well. Thanks for your time in advance!! :)

I will deffinately keep you posted as i learn more certainties!

I will deffinately keep you posted as i learn more certainties!

Thanks. :)

I think I may have most recently bought (but not neccessarily the most recently built) RL here (I got mine two days ago). I have to report that my "not an ashtray" drawer flips open easily with a flip of my thumb or finger on the tab. I use it to stash my unpaid tickets that I cleaned out of my Accord. I swear I'll pay them one day... :rolleyes:

yeah method.. thats (from my understanding) what its supposed to do. Again. im certainly going to let everyone know what i find out because im still waiting for my dealership to get the parts. But like i said, the floor model, and the model i test drove slid open smoothly and easily. and i can, now that they showed me, see the obviouse problem of a bent cover peice. Then again, it could just be mine. Others may be unrelated problems.
Still waiting for the parts. ill be posting!

I'm wondering if the models we have here at the dealership are early models and maybe thats why the "not an ashtray" does what it does. HHHMMMMM?? :confused:

I guess I will have to actually go close mine and open it again. My wife seems to like it open for some reason, even though there isn't anything in it. I think she knows I will use it that way, we always had the cup holders out on the forester too even when they weren't being used.

checked mine...........it sticks too.

Going in this morning for the hopefully Not an ashtray fix. Also a hopefull visor rattel fix. And im going to show the tsp on the creaking steering wheel. I WILL POST LATER!!!!

When you open it, use your right thumb on the lip at the top and place your 4 fingers on the bottom portion and rotate your thumb down and fingers up and you got it!

that is exactly the problem. you have to force it in that method. the question of the thread is whether or not that is right. it should be smooth folding out and in. Anyway. the truck is IN for service now. ishould have a post soon as to if its fixed.

Just back from the dealership. SMOOTH AS CAN BE... as i stated, In my case there was nothing wrong with the actual door. It was the outer cover that was bent in fact making you have to force it open. They replaced the cover and VIOALA! perfection. Have them check this out. I will try to take pictures later to describe where to look!! but thats the answer. I also have answers to the squeekey stearing wheel and rattleing visor. Check the respective threads for this!!! But those are fixed too! IM AS HAPPY as can be.

Got mine replaced yesterday. Smooth as budda! This is a true factory defect. Just get it fixed when you go in for sevice.

Cal

Got mine replaced yesterday. Smooth as budda! This is a true factory defect. Just get it fixed when you go in for sevice.

Cal

Do you suppose this is something the dealer will stock? Or would it be something they'd have to order, necessitating another trip back to the dealer?

Don

So it should really glide open rather than POP!!?? Does it stay closed while driving?? Does it seem secure?? If so, I know where a whole bunch of RL's are that have defective "not an ashtrays".

So it should really glide open rather than POP!!?? Does it stay closed while driving?? Does it seem secure?? If so, I know where a whole bunch of RL's are that have defective "not an ashtrays".

I try to keep a spare tire iron and a small sledge hammer in the console just for that purpose, haha.

I try to keep a spare tire iron and a small sledge hammer in the console just for that purpose, haha.

Are you joking me?? Oh man!! :confused: :rolleyes: ;)

Purchased my RL on 6/23 and was at the dealership when it was delivered on 6/21 so I know it is one of the more recently built ones. I have no problem at all with the "this is not an ashtray" compartment door. It opens easy but it don't come open when it is closed either. I've not had any of the problems with mine so far that I've read about on this board (been lurking for a while), no leaking problems, no squeaking steering wheels, etc. Maybe most of the bugs have been worked out. One comment and it's "off topic", I don't seem to get as good reception on my radio (am/fm) as I do with my other vehicles. When I mentioned this to the dealership by phone they said they had not heard of any complaints in this area. It is not real bad and I can deal with it.

Purchased my RL on 6/23 and was at the dealership when it was delivered on 6/21 so I know it is one of the more recently built ones. I have no problem at all with the "this is not an ashtray" compartment door. It opens easy but it don't come open when it is closed either. I've not had any of the problems with mine so far that I've read about on this board (been lurking for a while), no leaking problems, no squeaking steering wheels, etc. Maybe most of the bugs have been worked out. One comment and it's "off topic", I don't seem to get as good reception on my radio (am/fm) as I do with my other vehicles. When I mentioned this to the dealership by phone they said they had not heard of any complaints in this area. It is not real bad and I can deal with it.

Welcome Buck. Thanks for coming out of the closet!! ( no longer lurking )
Enjoy your new ride!!

The radio reception is an issue with me. I told Honda rep about it. My previous vehicle was much better on radio clarity but its a minor problem. AC/DC and Sabbath are better off a CD anyway. :D

So it should really glide open rather than POP!!?? Does it stay closed while driving?? Does it seem secure??

It is very easy to open, in fact I even thought it might not stay closed while driving but so far it's been fine. Maybe I was just so used to the sludge hammer effort that normal action seems to easy. Look for my video "FINGERS OF STEEl"

My dealer is still acting like I'm the only one in the world that had this problem so and they had to overnight the part to fix my truck. They definately don't stock it.

I've got the slight clunk when turing on initial start up and I had to pull up this site and show the tec . He still could not duplicate and returned the my vehicle unfixed. He said that there was no Honda documentatioin of this anywhere. I guess I'll try to have this fixed again when I get my first oil change.

My RL was mfg in May. I noticed this problem with the dash storage bin during my inspection in June before I took delivery.
The Dealer and I inspected several other new RL on the lot and found the same phenomena.
The Dealer concluded that this was a "mfg feature" (detent) to prevent the storage bin from opening when there is contents in the draw due to the angle items would rest in the draw. It seemed odd to me since I have never seen this method used before.

I was accepting this explanation until I stumbled onto this thread ... :rolleyes:
I imagine many new and future RL owners will "buy" this explanation.

The Dealer had ~50 RL in stock so I had my choice of vehicles to buy.
I did find wind noise in some that I tested and rejected.

It's nice to know there is a fix for this issue when/if I need it.
I will keep an eye on the storage bin operation to see if it becomes a hassle requiring replacement.
I don't like anyone touching my vehicles if it can be avoided. Not enough service personnel take the same care I do when perfoming work.

I think the ROC is providing Honda and Dealers with extremely valuable service in troubleshooting the RL ... :cool: . Keep up the great feedback.
The Dealer was nervious when I showed up with the ROC inspection checklist before I accepted the vehicle.
Even though all the applicable blocks where checked/signed by the Dlr Svc inspector in the pre-delivery portion of the service manual, several items were obviously never inspected. Example: Tire pressure was at 45 PSI.
I informed the Sales Mgr, but they didn't seem to care.

My Dealer put a small dent ("Dlr feature" ... :eek: ) in my rear fender when installing the few accessories I wanted (rear mud guards, body side molding).
This is one reason I prefer buying vehicles with accessories installed at the factory.
The Dealer is presently scheduling me for the dent removal ... :(.

In addition I have found that my passanger vanity mirror light does not function.

I have also noticed some small gasket flaws in the 2 left doors that I am considering accepting to avoid the mechanics "ripping" the interior molding/trim off to replace the gaskets.

In addition I have found that my passanger vanity mirror light does not function.
I seem to remember another member having this problem, only to discover the mirror does not light if the visor is not slid all the way in. They move on the arm for adjusting the effective length of the visor. I'd check this before letting the dealer mess with it.

steveberger ...

Based on your comment I did a search for "vanity light mirror".
I found the thread you referenced.
I was excited thinking ... this could be the fix. Unfortunately, the fix did not address my case with the vanity mirror light.
Thank you for the information ... :).

steveberger ...

Based on your comment I did a search for "vanity light mirror".
I found the thread you referenced.
I was excited thinking ... this could be the fix. Unfortunately, the fix did not address my case with the vanity mirror light.
Thank you for the information ... :).
Have you checked the fuse? I am amazed at the number of fuses in these trucks. Check the owner's manual and you'll find that many of the electrical items have their own fuse. I don't recall any of my past vehicles (all manufactured by the Big 3) being so granular when it comes to fused circuits. Thanks Honda!

-- ridged

I found this possible fix to this sticking door at the "Ridgeline4WD" forum ...

When the "Not an Ashtray" is open, pull up on it, on the same plane as the front face. The "Not an Ashtray" will come out, and you will have to bend two metal black tabs in the hole upwards. Re-install the "Not an Ashtray" just like how you removed it, and you should be fine.



There are 3 areas where there are metal pieces that can be bent -- the 2 nearest to you as you face the dash don't seem to bend much if at all. The 1 that is further back (actually toward the front of the vehicle, but farther from where you are sitting!) and in the middle needs to be bent upwards a bit. You can see the tab on the "Not an Ashtray" in the middle/back that hits this metal piece to give it that resistance that makes it feel like it's not going to fall open. Leave the tab alone, but push up on the metal piece that it hits and you'll solve the sticky problem.


My RL is at the Dealer to service this item and others.
If they don't fix this sticking door I will give this fix a try.

Thanks for the info JimV. I would just be very VERY carefull what you decide to get into on your own, or anyone for that matter. As good as Honda is, you could possibly void warranties if you go taking things apart yourself. I find its safest to document all problems with honda service, and if they dont fix it, keep bringing it back. My dealership has been great with all of my issues, and as you can read from my previous posts, everything has been fixed! Just be carefull giving advice regarding "Self Fixes", or taking things apart. You can have trouble in the future with Honda Service if they know you took something apart.
Word to the wise, take it for whats its worth.

DABRidgeman333 ... thank you for the advice and recommendations.

My Dealer's Svc Dept inspected the problem and determined a new console is needed. They have ordered a new pocket and Center Cover ... :).
Hopefully the replacement parts will not suffer from the same defect.

While waiting to pickup my RL I inspected some of the vehicles on the lot, and found this issue to be a common problem. This is why the Sales Dept originally told me this issue was a "mfg feature".

However, as documented in this forum thread this issue is a "mfg defect".

I find that the exchange of user information on this forum is very beneficial in the care/use of the RL ... :cool:. Also, it informs potential buyers how Honda handles customers and problems.
I own a Honda motorcycle and lawnmower and like them. However, this is my first full size Honda vehicle so I am still "testing the waters" of the mfg quality and the Svc Dept.

I will continue to look for tips and tricks concerning my RL in this forum. There are some of us here that hates wasting time and effort bringing a car in for dealer warranty work, especially for something minor as this. I have brought my truck in three times in three months, all for major stuff. Then again, I have fixed a couple of things that I picked up here. One of them was when my windshield was replaced, the glove compartment air cylinder was left disconnected, so the door slams open when unlatched. I got the fix from this forum and took me 5 minutes to do it. Carry on! Thanks for the fix tip JimVickers! ;)

I will continue to look for tips and tricks concerning my RL in this forum. There are some of us here that hates wasting time and effort bringing a car in for dealer warranty work, especially for something minor as this. I have brought my truck in three times in three months, all for major stuff. Then again, I have fixed a couple of things that I picked up here. One of them was when my windshield was replaced, the glove compartment air cylinder was left disconnected, so the door slams open when unlatched. I got the fix from this forum and took me 5 minutes to do it. Carry on! Thanks for the fix tip JimVickers! ;)

I would have to agree with Tex. I'm not much a wrench head at all and wouldn't really touch my RL except to change fuses, light bulbs, that kind of simple stuff. But it's really good to know how other people handle issues (and what to look for to do some self-diagnosis). Also, I think that there are basically two types of people when it comes to cars. The ones that will try and find fixes themselves (ahem, vertrkr :)) and those that won't (eh, me!). I think this forum is a great place for both types. I don't think that the second type of person would go pulling stuff apart just because they read it on the forum. But then again, I'm extra cautious so your mileage may vary.

As you can see by the number of posts, I am very active here ( maybe addicted is a better word ) and will continue to be a long as God is willing to allow me.
I too, like most of you, have found invaluable information regarding my first Honda right here in the bowels of the "ROC" and I search no other forums. ( I tried it and I felt like a trader :rolleyes: )
I bring the valuable information you set here before me to my better half, we discuss it and then usually do our own quick fixes.
Thank you. Thank you to all of you here who lend a helping hand in the success of me loving this vehicle so much. Your daily suggestions, advice and experiences can not be purchased by Honda for any amount of money.
J.C. :)

There's also a subcategory of the "vertrkr" class, of which I belong. Those that do the majority of the work on their truck, but let the dealer handle most of it during the warranty period. After all, I paid for that warranty one way or another, plus I want to test the dealer service department on simple things that I can fix, so that they can earn my trust when I really need them.

Are these little doors warping from the heat ?