Just a warning to the group that my engine in my Ridgeline with 8,000 miles has developed a problem. About 3 weeks ago I noticed a knocking sound in the engine when I started from a dead stop. It sounded like low octane gas causing the engine to knock. I usually burn regular so I thought I would move up to the next grade of gas, doing this the knocking was still there. I brought the truck into the dealer for a state inspection and mentioned the knocking. The sevice technician took the truck out for about 6 road trips with time in between for adjustments. After this period I was told that the timing belt tensioner was defective and needed to be replaced. Having replaced the tensioner the tech said that he didn't like the 'look' of the water pump and suggested that it be replaced. After waiting over the holiday weekend for the new pump it was installed today. The service manager then calls me and says he has some bad news.

The bad news was that they still hear the knocking which was the reason the truck was in. He wants to have a factory rep from Honda come in and look at it as they were stumped. The factory rep wanted to hear/see the problem firsthand. I should hear sometime on Monday what the rep determines. The service manager says most likely they will swap out the engine but I won't know until Monday afternoon. I personally don't want the engine repaired as I think a new replacement would be better. When I find out more details I will post again.

I have to admit the dealer has been more than fair. They could have just given me the truck as it is after the repair but they were up front about the issue. It may have helped that I personally know the tech who was working on the repairs. I have had a paid rental for the duration of the repair but I miss the Ridgeline.

I am posting this lengthy post just to warn other owners of my experience.

Sounds like your Dealer is all over it. Keep us posted and let us know.

Yes please let me know, I about to buy a Ridge next month. All the problems that other fok are having I'm taking to the dealer to see what kind of facial features they will give me. :)

Sorry to hear about your troubles. To keep things in perspective, I believe that yours is the first engine problem that I have heard about in 10 months on the ROC. It also sounds like your dealer and Honda are doing whatever it takes to take care of you. I hope that all goes well and you are back on the road soon.

Welcome to the forum UConnRidge. Sorry to hear about your engine problem but it sounds like your problem is being well attended to. However, I think your problem is an isolated case and not something that is going to require a recall or TSB or even a warning. There are several thousand members here driving Ridgelines, many of which have 4 or 5 times the mileage at which your problem developed. No one else has reported a problem similar to yours so it appears you were just the victim of a chance occurance. I hope your problem gets corrected swiftly and to your satisfaction.

Definitely keep us posted on the results of the investigation.

Yes...as Web and UH said...there are many of us who have high mileage ( I have 31K ) and have had no engine trouble so I am sure it is an isolated issue.
Thanks for the heads up and we ALL look forward to hearing from you again soon. :)

Good Luck... I feel your pain, I'm going through withdraws missing mine for almost a week now!!

Hope they didn't give a Taurus for a rental... :eek:

:)

I agree, good luck to you when dealing with the dealership...

However, this is the first report I have seen regarding any engine issues, and my vehicle with 7,700 miles the engine only seems to get stronger, and better gas mileage as it continues to break in. Maybe an isolated issue?

Rental cars yuck...

When my truck was in the shop for the repair of the tailight, and repainting of the bumper due to a careless truck driver they tried to give me a tiny chevy coupe as a rental, I payed the extra $13 per day to get a larger vehicle, a Chevy Silverado. After driving that thing, I was very eager to get back in my RL.

Thanks UCON for this info.

I will tune in next Tuesday because I'm also very interested in knowing what is causing the knocking, and what Honda's solution is.

Good luck.

Sorry to hear about your troubles. To keep things in perspective, I believe that yours is the first engine problem that I have heard about in 10 months on the ROC. It also sounds like your dealer and Honda are doing whatever it takes to take care of you. I hope that all goes well and you are back on the road soon.


Ditto! This is a well proven motor (it is a version of the V6 in other Honda vehicles) and has a great track record. I sincerely hope that Honda takes care of you and am sorry to hear of your luck.

As for buying a RL, this is NOT the norm for this truck. We'd have heard of it by now - there are a lot of Honda employees and enthusiasts on this site, so any types of problems we'd have heard of.

-ridgeln

I too have heard of no engine problems with this proven engine and is one of the reasons I considered buying a first year model. I think that the dealer/Honda is doing the right thing so far and I should know more by Tuesday morning. The dealer was very accomodating with the loaner and constantly asks if I am happy with it. It has been a little over a week so far with out the Ridge....

I'll post with the findings when I know more.

Its nice to hear positive service experiences! I hope your Ridge is better soon and out enjoying the roads with you. ;)

...Honda is doing the right thing so far and I should know more by Tuesday morning. The dealer was very accomodating with the loaner and constantly asks if I am happy with it.Who's your dealer? I love Schaller Honda in New Britain.

Autofair Honda in Manchester New Hampshire.

Got a call back from the dealer who finally traced the knocking issue to a badly machined front head, a day one problem, which over time cause the bearing on the cam shaft to wear unevenly and thus the noise. I hope this makes some sense as I am writing this from memory.

Their resolution is to order a new head assembly and send the old head back to Honda to do an analysis on what cause it to wear. I hope to have the Ridge back on Thursday after two weeks in the shop. Sure glad this is covered as I would hate to see the bill for this repair.

When I get the final repair order I will fill in any details.

Thanks UCONN, keep us posted.

Sounds like bearings, new camshaft, maybe valves are also needed. Wonder if it's a complete head with all the above.

When you say front head, do you mean the closest to the radiator?

Front head is definitely on front side of engine. As this is a transmounted V6, half of the cylanders in front, half in back. The head assembly comes complete from the factory and would have the valves included. If you were inclined, this head assembly costs about $550 complete just to give you an idea of the value of this repair. The entire engine intact is about $2400 and consists of the 2 head units and the main engine lower half. Frankly, I would be concerned enough about the overall integrity of yur particular engine to demand an unlimited warrenty from Honda on the entire engine for the life I owned the truck.

thanks for the info - as mine as 97 miles :p to date - keep us posted.

Sorry I have been away and could not respond until now. I jsut got off the phone with the service rep and he tells me that Honda wanted to replace both heads and not just the front head as previously mentioned. Honda wanted to see both heads for any fabrication, assembly or other issue. With any luck I will have the truck back tomorrow and I will fill the board in with other details.

The point on the quality of the engine is a point well taken. I will approach them with my concerns and insist on some kind of extended warranty. I'll let you know how this works. out.

Getting Frustrated!!!!

Received another call from the service representitive after both heads were installed. In a previous visit the factory rep said that the heads were the most likely source of the noise and made the call to replace the heads. The local techs did not think the heads were the problem but the factory guy overrides their thinking.
So now both heads are replaced and I was told just a few minutes ago that the noise is still there. WTF!!!

There is a silver lining and the dealer had ordered a brand new engine block just in case. So the current plan is to take the two new heads off my old engine and put them on the new block they have in house and essentially give me a brand new engine. He termed this as building a long block. Being brand new it is subject to a new breaking in period. Latest estimate is I won't get the truck until Tuesday of next week.

The service rep says that this is his first time in over 10 years working at Honda that he has seen this happen. I guess I am just cursed.

Pushing three weeks...... Wiil post when and if I finally get the truck back.

Getting Frustrated!!!!

Received another call from the service representitive after both heads were installed. In a previous visit the factory rep said that the heads were the most likely source of the noise and made the call to replace the heads. The local techs did not think the heads were the problem but the factory guy overrides their thinking.
So now both heads are replaced and I was told just a few minutes ago that the noise is still there. WTF!!!

There is a silver lining and the dealer had ordered a brand new engine block just in case. So the current plan is to take the two new heads off my old engine and put them on the new block they have in house and essentially give me a brand new engine. He termed this as building a long block. Being brand new it is subject to a new breaking in period. Latest estimate is I won't get the truck until Tuesday of next week.

The service rep says that this is his first time in over 10 years working at Honda that he has seen this happen. I guess I am just cursed.

Pushing three weeks...... Wiil post when and if I finally get the truck back.




You know, at this point, you can also take it up with Honda cust. service for reimbursement of your car payment. My Audi was in the dealership 8 times over the course of 2 months, with over 3 weeks of accumulated time out of my hands. I finally made my way through the CS dept. with AoA and gave them the 2 options of buying my car back because of safety problems, or cutting a check for 75% of 1 month's payment and allowing me to drive a dealer demo of the same model car for the remainder of the service time (I was stuck in a rental Accord for most of the repair time since AoA does not pay for dealership loaners).


I had a check in the mail about 5 weeks later.

Getting Frustrated!!!!

Received another call from the service representitive after both heads were installed. In a previous visit the factory rep said that the heads were the most likely source of the noise and made the call to replace the heads. The local techs did not think the heads were the problem but the factory guy overrides their thinking.
So now both heads are replaced and I was told just a few minutes ago that the noise is still there. WTF!!!

There is a silver lining and the dealer had ordered a brand new engine block just in case. So the current plan is to take the two new heads off my old engine and put them on the new block they have in house and essentially give me a brand new engine. He termed this as building a long block. Being brand new it is subject to a new breaking in period. Latest estimate is I won't get the truck until Tuesday of next week.

The service rep says that this is his first time in over 10 years working at Honda that he has seen this happen. I guess I am just cursed.

Pushing three weeks...... Wiil post when and if I finally get the truck back.

UCONN
As I go back to my mechanic/racing days I can tell you first hand that the replacement of only one head is inviting trouble down the road. Without going into all of the particulars there is a potential problem with uneven compresssion/loading of the engine from side to side. Your absolute best cure is for the rebuild of the long block as your dealer has suggested. My past experience shows that anytime you have a "knock" in an engine, it rarely comes from the the valve train (located in the head). Knocks normally eminate from the bottom of the engine, ie, connecting rods, bearings, crankshaft, pistons etc.

My recommendation is to demand either a completely new engine or a complete long block rebuild (including new pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft). If you allow them to simply move all of the moving parts from your old engine to the new block, you will most likely transfer the problem to the new block. And I would also demand an increase in the coverage of the powertrain warranty. Good Luck and keep us informed on how it all works out.

Thanks for your suggestion. My impression is that the long block will be competely new just taking off the new heads that they installed on my old engine and putting them on the new block. I will go over and see the dealer today to make sure that is what truly is going to happend.

A short block will include all new crank, pistions, rods, etc. All internal engine components except the heads.

A long block includes the short block plus the heads.

All external items are reused from your original engine (oil pan, water pump, valve covers, etc.)

I'm alarmed that they can't identify a noise in the engine. This is usually fairly easy to diagnose with an engine stethoscope (or a length of pipe up to your ear in the old days). Valves, rods, pistons, cranks, etc. all make very different sounds. Then you have do determine if it's an external noise like a water pump, idler pulley, a/c compressor, etc. Could even be torque converter, or transmission pump noise. In any case a good mechanic should be able to tell where the sound is coming from in about 10 minutes.

Once you find where the sound is coming from then you start replacing parts. To throw a new set of heads on and find out if the noise is still there is not a sign that they know what they're doing.

-Joe

CSIMO, I agree with you and had the same uneasy feeling listening to our new member get a runaround with what should be a straightforward engine problem diagnosis. I can understand that engine problems seem quite rare in Hondas and this could possibly be a problem that the technicians that have been assigned in that shop just do not have real-world experience doing the types of diagnosis you and I remember as second nature to an engine mechanic. However, for an entire long block to have been approved, you would think a senior technician would have to sign off on this being a lost cause.

Thanks for the updates UCONN. Keep us posted.

I agree with others the mechanics don't seem to have a clue.

A new longblock is a shotgun approach but has the best chance of fixing the knock if the service guys can't figure out what's going on.

There's a ton of accessories, hoses, wires, etc. that have to be removed and reconnected during this major surgery. I would pay attention to other problems that may occur as a result following the replacement.

Having been a mechanic for years its not always easy to diag an engine noise. Trust me I have been on both ends.Not saying a good mechnic cant figure it out but that lies the problem.Did they give your truck to the good mechanic? On the flip side when something is repaired under warranty and it didnt fix it,the dealership usually has to eat the cost because the manufacturer will not pay for misdiagnosis. There is a lot of stringet paper work,tagging old parts and saving them for the inspector to see and destroy them.

I as I mentioned before it was the factory rep who overroad the diagnosis of the service technician saying it was the head making the noise. I did confirm with the service rep that a new complete short block and the two new heads will be installed. A new water pump was installed on the old engine so it will installed on the new as well as all the extraneous parts from the old. I did ask the service rep if he would let me know what the eventual problem was but he couldn't commit to that because he does not always hear back from Honda on the eventual diagnosis. So when I eventually get the truck back I will have to observe another breakin period.

You can be assured that I will be looking for any engine related problems after I take possesion of the truck.

I finally have the Ridge back and I couldn't be happier. All problems are resolved and the truck looks like I just drove it off the showroom. They did a great job in detailing the truck (I didn't expect that). The invoice consisted of 4 pages of work effort and parts. Sure glad I didn't have to pay that bill.

I how have to break in the new engine so I will need to be careful for a few hundred miles. The service tech did an excellent job with no complaints on my side. I'll be looking for any issues with the new engine but for now all is well.

I talked to my sales rep and voiced my displeasure on the need for a new engine so soon and the amount of time (16 days) to resolve the issue. I was looking for some support from the dealer on the OEM trailer hitch that I want to install. He then went to the general manager and he said he will talk to Honda and he was sure that they could come to some terms. My sales rep said that I would probably get it installed on Honda and I am waiting to hear back as to the proposal. All in all I am happy with the dealer and if they throw in the hitch for good measure I will be even happier.

I'll follow up with a post when I know more.

Glad to hear you are back and on the road and satisfied with their clean up. Probably a good thing you didn't see the truck in its disassembled state as that can be a bit disconcerting as it looks like it could never go back together again sometimes. Keep a close watch on your engine oil and coolant levels and report to them if you see absolutely any drop in levels over first couple of days or if you see moisture under your truck in the morning after it sits awhile. Things should be nice and tight in hose connections and nothing should be leaking anywhere.

Howdy~

Well, as I jet off to pick up my parts for my 330-mile-to-date Ridge. ;) (running boards, mud flaps, and fog light kit - roof rack on order) I arrive safe and sound & feeling all 'I love my truck' while glancing over to ensure she still looks good as I walk away...

Upon entering the service area, what do I see in the bay with its hood up, engine out sitting on the floor, and looking sad.. White Ridgeline. The advisor didn't know much about the 'case' but said that it looked like something 'inside' the engine was the cause. :eek:

Well, I still love my truck, but reading this thread and seeing the sad ridge in the bay being operated on, I'm a little concerned overall. Hopefully its a fluke or something. :(

Best of luck on the repair and I hope White Ridge in Cincinnait heals just fine without further set back.

UCONN
Glad that it all worked out in your favor. It is reassuring to know that in cases like yours Honda is willing to step up to the plate and make things right. My recommendation: break it in correctly and then make a long interstate trip (over 100 miles). I have done this on every new car/truck that I have owned including the Ridge and I have never had any engine problems (and I get good gas mileage [over 21 mpg highway]). Keep on trucking.

Hey

OK - define "break it in correctly" and "then make a long interstate trip" < I get that part

I have 340 miles and have been driving 'easy' - afew time in the expressway 80 - mostly about 60. how long do you define break it in correctly.

thank you..:)

"Breakin in correctly" is a debateable method, but most believe it involves varying speeds and distances during the first 600 to 1000 miles of ownership. With new computer learned tendency controls in place in many modern vehicles, some would opt for driving the vehicle as you would expect to in your normal routine; however, just do not expect a very long life for your engine if you normally drive like a drag strip racer in this first mileage period, or for any real usage period after the "break-in".

If they ( Honda ) will install the tow hitch on them , try to get the lifestyle package instead on them . It includes the tow hitch, wiring harness , roof rack and bed extender all in one package deal . Considering that they needed to replace the engine , I think that they owe you that . If not pitch a fit , that should do it . Get mad now rather than later . I was going to go elswere to get the best deal on my truck ( 350 miles away ) and my dealer gave me the lifestyle package for $77.00 , taking my truck's price to $220.00 over wholesale . Give it a try, what can it hurt .

So far so good on the new engine(150 miles to date). Haven't detected any fluid leaks on my driveway and the oil level is still good. I will certainly be taking it easy for the break in period. I do have a few trips this weekend and will most likely be putting about 500 miles or the majority of the break in miles.
Most of the traveling will be highway miles. Should I use the cruise control and set it at various speeds during the trip so not to run at the same constant speed or just control the speed the old fashion way? Any suggestions?

I have already got the hitch deal in place where Honda will foot the bill. I am happy with that. I already have the running boards, mud flaps on all wheels, window shields and bug deflector so I really don'r need many other options. I am not sure that a roof rack is something I want or need. Thanks for the suggestion though.

lifestyle package ? First I've heard of that - BUT, I would like to have it.. what dealer did you go to?? :)

Drive reguarly, but if that means really fast for you, then drive a bit slower than reguarly. Driving on the highway is ok for a break in component and so is driving in some stop and go situations. Mix it up and before you know it the 600 miles will be on the odometer and you will not have to worry about it anymore.

I made my purchase in Eureka California, I was going to go to Menlo Honda south of San Fransisco on suggestion of my accountant . But the RL was a vertually unheard of truck up here in redneck counry and they needed to sell one here to get the ball rolling , so I was the first one in Humboldt county and the only green they have sold . Now they are flying off the lot . The dealer is Mid City Motor World , Doug Small , a great guy . I am 12 miles north of Eureka and 69 miles south of Crescent City . It is a beautiful area here , redwoods, mountains, ocean and only 130,000 people in the county .

Hey

OK - define "break it in correctly" and "then make a long interstate trip" < I get that part

I have 340 miles and have been driving 'easy' - afew time in the expressway 80 - mostly about 60. how long do you define break it in correctly.

thank you..:)

As Bill eluded to; correct break in means several things including: do not engage the cruise control on a given speed and leave it there for long periods of time, try not to use the cruise for the first 500 miles while varying your speeds on the highway. I would never floor the vehicle for the first 500 miles either as this puts lots of strain (and unnecessary wear) on brand new engine parts.
Try to avoid stop and go traffic if possible as this strains the engine in much the same manner as flooring it.

Bottom line: use some common sense and don't hotdog the truck for the first 500 miles and it should give you 10s of thousands of miles of trouble free service, after all it is a Honda. I have no scientific data to back up this theory, only 8 new cars using this methodology and all going 125K + miles (no Hondas except my Ridge of course) without engine problems.

UConnRidge,

Just out of curiosity, how many miles did you put on your original engine before it's first oil change? How about the subsequent oil change intervals?

Thanks,
froggy

I didn't change my oil until about 5000 to 5500 miles with the oil life value at 20%. I then had Mobil 1 used to replace the dino oil.

I put about 700 miles this weekend with no problems. The new engine runs like a top and I checked the gas mileage and I averaged about 19 around town and 21 on the highway. I don't think this is too bad for a brand new engine and I hope it only gets better. With my original engine I was averaging about 16 in town and about 20 on the highway trips.

I plan to change the breakin oil when the maintenance minder tells me to and not sooner and then put Mobil 1 as a replacement. I go in next week for the OEM trailer hitch to be installed for my trouble.

I should have added that there was only one oil change done on the truck and the engine had 8000+/- miles when I had the problem.

good to know that you have the issue resolved to your satisfaction and Honda took care of things.
good luck with your brand new Ridge again:)

Thanks for the update Conn & I'm glad all is OK. That's a credit to Honda.
Please keep us posted if any trouble develops.

Did you say you saw a white Ridge in the shop with the engine out?

Yikes!! Knew I should have bought silver.

I've just brought mine to the dealer for engine noise. Sounded like a sewing machine. Dealer said engine was to be change. This is a 2006 with 22000 miles. I wonder if thats why i had slightly higher fuel consumption 16 mpg.

Jus