Useless information from Honda Customer Relations

[Featser]

To me, the wind noise issue (which I don't have) seems the only serious problem to date. Perhaps if this site compiled a list VINs with the problem some common thread will appear.

[3yrRidge]

Originally Posted by csimo

I don't own a Ridgeline yet, but here's my take on the trip computer issue. If it is in fact listed in the manual that the Ridgeline has a trip computer I feel Honda has the obligation to provide that product. I have no knowledge of the actual manual, just what others have posted.

Secondly I have it on very good authority that it is nothing more than a software issue to enable the trip computer. A good friend of mine works for NavTeq. He called someone he knows at Alpine. NavTeq provides the map data to Alpine. Alpine builds the Honda navigation systems.

The Alpine friend of a friend claims it was requested by Honda to disable the trip computer. The functions are there and operable, just disabled via software. The actual navigation unit is identical to the Acura MDX which has the trip computer enabled.

If I were a Ridgeline owner and had this problem, and the manual did list the trip computer I would have both Honda and the dealer in front of a judge to explain why it isn't in the vehicle. I would ask the court for specific performance (enable the trip computer) rather than monetary damages. Not likely but possible. That's just me. In any case I believe I would get the $2000 back that the navi costs.

If just one of you took this action... even in small claims court it would open the floodgates and Honda would enable the trip computer. Bet ya.

The problem here is that there is no manual that describes a trip computer. Nothing in any sales information, nothing in any Owner's Manuals, nothing on Honda's corporate web site. So this is not a "problem" as you state, it's just a feature that Honda chose to leave out. Maybe if enough people complain, it could be added in the future. But if they didn't promise it, and I can't find anywhere that they did, it's really not an issue.

[vertrkr]

Originally Posted by 3yrRidge

The problem here is that there is no manual that describes a trip computer. Nothing in any sales information, nothing in any Owner's Manuals, nothing on Honda's corporate web site. So this is not a "problem" as you state, it's just a feature that Honda chose to leave out. Maybe if enough people complain, it could be added in the future. But if they didn't promise it, and I can't find anywhere that they did, it's really not an issue.

Actually there's a picture of the Trip Computer screen button on the last page or near it in the Quick Start Guide. That's the only mention of it though. Really irks me we got jipped out of the trip computer when it's all there and simply disabled for markenting purposes.

Csimo, any chance you could ask your friend if there's a way for us mere mortal users to turn it back on?

[csimo]

Originally Posted by vertrkr

Actually there's a picture of the Trip Computer screen button on the last page or near it in the Quick Start Guide. That's the only mention of it though. Really irks me we got jipped out of the trip computer when it's all there and simply disabled for markenting purposes.

Csimo, any chance you could ask your friend if there's a way for us mere mortal users to turn it back on?

Yes, I've already asked that question and he believes that YES there is way to activate the trip computer. Here's the info I was provided.

The Ridgeline uses the EXACT same nav hardware as a 2005 Acura MDX and RL (it is a completely different system than the Accord, Pilot, TL, TSX, and Odyssey have). The current DVD version for the MDX and RL is 4.13a. The Ridgeline uses DVD version 4.20.

If you were to put a Ridgeline DVD into an MDX or RL it would automatically upgrade to version 4.20 and DISABLE the trip computer.

If you put a version 4.13a DVD into a Ridgeline it will tell you "incorrect version" because you can't go backward in versions without getting the service department involved.

You need to have the service department enable the nav unit for a backwards revision. Once the unit is wiped clean you can then load DVD version 4.13a from a MDX or RL and the trip computer SHOULD be enabled.

So the bottom line is that you need a cooperative service department and a DVD from a 2005 (2004 and previous won't work) MDX or RL. Don't count on burning a copy because it just won't work.

If you accomplish this you can't put the Ridgeline 4.20 DVD back in the unit or it will automatically upgrade and disable the trip computer.

[vertrkr]

Very interesting. A wrench in the works is my DVD is actually 4.13A. My neighbor has an '05 MDX so I'll give it a shot anyway. Actually this may work in my favor perhaps. I'll let ya know. I'll be forever in your debt in this works

[csimo]

I should add that the above is information I was provided. I have no first hand knowledge of these things.

[vertrkr]

Hmmm, guess I didn't think this thru the first time. Basically I need a DVD in there so if it did update I still have to put my original DVD back in so either it will reject it because it's a lesser version or update the firmware again disabling the trip computer.

So, then I guess at this point my only option is to fork out $185 and buy a MDX DVD when they release a new version higher than what I got and then I can keep that one in. So I guess I'll wait it out until then. Hopefully Honda will see the light and re-enable on their own otherwise I'll just hold a grudge and fork out the dough so I can get the damn thing.

[maybearidge]

I wonder if we all tried to contact JD Power would this help the wind noise issue??

[vertrkr]

Originally Posted by maybearidge

I wonder if we all tried to contact JD Power would this help the wind noise issue??

Honda would just disable the wind shield on the next model change

Seriously, I have no idea. Honda certainly wouldn't like it but I doubt it would change anything in the short term. I think they are concerned about the issue and trying their best to find a fix it's just one of those really tough gremlins to track down it seems.