Check List - Buying a Ridgeline/Check List

I'll maintain this 1st post and add items as others post issues they've found so this 1st post should be a summary of the whole thread. For a printable version, select "Thread Tools" from the blue bar up top and choose "Show Printable Version".

Update: now available as a pdf with check boxes, courtesy of 'captmiddy' but it's missing item #6 in the engine section :
http://midnight.moulen.org/ridgeline.pdf


CHECK LIST ITEMS:


Items to Bring:

1. Music CD.

2. 12v power outlet accessory.

3. Tire guage.

4. Flashlight if buying at night.

5. iPod or alike if buying Nav model.


Issues Reported by Owners
(most of these issues are resolved by now but good to check none the less)

1. Wind noise - starts at 40mph coming from the windshield. Most likely upper molding. Any RL with a VIN # ending with 16000 or higher should have this fixed.

2. Steering Wheel creaky - apply forward pressure to the wheel and make sure it doesn't creak.

3. Key remotes - test each of the two keys to make sure both are programmed. Test the lock/unlock buttons. You should also get a 3rd valet key.

4. Kinked windshield washer hose - check to make sure they squirt.

5. Water leaking into interior, passenger seat or rear seats, check under seat and floor mats, drive in puddles if possible.


General Outside:

1. Don't buy the Honda Care warranty from the dealer. You can PM 'christn' in this forum and get it for $25 over cost. Currently $1075 for the 7/0/100 plan. See the "Honda Care Warranty Pricing" thread for more details.

2. Bring a tire guage, make sure tires are at 32psi when cold (3 hours after driven). If warm add a few pounds then re-check when cold.

3. Open/close all 4 doors, check rubber seal/strip for tears or alike.

4. Open tail gate both ways, down and sideways. When open sideways the exterial bed lights should come on.

5. Check in bed Trunk locks with key remote. Unlock and open. There should be a drain plug in the front left corner on the bottom.

6. Check spare tire tray, both wingnuts secure. Also make sure the jack is there on top of the spare and secure. Spare should be at 60psi.

7. Check both mirrors fold in and back.

8. Turn on headlights, check low & hi beams, parking lights, license plate lights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights.

9. Check moldings around all windows for big gaps, tears or other problems.

10. Check body/panels for fit, dents, scratches.


Engine:

1. Pop the hood and make a general visual inspection everything looks right.

2. Check fluid levels - Coolant, Power Steering, Brake, Oil, Transmission. For Transmission the engine needs to be hot, normal operating temp. Check tranny dipstick right after shutting engine off. For oil the engine should be off 5-10 minutes before checking.

3. Check belt tension - should deflect a little bit pushed, I don't know the exact spec but just make sure it's not overy loose about to fall off or too tight with no deflection at all.

4. Start engine and look under hood again, listen for any strange noises.

5. Test drive truck for a few miles, go on freeway if possible. Listen and feel for any strange noises or vibrations. It should be a very quite & smooth drive.

6. After the test drive let it sit for a bit then check underneath to make sure there are no leaks from the engine oil, transmission, coolant system and rear differential.


General Inside:

1. Check both rear seats to make sure they flip up and stick. Needs a little push to make them stick. Fold down and then lower center back armrest/cup holder tray.

2. Check all 5 headrests for smooth operation up and down. To lower you need to push the button/slide tab near it's base.

3. Should be 3 rubber floor mats, 2 in front and 1 in the rear.

4. Power seat - check all motions work and lumbar too. Check passenger seat manual operations.

5. Apply parking brake and release.

6. Check switch operation for all windows, sunroof, both mirrors & heater, door & window lock. (Note key must be in ignition in the ON II position.)

7. Check all 3 power outlets, 2 in front and 1 in rear. (Note key must be in ignition in the Accessory I position.)

8. Turn on radio, check AM, FM, XM, put a CD in make sure it plays. (Note key must be in ignition in the Accessory I position.)

9. Seat Heater - check both, takes about a minute before you'll feel heat. (Note key must be in ignition in the Accessory I position.)

10. Check climate control fuctions. Make sure you get Hot & Cold air.

11. Center console - Armrest should slide back and forth and also lift up to reveal coin holder. Slide center console forward, in the tray should be two plastic dividers you can slide up and out to different positions.

12. Open glove box, should drop down slowy, not free falling.

13. Honk the horn.

14. Nav equipped models - hit the map button make sure the map is displayed and the location is correct.

15. Check voice recognition, hit the speak button on the steering wheel and say "what time is it", should say the time after a few seconds.


Items Delivered with Truck:

1. Two keys, One valet key (3 total)

2. Owner's Manual.

3. Honda Service History booklet.

4. Quick Start Guide.

5. Warranties booklet

6. Sticker (monroney label)

7. Michelin tire warranty

8. Continental spare tire warranty

9. Radio Anti-Theft code & Navi code card (if equipped)

10. Navigation System manual (if equipped)

11. XM radio channel guide (if equipped)
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Be sure to come back to ROC and check for updates and post your experience:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com



Kurt Christensen ©2005