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VTM-4 Lock has a specific purpose, which is to provide maximum torque to the rear wheels, mainly to get you out of situations where automatic engagement led to slippage or bogging down. If it's left on for more than a minute or so, it's possible to overheat because high current will be passed through the electromagnets. If that happens, replacing the VTM-4 fluid (with Honda-branded fluid) is warranted.
As explained above in various posts, leaving VTM-4 Lock engaged, or using 2nd gear at low speed for long, or engaging in any prolonged power applied with transmission slippage, can overheat the transmission. If this happens, replacing the transmission fluid (with Honda-branded fluid) is warranted.
It's fair to say that the Ridgeline isn't as suited to hard-core off-roading as several other trucks that have had it in mind through generations of design. It's also fair to say that it's more sensitive to heat buildup in certain off-road situations than other trucks. However, these are differences of degree, and don't absolve one of operator error, nor of operator ignorance about how to use a specific vehicle.
The Ridgeline is optimised for superior on-road handling in slippery conditions. It's only fair off-road, and is best suited for areas there there is some semblance of a road, such as camp trails and fire roads. In some situations (such as anywhere with bumpy curves and poor tractions), its maximum safe speed is much higher than conventional 4WD systems, but don't expect rock crawling. Here is a realistic demonstration of its off-road capabilities from its year of introduction:
https://myspace.com/ridgeline_truth/video/ridgeline-off-road-demonstration/8115748
As explained above in various posts, leaving VTM-4 Lock engaged, or using 2nd gear at low speed for long, or engaging in any prolonged power applied with transmission slippage, can overheat the transmission. If this happens, replacing the transmission fluid (with Honda-branded fluid) is warranted.
It's fair to say that the Ridgeline isn't as suited to hard-core off-roading as several other trucks that have had it in mind through generations of design. It's also fair to say that it's more sensitive to heat buildup in certain off-road situations than other trucks. However, these are differences of degree, and don't absolve one of operator error, nor of operator ignorance about how to use a specific vehicle.
The Ridgeline is optimised for superior on-road handling in slippery conditions. It's only fair off-road, and is best suited for areas there there is some semblance of a road, such as camp trails and fire roads. In some situations (such as anywhere with bumpy curves and poor tractions), its maximum safe speed is much higher than conventional 4WD systems, but don't expect rock crawling. Here is a realistic demonstration of its off-road capabilities from its year of introduction:
https://myspace.com/ridgeline_truth/video/ridgeline-off-road-demonstration/8115748
