[elliottday]

Hello, I noticed a couple of days ago that there was a single distinctive pop coming from the front-end of the vehicle while the transmission was simultaneously shifting into high gear after a rev of up to around 5500 RPM. I noticed this while turning onto a 55 mph highway. I wasn't messing around, just getting up to speed.

There was no one around so I slowed down to about 25 mph, this time deliberately put my foot all the way on the gas and again, while shifting into high gear 'pop' from what seemed like the front end. It wasn't an extremely loud noise however it was a distinctive pop.

When I got home I didn't notice any leaks and the noise doesn't happen during normal driving at slow to moderate acceleration. I have put over 300 miles on the truck since noticing this noise.

This morning however while removing snow from the driveway and warming up the truck I noticed a small puddle (4" in diameter), of what seemed to be a neon yellow fluid. Any one have any thoughts? Thank you for your assistance!

 

[chiph]

That's coolant.

I would inspect the connection of the transmission cooler line to the radiator. It corrodes and sometimes will separate, allowing transmission fluid and coolant to mix. If you see this, DO NOT DRIVE the truck. Get it towed to your dealer or a radiator repair shop.

Chip H.

 

[speedlever]

Honda coolant is blue, not yellow. I can't think of any OEM Honda fluid that is yellow.

 

[eurban]

Someone could certainly have put conventional coolant in it.

Does someone else park there as well?

 

[rollinhonda]

Non-Honda branded coolant is about the only fluid that would be yellow (or green).

 

[speedlever]

... or Toyota Red.

 

[Dnick]

Any radioactive dogs live in the area???

 

[elliottday]

Any radioactive dogs live in the area???

LOL, thank you all for the advise! Attached is a photo of the potential leak 8 hours after my wife originally saw it when I moved the truck to snow-blow this morning. I don't know if it's anything, but I really hope the neighbors dogs have not been exposed to high levels of radiation hence mutating them into something from a science fiction story...

 

[elliottday]

That's coolant.

I would inspect the connection of the transmission cooler line to the radiator. It corrodes and sometimes will separate, allowing transmission fluid and coolant to mix. If you see this, DO NOT DRIVE the truck. Get it towed to your dealer or a radiator repair shop.

Chip H.

Thank you, I have all of my maintenance done at a Honda dealer so I'm assuming they use Honda fluids. I may just purchase an aftermarket radiator and have it installed just to be safe. Has anyone done this?

 

[speedlever]

Thank you, I have all of my maintenance done at a Honda dealer so I'm assuming they use Honda fluids. I may just purchase an aftermarket radiator and have it installed just to be safe. Has anyone done this?

A number of owners have done this due to the tranny/radiator fittings corrosion problem. Here's an example thread:

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53921

 

[Dnick]

I know what your problem is!!! (maybe )

Just very coincidentally, someone just posted about motor mount failure/leak. Apparently, our motor mounts are filled with liquid.... a Yellow or Green liquid!!!
This (motor mount failure) fits your first symptom (popping @ shift points), especially with hydraulic mounts & high rev shifts. I'm guessing you've got some air in there where your mount has leaked out some fluid, and the compression of the mount when shifting gears is causing a 'pop' as that air is forced out of the mount. Theoretical of course, but it all fits. Check that out & get back to us.

(Look for traces of green/yellow liquid around your mounts.... start with the one closest to where you found the liquid on the ground... but remember it can migrate along structure / engine parts on it's way down as well)

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50513&page=2

 

[elliottday]

I know what your problem is!!! (maybe )

Just very coincidentally, someone just posted about motor mount failure/leak. Apparently, our motor mounts are filled with liquid.... a Yellow or Green liquid!!!
This (motor mount failure) fits your first symptom (popping @ shift points), especially with hydraulic mounts & high rev shifts. I'm guessing you've got some air in there where your mount has leaked out some fluid, and the compression of the mount when shifting gears is causing a 'pop' as that air is forced out of the mount. Theoretical of course, but it all fits. Check that out & get back to us.

(Look for traces of green/yellow liquid around your mounts.... start with the one closest to where you found the liquid on the ground... but remember it can migrate along structure / engine parts on it's way down as well)

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50513&page=2

Dnick, thank you very much friend! Unfortunately we just got blasted with more snow this afternoon... I will get to this ASAP and keep you posted. Thanks again!!!!

 

[Ourfarm09]

I was going to suggest the motor mount as well.