[Garland]

Seems strange to make a first post with a problem like this and never bother to log in again.

 

[HondaProJoseph]

https://www.cheaperhondaparts.com/a...rim/6-speed-automatic-engine/electrical-exhaust-heater-fuel-cat/atf-cooler-scat

 

[zroger73]

Seems strange to make a first post with a problem like this and never bother to log in again.

I'm a member of several forums and see it all the time. Sometimes these posts are legitimate and the poster had the issue resolved or no longer has the vehicle and didn't bother to follow up. Sometimes its just a "troll".

 

[OhSix]

I'm a member of several forums and see it all the time. Sometimes these posts are legitimate and the poster had the issue resolved or no longer has the vehicle and didn't bother to follow up. Sometimes its just a "troll".

I suspect disgruntled Toyota fan boys trying to besmirch the Ridge by bringing it down to Taco levels. :smile:

 

[vonheise]

I have a 2017 REL-E with AWD, towing rating of 5k, etc. I tow a camper with that is 3700 pounds dry. I weighed it one time loaded and was 4600 lbs, so I have tried to lighten it a bit by keeping the tanks dry while towing. Once in the Ozark Mountains and twice on straight flat highways the transmission overheat light has come on, and I too had to sit 20 minutes for it to go out. I was towing at 65 mph in 90 degree weather. I would like to add an additional trans. cooler, but am unable to do it myself. I have a mechanic who would add it if I provide what is necessary.

 

[olgzr]

I have a 2017 REL-E with AWD, towing rating of 5k, etc. I tow a camper with that is 3700 pounds dry. I weighed it one time loaded and was 4600 lbs, so I have tried to lighten it a bit by keeping the tanks dry while towing. Once in the Ozark Mountains and twice on straight flat highways the transmission overheat light has come on, and I too had to sit 20 minutes for it to go out. I was towing at 65 mph in 90 degree weather. I would like to add an additional trans. cooler, but am unable to do it myself. I have a mechanic who would add it if I provide what is necessary.

There is a thread in here somewhere about a larger transmission cooler. If I find it, I’ll post it’s address.

Edit: Here is one of the threads.

https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com...-performance-parts-modifications/214696-transmission-cooler-direction-flow.html

And the other thread.

https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com...-performance-parts-modifications/200578-2017-ridgeline-transmission-cooler.html

 

[speedlever]

Still bugs me that a cooler mod might be necessary when towing within the design limits. That just sits crossways with me.

 

[olgzr]

Still bugs me that a cooler mod might be necessary when towing within the design limits. That just sits crossways with me.

It bothers me too. I haven’t towed anything, I hope it works ok if I need to.

 

[DogOnBoard]

Seems like there was also a suggestion that Honda had made an effort in late 2017 or 2018 to reprogram how the transmission cooler functioned in order to increase its effectiveness? zroger?

 

[zroger73]

Seems like there was also a suggestion that Honda had made an effort in late 2017 or 2018 to reprogram how the transmission cooler functioned in order to increase its effectiveness? zroger?

TSB 17-025 which addressed a transmission judder issue in some 2017 models included a software update "...to maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the desirable range under all driving conditions..." As far as I know, this was rolled into later 2017 and all 2018 and newer models.

 

[Last Train]

TSB 17-025 which addressed a transmission judder issue in some 2017 models included a software update "...to maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the desirable range under all driving conditions..." As far as I know, this was rolled into later 2017 and all 2018 and newer models.

So maybe that's why we've never had any indications/warnings of overheating as we have towed our travel trailer just over 5,000 miles in 2018 (nor the over 12,000 miles with our previous '11 RTL). That included the Ozarks this past summer as well as some grades/hills in southern Illinois, Indiana (loved Brown County State Park) and Ohio. Not to mention a good dose of south Texas heat, as well. Todo bien! No problemos.

 

[ctfsu1999]

I have the same exact error and my Honda Dealer told me the same thing. Nothing on the computer registered any issues with the transmission. My wife and I did a 600 mile trip a couple months later and the light came on and we decided to "drive it out" not stopping. We got all the way home and at my next Honda service date I let them know and they again said nothing.

 

[CentexG2]

I have the same exact error and my Honda Dealer told me the same thing. Nothing on the computer registered any issues with the transmission. My wife and I did a 600 mile trip a couple months later and the light came on and we decided to "drive it out" not stopping. We got all the way home and at my next Honda service date I let them know and they again said nothing.

Please post your year model, trim level, FWD or AWD; if towing, the total trailer weight and type; what sort of terrain and ambient temperature.

Context is everything if anyone is to learn or deduce anything from your anecdote.

 

[tankerkevo]

2018 RTL-E Towing an empty flat bed trailer on the interstate in light traffic in Florida on a Sunday. Cruise was set at 75. As soon as the Transmission Too Hot indicator came on I pulled off on the next exit which was right ahead.

Temperature today is 98°F and the interstate is black top.

Still though, it's an empty 300 pound trailer. Writing this as I grab food and wait for it to cool down.

 

[montanaman]

2018 RTL-E Towing an empty flat bed trailer on the interstate in light traffic in Florida on a Sunday. Cruise was set at 75. As soon as the Transmission Too Hot indicator came on I pulled off on the next exit which was right ahead.

Temperature today is 98°F and the interstate is black top.

Still though, it's an empty 300 pound trailer. Writing this as I grab food and wait for it to cool down.

Well that's no good. Only 300 lbs? Shouldn't even break a sweat. I'm shopping this vehicle and I'm looking to tow about 2500 lbs at least 3000 miles a year.

 

[TR1]

2018 AWD RTL-T, towing a Jayco 174BH camper trailer (dry weight 3030 lb).

I've made a number of long trips with the Ridgeline/camper without any issues. Including from Houston area to Big Bend and Houston to Florida. Neither of those trips were in the summer, but it is still Texas so it's not cool.

First got a Transmission Temperature Too High warning light last July (outside temp was about 88°F, terrain was slightly hilly, highway speed). Then a couple of trips with no problems. Got it again in March (outside temp was about 80°F, terrain was slightly hilly, highway speed). Just came back from another trip this weekend and got it again (outside temp was about 84°F, terrain was slightly hilly, highway speed). This time I seem to have transmission fluid leaking. Local dealer hasn't been any help. Going to try a different one this week. Will let you know what comes of it.

FWIW, after the 1st time getting the warning I got an OBD reader and Torque Pro. I can tell you that the warning comes on when the temperature hits 302°F (150°C). Also it will stay on until the temperature drops below 266°F (130°C).

-Tim

 

[tankerkevo]

To update, after I took a 30 min break and got back on the road I had no issues. It has 25k miles on it. Last September I towed a Pioneer Side by Side from Tampa to Little Rock and back with no issues.

The black top was indeed scorching. I'm not sure where the temperature sensor for the transmission is located, but I really think that it was more a sensor heating up from the scorching black top than anything else... Though maybe that's just what I'm hoping it is...

So far I love the truck, but not going to lie, the incident has dampened my faith in the platform quite a bit.

 

[zroger73]

I'm not sure where the temperature sensor for the transmission is located, but I really think that it was more a sensor heating up from the scorching black top than anything else... Though maybe that's just what I'm hoping it is....

The transmission fluid temperature sensor is located inside the transmission fluid flow path. It does not and cannot read ambient temperature unless it falls out of the transmission and dangles in the open air at which point the transmission fluid will leak out and the vehicle will stop.

 

[TheITGuy]

Now I'm no mechanic...sorry, technician...but according to the manual, the maximum speed while towing should not exceed 62mph (pg. 414). Seems like an arbitrary limit...unless that's the speed above which Honda's testing showed the transmission would start overheating. Two posts stated they were driving over this limit. Dare I say the problem seems to be somewhere between the steering wheel and the back of the driver's seat? >

 

[tgbyrne716]

I’m a new owner (March 2019) of lightly used 2017 Black. I’m towing a 23’ travel trailer dry weight 3750. More with our camping gear and some fluids In the tanks. Tongue wt according to the hitch drop of about 3 inches when hooked up of about 550#. Driving at 65mph in the rolling hills of Maine with air temp of 86 the ATF temp went to 214F (Bluetooth OBD2 to my iPhone) and stayed there for our 150 mile trip. Not trailering it stays about 140F on a caller day.