2006–2008 Honda Ridgeline RT, RTX, RTS, and RTL, 2.0L DOHC Repair Manual (P/N 61SJC02)

• Details U.S. 2006 RT, RTS, and RTL models and 2007-2008 RT, RTX, RTS, and RTL models. Canadian coverage includes LX and EXL, while trim notes distinguish SR, moonroof, XM, and navigation configurations.
• Honda factory service publication P/N 61SJC02, First Edition June 2007. This 23-section, 2,372-page PDF set covers the J35A9 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6, BJFA 5-speed automatic transmission, A/T differential and transfer assembly, and VTM-4 4WD system.
• Covers engine removal and installation, compression and VTEC testing, timing-belt and cylinder-head repair, block and bearing inspection, oil-pump overhaul, cooling-system testing, and PGM-FI/emissions fault isolation.
• Details transmission DTC diagnosis, road/stall/pressure testing, solenoid and interlock checks, transmission removal, valve-body service, shaft and clutch repair, and A/T differential/transfer-assembly inspection and adjustment.
• Includes steering pump and gearbox overhaul, wheel alignment and hub/bearing service, TPMS sensor-ID memorization, brake bleeding and caliper overhaul, plus VSA sensor replacement, center-point writing, and HDS troubleshooting.
• Addresses Ridgeline-specific body repair, including tailgate latch synchronizer and hinge-latch service, pickup-bed/In-Bed Trunk components, frame repair data, and moonroof work. Separate HVAC, body-electrical, audio/navigation, and SRS chapters provide system diagnosis, calibration, programming, and component replacement.
• Provides system-specific circuit diagrams, connector and terminal views, exploded assembly indexes, component-specific torque tables, pressure-test specifications, fluid capacities, service limits, and adjustment data.

Model Identification, Specifications, and Engine Repair

The opening sections lay out general vehicle specifications, chassis and paint codes, and VIN locations, then add engine and transmission number locations, lift and support points, towing information, parts marking, and VTM-4 service precautions. The specifications section brings together standards and service limits, gear ratios, clutch and hydraulic test data, electrical ratings, body dimensions, and alignment data. Maintenance Minder coverage includes main and sub-items, indicator reset information, approved lubricants and fluids, and severe-use provisions for towing, slow mountain driving, and frequent heavy loading.

From there, the manual breaks down the engine's mechanical assembly—including the cylinder head, engine block, and lubrication system—alongside cooling and fuel/emission control requirements. Factory procedures cover compression inspection, VTEC rocker-arm testing, valve-clearance adjustment, timing-belt service, cylinder-head removal and inspection, valve-guide replacement and seat reconditioning, crankshaft/piston/bearing repair, cylinder-bore honing, oil-pressure testing, oil-pump overhaul, and radiator, fan, thermostat, and water-pump diagnosis. Fuel and emissions work includes readiness-code procedures, PGM-FI DTCs, electronic throttle control, PCM replacement and idle learn, fuel-pressure testing, injector and sensor replacement, EVAP, EGR, PCV, and catalytic-converter diagnosis.

Transaxle, Chassis, and Electrical Diagnostics

The automatic-transmission section moves from HDS DTC and symptom diagnosis through road, stall, and hydraulic pressure testing, solenoid and pressure-switch service, shift-cable and interlock work, transmission removal, full disassembly/reassembly, valve-body repair, shaft and clutch inspection, A/T differential backlash and preload work, and transfer-assembly adjustment. VTM-4 coverage adds control-unit initialization with HDS or the manual method, DTC and symptom charts, rear-differential function testing, fluid-temperature sensor service, differential removal, and backlash inspection.

Steering, suspension, brake, VSA, and TPMS chapters combine electronic fault isolation with mechanical repair. They include power-steering pressure testing, pump and gearbox overhaul, rack-guide adjustment, wheel alignment, knuckle/hub/bearing replacement, damper and spring service, TPMS sensor-ID memorization, brake bleeding, caliper overhaul, VSA steering-angle center-point writing, yaw/lateral sensor service, and wheel-sensor diagnosis.

The electrical sections map out the starting, charging, ignition, and cruise-control circuits; power and ground distribution; connector and harness locations; B-CAN diagnostic modes; and control-unit input tests. Procedures cover keyless transmitter programming, power-window control-unit reset, gauge self-diagnosis, odometer and Maintenance Minder data transfer, electrical-compass calibration, and immobilizer registration. Audio and navigation chapters add self-diagnostic functions, error-code and sound-quality diagnosis, navigation system diagnostic mode, and forced starting of the display.

Year-specific restraint information distinguishes the 2006 OPDS arrangement from the 2007-2008 ODS/seat-weight-sensor system. The SRS section covers initialization, calibration, operation checks, post-deployment inspection, airbag and tensioner replacement/disposal, cable-reel service, and impact/roll-rate sensor replacement.

Diagrams, Factory Tools, and Service Cautions

Named schematic examples include circuit diagrams for the Starting System, A/T Gear Position Indicator, VTM-4, TPMS, Heating/Air Conditioning, and SRS. Exploded assembly views, component-location indexes, connector-terminal views, and model-specific test charts support engine, transmission, driveline, body, HVAC, and restraint work.

Special-tool tables identify Honda fixtures by number, including the VTEC air adapter 07VAJ-P8A010A, A/T clutch pressure gauge set/panel 07406-0020400 or 07406-0020401, and Ridgeline tailgate tools 07AAG-SJCA100 and 07AAG-SJCA200. These references matter when a repair depends on the correct adapter, gauge setup, driver, fixture, or simulator.

The manual flags assembly and test traps that are easy to overlook. Powered testing that spins only one axle can damage VTM-4 components, while incorrect transmission main-seal or main-bearing/valve-body work can block the fluid-return passage or damage the ATF pump and torque-converter housing.

This publication was written for qualified professional technicians. Experienced DIY owners should follow the stated precautions and use suitable equipment, especially for SRS, pressurized fuel, brake/VSA, refrigerant, and raised-vehicle drivetrain work.