Honda Ridgeline & Light: 10 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

The Honda Ridgeline is not your regular pickup. Unlike its rivals, it lacks true off-road capabilities and has lower-than-average towing ability.

However, it makes up for this by offering superior fuel economy and a car-like, comfortable ride. Buyers looking for a decent truck that’s a comfortable daily driver will love this vehicle.

In this article, we’ll go over all you need to know about lights on the Honda Ridgeline. You’ll learn Honda Ridgeline headlight types and sizes and how you can adjust them.

Let’s get started!

Which Light Bulbs Sizes and Types Do Honda Ridgelines Use?

Here is a guide that you can reference for information on headlight type and sizes for the Honda Ridgeline:

1. 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline

From its first year of release, 2006, the Honda Ridgeline used a 9003 bulb for both low beam and high beam headlights. Also, it used a 7443 bulb for the taillight.

This continued until the model went on a production break that lasted some years.

2. 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline

After a hiatus, the Honda Ridgeline returned to production in 2017.

Unlike the previous generation, these models used different bulbs for headlights—H11 for low beams and 9005 for high beams.

The tail light uses LED bulbs, while the backup light uses a 7440 bulb.

Check here for the prices of Honda Ridgeline light bulbs on Amazon.

How to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights on a Honda Ridgeline

The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) on your Honda Ridgeline bolster ride safety by making it easier for other drivers to see you.

Especially in daytime, when your regular headlights are off, DRLs guarantees protection against collisions on the road.

Even so, DRLs can be a pain. They stay on always (except your headlights are active), which can cause issues.

However, several Honda Ridgeline owners have devised ways of disabling the DRLs. Below is a simple method for turning Daytime Running Lights on your Ridgeline truck:

1. Look under the dashboard to find the fuse panel. It should be on the driver’s side.

2. Find the fuse connected to the DRL. It is usually a 10A fuse located in position 3 and labeled “Daytime Lights”.

Note: Get a proper orientation for the fuse diagram to avoid pulling the wrong 10A fuse.

3. Disconnect the fuse and check if the DRLs are off. You might get a DRL Warning Light if the procedure works—just ignore it and drive.

Honda Ridgeline Light indicator Symbols Explained

Light Indicators on the Honda Ridgeline provide useful information about the truck’s performance and running condition.

Here is a guide to understanding the most important Honda Ridgeline Light Indicators:

• Check Engine Light: This light blinks when your engine experiences a serious issue. You should halt driving and notify your mechanic of this symbol’s appearance.
• Low Oil Pressure Light: This indicates that you have low oil in your engine.
• Low Fuel Indicator: This indicates that your tank is running low on gasoline
• ABS Light: This suggests a fault with the anti-lock brake system. The ABS might not work when you brake.
• Brake Light: This indicates a problem with your brakes. Your brakes may be worn, or it could be that the brake fluid is low.
• Charging System: This signals an issue with your charging system. Possible issues include a bad battery or malfunctioning charger.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Light: When this appears, it means your tires are poorly inflated. Check air pressure and inflate the tires to remove this light.
• High Temperature Light: This usually appears when your truck is overheating.

Note: These are not all the light indicators on the Honda Ridgeline. Look through your owner’s manual or online resources to find other warning lights and their meaning.

Also check out our article about where Honda Ridgelines are made.

How Do You Adjust the Light on a Honda Ridgeline?

With time, your headlights may move out of position and illuminate the road poorly. You’d want to adjust the headlights so that they don’t blind other drivers and provide enough visibility.

Here’s how to do that on your Honda Ridgeline:

• Pull your truck in front of your garage wall so it’s about five meters away and switch on the headlights.
• Open the hood and find the two headlight adjusters. You’ll find them on the back of the headlight assembly—one near the radiator and another on the inside of the headlight housing.
• The first adjuster is for moving the headlights up and down, while the other is for moving the headlights from left to right.
• Use a screwdriver to turn the adjuster screws. While adjusting the headlights, examine the pattern of the light beam projected on the garage door. This will tell you if the headlights are aimed properly or not.
• It is advisable to have someone sit in the truck while you tweak the headlights. Besides, the parking surface must be level and your truck’s tank should have considerable gasoline in it.

How Does the Auto Light Sensitivity Work?

Honda Ridgelines have automatic headlights that switch on once they sense that it’s dark.

The Auto Light Sensitivity feature controls how much darkness the automatic headlights must sense before coming on.

If your Ridgeline’s Auto Light Sensitivity is high, the headlights just need to sense that it’s a bit dark to start operating. This means your lights will likely come on early—even if it’s still light out.

Conversely, low Auto Light Sensitivity means your headlights will come on only when they detect considerable darkness.

So, your lights won’t come until it’s pretty late into the night.

Of course, there are other sensitivity levels that you can choose from. Just select what fits your driving conditions.

Make sure to also read our article about how long the Honda Ridgeline lasts.

What Can Cause the Drive Light to Blink?

The Drive Light on your Honda Ridgeline will start blinking if the transmission is faulty.

The list of Honda Ridgeline transmission problems that can cause your Drive (D) Light to blink include:

1. Faulty solenoid
2. Faulty circuit wiring
3. Slipping clutch
4. Clogged strainer

Nonetheless, you should take your Ridgeline truck to a tech if the D Light Indicator blinks. They can scan your vehicle for codes and figure out what’s causing the issue.

Can I Use Headlight Covers on a Ridgeline?

Using headlight covers on a Honda Ridgeline is possible only in places where it’s legal.

Many states in the US have banned headlight covers for use on highways because they affect headlight projection.

However, if they are legal where you live, headlight covers can shield your vehicle’s headlights from dirt and damage.

Just be sure to confirm their legal status before buying so that you don’t waste your money.

Please also read our article about the Honda Ridgeline in snow and winter driving. 

The Dome/Interior Light Isn’t Working

The Dome Light is an in-cabin light that comes on when your door is open.

If it’s malfunctioning, then the bulb is likely in need of replacement. Another likely reason for a malfunctioning dome light is a loose switch or missing mount screw.

As such, you want to be sure that the dome light switch isn’t worn and the mounting screws are intact.

Finally, a shorted circuit can also affect your dome light’s performance.

Get your tech to inspect the car if all the aforementioned parts are in perfect condition and the problem persists.

Do Honda Ridgelines Have LED Lights?

LED headlights are great because they offer better illumination at night and consume less power.

Honda Ridgelines started using LED headlights in the 2017 model year. So, you’ll likely find LED headlights on these Ridgelines:

• 2017 Honda Ridgeline
• 2018 Honda Ridgeline
• 2019 Honda Ridgeline
• 2020 Honda Ridgeline

The Lights Come on But the Car Won’t Start

Owners have complained that their trucks sometimes refuse to start, even though the lights on the vehicle blink steadily.

This problem is usually a sign of issues with the ignition system, electrical system, or engine.

If you’re having this issue, check for a broken ignition switch, blown fuse, dead battery, and a weak alternator. Any of these things could cause the problem.

Otherwise, get a trained mechanic for a thorough diagnosis. He should be able to pinpoint the source of the problem and recommend a fix.

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