Miscellaneous

This section is the "melting pot" of photos and information.  I'll probably break this page up into separate pages if it grows too fast, but for it should be good for now. 

May 2006 -
Problems: Check Engine Light
Fix: Replaced ECM/PCM  (37820-RJE-305 / ECU 37820)
Other Fixes: Squeaky Steering Wheel & Inner Door Handle Cable End Clips

On the 9th of May, before heading to work, I noticed that the Check Engine light was illuminated.  I wasn't overly concerned since I haven't abused the truck one bit and it still runs like a champ, but I figured that I'd set up an appointment just in case.  The Honda Tech found code P2610 and listed it as a "Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Internal Timer Failure".  The part is on order and should arrive in a week.  We'll see if this part is the culprit.

After returning from a trip to Illinois, I finally brought my Ridgeline in to have the PCM part replaced on the 26th of May.  I picked it up from the dealership the next morning and the check engine light is no longer illuminated.  The ECU part (#37820-RJE-305) was replaced, my keys were reprogrammed, and I'm a happy camper once again :)

Since my truck was in for servicing, I had the dealership fix the squeaky Steering Wheel (TSB 05-029) as well as the Inner Door Handle Cable End Clips (Product Update (or Recall) Letter) which all fell under the vehicle warranty.

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Under-Seat Storage System -

I used to store much of my work (books, binders & folders) under the rear-seat which moved around quite a bit on the road.  To clean up the mess and organize things I decided to purchase the under-seat storage system on 13 July 2005 from CheapHondaParts.com for $104.25 + $14.95 S&H.  It's quite expensive, very easy to install, but the Gray color is a bit darker than the interior of my Ridgeline.  Besides that, it does its' job keeping my stuff organized.

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Full-Size Spare Tire -

I wanted a full-size spare tire so I picked up the following parts: Michelin LTX M/S tire from TireRack.com for $141 + $16.77 S&H, used OEM rim on eBay for $56.02 + $15 S&H, and tire sensor from Majestic Honda for $17.42 + $4.95 S&H.  I first stopped by Jensen Tire to get a quote which was around $20, but they couldn't guarantee the tire sensor would work since they didn't have any tools to torque it under 18ft/lb (3ft/lb required) and said they'd do it with their fingers.  Yeah...swell!  I then decided to bring to my dealership which they put together in no time for $28.  So I now have a full-size spare in case I need it.

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Chrome Exhaust Tip -

I also wanted to add a little flair to the exhaust with little to no money so I picked up a stainless steel exhaust tip at Advance Auto Parts for $8.48.  It's manufactured by 3A Racing, oval with rounded edge with a slant. 

I used the 2" tip and had to modify it to fit my Ridgeline.  There's an inner clamp which I took apart and used the bottom of the clamp as a spacer since it has the threads for the screws.  I also had to drill another hole at the bottom/rear of the exhaust tip so that the spacer is hidden under the OEM exhaust tip.  The last thing was to push the exhaust tip as far as it would go then attach it with two screws underneath the tip.  I think the minor modification to the exhaust tip was worth it and sure does look sharp.
 

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Personalized License Plates -

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Electric Tailgate Lock -

I ordered the Electric Tailgate Lock from BasicKoncepts on 13 October, 2005 for $68.00 + $11.26 S&H.  I don't know when I'll install this part after looking over the installation guide.  Plus, I just had the Access Roll-Up cover installed and it looks like I'll have to remove this first before I install the lock.

The access cover took 30 minutes to remove and the entire tailgate lock installation took about 6.5 hours.  I broke a couple of clips (1 on the tailgate trim and another on the left upper cargo light trim) but isn't noticeable when everything is put back together.  The lock works like a champ, but I don't think I'd want to tackle this installation again unless I had some help.

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DIAMOND Automotive Window Films -

I had the driver/passenger windows tinted on 14 October 2005, for $75.00 at Cornhusker Auto Wash.  I couldn't get the 20% tint to match the rear windows due to Nebraska laws, so I was stuck with 35% (Radiant 35).  I went ahead and purchased the Lifetime Warranty for an additional $20.00--you'd be a fool to pass it up!

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Ridgeline Keychain -

I finally found a Honda Ridgeline pull apart 2-piece keychain (stainless steel, chrome w/ etched lettering) on e-Bay.  Victory Honda Parts and Used Cars e-Bay Store lists them at $8.75 with a Buy It Now price of $9.50 (plus $1.50 S&H).  My wife liked it so much that I had to order a Honda Civic keychain for herself.

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Window Stickers -

The photo below shows the first few stickers that I applied to my Ridgeline.  The first one I received was the chrome Ridgeline Owners Club sticker.  It's a high quality die-cut sticker and looks very sharp on the back window.  The second one applied was the SIRIUS sticker.  It's a bit larger and definitely stands out.

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Hot Spots (CIPA 20/20 Rearview Mirrors) -

To help eliminate the blind spots, I picked up a pair of Hot Spots on the 7th of December, 2005 from O'Reilly Auto Parts store for $1.69 each.  They are stick-on convex rectangular (1.25" x 2.25") mirrors and I decided to place them at the lower/outer part of the truck's mirror.  Even though they are small, they definitely help in providing me with a better view of the blind spots.