I have a 2008 Ridgeline RTL VIN: 2HJYK16598H534512. My problem: I was working on a backup lamp and may have shorted something out testing it with...

How It Works

Get an answer in three easy steps. Here's how it works...

Ask Your Question

1. Ask Your Question

Enter your Honda question at the top of this page and click Get An Answer.

Pick Your Priority

2. Pick Your Priority

Tell us how quickly you want your Honda question answered.

Get An Answer

3. Get An Answer

Connect with your Honda mechanic via online chat or telephone call.

Get An Answer 

Answer

Customer

I have a 2008 Ridgeline RTL VIN: 2HJYK16598H534512. My problem: I was working on a backup lamp and may have shorted something out testing it with a multimeter. The car was fine before the short. The 7.5 amp fuse (#7) for back up light is ok. I can start the engine but the transmission won't go into gear. I can turn on the headlights High/Low and brake lights work but turn signals don't; dashboard comes on then goes dark; gear indicator lights stay on. A/C fan runs but now isn't cooling. Radio works but windshield wipers don't. Cabin lights and aux power outlets work as do the power seats. Can you help?

Last updated
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Hello and welcome to ExpertHelp.com! My name is Ramy De Jesus and I'm going to do everything in my power to answer your question to your full satisfaction!

Before we get started, I want to remind you ExpertHelp.com is an independent professional support company. We are not associated with Honda nor are we paid to provide support on their behalf. However, we have helped hundreds of customers with similar questions and believe we can help you too. OK, let’s get started! :)

I’m available to chat now. Please let me know that you are ready by posting a response. I’ll leave my chat session open for the next 15 minutes or so and wait for your reply. If I don’t catch you this time, please respond with a few times (including your timezone) that work best for you and we can connect then.

Last updated
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Hi Mike! Thank you for choosing ExpertHelp.com. Before we try different option to fix your issue, lets try to do some basic steps first. Can you try the steps provided below.

  1. Remove the negative connection of your car battery and wait for 10 miniutes.
  2. Then connect it back again and make sure it is connected properly.
  3. Then after that put your ignition to on (but do not start the engine) and off 5 times then after that start the engine.

Have it run for 15 minutes and drive it a couple of blocks and see if everything will start working. When your ready, please type your responses on this page and then click on the Blue Send Response button to post your response. I will be standing by for your response.

Posted
Customer

Hi Ramy,  It is 4:35 PM on Sunday afternoon Eastern time and am just now going through the steps you've outlined without success.  Transmission is still locked in park.  I would like to open up the chat session.  Thanks for your help.

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Thank you for your response. Can you check if there is any fuse blown under the hood there is a fuse box and check if the fuse for horn is blown or if there is any fuse blown. Because if the break light is not working the shift lever will not get out of park. 

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

As it turns out, I am scheduled to go offline now. I would really appreciate the opportunity to personally make sure you are satisfied with your answer and if it's OK with you, I'd like to continue our conversion 10 AM CST.

Posted
Customer

Ramy, I can't make the 10am; have a preexisting appointment.  Never considered the under hood fuse box.  Who'd have ever figured that the backup light malfunction would lock out the transmission?  I'll check it out.  Let's chat later this afternoon maybe around 4 PM EASTERN.  Thanks, Mike

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Sure no worries. I will leave this page open and will wait for your updates. If the lights or one of the fuse is blown the car transmission will not move to drive. Just keep me posted later.

Posted
Customer

No fuses blown under the hood.  What next?

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Can you try to press on the lock shifter right above the steering column. there is a tiny cover. If I am not mistaken it is the same as the 2006 Ridgeline. Please check the video provided below.

How to get a 2006 Honda Ridgeline shift

Then advise me if you can drive it afterwards without any issue. 

Posted
Customer

Button works to disengage the lock.  Doesn't solve the turn signal or other problems. Lock reengages when back in park. Have to push the button everytime to disengage the lock.  I did start the engine; it went into reverse and forward but didn't try driving it.  Now what?  Could it be the CPU box?  Error code?  ????

Posted
Customer

OBTW, the video was very helpful.  Thanks.  At least, if necessary, I can move the car. 

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Nice to hear that you can move the car. For the other issue it is much better if you will have it scan using a OBD 2 scanner. So you can determine the correct error code and the one to replace. Hope this helps. 

Posted
Customer

I'll take it to my mechanic and will keep you posted.

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

No worries. Keep me posted.

Posted
Customer

OBTW, all of this started when I tried to install a license plate backup camera which has red and black wire leads.  I spliced the camera into the backup lamp wires which are orange and green.  Is the green the common wire or the orange? 

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

The common wire is the green one.

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Hi Mike,

I just want to follow up on your issue if you still need further assistance. I will leave this page open and will wait for your response.

 

Regards,

Ramy De Jesus

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

Hi Mike,

I just want to follow up with regards your issue. Please advise me if the issue is already resolve or you still need further assistance. I will leave this page open and will wait for your response.

 

Regards,

Ramy De Jesus

Posted
Customer

The problem hasn't been resolved.  I took the car to my mechanic to check error codes.  He couldn't even get the controller to "talk" to his tester; Recommended I take it to the dealer which I will do tomorrow (11/1).  His opinion is that I'm looking at replacing the controller box.  I'll keep you posted.

Mike

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

I see. Just keep me posted Mike. 

Posted
Customer

Problem has been resolved to the tune of $400 at the local Honda dealership.  Turned out it was a self-inflicted wound when I miswired the backup camera.  Wires were fried, fuses blown.  Diagnostic test itself was $270 but it got fixed.  Thanks for your help.  In the end, there was nothing you could have really done but I appreciate your efforts to figure it all out.

Richest blessings,

 

Mike 

Posted
Ramy De Jesus
Honda Mechanic

It was really pleasure assisting you. If you do appreciate my assistance please do not forget to click on the Green Accept Answer. Thank you for allowing us to help you. 

Posted
Get An Answer 

quoteTestimonialsquote

About ExpertHelp

ExpertHelp is changing the way you connect with service professionals.

Whether you have a quick question while preparing your taxes, troubleshooting a computer problem, or need to hire an attorney, ExpertHelp is the most convenient and affordable way to connect with the right service professional to get the job done.

ExpertHelp has been in business since 2011, is an A+ Rated Better Business Bureau accredited member, and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every question you ask!

Get An Answer 

More Honda Questions...

Date
Questions

10/20/2019
I have a 2008 Ridgeline RTL VIN: 2HJYK16598H534512. My problem: I...

1/28/2019
We recently had our windshield replaced. Shortly the vehicle was...

6/20/2018
Gvc160 runs on full choke only

6/3/2018
Hello, i hav a 2008 Acura TL.problem is that cooling fans wont come...

3/23/2018
honda accord ex/l 2013 last yer or two gas mileage has been poor...

Ask Your Honda Question & Get An Answer Now!