Honda J35A
Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets.
Honda Ridgeline engines
The Honda Ridgeline is a Japanese pick-up light commercial vehicle from Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Start of production – 2005. The car has front- and all-wheel drive modifications. The first generation of the model was manufactured in Canada for the US market. In 2016, production of the second generation Ridgeline began, based on the Honda Pilot 3rd generation. The literal translation of the car’s name means “mountain range”.
The Honda Ridgeline was offered with 3 engines since 2004 (3 petrol). Displacement ranges from 3.5 to 3.5 liters, power output from 210 to 310 hp. All of them use a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda J35A (about 375,000 km).
Honda Ridgeline engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Ridgeline 1 (YK) 2004–2014 | |||||||
| Honda J35A | 2004–2008 | 3.5 L V6 | 210–285 hp | petrol | belt | 4.7 L | ~375,000 km |
| Honda J35Z | 2008–2014 | 3.5 L V6 | 244–280 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda Ridgeline 2 (YK) 2016–present | |||||||
| Honda J35Y | 2016–present | 3.5 L V6 | 278–310 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | ~300,000 km |
Honda Ridgeline engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Honda Ridgeline?
Honda Ridgeline 1 (YK) (2004–2014): Honda J35A and Honda J35Z; Honda Ridgeline 2 (YK) (2016–present): Honda J35Y.
Which Honda Ridgeline engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Honda Ridgeline engines are: Honda J35A — about 375,000 km; Honda J35Y — about 300,000 km; Honda J35Z — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Honda Ridgeline engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Honda J35A — 4.7 L (5W-30); Honda J35Y — 4.3 L (0W-20); Honda J35Z — 4.3 L (0W-20).
Does the Honda Ridgeline have a timing belt or chain?
Timing belt: Honda J35A, Honda J35Y and Honda J35Z. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Honda Ridgeline available with a diesel engine?
No, all Honda Ridgeline engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Honda J35Z
The VCM system is blamed for oil consumption caused by stuck piston rings.
Honda J35Y
Direct-injection versions accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves.
Models with the same engines
- Honda Odyssey 3 shared engines
- Honda Pilot 3 shared engines
- Acura MDX 2 shared engines
- Acura RLX 2 shared engines
- Acura TL 2 shared engines
- Acura TLX 2 shared engines
- Acura TSX 2 shared engines
- Honda Accord 2 shared engines
- Honda Crosstour 2 shared engines
- Acura RDX 1 shared engine