The 2017 Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with a reverse tilt mirror feature that automatically tilts the side mirrors downward when the vehicle is put in reverse. While this can be helpful for some drivers, others may find it distracting or unnecessary. Fortunately, there are several ways to disable this feature on your 2017 Honda Ridgeline.
Reverse Tilt Mirror Feature Explained
The reverse tilt mirror feature on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is designed to tilt the side mirrors downward when the vehicle is put in reverse gear. This feature aims to improve visibility of the ground near the vehicle, making it easier to see curbs, parking lines, or obstacles close to the vehicle while backing up.
When activated, the feature works as follows:
- The driver shifts the vehicle into reverse gear
- The selected side mirror (or both mirrors, depending on settings) tilts downward
- The mirror returns to its original position when the vehicle is shifted out of reverse
While some drivers find this helpful, others may prefer to keep their mirrors in a fixed position. The good news is that Honda has provided options to customize or disable this feature entirely.
Quick Method to Temporarily Disable the Reverse Tilt
To quickly disable the reverse tilt mirror feature on your 2017 Honda Ridgeline:
- Locate the mirror selector switch on the driver’s door panel
- Move the switch to the center (neutral) position
- The mirrors will now remain in their set position when reversing
This method provides a quick way to temporarily disable the feature without changing any vehicle settings. However, you’ll need to remember to move the switch back to center each time you want to prevent the mirrors from tilting.
Permanently Disabling Reverse Tilt via Vehicle Settings
To permanently disable the reverse tilt mirror feature:
- Turn on the vehicle and ensure it’s in park
- Press the “HOME” button on the infotainment system
- Select “Settings” from the main menu
- Choose “Vehicle” from the settings menu
- Scroll to find “Mirror Setup” or “Door Mirror Setup”
- Select “Reverse Tilt” or “Reverse Tilt Mirror”
- Choose “OFF” from the available options
Adjusting Reverse Tilt Settings
If you don’t want to completely disable the feature, you can adjust its settings:
- Follow steps 1-6 from the previous section
- Instead of selecting “OFF”, choose from these options:
- “Both” to tilt both mirrors
- “Driver” to tilt only the driver’s side mirror
- “Passenger” to tilt only the passenger side mirror
This allows you to customize the feature to your preferences without fully disabling it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble disabling the reverse tilt feature, consider these common issues and solutions:
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with the feature (standard on RTL-E and Black Edition trims)
- Check that the mirror selector switch is in the correct position
- Verify that you’re accessing the correct menu in the vehicle settings
- If problems persist, consult your owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer
Benefits of Disabling the Reverse Tilt Feature
Disabling the reverse tilt mirror feature can offer several benefits:
- Consistent mirror positioning for drivers who prefer a fixed view
- Reduced distraction when backing up
- Potentially quicker reversing process without waiting for mirrors to adjust
- Elimination of any mechanical wear associated with frequent mirror movement
When to Keep the Reverse Tilt Feature Enabled
While some drivers prefer to disable the feature, it can be beneficial in certain situations:
- When parking in tight spaces with low obstacles
- For drivers who have difficulty seeing the area immediately around their vehicle
- In areas with many curbs or parking blocks that could damage the vehicle
Consider your driving habits and environment before deciding to permanently disable the feature.
Maintaining Your Side Mirrors
Whether you choose to keep the reverse tilt feature enabled or not, proper maintenance of your side mirrors is important:
- Clean mirrors regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth
- Adjust mirrors properly for optimal visibility
- Check for proper function of power adjustment and folding (if equipped)
- Inspect for any damage or loose components
Well-maintained mirrors ensure better visibility and safety while driving.
Other Mirror Features on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline
The reverse tilt feature is just one of several mirror-related functions on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. Other features may include:
- Power adjustment
- Heated mirrors for defrosting
- Auto-dimming to reduce glare
- Power folding (on select trims)
Familiarizing yourself with all mirror features can help you make the most of your vehicle’s capabilities.
Comparing Reverse Tilt to Other Parking Aids
The reverse tilt mirror feature is one of several parking aids available on modern vehicles. Others include:
- Backup cameras
- Parking sensors
- 360-degree camera systems
- Automated parking systems
Consider how the reverse tilt feature complements or overlaps with other parking aids on your vehicle when deciding whether to keep it enabled.
Customizing Your Driving Experience
Disabling or adjusting the reverse tilt mirror feature is just one way to customize your driving experience in the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. Other customizable features may include:
- Driver seat memory settings
- Steering wheel position
- Climate control preferences
- Infotainment system settings
Explore your vehicle’s settings menu to discover other ways to tailor your Ridgeline to your preferences.
Safety Considerations When Modifying Vehicle Features
When disabling or modifying any vehicle feature, including the reverse tilt mirrors, keep these safety considerations in mind:
- Ensure you maintain adequate visibility around your vehicle
- Familiarize yourself with any changes before driving
- Be aware of how changes might affect your driving habits
- Consider reinstating features if you find they were beneficial after all
Safety should always be the top priority when making changes to your vehicle’s settings.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors in Newer Honda Models
If you’re considering upgrading to a newer Honda Ridgeline or another Honda model, be aware that the reverse tilt mirror feature may work differently or have additional options. Some newer models may offer:
- More customization options
- Integration with other parking aids
- Memory settings for mirror positions
- Automatic enabling/disabling based on driving conditions
Research the specific features of any new vehicle you’re considering to understand how they compare to your 2017 Ridgeline.
Aftermarket Solutions for Mirror Customization
If the built-in options for customizing your mirrors don’t meet your needs, there are aftermarket solutions available:
- Wider angle mirror glass for improved visibility
- Blind spot mirrors
- Towing mirrors for extended visibility when hauling
- Auto-dimming mirror replacements
Always ensure any aftermarket modifications are compatible with your vehicle and don’t interfere with existing safety features.
The Importance of Proper Mirror Adjustment
Whether you use the reverse tilt feature or not, proper mirror adjustment is crucial for safe driving. Follow these steps to adjust your mirrors correctly:
- Sit in your normal driving position
- Adjust the driver’s side mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle
- Adjust the passenger side mirror similarly
- Ensure there’s minimal overlap between your rearview mirror and side mirrors
Proper adjustment minimizes blind spots and improves overall visibility around your vehicle.
Integrating Mirror Usage with Other Driving Habits
Effective use of your mirrors, including deciding whether to use the reverse tilt feature, should be part of your overall safe driving strategy:
- Check mirrors regularly while driving
- Use mirrors in conjunction with looking over your shoulder when changing lanes
- Be aware of blind spots, even with properly adjusted mirrors
- Use all available tools (mirrors, cameras, sensors) when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces
Developing good habits around mirror usage can significantly improve your driving safety.
Teaching New Drivers About Mirror Features
If you share your 2017 Honda Ridgeline with new or learning drivers, it’s important to educate them about mirror features:
- Explain the purpose and function of the reverse tilt feature
- Demonstrate how to enable or disable the feature
- Teach proper mirror adjustment techniques
- Emphasize the importance of using mirrors in conjunction with other safe driving practices
Ensuring all drivers of your vehicle understand its features promotes safer driving for everyone.
Staying Informed About Vehicle Features
Vehicle technology is constantly evolving. To make the most of your 2017 Honda Ridgeline and stay informed about its features:
- Read your owner’s manual thoroughly
- Check for any software updates for your vehicle
- Join owner forums or groups to learn from other Ridgeline owners
- Stay in touch with your local Honda dealer for any important updates or recalls
Staying informed helps you maximize the use of your vehicle’s features and maintain its value over time.
Conclusion
Disabling the reverse tilt mirror feature on your 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a straightforward process that can be done either temporarily or permanently. Whether you choose to use this feature or not, understanding how it works and how to control it allows you to customize your driving experience to your preferences. Remember to prioritize safety in all your vehicle customizations and to stay informed about your vehicle’s features to make the most of your Honda Ridgeline.