Honda Ridgeline Rear Door Hack Mod - Replacing the Door Checkers (Checks) 

Interested in adding a tailgate lock to your Ridgeline? Check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Z94PRq-IX5s.html

When you ordered them from Honda Dealership you need to know they are for the front doors. I guess the front door extenders fit the back doors. Mike Bowen commented below on the front door extenders being used for the rear doors. Thank you so much for posting this hack and Mike for sharing his comment.

I don't even have a Honda pilot or Ridgeline and this video was still something great to watch. Very informative. I didn't know these vehicles were having this problem.

This is a great modification. I found it very humorous that the Ridgeline brochure depicts a bicycle in the back (with the seats folded up). if you look, the photographer must have removed the door to get the bike in.

Ordered parts online using your part # and you were Right! 30.$ shipped. It took about 15 minutes per side and i took my time. Didn't want to scratch or break anything, Truck is only a week old. (2019) Black Edition. Wow! what a easy and quick job. The doors open nice and wide. With no interference with the front doors. Thank You! thank you thank you!!!! :)

Thank you! This is a great hack and as a 75 yr-old guy with no auto mechanic experience, I completed both sides without any big problem. The only thing that slowed my progress was the larger bolds holding the door checkers to the door frames. I broke both loose after a bit; the info here was PERFECT! Now, I can load and unload easily!

Just bought a 2021 BE and checked the door width. Apparently Honda listened to the customer. No need for the mod but great content anyway.

Just did the door checker modification and tailgate lock (in the same afternoon) after viewing your videos. Thanks for the simple and easy to understand format. I'm short on patience, but both of these mods were a breeze thanks to your guidance!

I always thought the rear door openings were a PITA, then I came across your video and solved the problem in virtually no time. Thanks for the excellent instructions.

Thanks for the video. I have a 2017 Ridgeline Touring and the narrow opening of the rear doors was one of the very few things I do not like about my Ridgeline. So, again, thanks for the video as I did not know this fix was available. FYI: The part numbers given are for the front doors and although they are the correct checkers to fix the narrow opening of the back doors, this caused some confusion. When I received the checkers, they appeared to be the same size as the current backdoor checkers so I questioned the parts department clerk. To make a long story short, I returned the front door checkers and ordered the checkers for the 2020 Ridgeline back doors, (which were each $5.00 more for some reason?) and they were identical to the front door ones I had returned. Again, they were the same length as the ones currently on the 2017 Ridgeline. However, the difference was the size of the checker bumper at the end of the checker (inside the door…not visible until the checker is removed from the door). For some reason Honda made the original back door checker bumper at least twice as thick as the front door bumper. Otherwise they appear to be identical. So now my back doors open quite wide and my Ridgeline is just about perfect!!

I got me some door checks from Honda and they were pretty cheap. I think about $14 each. I finally put them in my 2019 Ridgeline today and it makes the world of difference!! Thank you for the inspiration.

Thanks so much. I recently traded my Element in for the 2019 Ridgeline and I was disapointed in how little the rear doors opened. Loading the Element was a breeze with the 90 degree suicide doors while on the Ridgeline anything remotely large was a no go. I followed your video and I would say the difference is significant. I put a cooler in the back just to test it and it fit like a charm. Before it was so difficult I gave up on the idea of the cooler riding in the truck. Cheers

What a massive improvement! Anyone who has tried to unload a sleeping baby in a carrier knows the back and shoulder strain from having to lift, rotate and swing the seat through the narrow door opening without waking the kid up! I've also scratched the inside of the door several times getting my jobsite table saw and miter saws in and out over the years. I wish I had done this on day one! Thanks

Thanks for the video. This was one of my biggest gripes with the ridgeline when I first started looking at them. I remembered this video when I started looking for my previous car's replacement and ended up buying a ridgeline since I knew it could be fixed easily. Now the doors are so much more usable. My kid doesn't struggle as much getting into her car seat and I can place bikes easier into the back of the cab. Such a cheap/simple fix that helps a TON! Honda definitely should've done this from the start.

Just finished installing my on a 2019. Your directions were perfect! Thank you!! This added a great feature to the truck.

You've just eliminated one of my apprehensions against getting this truck

Thank you for this video I just ordered the parts. That was one of my complaints about the Ridgeline was the rear doors, this will help me out a lot

I hope Honda engineers saw this video. Thank for uploading.

Great video dude!! I get a lot of Ridgeline customers that complain about how little the back doors open up. This video is exactly what I will share with them from now on!

The rear door opening was the biggest problem I had with the truck when I considered it. This may change my mind on getting the truck since I'll be back in the market in about a year. Thanks!

Thanks so much. After buying the checkers about a year ago, I finally installed them with a friend who's a mechanic. Just in case I got stuck. Easy peasy. Took about 45 minutes while watching this video for each step... and not rushing it. Dealer wanted like 200 bucks plus for this easy mod.

I just completed this change on my 2018 Ridgeline touring. Makes a huge difference! Not sure if the Canadian models are different, but the bolt connecting the door checker to the body is a 12mm..not 13mm as you mention in the video.

Literally just finished this installation….about 30min for both doors. Thank you for sharing this video which made it super easy.

Awesome! I've had the parts for a while and finally got around to doing it today. It really is 15 minutes per door! Thank you!

This is the GREATEST THING EVER. I just did this 30 bucks, and it makes a massive difference. These instructions are perfection. Could not recommend more. I did this on a 2019 just the other day. Thanks dude!

Thanks for the the post. I finally got around to performing the fix yesterday. The (larger) door checks that I installed appear to have two detents... the first approximately at the old opening position and the second in the new fully open position. What a difference. Less than $30 and 20 mins per door.

Appreciate the video. This was one of the few things that bothered me about my Ridgeline and you solved it. Thanks

Wow--you have the gift of teaching! I don't even own a Ridgeline (yet!) but the way you explain, demonstrate, and encourage makes me think I could do this if I buy one. Thanks for sharing!

After I got my Ridgeline I read all the complaints about the rear doors not opening wide enough. When I first watched your video and watched as you popped out the little xmas trees and remove the speaker I thought, na-I can live with the door width; during my long life I have had some bad experiences with breaking those trees. Then came the day that we had to move some stuff and I realized for myself the inability to put boxes in the back seat. Anyway, thank you so much for your video. I ordered the longer chucks and because of the help of your video they went in without any issues.

these doors have always bothered me, i have had my 2017 ridgeline for 2 years, this video is a game changer, ordered the parts from bernardi parts, 30 bucks, the job is as easy as is shown, and the results are wonderful, should come from the factory like this.

Thanks, Man, just got my 2017 and did not notice. until now how difficult it was just to load groceries...... I have ordered the parts from ebay and anticipate a lot less AGRIVATION for this arthritic older Guy . THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot thank you enough for this great instructional video, i did the modification on my 2017 three years ago and this helped me so much for many things but mostly now that my spouse broke her knee cap and having to use a straight brace she has no choice than sit in the back, without that modification it would have been very difficult for her to get in and out, so , again thank you very much for your great video 😊😎

After watching this I was interested in installing these in my 2006 Ridgeline but then realized that it is only for the 2017-2019 models. On closer examination, comparing the rear doors of the 2 models I noticed that the older rear doors are wider than the new ones. I measured my rear door openings and, where the newer models have 24 inches of opening, mine has over 29 inches in the same location. So I guess I'm good to go!

Took your advice and your instructions and this could not have been an easier modification. Well ripping the floor strip out was the easiest modification - that drove me crazy for years. This did too. Thanks for the great video

20 minutes to do the first one, 8 minutes to do the next one. Easy. Thanks so much!

Just finished the door checker modification and it went very well. Your video was most helpful. I took my time on the first door, but on the second one it took 15 minutes. The parts came from Honda as described. They did not have L or R stamp but was able to discern by taking iPhone photo of original in place (door opened) and lined up the respective part in same orientation. No issues. One of the “Christmas tree” snap connectors broke when I took off the panel. I will replace only if needed as it was the bottom corner one and seemed snug without it after putting it back on. The two replacement parts came with the encased rubber fitting halfway up the checker travel stem and they were really snug. In order to get the encased rubber fitting back against the stem travel stop, I used a vise and rubber mallet to get the stem and rubber fitting to be in the “fully door open” position before inserting into door for bolt attachment. I could have left it but then the door would not be fully opened when working with the bolt on step. Thanks again.

Just finished this in my spare time. Couldnt have done it without this video. Thank you!!!!!

My brand new -- not just to me -- Ridgeline Sport is waiting to be loaded up for camping adventures, with a mountain bike totally secured in the back seat area. Thanks so much for posting this video, and to the other commenters. This looks like a great investment of $28 and less than an hour of time. Well done.

This Hack is AWESOME!!! I added these this past wknd and it's a huge difference. I now can walk into my back seats with out turning to slide in. I can't believe these aren't stock... super easy to change out.

Just did both of my doors. Took about 45 minutes. No more struggling to put boxes in the back seat. Thanks for the video!

Just finished this mod on my 2019...makes a big difference! Your 2 or 3 out of 10 for difficulty is like my 6 or 7....lol...could not have done this without the video. Thanks man

Ordered my parts about 6 months ago, finally getting around to doing this today! lol

Hey, just wanted to stop by and say thanks for this video. I finally got around to doing this upgrade today, and it was as easy as advertised. I'm quite fond of my '18 Ridgeline, but this was one of the top three most annoying things about it, and now it's fixed!

Great Video - Replaced my hinges in a short time without a single problem. There is a rubber plug on door directly rear of the hinge where you can use your finger to hold hinge in place while replacing bolts.

This works exactly as advertised for a 2017 Ridgeline. Thanks to the OP

Thanks for taking the time to show this. That narrow opening was annoying.

Thanks for the Door Checker mods. Ordering tomorrow. UPDATE: Ordered the Door Checkers from my Honda dealer using the part numbers provided by Drivers Only. FYI, I confirmed with the parts manager that the part numbers were for the front door checkers, which makes sense, front doors open wider. ONCE AGAIN HONDA “SLEEP AT THE WHEEL”. This fix along with the tailgate lock SHOULD HAVE BEEN PART OF THE VEHICLE.

Thanks for the post. Got parts from the dealer, best price, stock part, just the ones for the front doors. I recommend unplugging the door panel and speaker to reduce the chance of damage.

Thanks for posting this hack. My son's hockey bag had left a few scratches on my inside door panel with stock opening on my 2019 RTL. Now with the new checkers installed, I can get the hockey bag in without damage!

would have liked to see a side by side comparison of the original and new part. At any rate, great job and very helpful.

I’ve been looking at this vehicle for a few weeks now - this is the best modification yet - many Vlog’s/reviews complain about this rear door opening - even owners I stop on the street - 1. Complaint. - thanks for posting

Thank you for this. I ran into issues with this when I ran out of bed space moving a few months ago. Getting storage containers in the back seat was a pain in the rear.

Instructions excellent. Did the swap today in less than 30 minutes. Thank you!

Thanks for this really nice, easy to follow video and the parts listing #'s - I just swapped out my checkers in about 20 minutes total. What a difference! Loading boxes into the back on Costco runs just got a ton easier! :)

Just installed them on my 19 ridgeline. Now i can put the grandkids car seats in with no hastle. Thanks for your video. If your ever near buffalo, give a shout, you have one coming.

Thank you for this. Wanted to the left side first. Picked up the part a few weeks ago. Now that I’m in shelter place I was running out of projects. Did it today and what a big difference. Thanks again

This was so easy and makes the world of a difference. Thanks again for sharing these hacks. I completed both doors in 15 min.

I looked up the part numbers, and they are the front door checkers being used for the back doors. Interesting!

Thank you! Can't tell you how soon I noticed this on my 2019 Ridgeline. What an easy fix! Great video with super detail on procedure.

Would never expect to find this topic as interesting as it was - great video!

I just bought a 19 Ridgeline and that was the very first thing I noticed when installing a car seat. The 16 CRv I traded had a lot wider opening. Those upgraded parts will be ordered before I do anything else. Thanks!

Pretty clever using the front door checkers for the rear doors. Just ordered mine from Majestic. Thanks for this video!

I don't have my 17 anymore but will get another soon. Many thanks that is an excellent mod. I hated the rear door opening. Putting child seats in was a PITA and also just as you demoed you could not get anything wide in at all. Thanks....

Honda fixed it for the 2020 refresh. I'm looking at used ones and this was a concern. Won't worry about it now. Thank you for posting this!

Great instructions ! My body side bolt was actually a 12 mm on my 2019 BE. Thanks for the break down. Very helpful.

Just followed these steps on my 19 RTL. Works great and the dog has an easier time getting in and out. Thanks!

Did this today. AWESOME job demonstrating how to do it. Pretty easy and I’m no mechanic. The extra movement is so worth it. Thanks!!!

Great video. Sad that Honda couldn't do it from factory. Considering it's a truck, people do haul boxes, etc. in the back seat of their pickup. Not always just the bed.

Thank you , just did it myself, awesome mod for those who drive kids in the back with child seats!!!

Thank God this ended up in my feed I just installed mine and it was a breeze! Thank you sir for sharing!

Thanks for this info. One other thing you can do also is while you have your panel off, you can upgrade your speakers to something better than OEM. Might as well eliminate two birds with one stone.

I just did mine this afternoon. It was a super easy 15-minute job in the driveway. Thanks so much for the video.

What a difference!!!! Thanks for the easy-to-follow video and the listing of the part #'s - Anyone can do it, I replaced both rear door checkers on my 2018 Ridgeline Black edition in less than an hour.

Confirmed! I just replaced mine with the new ones I ordered a year ago. :) Start to finish, 45 minutes. not including getting the tools from the basement.

I've read about this on the Ridgeline forum and your vid really shows how easy it is, honestly a worthwhile mod. I still have a generation 1 Ridgeline but maybe someday.

Great idea. It is clearly a design flaw, and an easy fix. Especially with these clear instructions. All Best.

1 1/2” Lift kit done. Door Hack just did it in like 20 min. Next stop tailgate lock and bigger tires. Thank for the videos. Love my RTL-E.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This drove me crazy and so happy to see a fix! I'm a drummer, and have an electronic drum set that will now fit when folded! Lots of room in the back seat, but doesn't matter if you can't get anything through the door!

thanks so much! got the parts, the first door took 30 minutes, the 2nd door 15 minutes.... great improvement!

I am surprised you have not installed the Pop a Lock on the rear tailgate .Did my 2018 and it works great with my hard cover over the bed. It ties in with the power lock system, it should have come from the factory this way.Great job on the door checkers, will be going down to the dealership to order a pair. TKS BOB

So easy. No issues. 15 min each door following this video. I didn't even have to disco the wires for the speaker.

Just completed both rear doors, easy and practical upgrade. Keep up the great hacks!! Thank You

Thanks so much for that! Two things I really wanted to do, put a tailgate lock on and get those passenger doors to open (w i d e r) thank you so much for your help, 15 minutes per door. Keep up the good work. Mr. Bob

Thanks for the video, my friend. I just did it yesterday to my 2018. Took less than an hour for both doors and what a difference!! Very easy to get big items in and out especially in a rainstorm. Lol 👍 Thanks for the detailed explanation and the link to the parts!

Bro... you're my HERO!!! This was the BIGGEST complaint against the Ridgeline.

I just bought my 2019 today to replace my 2006 model. I am totally doing this because I noticed right away the opening is to small. Thanks man.

We have a 2018 Honda Ridgeline, and narrow back door openings have always been a problem. I love this video to replace the door checkers with longer ones, but a model number is not provided for the new replacement door checkers. I called a local Honda service dep't and got a model number of 72880 T6ZA11 (for driver's side - left side) and 72840 T6ZA11 for passenger side - right side). Both Honda dealers seemed to think the exchange could not be done. I looked up the model numbers on-line to order them, but it said it would not fit my 2018 Ridgeline. The Honda dealers and the model number on-line did not say how long the 2018 door checker is or the the length of the 2020 door checker which is longer. I don't know if the RU-vid presenter just exchanged the old 2018 Honda door checker with the newer Honda one or used a different door checker altogether to get 5 more inches. Please say what the model numbers are for the new back seat door checkers, so I don't screw this up. The instructions are excellent. Thank you !

I purchased the parts at my local Honda Dealer (they matched the best internet price) and installed them this weekend, following your instructions exactly. WORKS LIKA A CHARM! What a fantastic hack! Thank you for your detailed and informative instruction. I also purchased a wiring harness for the trailer hookup. Can you produce a video installing that little gem? Thanks again for all you do for us Ridgeliners.

Nice mod, now tell me about the Ferrari in the Garage

I just realised that these are the front door checks, put them on rear doors, pretty cool.

Installed mine yesterday. The rear doors were the only real complaint about my Ridgeline. Thanks for helping solve this problem! #easypeasy

Thanks so much for posting this - I did this mod today took less then a half hour - so happy with the results

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to do it. The mod is on my list once it gets a bit warmer here in MA.

Thank you for this video. It took me about 20 minutes to complete this MOD

Thanks for sharing the mod. I didn't want the Ridgeline due to this but thanks to your mod i will get the Ridgeline.

Thanks, If I understand this is the front door checker just putting it on the rear doors. Good Idea why didn't Honda think of that. Thanks again for the part numbers and the video.

Thank you so much for this video. I bought a Ridgeline today, and insisted that they put the Pilot door checkers on it. I also recommend adding the dividers in the trunk.

Wondering if this hack would work on a 2014....need to check how far the doors open now. I remember having trouble putting something into the back. Great Hack, simple, inexpensive, and well worth it.

Awesome! Just completed this mod and your video was the best!

I am so glad you posted this video!!!! Perfect!!!!