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EnglishDriving for your Honda CR-V 2001-2005
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Starting the Engine
Apply the parking brake.
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. Do not hold
the key in the START (III)
position for more than 15 seconds
at a time. If the engine does not
start right away, pause for at least
10 seconds before trying again.
If the engine fails to start, press
the accelerator pedal all the way
down, and hold it there while
starting to clear flooding. If the
engine still does not start, return
to step 5.
1.
2.
4.
6.
In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.
Manual Transmission:
3.
Push the clutch pedal down all the
way. START (III) does not
function unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air found at
altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.
The immobilizer system protects your
vehicle from theft. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine’s fuel system is disabled. For
more information, see page 71 .
Automatic Transmission:
Make sure the shift lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal.
5. If the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed halfway
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.
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Manual Transmission
Come to a full stop before you shift
into reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into
reverse with the vehicle moving.
Push down the clutch pedal, and
pause for a few seconds before
shifting into reverse, or shift into one
of the forward gears for a moment.
This stops the gears so they won’t
‘‘grind.’’
Rapid slowing or speeding-up
can cause loss of control on
slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.
Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.
When slowing down, you can get
extra braking from the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe
speed and prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a
steep hill. To prevent serious engine
and transmission damage, do not
skip gears when downshifting, and
do not let the engine speed go into
the red zone of the tachometer.
The manual transmission is
synchronized in all forward gears for
smooth operation. It has a lockout so
you cannot shift directly from fifth to
reverse. When shifting up or down,
make sure you push the clutch pedal
down all the way, shift to the next
gear, and let the pedal up gradually.
Do not skip gears. When you are not
shifting, do not rest your foot on the
clutch pedal. This can cause your
clutch to wear out faster.
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Manual Transmission
Recommended Shift Points
Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you good
fuel economy and effective
Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.
emissions control. The following
shift points are recommended:
Shift up
Normal acceleration
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
3rd to 4th
4th to 5th
15 mph (24 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
48 mph (77 km/h)
The engine speed limiter only works
when you upshift; engine speed is
not limited during downshifts. To
prevent serious engine damage
during downshifts, do not skip gears,
and do not let the engine speed enter
the red zone of the tachometer.
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Table of Contents
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lever Position Indicators
The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for a
few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it flashes while driving (in
any shift position), it indicates a
possible problem in the transmission.
Shifting
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on along with the ‘‘D’’
indicator, there is a problem in the
automatic transmission control
system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and
have the transmission checked by
your dealer as soon as possible.
SHIFT LEVER
These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shift
lever is in.
To shift from any position, press
firmly on the brake pedal and pull
the lever toward you. You cannot
shift out of Park when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK (0) or the
ACCESSORY (I) position.
CONTINUED
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Automatic Transmission
Park (P) － This position mechani-
Reverse (R) － Press the brake
cally locks the transmission. Use
pedal and pull the shift lever towards
Park whenever you are turning off or you to shift from Park to reverse. To
starting the engine. To shift out of
Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and have your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Pull the shift lever
towards you, then move it out of
Park.
shift from reverse to neutral, come
to a complete stop, and then shift.
Pull the shift lever towards you
before shifting into reverse from
neutral.
Your vehicle has a reverse lockout so
you cannot accidentally shift to
reverse when the vehicle speed
exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h).
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, see Shift Lock Release on
page 165 .
To shift from:
P to R
Do this:
Press the brake pedal and
pull the shift lever towards
you.
If you cannot shift to reverse when
the vehicle is stopped, press the
brake pedal, slowly shift to neutral,
and then shift to reverse.
You must also pull the shift lever
towards you to shift into Park. To
avoid transmission damage, come to
a complete stop before shifting into
Park. The shift lever must be in Park
for you to remove the key from the
ignition switch.
R to P
N to R
D to 2
2 to 1
Pull the shift lever towards
you.
If there is a problem in the reverse
lockout system, or your vehicle’s
battery is disconnected or goes dead,
you cannot shift to reverse. (Refer to
Shift Lock Release on page 165 ).
1 to 2
2 to D
D to N
N to D
R to N
Move the shift lever.
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Automatic Transmission
Neutral (N) － Use Neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop briefly with
the engine idling. Shift to the Park
position if you need to leave your
vehicle for any reason. Press on the
brake pedal when you are moving
the shift lever from Neutral to
another gear.
higher engine speeds when the
engine is cold. This helps the engine
warm up faster.
the ON (II) position and the shift
lever is in the D position.
D3 Mode
After you stop in D, 2, 1, N, or R
position with the ignition switch in
the ACCESSORY (I) position for an
extended period, you may not be
able to move the shift lever from
neutral to reverse or Park. In this
case, press the brake pedal, and turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, then shift out of neutral.
D3 MODE INDICATOR
When the D3 mode is on, the
transmission selects only the first
three gears. Use D3 mode when
towing a trailer, or to provide engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
D3 mode can also keep the
transmission from cycling between
third and fourth gears in stop-and-go
driving.
Press the D3 switch on the edge of
the shift lever to turn this mode on
or off; the D3 mode indicator comes
on whenever the D3 mode is
selected.
Drive (D) － Use this position for
your normal driving. The
transmission automatically selects a
suitable gear (1 through 5) for your
speed and acceleration. You may
notice the transmission shifting up at
D3 mode can be turned on or off
only when the ignition switch is in
CONTINUED
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Automatic Transmission
Shifting out from the D position will
cancel the D3 mode, and the D3
indicator will go out. Selecting the
D3 position again will resume the D3
mode and the indicator comes on.
Use second gear:
If you shift into first position when
the vehicle speed is above 31 mph
(50 km/h), the transmission shifts
into second gear first to avoid
sudden engine braking.
For more power when climbing.
To increase engine braking when
going down steep hills.
Turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position turns this mode
off. When you restart the engine,
select the D position and press the
D3 mode switch again to use this
mode.
For starting out on a slippery
surface or in deep snow.
Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.
To help reduce wheel spin.
When driving downhill with a
trailer.
The D3 mode indicator also comes
on for a few seconds when you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
First (1) － To shift from second to
first, pull the shift lever towards you,
then shift to the lower gear. This
position locks the transmission in
first gear. By upshifting and
downshifting through 1, 2, and D,
you can operate the transmission
much like a manual transmission
without a clutch pedal.
Second (2) － To shift to second,
pull the shift lever towards you, then
shift to the lower gear. This position
locks the transmission in second
gear. It does not downshift to first
gear when you come to a stop.
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Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Release
COVER
This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal does not work. This procedure
is also used to release the reverse
lockout.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
3. Put a cloth on the edge of the shift
lock release slot cover. Using a
small flat-tipped screwdriver or
metal fingernail file, carefully pry
on the edge of the cover to remove
it.
4. Insert a flat-tipped screwdriver
into the shift lock release slot.
6. Remove the screwdriver from the
shift lock release slot, then
reinstall the cover. Make sure the
notch on the cover is on the right
side. Press the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
5. Push down on the screwdriver and
move the shift lever out of Park to
neutral.
If you need to use the shift lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by your dealer.
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Table of Contents
Parking
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set firmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
Parking Tips
If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If you have a manual
Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
transmission, put it in first gear.
Turn off the lights.
If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If you have a manual
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
transmission, put it in reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Make sure the hatch glass is
closed securely.
transmission.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
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Braking System
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
The front and rear disc brakes on all
models have audible brake wear
indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
Braking System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness. Each circuit works diagonally across
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your foot off the
accelerator and downshifting to a
lower gear.
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Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes from
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.
You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
ABS Indicator
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
pumping the brakes. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before the
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
The ABS also balances the front-to-
rear braking distribution according
to vehicle loading.
If the ABS indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as shown on
page 235 .
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
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Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the front-to-rear braking
distribution system may also be shut
down.
Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle. It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down, and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page
. If the brakes feel normal,
235
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
The VSA indicator will come on
along with the ABS indicator.
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Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
VSA Activation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA) System Indicator
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink (see
The VSA system indicator (see page
) comes on and stays on when
58
page
).
there is a problem with the VSA
system. The VSA activation indicator
will also come on.
58
slippery road surfaces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. You will also see
the VSA activation indicator blink.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.
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Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is safe, and turn off the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on, or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
VSA Off Switch
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.
VSA OFF SWITCH
VSA and Tire Sizes
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malfunction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page 215 ).
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
If you install winter tires, make sure
This button is under the driver’s side
vent. Press it to turn the VSA system
on or off.
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.
Pressing the switch again turns the
system back on.
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Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle has been designed to
primarily carry passengers and their
cargo. You can also use it to tow a
trailer if you carefully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
section.
Load Limits
Be sure to read the Off-Highway
Driving Guidelines section on page
179 if you plan to tow off paved
surfaces.
Total Trailer Weight: The
maximum allowable weight of the
trailer and everything in or on it
must not exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
Towing a load that is too heavy can
seriously affect your vehicle’s
handling and performance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain.
Tongue Load: The weight that the
tongue of a fully-loaded trailer puts
on the hitch should be approximately
10 percent of the total trailer weight.
Too much tongue load reduces front-
tire traction and steering control.
Too little tongue load can make the
trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
before starting to drive.
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Towing a Trailer
To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 percent of the
load toward the front of the trailer
and 40 percent toward the rear, then
re-adjust the load as needed.
kg)
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in this section. Also make
sure that all equipment is properly
installed and maintained, and that it
meets federal, state, province, and
local regulations.
Checking Loads
The best way to confirm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) － The maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo,
and the tongue load is 4,450 lbs
(2,020 kg).
Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the first time you set up a
towing combination (a fully-loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.
Hitches
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.
Safety Chains
Gross Axle Weight Ratings
Always use safety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
(GAWR) － The maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo,
and the tongue load must not exceed
Towing Equipment and
Accessories
2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) on the front axle, Towing can require a variety of
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
and 2,290 lbs (1,040 kg) on the rear
axle.
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, how
much load you are towing, and
where you tow.
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) － The maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle and trailer is 5,950 lbs (2,700
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Towing a Trailer
Trailer Brakes
Trailer Lights
Your vehicle has a trailer lighting
connector located behind the left
side panel in the cargo area. Refer to
the drawing above for the wiring
color code and purpose of each pin.
Honda requires that any trailer with
a total weight of 1,000 lbs (455 kg) or
more be equipped with its own
electric or surge-type brakes.
Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with federal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check with
your local trailer sales or rental
agencies for the requirements in
your area where you plan to tow, and
use only equipment designed for
your vehicle.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electrically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successful it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking effectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
If you use a non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, you
can get the connector and pins that
mate with the connector in your
vehicle from your dealer.
BACK-UP LEFT TURN
LIGHT SIGNAL
GROUND
(BLACK)
(GREEN/ (GREEN/
BLACK)
RED)
Since lighting and wiring vary by
trailer type and brand, you should
have a qualified technician install a
suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer. Improper
equipment or installation can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical
system and affect your vehicle
warranty.
See your trailer dealer for more
information on installing electric
brakes.
RIGHT TURN BRAKE
TAILLIGHT
(RED/
YELLOW)
SIGNAL
LIGHT
(WHITE/
BLACK)
(GREEN/
YELLOW)
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Towing a Trailer
Additional Towing Equipment
Pre-Tow Checklist
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
(If you tow frequently, follow the
severe conditions maintenance
schedule.)
Ask your trailer sales or rental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation.
Driving Safely With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle’s handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
in this section.
The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
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Towing a Trailer
Towing Speeds and Gears
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers. road to let the engine cool.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the D position
when towing a trailer on level roads.
D3 is the proper shift lever position
to use when towing a trailer in hilly
terrain. (See ‘‘Driving on Hills’’ in the
following column for additional gear
information.)
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 3rd
gear on the manual transmission, or
use the D3 position on the automatic
transmission. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the
brakes, and remember it will take
longer to slow down and stop when
towing a trailer.
Backing Up
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the left, and
turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
Making Turns and Braking
Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
Parking
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including firmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Your vehicle can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Otherwise, severe transmission
damage will occur. To avoid damage
to the 4WD system, your vehicle
must be towed with all four wheels
on the ground (flat towing).
On models with manual transmission
Check the transmission fluid level
Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shift lever through all its
positions.
(see page
). Do not overfill.
200
Shift to D, then to N. Let the
engine run for 3 minutes, then
turn it off.
Release the parking brake.
Shift to neutral.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
sockets are turned off so you do
not run down the battery.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
sockets are turned off so you do
not run down the battery.
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manufacturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer’s attachment
instructions carefully.
When you stop towing your vehicle
and shift out of the neutral position,
you may not be able to move the
shift lever from neutral to reverse or
Park. If this happens, press the
brake pedal and turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, then
shift out of neutral.
Perform the following procedure
every day immediately before you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage will
occur.
On models with automatic transmission
Check the transmission fluid level
Do not overfill.
(see page 199 ).
Start the engine.
CONTINUED
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Table of Contents
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Automatic Transmission
tray, coin pockets, etc) as a reminder
to re-install the fuse before driving
the vehicle.
Extended Towing
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns freely before you begin
towing.
When towing your vehicle for long
periods, remove the 15 A Front
Accessory Power Socket fuse to
reduce drain on battery. This fuse is
located in the interior fuse box and is
shown as number 18 below.
This fuse MUST be re-installed before
driving the vehicle. Failure to re-install
the fuse may allow you to remove the
key with the transmission in gear.
Extended Towing
INTERIOR FUSE BOX
If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours
(when you stop for fuel, etc.)
FRONT ACCESSORY
POWER SOCKET FUSE
Severe automatic transmission damage
will occur if the vehicle is shifted from
reverse to neutral and then towed with
the drive wheels on the ground.
Failure to follow the recommended
instructions exactly will result in severe
automatic transmission damage. If you
cannot shift the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
If you tow a CR-V with an automatic
transmission, the transmission fluid
must be changed every two years or
30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Only remove the fuse after you have
performed the transmission shifting
procedure, and the key is in the
ACCESSORY (I) position. Store the
fuse in an obvious location (center
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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
General Information
Important Safety Precautions
To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations.
Your vehicle has been designed
primarily for use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance allows
you to occasionally travel on unpaved
roads, such as campgrounds, picnic
sites, and similar locations. It is not
designed for trail-blazing, mountain
climbing, or other challenging off-
road activities.
Improperly operating this
vehicle on or off pavement can
cause an accident or rollover in
which you and your passengers
could be seriously injured or
killed.
Be sure to store cargo properly,
and do not exceed your vehicle
cargo load limits (see pages
151 and 172 ).
Follow all instructions and
guidelines in this owner’s
manual.
Keep your speed low, and
don’t drive faster than
conditions permit.
Wherever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will find that it requires
somewhat different driving skills.
Your vehicle will also handle
somewhat differently than it does on
pavement. So be sure to read this
owner’s manual, pay special attention
to the precautions and tips in this
section, and get acquainted with
your vehicle before you leave the
pavement.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions allow.
It’s up to you to continually assess
the situation and drive within the
limits.
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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
Check Out Your Vehicle
Accelerating and Braking
Avoiding Obstacles
Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
for any problems. Pay special
For better traction on all surfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
Debris in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.
attention to the condition of the tires, might not have enough traction to
and check the tire pressures.
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the
shift lever in second (2) gear will
help you have a smoother start on
snow or ice.
After you return to the pavement,
carefully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsafe.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
Driving on Slopes
If you can’t clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope before you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can safely drive on the slope, don’t
do it. Find another route.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surfaces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not ‘‘pump’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them for you.
Remember
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
If you are driving up a hill and find
that you cannot continue, do not try to
turn around. Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
following the same route you took up
the hill.
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.
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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
Crossing a Stream
If You Get Stuck
4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Avoid driving through deep water. If
you encounter water in your route (a
small stream or large puddle, for
Avoid driving on soft sand, deep mud, If you spin the wheels excessively
or other surfaces where you could
get stuck. If you do happen to get
trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat the components of the
4-wheel drive system. If this happens,
the 4-wheel drive system shuts off
and only the front wheels receive
power. If this happens, stop and
allow everything to cool down. The
4-wheel drive system will work again
after its temperature drops.
example), evaluate it carefully before stuck because of inclement weather
going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,
flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of
the depth or the ground, turn around
and find another route.
or other conditions, choose a safe
and appropriate course of action.
You should never use a jack to try
getting unstuck. A jack only works
on firm, level ground. Also, your
vehicle could easily slip off the jack
and hurt you or someone else.
Driving through deep water can also
damage your vehicle. The water can
get into the transmission and
differential, diluting the lubricant
and causing an eventual failure. It
can also wash the grease out of the
wheel bearings.
If you slip the clutch for a long time
while trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat and damage it.
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