Get Driving Guide for Honda CR-V SUV First Generation (1995-2000)

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5-speedManualTransmission

Recommended Shift Points

Drive in the highest gear that lets

the engine run and accelerate

smoothly. This will give you the best

fuel economy and effective emis-

sions control. The following shift

points are recommended:

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.

Before downshifting, make sure the

engine will not go into the

tachometer's red zone.

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Automatic Transmission

Shift Lever Positions

Your Honda's transmission has four

forward speeds, and is electronically

controlled for smoother shifting. It

also has a "lock-up" torque converter

for better fuel economy. You may

feel what seems like another shift

when the converter locks.

Shift Lever Position Indicator

SHIFT LEVER

The shift lever has six positions. It

must be in Park or Neutral to start

the engine. When you are stopped in

D, 2, 1, N or R, press firmly on the

brake pedal, and keep your foot off

the accelerator pedal.

This indicator on the instrument

panel shows which position the shift

lever is in.

The "D" indicator comes on for a

few seconds when you turn the

ignition switch ON (II). If it flashes

while driving (in any shift position),

it indicates a possible problem in the

transmission. Avoid rapid accelera-

tion and have the transmission

checked by an authorized Honda

dealer as soon as possible.

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Automatic Transmission

If you have done all of the above and

still cannot move the lever out of

Park, see Shift Lock Release on page

162.

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

before you can remove the key from

the ignition switch.

Park (P) — This position mechani-

cally locks the transmission. Use

Park whenever you are turning off or

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.

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Driving

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Automatic Transmission

Over-Drive (O/D) Mode

Drive (D) — Use this position for

your normal driving. The transmis-

sion automatically selects a suitable

gear for your speed and acceleration.

You may notice the transmission

shifting up at higher speeds when

the engine is cold. This helps the

engine warm up faster.

Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse

from Park, see the explanation under

Park. To shift to Reverse from

Neutral, come to a complete stop and

then shift. Pull the shift lever

towards you before shifting into

Reverse from Neutral.

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 Park posi-

tion if you need to leave the vehicle

for any reason. Press on the brake pe-

dal when you are moving the shift

lever from Neutral to another gear.

For faster acceleration, you can get

the transmission to automatically

downshift by pushing the accelerator

pedal to the floor. The transmission

will shift down one or two gears,

depending on your speed.

The Over-Drive (O/D) is on

whenever you turn the ignition ON

(II). You can turn it off by pressing

the O/D switch on the edge of the

shift lever. The O/D OFF indicator

on the instrument panel next to the

shift lever position indicator will

come on.

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Automatic Transmission

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.

Second gives you more power when

climbing, and increased engine

braking when going down steep hills.

Use second gear when starting out

on a slippery surface or in deep snow.

It will help reduce wheelspin.

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.

First (1) — To shift from Second to

First, pull the shift lever towards you,

then shift to the lower gear. With the

lever in this position, the transmis-

sion locks in First gear. By upshift-

ing and downshifting through 1, 2, D,

you can operate this transmission

much like a manual transmission

without a clutch pedal.

When the Over-Drive is off the

transmission selects only the first

three gears, but not the fourth. Turn

the O/D off to provide engine

braking when going down a steep hill.

You can also avoid the transmission

from cycling between third and

fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.

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Automatic Transmission

Shift Lock Release

This allows you to move the shift

lever out of Park if the normal

method of pushing on the brake

pedal and pulling the shift lever does

not work.

1. Set the Parking brake.

2. Remove the key from the ignition

switch.

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT

3. Place a cloth on the edge of the

shift lock release slot cover on the

steering column. Remove the

cover by carefully prying on the

edge with a small flat-tipped

screwdriver (not included in the

tool kit).

4. Insert the key in the Shift Lock

Release slot on the steering

column.

6. Remove the key from the shift

lock release slot, then reinstall the

cover.

Depress the brake pedal and

restart the engine.

5. Push down on the key while you

pull the shift lever towards you

and move it 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 Honda

dealer.

Driving

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Parking

Always use the parking brake when

you park your vehicle. The indicator

on the instrument panel shows that

the parking brake is not fully

If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn

the front wheels away from the curb.

If you have a manual transmission,

put it in first gear.

Parking Tips

Make sure the windows are closed.

Turn off the lights.

released; it does not indicate that the

parking brake is firmly set. Make

sure the parking brake is set firmly

or your vehicle may roll if it is

parked on an incline.

Place any packages, valuables, etc.,

in the cargo area or take them

with you.

If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn

the front wheels toward the curb. If

you have a manual transmission, put

it in reverse gear.

Lock the doors.

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

transmission — making it easier to

move the shift lever out of Park

when you want to drive away.

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.

Never park over dry leaves, tall

grass, or other flammable

materials. The three way catalytic

converter gets very hot, and could

cause these materials to catch on

fire.

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The Braking System

Brake Wear Indicators

The front disc brakes on all vehicles

have audible brake wear indicators.

Your Honda is equipped with front

disc brakes. The brakes on the rear

wheels are drum. The braking

system is power-assisted to reduce

the effort needed on the brake pedal.

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 downshifting to a lower

gear and taking your foot off the

accelerator pedal.

When the brake pads need replacing,

you will hear a distinctive metallic

"screeching" sound when you apply

the brakes. If you do not have the

brake pads replaced, they will begin

screeching all the time.

Put your foot on the brake pedal only

when you intend to brake. Resting

your foot on the pedal keeps the

brakes applied lightly, causing them

to build up heat. Heat build-up can

reduce how well your brakes work. It

also keeps your brake lights on all

the time, confusing drivers behind

you.

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. Since a

longer distance is needed to stop

with wet brakes, be extra cautious

and alert in your driving.

Your brakes may sometimes squeal

or squeak when you apply them

lightly. Do not confuse this with the

brake wear indicators. They make a

very audible "screeching."

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The Braking System

Anti-lock Brakes

U.S. EX, and Canadian LX and EX

models

ABS helps to prevent the wheels

from locking up and skidding during

hard braking, allowing you to retain

steering control.

When the front tires skid, you lose

steering control; the vehicle

continues straight ahead even

though you turn the steering wheel.

The ABS helps to prevent lock-up

and helps you retain steering control

by pumping the brakes rapidly; much

faster than a person can do it.

Brake System Design

The hydraulic system that operates

the brakes has two separate circuits.

Each circuit works diagonally across

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.

Front

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Driving

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The Braking System

You should never pump the

brake pedal, this defeats the

purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS

work for you by always keeping firm,

steady pressure on the brake pedal

as you steer away from the hazard.

This is sometimes referred to as

"stompandsteer."

Important Safety Reminders

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 does not reduce the time or

distance it takes to stop the

vehicle, it only helps with steering

control during braking. You should

always maintain a safe following

distance from other vehicles.

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,

prudent speed for the road and

weather conditions.

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

pumping the brakes.

Activation varies with the amount of

traction your tires have. On dry

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.

pavement, you will need to press on

the brake pedal very hard before you

activate the ABS. However, you may

feel the ABS activate immediately if

you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

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TheBrakingSystem

ABS Indicator

ABS INDICATOR*

*U.S. indicator shown

The ABS is self-checking. If anything

goes wrong, the ABS indicator on

the instrument panel comes on (see

page 55). This means the anti-lock

function of the braking system has

shut down. The brakes still work like

a conventional system without anti-

lock, providing normal stopping

ability. You should have the dealer

inspect your car as soon as possible.

Driving

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Driving in Bad Weather

Visibility — Being able to see

clearly in all directions and being

visible to other drivers are important

in all weather conditions. This is

more difficult in bad weather. To be

seen more clearly during daylight

hours, turn on your headlights.

Driving Technique — Always drive

slower than you would in dry

weather. It takes your vehicle longer

to react, even in conditions that may

seem just barely damp. Apply

smooth, even pressure to all the

controls. Abrupt steering wheel

movements or sudden, hard appli-

cation of the brakes can cause loss of

control in wet weather. Be extra

cautious for the first few miles

(kilometers) of driving while you

adjust to the change in driving

conditions. This is especially true in

snow. A person can forget some

snow-driving techniques during the

summer months. Practice is needed

to relearn those skills.

Inspect your windshield wipers and

washers frequently. Keep the wind-

shield washer reservoir full of the

proper fluid. Have the windshield

wiper blades replaced if they start to

streak the windshield or leave parts

unwiped. Use the defrosters and air

conditioning to keep the windows

from fogging up on the inside (see

page 103).

Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-

quire a different driving technique

because of reduced traction and

visibility. Keep your vehicle well-

maintained and exercise greater

caution when you need to drive in

bad weather. The cruise control

should not be used in these condi-

tions.

Exercise extra caution when driving

in rain after a long dry spell. After

months of dry weather, the first

rains bring oil to the surface of the

roadway, making it slippery.

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Driving in Bad Weather

Traction — Check your (ires

frequently for wear and proper

pressure. Both are important in

preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of

traction on a wet surface). In the

winter, mount snow tires on all four

wheels for the best handling.

Watch road conditions carefully,

they can change from moment to

moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-

pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have

patches of ice. Driving conditions

can be very hazardous when the

outside temperature is near freezing.

The road surface can become

Be very cautious when passing, or

when being passed by other vehicles.

The spray from large vehicles

reduces your visibility, and the wind

buffeting can cause you to lose

control.

covered with areas of water puddles

mixed with areas of ice, so your

traction can change without warning.

Be careful when downshifting. If

traction is low, you can lock up the

drive wheels for a moment and cause

a skid.

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TowingaTrailer

Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR):

The total weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all cargo, and the

tongue load must not exceed:

Your Honda has been designed

primarily to carry passengers and

their cargo. You can use it to tow a

trailer if you carefully observe the

load limits, use the proper equipment,

and follow the guidelines in this

section.

Tongue Load: The weight that

the tongue of a fully-loaded trailer

puts on the hitch should be

approximately 10 percent of the

trailer weight. Too little tongue

load can make the trailer unstable

and cause it to sway. Too much

tongue load reduces front-tire

traction and steering control.

2,030 Ibs (930 kg)

on the front axle

Load Limits

2,155 Ibs (990 kg)

on the rear axle

Total Trailer Weight: The total

weight of the trailer and

everything loaded in it must not

exceed 1,000 Ibs (450 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.

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.

Exceeding load limits or

improperly loading your vehicle

and trailer can cause a crash in

which you can be seriously

injured or killed.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR):

The total weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all cargo, and the

tongue load must not exceed:

4,165 Ibs (1,900 kg)

Check the loading of your

vehicle and trailer carefully

before starting to drive.

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TowingaTrailer

Checking Loads

Towing Equipment and

Hitches

The best way to confirm that vehicle

and trailer weights are within limits

is to have them checked at a public

scale.

Any hitch used on your vehicle must

be properly bolted to the unclerbody.

Accessories

Towing can require a variety of

equipment, depending on the size of

your trailer, how it will be used, and

how much load you are towing.

Safety Chain

Always use a safety chain. Make

sure that it is secured to both the

trailer and hitch, and that it crosses

under the tongue so it can catch the

trailer if it becomes unhitched.

Leave enough slack to allow the

trailer to turn corners easily, but do

not let the chain drag on the ground.

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.

Discuss your needs with your trailer

sales or rental agency, and follow the

guidelines in the rest of this section.

Also make sure that all equipment is

properly installed and that it meets

federal, state, province, and local

regulations.

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Driving

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TowingaTrailer

Trailer Brakes

Trailer Lights

Honda recommends that any trailer

having a total weight of 1,000 Ibs

(450 kg) or more be equipped with

its own electric or surge-type brakes.

LEFT TURN SIGNAL

(GREEN/RED)

BACK-UP LIGHT

(GREEN/BLACK)

GROUND

(BLACK)

If you choose electric brakes, be

sure they are electronically 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.

TAILLIGHT

(RED/GREEN)

RIGHT TURN SIGNAL

(GREEN/YELLOW)

BRAKE LIGHT

(GREEN/WHITE)

Since lighting and wiring vary with

trailer type and brand, you should

also have a qualified technician

install a suitable connector between

the vehicle and the trailer.

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.

If you use a converter, you can get

the connector and pins that mate

with the connector in your vehicle

from your Honda dealer.

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TowingaTrailer

Your vehicle tires and spare are

properly inflated (see page 222 ),

and the trailer tires and spare are

inflated as recommended by the

trailer maker.

Additional Trailer Equipment

Pre-Tow Checklist

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:

The vehicle has been properly

serviced, and the tires, brakes,

suspension, and cooling system

are in good operating condition.

Ask your trailer sales or rental

agency if any other items are

recommended or required for your

towing situation.

All weights and loads are within

limits (see pages 170 and 171).

The hitch, safety chain, and any

other attachments are secure.

All items on and in the trailer are

properly secured and cannot shift

while you drive.

The lights and brakes on your

vehicle and the trailer are working

properly.

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TowingaTrailer

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.

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.

information.)

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.

When driving down hills, reduce

your speed and shift down to 2nd

gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and

remember it will take longer to slow

down and stop when towing a trailer.

For your safety and the safety of

others, take time to practice driving

maneuvers before heading for the

open road, and follow the guidelines

discussed below.

Driving on Hills

When climbing hills, closely watch

your temperature gauge. If it nears

the red mark, turn the air

conditioning off, reduce speed and, if

necessary, pull to the side of the

road to let the engine cool.

Towing Speeds and Gears

Drive slower than normal in all

driving situations, and obey posted

speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

If you have an automatic

transmission, use the Over-Drive

(O/D) mode when towing a trailer

on level roads. Turn off the Over-

Drive (O/D) mode when towing a

trailer in hilly terrain (see page 140 ).

(See "Driving on Hills" in the next

column for additional gear

If the automatic transmission shifts

frequently between 3rd and 4th

gears while going up a hill, turn off

the Over-Dri ve (O/D) mode (see

page 160 ).

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Towing a Trailer

Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting

Crosswinds and air turbulence

caused by passing trucks can disrupt

your steering and cause trailer

swaying. When being passed by a

large vehicle, keep a constant speed

and steer straight ahead. Do not try

to make quick steering or braking

corrections.

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.

Backing Up

Always drive slowly and have

someone guide you when backing up.

Grip the bottomof 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.

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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

Start the engine.

Your CR-V 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, it must be towed

with all four wheels on the ground

(flat towing).

Shift the transmission to Neutral.

Press on the brake pedal. Shift the

lever through all the positions (P,

R, N, D, 2,1)

Leave the key in the ignition

switch and the ignition switch in

ACCESSORY (I) 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.

Shift to D, then to N. Let the

engine run for three minutes, then

turn off the engine.

Release the parking brake.

When purchasing a tow bar, make

sure you select a reputable

Automatic Transmission

manufacturer and installer. Follow

the manufacturer's attachment

instructions carefully.

Leave the ignition switch in

ACCESSORY (I) 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 preparing to tow your CR-V,

check the transmission fluid level

(see page 207 ). Maintaining the

correct level is very important. Do

notoverfill. Do the following every

day immediately before you begin

towing. Follow the procedure exactly.

Otherwise, severe automatic

After attaching the tow bar to your

motorhome, do the following to

prepare your CR-V for "flat towing":

transmission damage will occur.

Extended Towing

5-speed Manual Transmission

Make sure the transmission is

filled to the correct level (see page

208). Do not overfill.

If you tow more than 300 miles (500

km) in one day, you should repeat

the above procedure at least every

300 miles (500 km), (when you stop

for fuel, etc.)

Release the parking brake.

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TowingYour Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

If you low your CR-V and it is

equipped w ith an automatic

transmission, replace the

transmission fluid every two years or

30,000 miles (50,000 k m ), whichever

comes first.

NOTICE

The steering system can be damaged if

the steering wheel is locked. Leave the

ignition switch in Accessory (I), and

make sure The steering wheelturns

freely before you begin towing.

NOTICE

Improper towing preparation will

damagethe transmission.Follow the

above procedureexactly.If you cannot

shift the transmissionor start the

engine,yourvehiclemustbe

transported on a flat-bed or trailer.

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Off-Highway Guidelines

General Information

Your CR-V has been designed

primarily for use on pavement. But

its higher ground clearance allows

you to occasionally travel on unpaved

roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites,

and similar locations. It is not

designed for trailblazing, mountain

climbing, or other challenging off-

road activities.

If you decide to drive on unpaved

roads, you will find that it requires

somewhat different driving skills.

Your CR-V 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.

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Off-Highway Guidelines

Important Safety Precautions

Remember that your CR-V has

higher ground clearance and a

higher center of gravity than

passenger vehicles designed for use

only on pavement. This means your

vehicle can more easily tip or roll

over if you make abrupt turns or

drive on slopes.

The route presents limits (some

roads are too steep and bumpy for

example). You have limits (in driving

skills and comfort). And your vehicle

also has limits (traction, stability, and

power, for instance).

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.

Driving off-highway can be

hazardous if you fail to recognize

limits and take proper precautions.

For example, you can have an

accident or rollover during

maneuvers such as turning, driving

on hills, or over large obstacles.

Follow all instructions and

guidelines in the owner's

manual.

Keep your speed low and

don't drive faster than

conditions permit.

Utility vehicles have a significantly

higher rollover rate than other types

of vehicles. To avoid loss of control

or rollover, be sure to follow all

recommendations and precautions

on page 152 and in this section.

Be sure to store cargo properly, and

do not exceed your CR-V's cargo or

trailer load limits (see pages 149 and

170 ).

Seat belts are just as important off-

road as on paved roads. Wherever

you drive, make sure you and your

passengers always wear seat belts. If

children or infants are along for the

ride, see that they are properly

On many unpaved roads, you won't

find lane markers, traffic signals, or

signs to warn you of possible trouble

ahead. It's up to you to continually

assess the situation and drive within

limits.

secured. In a rollover crash, an

unbelted person is more likely to die

than a person wearing a seat belt.

Driving

Driving for Your Honda CR-V SUV First Generation (1995-2000)

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