Get Taking Care of the Unexpected Guide for Honda CR-V SUV First Generation (1995-2000)

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Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while driving,

stop in a safe place to change it.

Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder

of a busy road is dangerous. Drive

slowly along the shoulder until you

get to an exit or an area to stop that

is far away from the traffic lanes.

HOOK

TOOL KIT

The vehicle can easily roll off

the jack, seriously injuring

anyone underneath.

JACK

SPARE TIRE

3. Pull up the cargo area carpet and

open the cargo area floor. To keep

the cargo area floor out of the way,

attach the hook to the tailgate sill

as shown.

1. Park the vehicle on firm, level and

non-slippery ground away from

traffic. Put the transmission in

Park (automatic) or Reverse

Follow the directions for

changing a tire exactly, and

never get under the vehicle

when it is supported only by the

jack.

(manual). Apply the parking brake.

2. Turn on the hazard warning lights

and turn the ignition switch to

LOCK (0). Have all the

4. The tool kit is in the right cargo

floor pocket. Open the cover and

take out the tool kit.

passengers get out of the vehicle

while you change the tire.

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Changing a Flat Tire

CLIPS

STOP

5. The jack is under the cargo

storage bin. Remove each of the

four clips holding the bin by

pulling straight up on the ring.

Remove the bin.

7. Zip the cover open.

6. Turn the jack's end bracket

counterclockwise to loosen it, then

remove the jack by lifting it

straight up.

To keep the tailgate door open on

an incline, use the stop in the tool

kit.

The tool kit is in the right cargo

floor pocket. Put the stop on the

support strut as shown.

CONTINUED

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Changing a FlatTire

WHEEL NUTS

CENTER SPACER

8. Pull out the cover's two lower flaps. 11.Peel off the spare tire cover from

13.Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2

turn with the wheel wrench.

Don't pull the top of the cover, or

you will tear it.

the back of the spare tire and

remove the cover. Do not forcibly

pull off the cover or you may

damage it.

9. Pull the upper flaps out by

gradually working your hands up

the sides of the cover.

12.Pull off the center spacer. Using

the wheel wrench, remove the

three wheel nuts. Remove the

spare tire from the holder.

10.Remove the cover.

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Changing a FlatTire

EXTENSION

JACKING POINT

WHEEL WRENCH

14.Locate the jacking point nearest

the tire you need to change. It is

pointed to by an arrow molded into

the underside of the body. Place

the jack under the jacking point.

Turn the end bracket clockwise

until the top of the jack contacts

the jacking point. Make sure the

jacking point tab is resting in the

jack notch.

15.Use the extension and wheel

16.Remove the wheel nuts and flat

tire. Temporarily place the flat tire

on the ground with the outside

surface of the wheel facing up.

You could scratch the wheel if you

put it face clown.

wrench as shown to raise the

vehicle until the flat tire is off the

ground.

CONTINUED

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Changing a Flat Tire

BRAKE HUB

19.Lower the vehicle to the ground

and remove the jack.

18.Put on the spare tire. Put the

wheel nuts back on finger-tight,

then tighten them in a crisscross

pattern with the wheel wrench

until the wheel is firmly against

the hub. Do not try to tighten

them fully.

17.Before mounting the spare tire,

wipe any dirt off the mounting

surface of the wheel and hub with

a clean cloth. Wipe the hub

carefully, it may be hot from

driving.

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Changing a Flat Tire

Loose items can fly around the

interior in a crash and could

seriously injure the occupants.

Store the wheel, jack and tools

securely before driving.

CENTER SPACER

20.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in

the same crisscross pattern. Have

the wheel nut torque checked at

the nearest automotive service

facility.

21. Put the flat tire on the spare tire

holder. Put the wheel nuts on

finger-tight, then tighten them

with the wheel wrench.

Put the center spacer in the center

of the wheel.

Tighten the wheel nuts to:

80 lbf.ft (108 N.m, 11 kgf.m)

22.Store the jack in its holder. Turn

the jack's end bracket to lock it in

place. Store the tool kit.

CONTINUED

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Changing a Flat Tire

OUTSIDE SEAM

TOP SLIT

23.Hold the cover at the 10 o'clock

and 2 o'clock positions, then place

the top of it over the spare tire,

making sure the top slit on the

back of the cover is vertical.

25.Starting at the top of the tire,

24.Step back to check the alignment

of the logo. If needed, move the

cover left or right until the logo is

straight.

position the outside seam of the

cover slightly over the outside

edge of the tire. Pull the cover on,

a little at a time, and alternate side

to side along the tire until you

reach the bottom.

NOTICE

Make sure the cover is at room

temperature before you install it. If it's

too cold, it won't fit easily over the tire.

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Changing a Flat Tire

UPPER FLAP

SLIT

SPARE TIRE BRACKET

29.Replace the cargo storage bin.

Secure it with the four clips. Push

each clip down securely, and pivot

the ring down flat.

26.Pull the bottom of the cover over

the tire, and make sure the two

slits on the lower flaps of the cover

are horizontal and the two upper

flaps touch the spare lire bracket.

28.Zip the cover closed.

30.Unhook the cargo area floor and

lower it. Replace the cargo area

carpet.

27.If needed, readjust the cover to

smooth out any wrinkles.

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If Your Engine Won't Start

Diagnosing why your engine won't

start falls into two areas, depending

on what you hear when you turn the

key to START (III):

Nothing Happens or the Starter

Motor Operates Very Slowly

When you turn the ignition switch to

START (III), you do not hear the

normal noise of the engine trying to

start. You may hear a clicking sound

or series of clicks, or nothing at all.

Check these things:

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

Turn on the headlights and check

their brightness. If the headlights

are very dim or don't light at all,

the battery is discharged. See

Jump Starting on page 260 .

You hear nothing, or almost

nothing. The engine's starter

motor does not operate at all, or

operates very slowly.

Turn the ignition switch to START

(III). If the headlights do not dim,

check the condition of the fuses. If

the fuses are OK, there is proba-

bly something wrong with the

electrical circuit for the ignition

switch or starter motor. You will

need a qualified technician to

Check the transmission interlock.

If you have a manual transmission,

the clutch pedal must be pushed

all the way to the floor or the

starter will not operate. With an

automatic transmission, it must be

in Park or Neutral.

You can hear the starter motor

operating normally, or the starter

motor sounds like it is spinning

faster than normal, but the engine

does not start up and run.

determine the problem. (See

Emergency Towing on page 273 .)

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If Your Engine Won't Start

If the headlights dim noticeably or

go out when you try to start the

engine, either the battery is dis-

charged or the connections are

corroded. Check the condition of the

battery and terminal connections

(see page 215 ). You can then try

jump starting the vehicle from a

booster battery (see page 260).

The Starter Operates Normally

In this case, the starter motor's

speed sounds normal, or even faster

than normal, when you turn the

ignition switch to START (III), but

the engine does not run.

There may be an electrical

problem, such as no power to the

fuel pump. Check all the fuses

(see page 269).

If you find nothing wrong, you will

need a qualified technician to find

the problem. See Emergen cy

Towing on page 273 .

Are you using the proper starting-

procedure? Refer to Starting the

Engine on page 154 .

Do you have fuel? Turn the

ignition switch to ON (II) for a

minute and watch the fuel gauge.

The low fuel level warning light

may not be working, so you were

not reminded to fill the tank.

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Jump Starting

To jump start your vehicle, follow

these directions closely:

If your vehicle's battery has run

down, you may be able to start the

engine by using a booster battery.

Although this seems like a simple

procedure, you should take several

precautions.

A battery can explode if you do

not follow the correct procedure,

seriously injuring anyone

nearby.

1. Open the hood and check the

physical condition of the battery

(see page 215). In very cold

weather, check the condition of

the electrolyte. If it seems slushy

or like ice, do not try jump starting

until it thaws.

Keep all sparks, open flames,

and smoking materials away

from the battery.

NOTICE

You cannot start a Honda with an

automatic transmission by pushing

or pulling it.

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the

electrolyte inside can freeze.

Attempting to jump start with a frozen

battery can cause it to rupture.

2. Turn off all the electrical acces-

sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,

lights, etc.

Put the transmission in Neutral or

Park and set the parking brake.

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Jump Starting

BOOSTER BATTERY

3. Connect one jumper cable to the

positive (+) terminal on the

booster battery. Connect the other

end to the positive (+) terminal

on your Honda's battery.

4. Connect the secondjumper cable

to the negative (—) terminal on

the booster battery. Connect the

other end to the ground wire on

the right side of the engine as

shown. Do not connect this juniper

cable to any other part of the

engine.

6. Start your vehicle. If the starter

motor still operates slowly, check

the jumper cable connections to

make sure they have good metal-

to-metal contact.

7. Once your vehicle is running,

disconnect the negative cable from

your vehicle, then from the

booster battery. Disconnect the

positive cable from your vehicle,

then the booster battery.

5. If the booster battery is in another

vehicle, have an assistant start

that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.

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If Your Engine Overheats

The pointer of your vehicle's

3. If you do not see steam or spray,

leave the engine running and

temperature gauge should stay in

the midrange under most conditions.

It may go higher if you are driving up

a long steep hill on a very hot day. If

it climbs to the red mark, you should

determine the reason.

watch the temperature gauge. If

the high heat is due to overloading

(climbing a long, steep hill on a

hot day with the A/C running, for

example), the engine should start

to cool down almost immediately.

If it does, wait until the tempera-

ture gauge comes down to the mid-

point then continue driving.

Steam and spray from an

overheated engine can

seriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steam

is coming out.

NOTICE

Driving with the temperature gauge

pointer at the red mark can cause

serious damage to your engine.

1. Safely pull to the side of the road.

Put the transmission in Neutral or

Park and set the parking brake.

Turn off the heating and cooling

system and all other accessories.

Turn on the hazard warning

indicators.

4. If the temperature gauge stays at

the red mark, turn off the engine.

Your vehicle can overheat for several

reasons, such as lack of coolant or a

mechanical problem. The only

indication may be the temperature

gauge climbing to or above the red

mark. Or you may see steam or

spray coming from under the hood.

In either case, you should take

immediate action.

5. Wait until you see no more signs

of steam or spray, then open the

hood.

2. If you see steam and/or spray

coming from under the hood, turn

off the engine.

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If Your Engine Overheats

6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks,

such as a split radiator hose.

Everything is still extremely hot,

so use caution. If you find a leak, it

must be repaired before you

continue driving (see Emergency

Towing on page 273 ).

10. Start the engine and set the

temperature control dial to

maximum. Add coolant to the

radiator up to the base of the filler

neck. If you do not have the

proper coolant mixture available,

you can add plain water.

Removing the radiator cap

while the engine is hot can

cause the coolant to spray out,

seriously scalding you.

Remember to have the cooling

system drained and refilled with

the proper mixture as soon as you

can.

Always let the engine and

radiator cool down before

removing the radiator cap.

7. If you don't find an obvious leak,

check the coolant level in the

radiator reserve tank (see page

144). If the level is below the

MIN mark, add coolant to halfway

between the MIN and MAX marks.

9. Using gloves or a large heavy

cloth, turn the radiator cap

counterclockwise, without pushing

down, to the first stop. This

releases any remaining pressure in

the cooling system. After the

pressure releases, push down on

the cap and turn it until it comes

off.

11.Put the radiator cap back on

tightly. Run the engine and watch

the temperature gauge. If it goes

back to the red mark, the engine

needs repair. (See Emergen cy

Towing on page 273 .)

8. If there was no coolant in the

reserve tank, you may also have to

add coolant to the radiator. Let the

engine cool down until the pointer

reaches the middle of the tempera-

ture gauge, or lower, before check-

ing the radiator.

12.If the temperature stays normal,

check the coolant level in the

radiator reserve tank. If it has

gone down, add coolant to the

MAX mark. Put the cap back on

tightly.

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Low Oil Pressure Indicator

3. If necessary, add oil to bring the

level back to the full mark on the

dipstick (see page 197).

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

NOTICE

Running the engine with low oil

pressure can cause serious mechanicl

damage almost immediately. Turn off

the engine as soon as you can safely get

the vehicle.stopped.

4. Start the engine and watch the oil

pressure indicator. If the light

does not go out within ten seconds,

turn off the engine. There is a

mechanical problem that needs to

be repaired before you can

1. Safely pull off the road and shut

off the engine. Turn on the hazard

warning indicators.

continue driving. (See Emergency

Towing on page 273 .)

2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute.

Open the hood and check the oil

level (see page 143). Although oil

level and oil pressure are not

directly connected, an engine that

is very low on oil can lose pressure

during cornering and other driving

maneuvers.

This indicator should light when the

ignition switch is ON (II), and go out

after the engine starts. It should

never come on when the engine is

running. If it starts flashing, it

indicates that the oil pressure

dropped very low for a moment, then

recovered. If the indicator stays on

with the engine running, it shows

that the engine has lost oil pressure

and serious engine damage is

possible. In either case, you should

take immediate action.

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Charging System Indicator

By eliminating as much of the

Immediately turn off all electrical

accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear

defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not

to use other electrically-operated

controls such as the power windows.

Keep the engine running and take

extra care not to stall it. Starling the

engine will discharge the battery

rapidly.

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

electrical load as possible, you can

drive several miles (kilometers)

before the battery is too discharged

to keep the engine running. Drive to

a service station or garage where

you can get technical assistance.

This indicator should come on when

the ignition switch is ON (II), and go

out after the engine starts. If it

comes on brightly when the engine

is running, it indicates that the

charging system has stopped

charging the battery.

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If you have recently refueled your

vehicle, the cause of this indicator

coming on could be a loose or

missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap

and tighten it until it clicks several

times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is

missing. Tightening the cap will not

make the indicator turn off

NOTICE

If you keep driving with the

malfunction indicator lamp on, you can

damage your vehicle's emissions

controls and engine. Those repairs may

not be covered by your vehicle's

warranties.

immediately; it takes three driving

trips.

If the indicator remains on past three

driving trips, or the fuel cap was not

loose or missing, have the vehicle

checked by the dealer as soon as

possible. Drive moderately until the

dealer has inspected the problem.

Avoid full-throttle acceleration and

driving at high speed.

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

This indicator comes on for a few

seconds when you turn the ignition

switch ON (II). If it comes on at any

other time, it indicates one of the

engine's emissions control systems

may have a problem. Even though

you may feel no difference in your

vehicle's performance, it can reduce

your fuel economy and cause your

vehicle to put out excessive

You should also have the dealer

inspect your vehicle if this indicator

comes on repeatedly, even though it

may turn off as you continue driving.

emissions. Continued operation may

cause serious damage.

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Brake System Indicator

If it comes on at any other time, it

indicates a problem with the vehicle's gear, and pull to the side of the road

Slow down by shifting to a lower

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

brake system. In most cases, the

problem is a low fluid level in the

brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on

the brake pedal to see if it feels

normal. If it does, check the brake

fluid level the next time you stop at a

service station (see page 210). If the

fluid level is low, take the vehicle to

your dealer and have the brake

system inspected for leaks or worn

brake pads.

when it is safe. Because of the

longer distance needed to stop, it is

hazardous to drive the vehicle. You

should have it towed, and repaired as

soon as possible. (See Emergency

Towing on page 273.)

If you must drive the vehicle a short

distance in this condition, drive

slowly and cautiously.

"U.S. indicatorshown

The Brake System indicator light

should normally come on only when

the parking brake is not fully

released.

However, if the brake pedal does not

feel normal, you should take

immediate action. Because of the

brake system's dual-circuit design, a

problem in one part of the system

will still give you braking at two

wheels. You will feel the brake pedal

go down much farther before the

vehicle begins to slow down, and you

will have to press harder on the

pedal. The distance needed to stop

will be much longer.

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Fuses

ABS FUSE BOX

UNDER-HOOD

TAB

INTERIOR

Vehicles equipped with ABS have a

third fuse box for the ABS. It is in

the engine compartment on the

passenger's side.

The interior fuse box is underneath

the dashboard on the driver's side.

Remove the fuse box lid by swinging

the lid down and pulling it straight

out of its hinges.

All the electrical circuits in your

vehicle have fuses to protect them

from a short circuit or overload.

These fuses are located in two or

three fuse boxes.

The under-hood fuse box is located

in the engine compartment. To open

it. push the tab as shown.

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Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses

If something electrical in your

vehicle stops working, the first thing

you should check for is a blown fuse.

Determi n e from the chart on pages

271 and 272 , or the diagram on the

fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses

control that component. Check those

fuses first, but check all the fuses

before deciding that a blown fuse is

not the cause. Replace any blown

fuses and check the component's

operation.

FUSE PULLER

BLOWN

4. Check the smaller fuses in the

under-hood fuse box and all the

fuses in the interior fuse box by

pulling out each fuse with the fuse

puller provided in the door of the

interior fuse box.

3. Check each of the large fuses in

the under-hood fuse box by

looking through the top at the wire

inside. Removing these fuses

requires a Phillips-head screw-

driver.

1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK

(0). Make sure the headlights and

all other accessories are off.

2. Remove the cover from the fuse

box.

CONTINUED

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Fuses

If you cannot drive the vehicle

without fixing the problem, and you

do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse

of the same rating or a lower rating

from one of the other circuits. Make

sure you can do without that circuit

temporarily (such as the accessory

power socket or radio).

NOTICE

BLOWN

Replacing a fuse with one that has a

higher rating greatly increases the

chances of damaging the electrical

system. If you do not have a replace-

ment fuse with the proper rating for the

circuit, install one with a lower rating.

If you replace the blown fuse with a

spare fuse that has a lower rating, it

might blow out again. This does not

indicate anything wrong. Replace the

fuse with one of the correct rating as

soon as you can.

6. If the replacement fuse of the

same rating blows in a short time,

there is probably a serious

electrical problem in your vehicle.

Leave the blown fuse in that

circuit and have your vehicle

checked by a qualified mechanic.

5. Look for a burned wire inside the

fuse. If it is burned, replace it with

one of the spare fuses of the same

rating or lower.

On EX model

If the radio fuse is removed, the

audio system will disable itself. The

next time you turn on the radio you

will see "Code" in the frequency

display. Use the Preset buttons to

enter the five-digit code (see page

137).

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Fuses

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

* : Canadian model

CONTINUED

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Fuses

UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX

ABS FUSE BOX (For some types)

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EmergencyTowing

Refer to Towing Your Vehicle

Behind a Motorhome on page

176 for non-emergency towing

information.

If your vehicle needs to be towed,

call a professional towing service or,

if you belong to one, an organization

that provides roadside assistance.

Never tow your vehicle behind

another vehicle with just a rope or

chain. It is very dangerous.

NOTICE

Towing a 4W D CR-V with only two

tires on the ground will damage parts

of the 4W D system.It should be

transportedon a flat-bed truck or

trailer.

There are three popular types of

professional towing equipment.

Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow

truck uses two pivoting arms that go

under the tires (front or rear) and lift

them off the ground. The other two

tires remain on the ground.

Flat-bed Equipment — The operator

loads your vehicle on the back of a

truck. This is the only way to

transport your vehicle. Any other

method of towing will damage the

drive system. When you contact the

towing agency, inform them that a

flat-bed is required.

Never tow your vehicle with

wheel lift equipment.

Sling-type Equipment — The tow

truck uses metal cables with hooks

on the ends. These hooks go around

parts of the frame or suspension and

cables lift that end of the vehicle off

the ground. Your vehicle's

suspension and body can be

seriously damaged. This method of

towing your CR-V is unacceptable.

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274

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Technical Information

Identification Numbers................ 276

Specifications................................278

DOT Tire Quality Grading.......... 280

Treadwear................................. 280

Traction......................................280

Temperature..............................280

Oxygenated Fuels......................... 282

Driving in Foreign Countries....... 283

Emissions Controls....................... 284

The Clean Air Act..................... 284

Crankcase Emissions Control

System.................................... 284

Evaporative Emissions Control

System....................................284

Exhaust Emissions Controls.... 285

PGM-FI System.................... 285

Ignition Timing Control

The diagrams in this section give

you the dimensions and capacities of

your Honda, and the locations of the

identification numbers. The expla-

nations of several electronic and

mechanical systems on your Honda

are for the more technically-oriented

owner.

System................................. 285

Three Way Catalytic

Converter............................ 285

Replacement Parts.................... 285

Three Way Catalytic Converter... 286

Technical Information

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Identification Numbers

Your vehicle has several identifying

numbers located in various places.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number

(VIN) is the 17-digit number your

Honda dealer uses to register your

vehicle for warranty purposes. It is

also necessary for licensing and

insuring your vehicle. The easiest

place to find the VIN is on a plate

fastened to the top of the dashboard.

You can see it by looking through

the windshield on the driver's side. It

is also on the Certification label at-

tached to the driver's doorjamb, and

is stamped on the engine com-

partment bulkhead. The VIN is also

provided in bar code on the

Certification label.

CERTIFICATION LABEL

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Identification Numbers

The Engine Number is stamped into

the engine block.

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

The Transmission Number is on a

label on top of the transmission.

ENGINE NUMBER

Technical Information

Taking Care of the Unexpected for Your Honda CR-V SUV First Generation (1995-2000)

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