Get Driving Guide for Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

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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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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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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,

and follow the guidelines in this

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.

D³is 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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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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Driving for Your Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

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