Get Maintenance -> Adding Engine Oil Guide for Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Adding Engine Oil

damage the engine.

Honda Motor Oil is the preferred

5W-20 lubricant for your vehicle. It is

highly recommended that you use

Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for

optimum engine protection. Make

sure the API Certification Seal says

‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’

ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

Recommended Engine Oil

Oil is a major contributor to your

engine’s performance and longevity.

Always use a premium-grade 5W-20

detergent oil displaying the API

Certification Seal. This seal indicates

the oil is energy conserving, and that

it meets the American Petroleum

Institute’s latest requirements.

The oil viscosity or weight is

provided on the container’s label.

5W-20 oil is formulated for year-

round protection of your vehicle to

improve cold weather starting and

fuel economy.

API CERTIFICATION SEAL

Unscrew and remove the engine oil

fill cap on top of the valve cover.

Pour in the oil slowly and carefully so

you do not spill any. Clean up any

spills immediately. Spilled oil could

damage components in the engine

compartment.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and

tighten it securely. Wait a few

minutes, and recheck the oil level on

the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill

above the upper mark; you could

Ambient Temperature

193

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter

Synthetic Oil

Changing the Oil and Filter

WASHER

You may use a synthetic motor oil if

it meets the same requirements

given for a conventional motor oil, it

displays the API Certification Seal

and it is the proper weight. You must

follow the oil and filter change

intervals given in the maintenance

schedule.

Always change the oil and filter

according to the recommendations in

the maintenance schedule. The oil

and filter collect contaminants that

can damage your engine if they are

not removed regularly.

Changing the oil and filter requires

special tools and access from

underneath the vehicle. The vehicle

should be raised on a service station-

type hydraulic lift for this service.

Unless you have the knowledge and

proper equipment, you should have

this maintenance done by a skilled

mechanic.

Engine Oil Additives

OIL DRAIN BOLT

Your vehicle does not require any oil

additives. Additives may adversely

affect the engine or transmission

performance and durability.

1. Run the engine until it reaches

normal operating temperature,

then shut it off.

2. Open the hood, and remove the

engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil

drain bolt and washer from the

bottom of the engine. Drain the oil

into an appropriate container.

194

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Changing the Oil and Filter

6. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,

then reinstall the drain bolt.

Tighten the drain bolt to:

OIL FILTER

Improper disposal of engine oil can be

harmful to the environment. If you

change your own oil, please dispose of

the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed

container and take it to a recycling

center. Do not discard it in a trash bin

or dump it on the ground.

33 lbf·ft (44 N·m , 4.5 kgf·m)

7. Refill the engine with the recom-

mended oil.

Engine oil change capacity

(including filter):

4.4 US qt (4.2 )

8. Replace the engine oil fill cap.

Start the engine. The oil pressure

indicator should go out within 5

seconds. If it does not, turn off the

engine, and check your work.

3. Remove the oil filter, and let the

remaining oil drain. A special

wrench (available from your

dealer) is required.

4. Check the oil filter to make sure

its gasket did not stick to the

engine block. A stuck gasket could

cause an oil leak.

9. Let the engine run for several

minutes, then check the drain bolt

and oil filter for leaks.

10.Turn off the engine and let it sit

for several minutes, then check

the oil level on the dipstick. If

necessary, add more oil.

5. Install a new oil filter according to

the instructions that come with it.

195

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Engine Coolant

Adding Engine Coolant

Always use Honda Long-life Anti-

freeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant

is pre-mixed with 50 percent

antifreeze and 50 percent water.

Never add straight antifreeze or

plain water.

If the reserve tank is completely

empty, you should also check the

coolant level in the radiator.

RESERVE TANK

Removing the radiator cap

while the engine is hot can

cause the coolant to spray out,

seriously scalding you.

If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not

available, you may use another

major-brand non-silicate coolant as a

temporary replacement. Make sure it

is a high-quality coolant

Always let the engine and

radiator cool down before

removing the radiator cap.

recommended for aluminum engines.

Continued use of any non-Honda

coolant can result in corrosion,

causing the cooling system to

If the coolant level in the reserve

tank is at or below the MIN line, add

coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. malfunction or fail. Have the cooling

Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

system flushed and refilled with

Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as

possible.

196

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Engine Coolant

5. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.

Fill it halfway between the MAX

and MIN marks. Put the cap back

on the reserve tank.

RESERVE TANK

RADIATOR CAP

Do not add any rust inhibitors or

other additives to your vehicle’s

cooling system. They may not be

compatible with the coolant or

engine components.

1. When the radiator and engine are

cool, relieve any pressure in the

cooling system by turning the

radiator cap counterclockwise,

without pressing down.

3. The coolant level should be up to

the base of the filler neck. Add

coolant if it is low.

Pour the coolant slowly and

carefully so you do not spill any.

Clean up any spill immediately; it

could damage components in the

engine compartment.

2. Remove the radiator cap by

pushing it down and turning it

counterclockwise.

4. Put the radiator cap back on and

tighten it.

197

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Windshield Washers

Check the fluid level in the

windshield washer reservoir at least

monthly during normal use.

on a clean cloth. This will help to

condition the blade edges.

LOWER LEVEL MARK

Do not use engine antifreeze or a

vinegar/water solution in the

windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze

can damage your vehicle’s paint, while

a vinegar/water solution can damage

the windshield washer pump. Use only

commercially-available windshield

washer fluid.

Fill up to here

If the fluid level is below the lower

level mark, fill the reservoir with

windshield washer fluid.

To check the windshield washer

fluid level, open the driver’s door,

then look at the side of the reservoir

tank located between the door and

the front dashboard.

Fill the reservoir with a good-quality

windshield washer fluid. This

increases the cleaning capability and

prevents freezing in cold weather.

On Canadian models: The low washer

level indicator comes on when the

level is low (see page 60 ).

When you refill the reservoir, clean

the edges of the windshield wiper

blades with windshield washer fluid

198

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Transmission Fluid

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Pour the fluid slowly and carefully

so you do not spill any. Clean up

any spill immediately; it could

damage components in the engine

compartment.

DIPSTICK

Always use Honda ATF-Z1

UPPER

MARK

LOWER

MARK

(automatic transmission fluid). If

it’s not available, you may use a

DEXRON III automatic

transmission fluid as a temporary

replacement. However, continued

use can affect the shift quality.

Have the transmission flushed and

refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as

soon as it is convenient.

Check the fluid level with the engine

at normal operating temperature.

3. Insert the dipstick all the way into

the transmission securely as

shown in the illustration.

1. Park the vehicle on level ground.

Shut off the engine.

To thoroughly flush the

4. Remove the dipstick and check

the fluid level. It should be

between the upper and lower

marks.

transmission, the technician

should drain and refill it with

Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the

vehicle for a short distance. Do

this three times. Then drain and

refill the transmission a final time.

2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)

from the transmission, and wipe it

with a clean cloth.

5. If the level is below the lower

mark, add fluid into the filler hole

to bring it to the upper mark.

CONTINUED

199

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Transmission Fluid

6. Insert the dipstick all the way back

into the transmission securely as

shown in the illustration.

Manual Transmission Fluid

Put a new washer on the filler bolt,

then reinstall the filler bolt and

tighten it securely.

WASHER

FILLER BOLT

The transmission should be drained

and refilled with new fluid according

to the time and distance recommen-

dations in the maintenance schedule.

If Honda MTF is not available, you

may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40

viscosity motor oil with the API

Certification seal that says ‘‘FOR

GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a

temporary replacement. However,

motor oil does not contain the proper

additives, and continued use can

cause stiffer shifting. Replace as

soon as it is convenient.

If you are not sure how to add fluid,

contact your dealer.

Correct level

Check the fluid level with the

transmission at normal operating

temperature and the vehicle sitting

on level ground. Remove the

transmission filler bolt and carefully

feel inside the bolt hole with your

finger. The fluid level should be up

to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is

not, add Honda Manual

Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it

starts to run out of the hole.

The transmission should be drained

and refilled with new fluid according

to the time and distance

recommendations in the

maintenance schedule.

If you are not sure how to check and

add fluid, contact your dealer.

200

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Rear Differential Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid

Rear Differential Fluid

4WD model only

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Brake Fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the

reservoirs monthly.

The rear differential should be

drained and refilled with new fluid

according to the time and distance

recommendations in the

maintenance schedule. Have your

dealer replace the rear differential

fluid.

MAX

Replace the brake fluid according to

the time recommendation in the

maintenance schedule.

Always use Honda Heavy Duty

Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not

available, you should use only DOT 3

or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed

container, as a temporary

replacement.

Use Honda Dual Pump Fluid only.

Do not use automatic transmission

fluid (ATF).

MIN

The fluid level should be between

the MIN and MAX marks on the side

of the reservoir. If the level is at or

below the MIN mark, your brake

system needs attention. Have the

brake system inspected for leaks or

worn brake pads.

Using any non-Honda brake fluid can

cause corrosion and decrease the life

of the system. Have the brake

system flushed and refilled with

Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid

DOT 3 as soon as possible.

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not

compatible with your vehicle’s

braking system and can cause

extensive damage.

201

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid

Clutch Fluid

Power Steering Fluid

Always use Honda Power Steering

Fluid. You may use another power

steering fluid as an emergency

replacement, but have the power

steering system flushed and refilled

with Honda PSF as soon as possible.

Manual Transmission only

UPPER LEVEL

MAX

A low power steering fluid level can

indicate a leak in the system. Check

the fluid level frequently, and have

the system inspected as soon as

possible.

LOWER LEVEL

MIN

Check the level on the side of the

reservoir when the engine is cold.

The fluid should be between the

The fluid level should be between

the MIN and MAX marks on the side

of the reservoir. If it is not, add

Turning the steering wheel to full left

or right lock and holding it there can

UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. damage the power steering pump.

brake fluid to bring it up to that level. If not, add power steering fluid to the

Use the same fluid specified for the

brake system.

UPPER LEVEL.

Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so

you do not spill any. Clean up any

spills immediately; it could damage

A low fluid level can indicate a leak

in the clutch system. Have this

system inspected as soon as possible. components in the engine

compartment.

202

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Headlight Aiming

Replacing a Headlight Bulb

Your vehicle has halogen headlight

bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle

it by its base, and protect the glass

from contact with your skin or hard

objects. If you touch the glass, clean

it with denatured alcohol and a clean

cloth.

WEATHER SEAL

BULB

The headlights were properly aimed

when your vehicle was new. If you

regularly carry heavy items in the

cargo area or pull a trailer,

readjustment may be required.

Adjustments should be done by your

dealer or other qualified mechanic.

CONNECTOR

HOLD-DOWN WIRE

Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot

when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch

on the glass can cause the bulb to

overheat and shatter.

Low Beam Headlight

1. Remove the electrical connector

from the bulb by pulling the

connector straight back.

2. Remove the rubber weather seal

by pulling on the tab.

3. Unclip the end of the hold-down

wire from its slot. Pivot it out of

the way, and remove the bulb.

CONTINUED

203

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

5. Install the rubber seal over the

back of the headlight assembly.

Make sure it is right side up; it is

marked ‘‘→.’’

6. Push the electrical connector onto

the new bulb. Make sure it is

connected securely. Turn on the

headlights to test the new bulb.

High Beam Headlight

4. Install the new bulb into the hole,

making sure the tabs are in their

slots. Pivot the hold-down wire

back in place, and clip the end into

the slot.

204

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Replacing a Parking Light/Front

Side Marker Bulb and a Turn

Signal Light Bulb

Replacing Rear Bulbs

COVER

PARKING LIGHT/FRONT SIDE

MARKER BULB

1. Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on

the edge of the cover. Remove the

covers by carefully prying on the

edge with a small flat-tipped

screwdriver.

TURN SIGNAL BULB

1. Open the hood.

4. Insert the socket back into the

headlight assembly. Turn it

clockwise to lock it in place.

2. Remove the socket from the

headlight assembly by turning it

one-quarter turn counterclockwise. 5. Turn on the lights to make sure

the new bulb is working.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket. Push the new bulb straight

into the socket until it bottoms.

CONTINUED

205

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

6. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket. Push the new bulb straight

into the socket until it bottoms.

BULBS

7. Reinstall the socket into the light

assembly by turning it clockwise

until it locks.

SCREW

8. Turn on the lights to make sure

the new bulb is working.

9. Align the clips on the taillight

assembly with the holes in the

body, then push the taillight

assembly into place. Tighten the

two mounting screws securely and

reinstall the covers.

2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to

remove the taillight assembly

4. Determine which of the four bulbs

is burned out: stop/taillight, back-

up light, turn signal, or side

marker.

mounting screw under each cover.

3. Pull the taillight assembly out of

the rear pillar.

5. Remove the socket by turning it

one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

206

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Replacing a High-mount Brake

Light Bulb

5. Put the socket back into the light

assembly, and turn it clockwise to

lock it in place.

6. Put the cover back on the light

assembly. Push it in until it locks

in place.

COVER

BULB

1. Open the tailgate. Remove the

light assembly cover by pushing in

on the tabs on both sides and

pulling the cover off.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket. Push the new bulb straight

into the socket until it bottoms.

4. Press the brake pedal to make

sure the new bulb is working.

2. Remove the socket from the light

assembly by turning it one-quarter

turn counterclockwise.

207

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Cleaning the Seat Belts, Floor Mats

Cleaning the Seat Belts

Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat

Floor Mats

belt anchors can cause the belts to

retract slowly. Wipe the insides of

the loops with a clean cloth

LOOP

dampened in mild soap and warm

water or isopropyl alcohol.

If your seat belts get dirty, use a soft

brush with a mixture of mild soap

and warm water to clean them. Do

not use bleach, dye, or cleaning

solvents. Let the belts air-dry before

you use the vehicle.

The driver’s and the rear floor mats

that came with your vehicle hook

over the floor mat anchors. This

keeps the floor mat from sliding

forward and possibly interfering with

the pedals or making the front

passenger’s weight sensors

ineffective.

208

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Floor Mats, Audio Antenna, Dust and Pollen Filter

If you remove a floor mat, make sure

to re-anchor it when you put it back

in your vehicle.

Audio Antenna

Dust and Pollen Filter

This filter removes the dust and

pollen that is brought in from the

outside through the heating and

cooling system.

If you use a non-Honda floor mat,

make sure it fits properly and that it

can be used with the floor mat

anchors. Do not put additional floor

mats on top of the anchored mats.

Your vehicle is equipped with an

antenna on the front right fender.

Before using a ‘‘drive-through’’ car

wash, make sure you remove the

antenna by unscrewing it by hand. This

prevents the antenna from being

damaged by the car wash brushes.

Have your dealer replace this filter

every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

under normal conditions. It should

be replaced every 15,000 miles

(24,000 km) if you drive primarily in

urban areas that have high

concentrations of soot in the air, or if

the flow from the heating and

cooling system becomes less than

usual.

Make sure the rear floor mats are

properly hooked to the floor mat

anchors. Your vehicle is equipped

with front passenger’s seat weight

sensors. If the rear passenger’s floor

mat is on the seat rail of the front

passenger’s seat, the sensors will

detect the decreased weight on the

seat, and they may not work properly.

209

Maintenance -> Adding Engine Oil for Your Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

Related Topics

Maintenance