Get Taking Care of the Unexpected Guide for Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

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If the Engine Won’t Start

Diagnosing why the engine won’t

start falls into two areas, depending

on what you hear when you turn the

ignition switch to the START (III)

position:

Turn the ignition switch to the

START (III) position. If the

Nothing Happens or the Starter

Motor Operates Very Slowly

When you turn the ignition switch to

the START (III) position, 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.

headlights do not dim, check the

condition of the fuses. If the fuses

are OK, there is probably

something wrong with the

You hear nothing, or almost

nothing. The engine’s starter

motor does not operate at all, or

operates very slowly.

electrical circuit for the ignition

switch or starter motor. You will

need a qualified technician to

determine the problem (see

Emergency Towing on page 242 ).

Check these things:

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.

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 217 ). You can then try

jump starting the vehicle from a

booster battery (see page 229 ).

Turn the ignition switch to the ON

(II) position. Turn on the

headlights, and check their

brightness. If the headlights are

very dim or do not come on at all,

the battery is discharged. See

Jump Starting on page 229 .

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If the Engine Won’t Start

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 the START (III)

position, but the engine does not run.

Do you have fuel? Check the fuel

gauge; the low fuel indicator may

not be working.

There may be an electrical

problem, such as no power to the

fuel pump. Check all the fuses

(see page 237 ).

Are you using a properly coded

key? An improperly coded key will

cause the immobilizer system

indicator in the instrument panel

to blink rapidly (see page 71 ).

If you find nothing wrong, you will

need a qualified technician to find

the problem. See Emergency

Towing on page 242 .

Are you using the proper starting

procedure? Refer to Starting the

Engine on page158 .

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Jump Starting

Although this seems like a simple

procedure, you should take several

precautions.

To Jump Start Your Vehicle:

1. Open the hood, and check the

physical condition of the battery.

In very cold weather, check the

condition of the electrolyte. If it

seems slushy or frozen, do not try

jump starting until it thaws.

A battery can explode if you do

not follow the correct procedure,

seriously injuring anyone

nearby.

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.

Keep all sparks, open flames,

and smoking materials away

from the battery.

BOOSTER BATTERY

The numbers in the illustration show

you the order to connect the jumper

cables.

2. Turn off all the electrical acces-

sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,

lights, etc. Put the transmission in

neutral (manual) or Park

You cannot start your vehicle with an

automatic transmission by pushing

or pulling it.

3. Connect one jumper cable to the

positive (＋) terminal on your

battery. Connect the other end to

the positive (＋) terminal on the

booster battery.

(automatic), and set the parking

brake.

CONTINUED

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Jump Starting

6. If the booster battery is in another

vehicle, have an assistant start

that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.

7. Start your vehicle. If the starter

motor still operates slowly, check

that the jumper cables have good

metal-to-metal contact.

8. Once your vehicle is running,

disconnect the negative cable from

your vehicle, then from the

BRACKET

booster battery. Disconnect the

positive cable from your vehicle,

then from the booster battery.

4. Remove the power steering

reservoir from the bracket. Pull it

away from the grounding strap.

5. Connect the second jumper cable

to the negative (－) terminal on

the booster battery. Connect the

other end to the grounding strap

as shown. Do not connect this

jumper cable to any other part of

the engine.

9. Reinstall the power steering

reservoir.

Make sure the power steering

hose is not touching the power

steering belt or the pulley.

Keep the ends of the jumper cables

away from each other and any metal

on the vehicle until everything is

disconnected. Otherwise, you may

cause an electrical short.

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If the Engine Overheats

The pointer of the vehicle’s

temperature gauge should stay in

the midrange. If it climbs to the red

mark, you should determine the

reason (hot day, driving up a steep

hill, etc.).

3. If you do not see steam or spray,

leave the engine running, and

watch the temperature gauge. If

the high heat is due to overloading,

the engine should start to cool

down almost immediately. If it

does, wait until the temperature

gauge comes down to the midpoint,

then continue driving.

Steam and spray from an

overheated engine can

seriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steam

is coming out.

If the vehicle overheats, you should

take immediate action. 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.

1. Safely pull to the side of the road.

Put the transmission in neutral

(manual) or Park (automatic), and

set the parking brake. Turn off all

the accessories, and turn on the

hazard indicators.

4. If the temperature gauge stays at

the red mark, turn off the engine.

Driving with the temperature gauge

pointer at the red mark can cause

serious damage to the engine.

2. If you see steam and/or spray

coming from under the hood, turn

off the engine. Wait until you see

no more signs of steam or spray,

then open the hood.

CONTINUED

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If the Engine Overheats

Look for any obvious coolant leaks,

such as a split radiator hose.

5.

9. Start the engine, and set the

temperature control dial to

maximum heat. 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.

Everything is still extremely hot,

so use caution. If you find a leak, it

must be repaired before you

Removing the radiator cap

while the engine is hot can

cause the coolant to spray out,

seriously scalding you.

continue driving (see

Emergency

).

242

on page

Towing

Always let the engine and

radiator cool down before

removing the radiator cap.

Remember to have the cooling

system drained and refilled with

the proper mixture as soon as you

can.

If you don’t find an obvious leak,

check the coolant level in the

radiator reserve tank (see page

6.

).

146

Using gloves or a large heavy

cloth, turn the radiator cap

counterclockwise, without pushing

down, to the first stop. After the

pressure releases, push down on

the cap, and turn it until it comes

off.

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 Emergency

Towing on page 242 ).

8.

10.

7. If there was no coolant in the

reserve tank, you may need to add

coolant to the radiator. Let the

engine cool down until the pointer

reaches the middle of the

temperature gauge or lower

before checking the radiator.

11.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, Charging System Indicator

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

This indicator should never

1. Safely pull off the road, and shut

off the engine. Turn on the hazard

warning lights.

Charging System Indicator

If the charging system

come on when the engine is

running. If it starts flashing or stays

on, the oil pressure has dropped very

low or lost pressure. Serious engine

damage is possible, and you should

take immediate action.

indicator comes on brightly

when the engine is running, the

battery is not being charged.

2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute.

Open the hood, and check the oil

level (see page 145 ). An engine

very low on oil can lose pressure

during cornering and other driving

maneuvers.

Immediately turn off all electrical

accessories. Try not to use other

electrically operated controls such as

the power windows. Keep the engine

running; starting the engine will

discharge the battery rapidly.

Running the engine with low oil

pressure can cause serious mechanical

damage almost immediately. Turn off

the engine as soon as you can safely get

the vehicle stopped.

If necessary, add oil to bring the

level back to the full mark on the

dipstick (see page 193 ).

3.

Go to a service station or garage

where you can get technical

assistance.

4. Start the engine, and watch the oil

pressure indicator. If it does not go

out within 10 seconds, turn off the

engine. There is a mechanical

problem that needs to be repaired

before you can continue driving

(see Emergency Towing on page

242 ).

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If the indicator comes on

while driving, it means one

If the indicator comes on repeatedly,

even though it may turn off as you

continue driving, have the vehicle

checked by the dealer as soon as

possible.

If the battery in your vehicle has

been disconnected or gone dead,

these codes are erased. It takes at

least three days of driving under

various conditions to set the codes

again.

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

increased emissions. Continued

To check if they are set, turn the

ignition to the ON (II) position,

without starting the engine. The

malfunction indicator lamp will come

on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off,

the readiness codes are set. If it

blinks five times, the readiness

codes are not set. If possible, do not

take your vehicle for a state

operation may cause serious damage. 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.

If you have recently refueled your

vehicle, the indicator could come on

because of a loose or missing fuel fill

cap. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK

FUEL CAP’’ message on the

odometer display. Tighten the cap

until it clicks at least once.

Tightening the cap will not turn the

indicator turn off immediately; it

takes at least three days of normal

driving.

This indicator may also come on

along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.

emissions test until the readiness

State

codes are set. Refer to

Readiness Codes

Emissions Testing

for more

Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness

codes’’ that are part of the on-board

diagnostics for the emissions

systems. In some states, part of the

emissions testing is to make sure

these codes are set. If they are not

set, the test cannot be completed.

information (see page

254

).

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Brake System Indicator

U.S.

Canada

However, if the brake pedal does not

feel normal, you should take

If the ABS indicator and the VSA

system indicator come on with the

brake system indicator, have your

vehicle inspected by your dealer

immediately.

immediate action. A problem in one

part of the system’s dual circuit

design 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 brake system indicator normally

comes on when you turn the ignition

switch to the ON (II) position, and as

a reminder to check the parking

brake. It will stay on if you do not

fully release the parking brake.

If the brake system indicator comes

on while driving, the brake fluid level

is probably low. 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 201 ).

Slow down by shifting to a lower

gear, and pull to the side of the road

when it is safe. Because of the long

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 242 ).

If the fluid level is low, take your

vehicle to a dealer, and have the

brake system inspected for leaks or

worn brake pads.

If you must drive the vehicle a short

distance in this condition, drive

slowly and carefully.

235

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Closing the Moonroof

If equipped

TAB

NOTCH

SOCKET

If the electric motor will not close

the moonroof, do the following:

1. Check the fuse for the moonroof

motor (see page 237 ). If the fuse

is blown, replace it with one of the

same or lower rating.

2. Try closing the moonroof. If the

new fuse blows immediately or the

moonroof motor still does not

operate, you can close the

MOONROOF WRENCH

ROUND PLUG

moonroof manually.

4. To remove the round plug in the

center of the headliner, turn the

plug by using a screwdriver or

coin, then pry it out. Make sure to

align the tabs on the round plug to

the notches on the ceilling as

shown in the illustration.

5. Insert the moonroof wrench into

the socket behind this plug. Turn

the wrench until the moonroof is

fully closed.

3. Get the moonroof wrench out of

the tool kit in the cargo area.

6. Remove the wrench. Reinstall the

round plug.

If you need to close the moonroof

manually, it means the moonroof

opening/closing function is

developing a problem. Have your

vehicle checked by your dealer.

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Fuses

UNDER-HOOD

(SECONDARY)

TAB

INTERIOR

UNDER-HOOD

(PRIMARY)

The vehicle’s fuses are contained in

three fuse boxes.

The primary under-hood fuse box is

in the engine compartment on the

driver’s side. To open it, push the

tabs as shown.

The secondary fuse box is next to

the primary fuse box.

The interior fuse box is underneath

the steering column. To remove the

fuse box lid, pull it toward you and

take the lid out of its hinges.

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Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses

If something electrical in your

vehicle stops working, check for a

blown fuse first. Determine from the

chart on pages 240 and 241 , or the

diagram on the fuse box lid, which

fuse or fuses control that device.

Check those fuses first, but check all

the fuses before deciding that a

blown fuse is the cause. Replace any

blown fuses, and check if the device

works.

FUSE

BLOWN

1. Turn the ignition switch to the

LOCK (0) position. Make sure the

headlights and all other

3. Check each of the large fuses in

the primary under-hood fuse box

by looking through the top at the

wire inside. Removing these fuses

requires a Phillips-head

4. Check the smaller fuses in the

under-hood fuse boxes and all the

fuses in the interior fuse box by

pulling out each one with the fuse

puller provided in the primary

under-hood fuse box.

accessories are off.

2. Remove the cover from the fuse

box.

screwdriver.

5. Look for a blown wire inside the

fuse. If it is blown, replace it with

one of the spare fuses of the same

rating or lower.

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Fuses

If you cannot drive the vehicle

If the driver’s power window fuse is

removed, the AUTO function of the

driver’s window will be disabled. To

reset the AUTO function, see page

87 .

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).

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

replacement 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.

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

136 ).

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Fuse Locations

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

6

7

8

9

7.5 A

20 A

7.5 A

－

Power Window Relay

Moonroof

Accessory, Radio

Rear Wiper

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Meter

Not Used

7.5 A

10 A

15 A

20 A

15 A

7.5 A

20 A

－

Daytime running lights^＊

SRS

Remote Control Mirrors

＋B FR ACC

Heated Seat

Fuel Pump

Front Accessory Power Socket

Turn Signal Lights

Front Wiper

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

1

2

3

4

5

15 A

10 A

－

Ignition Coil

Not Used

Rear Accessory Power Socket

Daytime running lights^＊

ACG

20 A

Front Right Power Window

Front Left Power Window

Rear Left Power Window

Rear Right Power Window

Not Used

^＊: Canadian models

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Fuse Locations

UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXES

PRIMARY

Primary Fuse Box

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

Condenser Fan

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

Option

Left Headlight

Door Lock

Right Headlight

ABS F/S

Battery

Ignition 1

Spare Fuses

1

20 A

30 A

15 A

20 A

15 A

10 A

30 A

20 A

40 A

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

40 A

20 A

30 A

100 A

50 A

2

Engine

3

4

5

Interior Light

Cooling Fan

Hazard

6

7

8

Small Light

Horn, Stop

DBW

21－25 7.5A－30A

9

Back Up

10

11

12

13

ABS Motor

Rear Defroster

Heater Motor

Power Window

SECONDARY

Secondary Fuse Box

No. Amps. Circuits Protected

1

2

3

4

20 A

7.5 A

15 A

LAF Heater

Daytime running lights^＊

FI ECU (ECM/PCM)

IG Coil

＊ : On Canadian models

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Emergency Towing

If your vehicle needs to be towed,

call a professional towing service or

organization. Never tow your vehicle

with just a rope or chain. It is very

dangerous.

Refer to Towing Your Vehicle

Behind a Motorhome on page

177 for non-emergency towing

information.

The only way you can safely tow

your vehicle is with flat-bed

equipment. The operator will load

your vehicle on the back of a truck.

Any other method of towing will

damage the drive system. When you

contact the towing agency, inform

them a flat-bed is required.

On 4WD models

Towing with only two tires on the

ground will damage parts of the 4WD

system. It should be transported on a

flat-bed truck or trailer.

242

Taking Care of the Unexpected for Your Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

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