Get Before Driving Guide for Honda CR-V SUV Third Generation (2006-2010)

09/07/16 18:35:48 31SWA630_298

Before Driving

Before you begin driving your

vehicle, you should know what

gasoline to use and how to check the

levels of important fluids. You also

need to know how to properly store

luggage or packages. The

Break-in Period .............................. 294

Fuel Recommendation.................. 294

Service Station Procedures .......... 295

Refueling..................................... 295

Check Fuel Cap Message......... 296

Opening and Closing

the Hood ................................. 297

Oil Check.................................... 298

Engine Coolant Check .............. 298

Fuel Economy ................................ 299

Accessories and Modifications .... 302

Carrying Cargo .............................. 304

information in this section will help

you. If you plan to add any

accessories to your vehicle, please

read the information in this section

first.

293

09/07/16 18:36:03 31SWA630_299

Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation

Break-in Period

Fuel Recommendation

Your vehicle is designed to operate

your authorized dealer for service.

Help assure your vehicle’s future

reliability and performance by paying on unleaded gasoline with a pump

Some gasoline today is blended with

oxygenates such as ethanol or

MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to

operate on oxygenated gasoline

extra attention to how you drive

octane number of 87 or higher. Use

during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). of a lower octane gasoline can cause

During this period:

a persistent, heavy metallic rapping

noise that can lead to engine damage. containing up to 10% ethanol by

volume and up to 15% MTBE by

We recommended using a quality

gasoline containing detergent

additives that help prevent fuel

system and engine deposits.

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid

acceleration.

volume. Do not use gasoline

containing methanol.

Do not change the oil until the

scheduled maintenance time.

If you notice any undesirable

operating symptoms, try another

service station or switch to another

brand of gasoline.

Avoid hard braking for the first

200 miles (300 km).

In addition, in order to maintain good

performance, fuel economy, and

emissions control, we strongly

recommend, in areas where it is

available, the use of gasoline that

does NOT contain manganese-based

fuel additives such as MMT.

Do not tow a trailer.

For further important fuel-related

information for your vehicle, or

information on gasoline that does not

contain MMT, visit Owner Link at

owners.honda.com. In Canada, visit

www.honda.ca for additional

You should also follow these

recommendations with an

overhauled or exchanged engine, or

when the brakes are replaced.

Use of gasoline with these additives

may adversely affect performance,

and cause the malfunction indicator

lamp on your instrument panel to

come on. If this happens, contact

information on gasoline.

294

09/07/16 18:36:15 31SWA630_300

Service Station Procedures

Refueling

for the fuel to expand with

temperature changes.

FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE HANDLE

FUEL FILL CAP

If the fuel nozzle keeps clicking off

even though the tank is not full,

there may be a problem with your

vehicle’s fuel vapor recovery

system. The system helps keep

fuel vapor from going into the

atmosphere. Try filling at another

pump. If this does not fix the

problem, consult your dealer.

TETHER

1. Park with the driver’s side closest

to the service station pump.

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.

You may hear a hissing sound as

pressure inside the tank equalizes.

The fuel fill cap is attached to the

fuel filler with a tether. Place the

cap in the holder on the fuel fill

door.

Gasoline is highly flammable

and explosive. You can be

burned or seriously injured

when handling fuel.

2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling

on the handle located under the

lower left corner of the dashboard.

Stop the engine, and keep

heat, sparks, and flame away.

Handle fuel only outdoors.

Wipe up spills immediately.

4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel

nozzle automatically clicks off. Do

not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank. This

leaves some room in the fuel tank

CONTINUED

295

09/07/16 18:36:25 31SWA630_301

Service Station Procedures

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on

until it clicks at least once. If you

do not properly tighten the cap,

the malfunction indicator lamp

may come on (see page 395 ). You

will also see a ‘‘CHECK FUEL

CAP’’ message on the information

display.

Check Fuel Cap Message

driving once you tighten or replace

the fuel fill cap. To scroll to another

display, press the select/reset knob.

The ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message

will appear each time you restart the

engine until the system turns the

message off.

6. Push the fuel fill door closed until

it latches.

If the system still detects a leak in

your vehicle’s evaporative emissions

system, the malfunction indicator

lamp (MIL) comes on. If the fuel fill

cap was not already tightened, turn

the engine off, and check or

Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic

system will detect a loose or missing

fuel fill cap as an evaporative system

leak. The first time a leak is detected

a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message

appears on the information display.

retighten the fuel fill cap until it

clicks at least once. The MIL should

go off after several days of normal

driving once the cap is tightened or

replaced. If the MIL does not go off,

have your vehicle inspected by a

dealer. For more information, see

Turn the engine off, and confirm the

fuel fill cap is installed. If it is, loosen

it, then retighten it until it clicks at

least once. The message should go

off after several days of normal

page

.

395

296

09/07/16 18:36:35 31SWA630_302

Service Station Procedures

Opening and Closing the Hood

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

GRIP

SUPPORT ROD

LATCH

CLIP

1. Park the vehicle, and set the

parking brake. Pull the hood

release handle located under the

lower left corner of the dashboard.

The hood will pop up slightly.

2. Reach in between the hood and

the front grille with your fingers.

The hood latch handle is above

the ‘‘H’’ logo. Push this handle up

until it releases the hood. Lift the

hood.

3. Holding the grip, pull the support

rod out of its clip. Insert the end

into the hole in the hood

designated by an arrow.

To close the hood, lift it up slightly to

remove the support rod from the

hole. Put the support rod back into

its holding clip. Lower the hood to

about a foot (30 cm) above the

fender, then let it drop. Make sure it

is securely latched.

If the hood latch handle moves

stiffly, or if you can open the hood

without lifting the handle, the

mechanism should be cleaned and

lubricated.

297

09/07/16 18:36:51 31SWA630_303

Service Station Procedures

Oil Check

Engine Coolant Check

DIPSTICK

RESERVE TANK

MAX

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

MIN

Wait a few minutes after turning the

engine off before you check the oil.

4. Remove the dipstick again, and

check the level. It should be

between the upper and lower

marks.

Look at the coolant level in the

radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is

between the MAX and MIN lines. If

it is below the MIN line, see Adding

Engine Coolant on page 352 for

information on adding the proper

1. Remove the dipstick (orange

handle).

If it is near or below the lower mark,

see Adding Engine Oil on page 349 . coolant.

2. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean

cloth or paper towel.

Refer to Owner’s Maintenance

3. Insert the dipstick all the way back

into its hole.

Checks on page 346 for information

about checking other items on your

vehicle.

298

09/07/16 18:37:04 31SWA630_304

Fuel Economy

Actual Mileage and EPA Fuel

Economy Estimates Comparison.

Fuel economy is not a fixed number.

It varies based on driving conditions,

driving habits and vehicle condition.

Therefore, it is not possible for one

set of estimates to predict fuel

economy precisely for all drivers in

all environments.

Highway MPG

City MPG

Combined Fuel

Economy

Estimated Annual

Fuel Cost

The EPA fuel economy estimates

shown in the example to the right

are a useful tool for comparison

when buying a vehicle. EPA

estimates include:

(Sample U.S. EPA label shown)

achieved is also provided.

per gallon (based on EPA fuel cost

data) divided by the combined fuel

economy.

Combined Fuel Economy －

Represents a combination of city and

highway driving. The scale

represents the range of combined

fuel economy for other vehicles in

the class.

City MPG － Represents urban

driving in light traffic. A range of

miles per gallon achieved is also

provided.

For more information on fuel

economy ratings and factors that

affect fuel economy, visit www.

fueleconomy.gov (Canada: Visit www.

Highway MPG － Represents a

mixture of rural and interstate

driving, in a warmed-up vehicle,

typical of longer trips in free-flowing

traffic. A range of miles per gallon

vehicles.gc.ca

)

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost －

Provides an estimated annual fuel

cost, based on 15,000 miles (20,000

km) per year multiplied by the cost

299

09/07/16 18:37:21 31SWA630_305

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy Factors

The following factors can lower your

vehicle’s fuel economy:

Use the recommended viscosity

motor oil, displaying the API

Certification Seal (see page

349).

Drive Efficiently

Drive moderately － Rapid

acceleration, abrupt cornering,

and hard braking increase fuel

consumption.

Aggressive driving (hard

acceleration and braking)

Excessive idling, accelerating and

braking in stop-and-go traffic

Cold engine operation (engines

are more efficient when warmed

up)

Maintain proper tire inflation

－ An underinflated tire increases

‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces

fuel economy.

Observe the speed limit －

Aerodynamic drag has a big effect

on fuel economy at speeds above

45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your

speed and you reduce the drag.

Trailers, car top carriers, roof

racks and bike racks are also big

contributors to increased drag.

Driving with a heavy load or the

air conditioner running

Improperly inflated tires

Avoid carrying excess weight in

your vehicle － It puts a heavier

load on the engine, increasing fuel

consumption.

Improving Fuel Economy

Keep your vehicle clean － In

particular, a build-up of snow or

mud on your vehicle’s underside

adds weight and rolling resistance.

Frequent cleaning helps your fuel

economy.

Avoid excessive idling － Idling

results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms

per liter).

Vehicle Maintenance

A properly maintained vehicle

maximizes fuel economy. Poor

maintenance can significantly reduce

fuel economy. Always maintain your

vehicle according to the maintenance

messages displayed on the multi-

information display (see Owner’s

Maintenance Checks on page 346 ).

For example:

300

09/07/16 18:37:33 31SWA630_306

Fuel Economy

Minimize the use of the air

conditioning system － The A/C

puts an extra load on the engine

which makes it use more fuel. Use

the fresh-air ventilation when

possible.

Checking Your Fuel Economy

Gallons

Miles per

Gallon

Miles

driven

of fuel

Plan and combine trips －

Combine several short trips into

one. A warmed-up engine is more

fuel efficient than a cold one.

L per

100 km

Liter

Kilometers

100

Calculating Fuel Economy

Measuring Techniques

Direct calculation is the

recommended source of information

about your actual fuel economy.

Using frequency of fill-ups or taking

fuel gauge readings are NOT

accurate measures of fuel economy.

Fuel economy may improve over the

first several thousand miles

(kilometers).

1)Fill the fuel tank until the nozzle automatically clicks off.

2)Reset trip counter to zero.

3)Record the total gallons (liters) needed to refill.

4)Follow one of the simple calculations above.

301

09/07/16 18:37:45 31SWA630_307

Accessories and Modifications

Modifying your vehicle, or installing

some non-Honda accessories, can

make it unsafe. Before you make any

modifications or add any accessories,

be sure to read the following

information.

Before installing any accessory:

Improper accessories or

modifications can affect your

vehicle’s handling, stability, and

performance, and cause a

crash in which you can be hurt

or killed.

Make sure the accessory does not

obscure any lights, or interfere

with proper vehicle operation or

performance.

Accessories

Be sure electronic accessories do

not overload electrical circuits

(see page 398 ) or interfere with

proper operation of your vehicle.

Your dealer has Honda accessories

that allow you to personalize your

vehicle. These accessories have

been designed and approved for your

vehicle, and are covered by warranty.

Follow all instructions in this

owner’s manual regarding

accessories and modifications.

Before installing any electronic

accessory, have the installer

contact your dealer for assistance.

If possible, have your dealer

inspect the final installation.

Although non-Honda accessories

may fit on your vehicle, they may not

meet factory specifications, and

could adversely affect your vehicle’s

handling and stability.

When properly installed, cellular

phones, alarms, two-way radios, and

low-powered audio systems should

not interfere with your vehicle’s

computer controlled systems, such

as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and

tire pressure monitoring system.

Do not install accessories on the

side pillars or across the rear

windows. Accessories installed in

these areas may interfere with

proper operation of the side

curtain airbags.

302

09/07/16 18:37:55 31SWA630_308

Accessories and Modifications

Modifying Your Vehicle

Non-Honda wheels, because they

are a universal design, can cause

excessive stress on suspension

components, and are not

compatible with the tire pressure

monitoring system (TPMS).

Removing parts from your vehicle,

or replacing components, with

non-Honda components could

seriously affect your vehicle’s

handling, stability, and reliability.

Here are some examples:

Larger or smaller wheels and tires

can interfere with the operation of

your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and

other systems.

Lowering the vehicle with a non-

Honda suspension kit that

significantly reduces ground

clearance can allow the

Modifying your steering wheel or

any other part of your vehicle’s

safety features can make the

systems ineffective.

undercarriage to hit speed bumps

or other raised objects, which

could cause the airbags to deploy.

Raising your vehicle with a

non-Honda suspension kit can

affect the handling and stability.

If you plan to modify your vehicle,

consult your dealer.

303

09/07/30 11:03:35 31SWA630_309

Carrying Cargo

Your vehicle has several convenient

storage areas:

DUAL DECK CARGO SHELF^＊

CARGO AREA

DOOR POCKETS

Upper glove box

Lower glove box

UPPER GLOVE BOX

Console compartment

Door pockets

Seat-back pockets

Seat-under tray (if equipped)

Center pocket

Cargo area, including the rear

seats when folded up or down.

Upper and lower cargo areas with

the dual deck cargo shelf (if

equipped)

Roof-rack (if equipped)

However, carrying too much cargo,

or improperly storing it, can affect

your vehicle’s handling, stability,

stopping distance, and tires, and

make it unsafe. Before carrying any

type of cargo, be sure to read the

following pages.

SEAT-BACK POCKETS^＊

SEAT UNDER TRAY^＊

CENTER CONSOLE COMPARTMENT^＊

LOWER

GLOVE BOX

CENTER POCKET

＊ : If equipped

304

09/07/16 18:38:24 31SWA630_310

Carrying Cargo

Load Limits

(4)The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity. For

The maximum load for your vehicle

is 850 lbs (385 kg) for U.S. vehicles,

and 395 kg for Canadian vehicles.

This figure includes the total weight

of all occupants, cargo, and

Overloading or improper

loading can affect handling and

stability and cause a crash in

which you can be hurt or killed.

example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount

equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be

five 150 lb. passengers in your

vehicle, the amount of available

cargo and luggage load capacity is

650 lbs.

accessories, and the tongue load if

you are towing a trailer.

Follow all load limits and other

loading guidelines in this

manual.

See Tire And Loading Information

label attached to the driver’s

doorjamb.

(1,400 － 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)

Steps for Determining Correct Load

Limit －

(1)Locate the statement ‘‘The

combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX

kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s

placard.

(5)Determine the combined weight

of luggage and cargo being loaded

on the vehicle. That weight may

not safely exceed the available

cargo and luggage load capacity

calculated in Step 4.

Label Example

(6)If your vehicle will be towing a

trailer, load from your trailer will

be transferred to your vehicle.

Consult this manual to determine

how this reduces the available

cargo and luggage load capacity of

your vehicle.

(2)Determine the combined weight

of the driver and passenger that

will be riding in your vehicle.

This figure includes the total weight

of all occupants, cargo, and

accessories, and the tongue load if

you are towing a trailer.

(3)Subtract the combined weight of

the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lbs.

CONTINUED

305

09/07/16 18:38:30 31SWA630_311

Carrying Cargo

In addition, the total weight of the

vehicle, all occupants, accessories,

cargo, and trailer tongue load must

not exceed the Gross Vehicle

Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross

Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both

are on a label on the driver’s

doorjamb.

Example 1

Max Load (850 lbs)

Passenger Weight

Cargo Weight

(150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs) (550 lbs)

Example 2

Example 3

Max Load (850 lbs)

Passenger Weight

Cargo Weight

(150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs) (250 lbs)

Passenger Weight

(150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs) (100 lbs)

Cargo Weight

306

09/07/16 18:38:43 31SWA630_312

Carrying Cargo

Carrying Cargo in the Passenger

Compartment

If you fold the rear seats up or

down, tie down items that could be

thrown about the vehicle during a

crash or sudden stop. Also, keep

all cargo below the bottom of the

windows. If it is higher, it could

interfere with the proper operation

of the side curtain airbags.

Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area

or on a Roof Rack

Store or secure all items that could

be thrown around and hurt

someone during a crash.

Distribute cargo evenly on the

floor of the cargo area, placing the

heaviest items on the bottom and

as far forward as possible. Tie

down items that could be thrown

about the vehicle during a crash or

sudden stop.

Be sure items placed on the floor

behind the front seats cannot roll

underneath and interfere with the

proper operation of the seats, the

sensors under the seats, or the

driver’s ability to operate the

pedals.

If equipped

Do not use the dual deck cargo shelf

Do not stack items higher than the

back of the rear seats. They can

block your view and be thrown

around the vehicle during a crash.

with any rear seat folded up or down.

Keep the lower glove box closed

while driving. If it is open, a

passenger could injure their knees

during a crash or sudden stop.

If you carry large items that

prevent you from closing the

tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the

passenger area. To avoid the

possibility of carbon monoxide

poisoning, follow the instructions

on page 55 .

CONTINUED

307

09/07/16 18:38:52 31SWA630_313

Carrying Cargo

If you carry any items on a roof

rack, be sure the total weight of

the rack and the items does not

exceed 165 lbs (75 kg).

Carrying Cargo on the Dual Deck

Cargo Shelf

If equipped

If you use an accessory roof rack,

the roof rack weight limit may be

lower. Refer to the information that

came with your roof rack.

On U.S. model is shown

Do not put any items on the dual

deck cargo shelf that could block

your view or be thrown around the

vehicle during a crash.

Do not use the dual deck cargo shelf

if the rear seats are folded down.

Do not exceed the dual deck cargo

shelf load limit of 20 lbs on U.S.

models, and 10 kg on Canadian

models.

308

09/07/30 11:03:44 31SWA630_314

Carrying Cargo

Optional Separation Net

Cargo Hooks

The separation net can be used to

hold back soft, lightweight items

stored in the cargo area. Heavy

items should be properly secured on

the floor of the cargo area. The net

may not prevent heavy items from

being thrown forward in a crash or a

sudden stop.

HOOKS

The four hooks on the floor can be

used to install a net for securing

items.

If equipped

Your vehicle also has cargo hooks on

the side panel in the cargo area.

They are designed to hold light

items. Heavy objects may damage

the hook. Make sure any items put

on each hook weigh less than 6.5 lbs

(3 kg).

309

09/07/16 18:39:04 31SWA630_315

310

Before Driving for Your Honda CR-V SUV Third Generation (2006-2010)

Related Topics