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EnglishDriving for your Honda CR-V 1995-2000
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5-speedManualTransmission
Recommended Shift Points
Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you the best
fuel economy and effective emis-
sions control. The following shift
points are recommended:
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.
Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer's red zone.
Driving
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Automatic Transmission
Shift Lever Positions
Your Honda's transmission has four
forward speeds, and is electronically
controlled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter
for better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another shift
when the converter locks.
Shift Lever Position Indicator
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever has six positions. It
must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, 2, 1, N or R, press firmly on the
brake pedal, and keep your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
This indicator on the instrument
panel shows which position the shift
lever is in.
The "D" indicator comes on for a
few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid accelera-
tion and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Honda
dealer as soon as possible.
Driving
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Automatic Transmission
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
162.
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
before you can remove the key from
the ignition switch.
Park (P) — This position mechani-
cally locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning off or
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.
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Driving
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Automatic Transmission
Over-Drive (O/D) Mode
Drive (D) — Use this position for
your normal driving. The transmis-
sion automatically selects a suitable
gear for your speed and acceleration.
You may notice the transmission
shifting up at higher speeds when
the engine is cold. This helps the
engine warm up faster.
Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse
from Park, see the explanation under
Park. To shift to Reverse from
Neutral, come to a complete stop and
then shift. Pull the shift lever
towards you before shifting into
Reverse from Neutral.
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 Park posi-
tion if you need to leave the vehicle
for any reason. Press on the brake pe-
dal when you are moving the shift
lever from Neutral to another gear.
For faster acceleration, you can get
the transmission to automatically
downshift by pushing the accelerator
pedal to the floor. The transmission
will shift down one or two gears,
depending on your speed.
The Over-Drive (O/D) is on
whenever you turn the ignition ON
(II). You can turn it off by pressing
the O/D switch on the edge of the
shift lever. The O/D OFF indicator
on the instrument panel next to the
shift lever position indicator will
come on.
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Automatic Transmission
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.
Second gives you more power when
climbing, and increased engine
braking when going down steep hills.
Use second gear when starting out
on a slippery surface or in deep snow.
It will help reduce wheelspin.
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.
First (1) — To shift from Second to
First, pull the shift lever towards you,
then shift to the lower gear. With the
lever in this position, the transmis-
sion locks in First gear. By upshift-
ing and downshifting through 1, 2, D,
you can operate this transmission
much like a manual transmission
without a clutch pedal.
When the Over-Drive is off the
transmission selects only the first
three gears, but not the fourth. Turn
the O/D off to provide engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
You can also avoid the transmission
from cycling between third and
fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.
Driving
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Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Release
This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pulling the shift lever does
not work.
1. Set the Parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
3. Place a cloth on the edge of the
shift lock release slot cover on the
steering column. Remove the
cover by carefully prying on the
edge with a small flat-tipped
screwdriver (not included in the
tool kit).
4. Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot on the steering
column.
6. Remove the key from the shift
lock release slot, then reinstall the
cover.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
5. Push down on the key while you
pull the shift lever towards you
and move it 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 Honda
dealer.
Driving
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Parking
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. The indicator
on the instrument panel shows that
the parking brake is not fully
If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the curb.
If you have a manual transmission,
put it in first gear.
Parking Tips
Make sure the windows are closed.
Turn off the lights.
released; it does not indicate that the
parking brake is firmly set. Make
sure the parking brake is set firmly
or your vehicle may roll if it is
parked on an incline.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn
the front wheels toward the curb. If
you have a manual transmission, put
it in reverse gear.
Lock the doors.
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
transmission — making it easier to
move the shift lever out of Park
when you want to drive away.
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.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire.
Driving
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The Braking System
Brake Wear Indicators
The front disc brakes on all vehicles
have audible brake wear indicators.
Your Honda is equipped with front
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. The braking
system is power-assisted to reduce
the effort needed on the brake pedal.
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 downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
"screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.
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. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."
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The Braking System
Anti-lock Brakes
U.S. EX, and Canadian LX and EX
models
ABS helps to prevent the wheels
from locking up and skidding during
hard braking, allowing you to retain
steering control.
When the front tires skid, you lose
steering control; the vehicle
continues straight ahead even
though you turn the steering wheel.
The ABS helps to prevent lock-up
and helps you retain steering control
by pumping the brakes rapidly; much
faster than a person can do it.
Brake System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
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.
Front
CONTINUED
Driving
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The Braking System
You should never pump the
brake pedal, this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes referred to as
"stompandsteer."
Important Safety Reminders
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 does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle, it only helps with steering
control during braking. You should
always maintain a safe following
distance from other vehicles.
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,
prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
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
pumping the brakes.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have. On dry
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.
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before you
activate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
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TheBrakingSystem
ABS Indicator
ABS INDICATOR*
*U.S. indicator shown
The ABS is self-checking. If anything
goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page 55). This means the anti-lock
function of the braking system has
shut down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-
lock, providing normal stopping
ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible.
Driving
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Driving in Bad Weather
Visibility — Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Driving Technique — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your vehicle longer
to react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defrosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see
page 103).
Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your vehicle well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these condi-
tions.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Driving
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Driving in Bad Weather
Traction — Check your (ires
frequently for wear and proper
pressure. Both are important in
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all four
wheels for the best handling.
Watch road conditions carefully,
they can change from moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near freezing.
The road surface can become
Be very cautious when passing, or
when being passed by other vehicles.
The spray from large vehicles
reduces your visibility, and the wind
buffeting can cause you to lose
control.
covered with areas of water puddles
mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and cause
a skid.
Driving
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TowingaTrailer
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR):
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
Your Honda has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can use it to tow a
trailer if you carefully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and follow the guidelines in this
section.
Tongue Load: The weight that
the tongue of a fully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
trailer weight. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway. Too much
tongue load reduces front-tire
traction and steering control.
2,030 Ibs (930 kg)
on the front axle
Load Limits
2,155 Ibs (990 kg)
on the rear axle
Total Trailer Weight: The total
weight of the trailer and
everything loaded in it must not
exceed 1,000 Ibs (450 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.
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.
Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously
injured or killed.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
4,165 Ibs (1,900 kg)
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
before starting to drive.
Driving
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TowingaTrailer
Checking Loads
Towing Equipment and
Hitches
The best way to confirm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the unclerbody.
Accessories
Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, and
how much load you are towing.
Safety Chain
Always use a safety chain. Make
sure that it is secured to both the
trailer and hitch, and that it crosses
under the tongue so it can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do
not let the chain drag on the ground.
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.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.
Also make sure that all equipment is
properly installed and that it meets
federal, state, province, and local
regulations.
CONTINUED
Driving
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TowingaTrailer
Trailer Brakes
Trailer Lights
Honda recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 Ibs
(450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
LEFT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/RED)
BACK-UP LIGHT
(GREEN/BLACK)
GROUND
(BLACK)
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically 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.
TAILLIGHT
(RED/GREEN)
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/YELLOW)
BRAKE LIGHT
(GREEN/WHITE)
Since lighting and wiring vary with
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualified technician
install a suitable connector between
the vehicle and the trailer.
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.
If you use a converter, you can get
the connector and pins that mate
with the connector in your vehicle
from your Honda dealer.
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TowingaTrailer
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 222 ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Additional Trailer Equipment
Pre-Tow Checklist
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:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
Ask your trailer sales or rental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation.
The hitch, safety chain, and any
other attachments are secure.
All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
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TowingaTrailer
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.
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.
information.)
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.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd
gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
Towing Speeds and Gears
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the Over-Drive
(O/D) mode when towing a trailer
on level roads. Turn off the Over-
Drive (O/D) mode when towing a
trailer in hilly terrain (see page 140 ).
(See "Driving on Hills" in the next
column for additional gear
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, turn off
page 160 ).
Driving
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Towing a Trailer
Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
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.
Backing Up
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the bottomof 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.
Driving
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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Start the engine.
Your CR-V 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, it must be towed
with all four wheels on the ground
(flat towing).
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Press on the brake pedal. Shift the
lever through all the positions (P,
R, N, D, 2,1)
Leave the key in the ignition
switch and the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) 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.
Shift to D, then to N. Let the
engine run for three minutes, then
turn off the engine.
Release the parking brake.
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
Automatic Transmission
manufacturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer's attachment
instructions carefully.
Leave the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) 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 preparing to tow your CR-V,
check the transmission fluid level
(see page 207 ). Maintaining the
correct level is very important. Do
notoverfill. Do the following every
day immediately before you begin
towing. Follow the procedure exactly.
Otherwise, severe automatic
After attaching the tow bar to your
motorhome, do the following to
prepare your CR-V for "flat towing":
transmission damage will occur.
Extended Towing
5-speed Manual Transmission
Make sure the transmission is
filled to the correct level (see page
208). Do not overfill.
If you tow more than 300 miles (500
km) in one day, you should repeat
the above procedure at least every
300 miles (500 km), (when you stop
for fuel, etc.)
Release the parking brake.
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TowingYour Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
If you low your CR-V and it is
equipped w ith an automatic
transmission, replace the
transmission fluid every two years or
30,000 miles (50,000 k m ), whichever
comes first.
NOTICE
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure The steering wheelturns
freely before you begin towing.
NOTICE
Improper towing preparation will
damagethe transmission.Follow the
above procedureexactly.If you cannot
shift the transmissionor start the
engine,yourvehiclemustbe
transported on a flat-bed or trailer.
Driving
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Off-Highway Guidelines
General Information
Your CR-V has been designed
primarily for use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance allows
you to occasionally travel on unpaved
roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites,
and similar locations. It is not
designed for trailblazing, mountain
climbing, or other challenging off-
road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will find that it requires
somewhat different driving skills.
Your CR-V 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.
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Off-Highway Guidelines
Important Safety Precautions
Remember that your CR-V has
higher ground clearance and a
higher center of gravity than
passenger vehicles designed for use
only on pavement. This means your
vehicle can more easily tip or roll
over if you make abrupt turns or
drive on slopes.
The route presents limits (some
roads are too steep and bumpy for
example). You have limits (in driving
skills and comfort). And your vehicle
also has limits (traction, stability, and
power, for instance).
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.
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take proper precautions.
For example, you can have an
accident or rollover during
maneuvers such as turning, driving
on hills, or over large obstacles.
Follow all instructions and
guidelines in the owner's
manual.
Keep your speed low and
don't drive faster than
conditions permit.
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types
of vehicles. To avoid loss of control
or rollover, be sure to follow all
recommendations and precautions
on page 152 and in this section.
Be sure to store cargo properly, and
do not exceed your CR-V's cargo or
170 ).
Seat belts are just as important off-
road as on paved roads. Wherever
you drive, make sure you and your
passengers always wear seat belts. If
children or infants are along for the
ride, see that they are properly
On many unpaved roads, you won't
find lane markers, traffic signals, or
signs to warn you of possible trouble
ahead. It's up to you to continually
assess the situation and drive within
limits.
secured. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt.
Driving
