Taking Care of the Unexpected for your Honda CR-V 1995-2000
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Changing a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire while driving,
stop in a safe place to change it.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Drive
slowly along the shoulder until you
get to an exit or an area to stop that
is far away from the traffic lanes.
HOOK
TOOL KIT
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
JACK
SPARE TIRE
3. Pull up the cargo area carpet and
open the cargo area floor. To keep
the cargo area floor out of the way,
attach the hook to the tailgate sill
as shown.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level and
non-slippery ground away from
traffic. Put the transmission in
Park (automatic) or Reverse
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
(manual). Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn on the hazard warning lights
and turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0). Have all the
4. The tool kit is in the right cargo
floor pocket. Open the cover and
take out the tool kit.
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
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Changing a Flat Tire
CLIPS
STOP
5. The jack is under the cargo
storage bin. Remove each of the
four clips holding the bin by
pulling straight up on the ring.
Remove the bin.
7. Zip the cover open.
6. Turn the jack's end bracket
counterclockwise to loosen it, then
remove the jack by lifting it
straight up.
To keep the tailgate door open on
an incline, use the stop in the tool
kit.
The tool kit is in the right cargo
floor pocket. Put the stop on the
support strut as shown.
CONTINUED
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Changing a FlatTire
WHEEL NUTS
CENTER SPACER
8. Pull out the cover's two lower flaps. 11.Peel off the spare tire cover from
13.Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.
Don't pull the top of the cover, or
you will tear it.
the back of the spare tire and
remove the cover. Do not forcibly
pull off the cover or you may
damage it.
9. Pull the upper flaps out by
gradually working your hands up
the sides of the cover.
12.Pull off the center spacer. Using
the wheel wrench, remove the
three wheel nuts. Remove the
spare tire from the holder.
10.Remove the cover.
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Changing a FlatTire
EXTENSION
JACKING POINT
WHEEL WRENCH
14.Locate the jacking point nearest
the tire you need to change. It is
pointed to by an arrow molded into
the underside of the body. Place
the jack under the jacking point.
Turn the end bracket clockwise
until the top of the jack contacts
the jacking point. Make sure the
jacking point tab is resting in the
jack notch.
15.Use the extension and wheel
16.Remove the wheel nuts and flat
tire. Temporarily place the flat tire
on the ground with the outside
surface of the wheel facing up.
You could scratch the wheel if you
put it face clown.
wrench as shown to raise the
vehicle until the flat tire is off the
ground.
CONTINUED
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Changing a Flat Tire
BRAKE HUB
19.Lower the vehicle to the ground
and remove the jack.
18.Put on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on finger-tight,
then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel wrench
until the wheel is firmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten
them fully.
17.Before mounting the spare tire,
wipe any dirt off the mounting
surface of the wheel and hub with
a clean cloth. Wipe the hub
carefully, it may be hot from
driving.
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Changing a Flat Tire
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack and tools
securely before driving.
CENTER SPACER
20.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
facility.
21. Put the flat tire on the spare tire
holder. Put the wheel nuts on
finger-tight, then tighten them
with the wheel wrench.
Put the center spacer in the center
of the wheel.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
80 lbf.ft (108 N.m, 11 kgf.m)
22.Store the jack in its holder. Turn
the jack's end bracket to lock it in
place. Store the tool kit.
CONTINUED
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Changing a Flat Tire
OUTSIDE SEAM
TOP SLIT
23.Hold the cover at the 10 o'clock
and 2 o'clock positions, then place
the top of it over the spare tire,
making sure the top slit on the
back of the cover is vertical.
25.Starting at the top of the tire,
24.Step back to check the alignment
of the logo. If needed, move the
cover left or right until the logo is
straight.
position the outside seam of the
cover slightly over the outside
edge of the tire. Pull the cover on,
a little at a time, and alternate side
to side along the tire until you
reach the bottom.
NOTICE
Make sure the cover is at room
temperature before you install it. If it's
too cold, it won't fit easily over the tire.
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Changing a Flat Tire
UPPER FLAP
SLIT
SPARE TIRE BRACKET
29.Replace the cargo storage bin.
Secure it with the four clips. Push
each clip down securely, and pivot
the ring down flat.
26.Pull the bottom of the cover over
the tire, and make sure the two
slits on the lower flaps of the cover
are horizontal and the two upper
flaps touch the spare lire bracket.
28.Zip the cover closed.
30.Unhook the cargo area floor and
lower it. Replace the cargo area
carpet.
27.If needed, readjust the cover to
smooth out any wrinkles.
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If Your Engine Won't Start
Diagnosing why your engine won't
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), 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.
Check these things:
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check
their brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or don't light at all,
Jump Starting on page 260 .
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine's starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the fuses. If
the fuses are OK, there is proba-
bly something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
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.
determine the problem. (See
Emergency Towing on page 273 .)
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If Your Engine Won't Start
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 215 ). You can then try
booster battery (see page 260).
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 START (III), but
the engine does not run.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
(see page 269).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
Towing on page 273 .
Are you using the proper starting-
procedure? Refer to Starting the
Engine on page 154 .
Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to fill the tank.
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Jump Starting
To jump start your vehicle, follow
these directions closely:
If your vehicle's battery has run
down, you may be able to start the
engine by using a booster battery.
Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
1. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page 215). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
NOTICE
You cannot start a Honda with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it.
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.
2. Turn off all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
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Jump Starting
BOOSTER BATTERY
3. Connect one jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal on the
booster battery. Connect the other
end to the positive (+) terminal
on your Honda's battery.
4. Connect the secondjumper cable
to the negative (—) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the ground wire on
the right side of the engine as
shown. Do not connect this juniper
cable to any other part of the
engine.
6. Start your vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
the jumper cable connections to
make sure they have good metal-
to-metal contact.
7. Once your vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable from
your vehicle, then from the
booster battery. Disconnect the
positive cable from your vehicle,
then the booster battery.
5. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
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If Your Engine Overheats
The pointer of your vehicle's
3. If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange under most conditions.
It may go higher if you are driving up
a long steep hill on a very hot day. If
it climbs to the red mark, you should
determine the reason.
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, for
example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
NOTICE
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn off the heating and cooling
system and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning
indicators.
4. If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
Your vehicle can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. 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.
In either case, you should take
immediate action.
5. Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
2. If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood, turn
off the engine.
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If Your Engine Overheats
6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. 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.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
7. If you don't find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
144). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
9. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
11.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
8. If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check-
ing the radiator.
12.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
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 197).
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanicl
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle.stopped.
4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can
1. Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Towing on page 273 .)
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute.
Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page 143). Although oil
level and oil pressure are not
directly connected, an engine that
is very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
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Charging System Indicator
By eliminating as much of the
Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear
defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not
to use other electrically-operated
controls such as the power windows.
Keep the engine running and take
extra care not to stall it. Starling the
engine will discharge the battery
rapidly.
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to
a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.
This indicator should come on when
the ignition switch is ON (II), and go
out after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the
charging system has stopped
charging the battery.
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn off
NOTICE
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.
immediately; it takes three driving
trips.
If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one 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 your
vehicle to put out excessive
You should also have the dealer
inspect your vehicle if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage.
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Brake System Indicator
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle's gear, and pull to the side of the road
Slow down by shifting to a lower
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. 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 210). If the
fluid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake
system inspected for leaks or worn
brake pads.
when it is safe. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
"U.S. indicatorshown
The Brake System indicator light
should normally come on only when
the parking brake is not fully
released.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
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 distance needed to stop
will be much longer.
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Fuses
ABS FUSE BOX
UNDER-HOOD
TAB
INTERIOR
Vehicles equipped with ABS have a
third fuse box for the ABS. It is in
the engine compartment on the
passenger's side.
The interior fuse box is underneath
the dashboard on the driver's side.
Remove the fuse box lid by swinging
the lid down and pulling it straight
out of its hinges.
All the electrical circuits in your
vehicle have fuses to protect them
from a short circuit or overload.
These fuses are located in two or
three fuse boxes.
The under-hood fuse box is located
in the engine compartment. To open
it. push the tab as shown.
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Fuses
Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
not the cause. Replace any blown
fuses and check the component's
operation.
FUSE PULLER
BLOWN
4. Check the smaller fuses in the
under-hood fuse box and all the
fuses in the interior fuse box by
pulling out each fuse with the fuse
puller provided in the door of the
interior fuse box.
3. Check each of the large fuses in
the under-hood fuse box by
looking through the top at the wire
inside. Removing these fuses
requires a Phillips-head screw-
driver.
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse
box.
CONTINUED
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Fuses
If you cannot drive the vehicle
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).
NOTICE
BLOWN
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 replace-
ment 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.
5. Look for a burned wire inside the
fuse. If it is burned, replace it with
one of the spare fuses of the same
rating or lower.
On EX model
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
137).
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EmergencyTowing
Refer to Towing Your Vehicle
Behind a Motorhome on page
176 for non-emergency towing
information.
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or,
if you belong to one, an organization
that provides roadside assistance.
Never tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle with just a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous.
NOTICE
Towing a 4W D CR-V with only two
tires on the ground will damage parts
of the 4W D system.It should be
transportedon a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
There are three popular types of
professional towing equipment.
Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground.
Flat-bed Equipment — The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. This is the only way to
transport your vehicle. Any other
method of towing will damage the
drive system. When you contact the
towing agency, inform them that a
flat-bed is required.
Never tow your vehicle with
wheel lift equipment.
Sling-type Equipment — The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
cables lift that end of the vehicle off
the ground. Your vehicle's
suspension and body can be
seriously damaged. This method of
towing your CR-V is unacceptable.
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274
Main Menu
Technical Information
Identification Numbers................ 276
Specifications................................278
DOT Tire Quality Grading.......... 280
Treadwear................................. 280
Traction......................................280
Temperature..............................280
Oxygenated Fuels......................... 282
Driving in Foreign Countries....... 283
Emissions Controls....................... 284
The Clean Air Act..................... 284
Crankcase Emissions Control
System.................................... 284
Evaporative Emissions Control
System....................................284
Exhaust Emissions Controls.... 285
PGM-FI System.................... 285
Ignition Timing Control
The diagrams in this section give
you the dimensions and capacities of
your Honda, and the locations of the
identification numbers. The expla-
nations of several electronic and
mechanical systems on your Honda
are for the more technically-oriented
owner.
System................................. 285
Three Way Catalytic
Converter............................ 285
Replacement Parts.................... 285
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 286
Technical Information
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Identification Numbers
Your vehicle has several identifying
numbers located in various places.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) is the 17-digit number your
Honda dealer uses to register your
vehicle for warranty purposes. It is
also necessary for licensing and
insuring your vehicle. The easiest
place to find the VIN is on a plate
fastened to the top of the dashboard.
You can see it by looking through
the windshield on the driver's side. It
is also on the Certification label at-
tached to the driver's doorjamb, and
is stamped on the engine com-
partment bulkhead. The VIN is also
provided in bar code on the
Certification label.
CERTIFICATION LABEL
Technical Information
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Identification Numbers
The Engine Number is stamped into
the engine block.
TRANSMISSION NUMBER
The Transmission Number is on a
label on top of the transmission.
ENGINE NUMBER
Technical Information





