Maintenance -> Adding Engine Oil for your Honda CR-V 2001-2005
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Adding Engine Oil
Adding Engine Oil
damage the engine.
Honda Motor Oil is the preferred
5W-20 lubricant for your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certification Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is formulated for year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
fuel economy.
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and carefully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
Ambient Temperature
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Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
Synthetic Oil
Changing the Oil and Filter
WASHER
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil, it
displays the API Certification Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals given in the maintenance
schedule.
Always change the oil and filter
according to the recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. The oil
and filter collect contaminants that
can damage your engine if they are
not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Engine Oil Additives
OIL DRAIN BOLT
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
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Changing the Oil and Filter
6. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
OIL FILTER
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
33 lbf·ft (44 N·m , 4.5 kgf·m)
7. Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.4 US qt (4.2 )
8. Replace the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.
3. Remove the oil filter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
4. Check the oil filter to make sure
its gasket did not stick to the
engine block. A stuck gasket could
cause an oil leak.
9. Let the engine run for several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
10.Turn off the engine and let it sit
for several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
5. Install a new oil filter according to
the instructions that come with it.
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Engine Coolant
Adding Engine Coolant
Always use Honda Long-life Anti-
freeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. malfunction or fail. Have the cooling
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
system flushed and refilled with
Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
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Engine Coolant
5. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
RESERVE TANK
RADIATOR CAP
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
1. When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
3. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pour the coolant slowly and
carefully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
2. Remove the radiator cap by
pushing it down and turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Put the radiator cap back on and
tighten it.
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Windshield Washers
Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
LOWER LEVEL MARK
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer fluid.
Fill up to here
If the fluid level is below the lower
level mark, fill the reservoir with
windshield washer fluid.
To check the windshield washer
fluid level, open the driver’s door,
then look at the side of the reservoir
tank located between the door and
the front dashboard.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
On Canadian models: The low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page 60 ).
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
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Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
DIPSTICK
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK
(automatic transmission fluid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRON III automatic
transmission fluid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality.
Have the transmission flushed and
refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut off the engine.
To thoroughly flush the
4. Remove the dipstick and check
the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
transmission, the technician
should drain and refill it with
Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle for a short distance. Do
this three times. Then drain and
refill the transmission a final time.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
from the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
5. If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the filler hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
CONTINUED
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Transmission Fluid
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt and
tighten it securely.
WASHER
FILLER BOLT
The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certification seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.
Correct level
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole.
The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance
recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
If you are not sure how to check and
add fluid, contact your dealer.
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Rear Differential Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid
Rear Differential Fluid
4WD model only
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake Fluid
Check the brake fluid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
The rear differential should be
drained and refilled with new fluid
according to the time and distance
recommendations in the
maintenance schedule. Have your
dealer replace the rear differential
fluid.
MAX
Replace the brake fluid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance schedule.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Use Honda Dual Pump Fluid only.
Do not use automatic transmission
fluid (ATF).
MIN
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
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Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering fluid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
Manual Transmission only
UPPER LEVEL
MAX
A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
LOWER LEVEL
MIN
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The fluid should be between the
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. damage the power steering pump.
brake fluid to bring it up to that level. If not, add power steering fluid to the
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
UPPER LEVEL.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
A low fluid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible. components in the engine
compartment.
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Lights
Headlight Aiming
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
WEATHER SEAL
BULB
The headlights were properly aimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustments should be done by your
dealer or other qualified mechanic.
CONNECTOR
HOLD-DOWN WIRE
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
Low Beam Headlight
1. Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
2. Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
3. Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire from its slot. Pivot it out of
the way, and remove the bulb.
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Lights
5. Install the rubber seal over the
back of the headlight assembly.
Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked ‘‘→.’’
6. Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Make sure it is
connected securely. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb.
High Beam Headlight
4. Install the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.
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Lights
Replacing a Parking Light/Front
Side Marker Bulb and a Turn
Signal Light Bulb
Replacing Rear Bulbs
COVER
PARKING LIGHT/FRONT SIDE
MARKER BULB
1. Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the cover. Remove the
covers by carefully prying on the
edge with a small flat-tipped
screwdriver.
TURN SIGNAL BULB
1. Open the hood.
4. Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
2. Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise. 5. Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
CONTINUED
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Lights
6. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
BULBS
7. Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
SCREW
8. Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
9. Align the clips on the taillight
assembly with the holes in the
body, then push the taillight
assembly into place. Tighten the
two mounting screws securely and
reinstall the covers.
2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to
remove the taillight assembly
4. Determine which of the four bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillight, back-
up light, turn signal, or side
marker.
mounting screw under each cover.
3. Pull the taillight assembly out of
the rear pillar.
5. Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
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Lights
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
5. Put the socket back into the light
assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
6. Put the cover back on the light
assembly. Push it in until it locks
in place.
COVER
BULB
1. Open the tailgate. Remove the
light assembly cover by pushing in
on the tabs on both sides and
pulling the cover off.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
4. Press the brake pedal to make
sure the new bulb is working.
2. Remove the socket from the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
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Cleaning the Seat Belts, Floor Mats
Cleaning the Seat Belts
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
Floor Mats
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
LOOP
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
If your seat belts get dirty, use a soft
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air-dry before
you use the vehicle.
The driver’s and the rear floor mats
that came with your vehicle hook
over the floor mat anchors. This
keeps the floor mat from sliding
forward and possibly interfering with
the pedals or making the front
passenger’s weight sensors
ineffective.
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Floor Mats, Audio Antenna, Dust and Pollen Filter
If you remove a floor mat, make sure
to re-anchor it when you put it back
in your vehicle.
Audio Antenna
Dust and Pollen Filter
This filter removes the dust and
pollen that is brought in from the
outside through the heating and
cooling system.
If you use a non-Honda floor mat,
make sure it fits properly and that it
can be used with the floor mat
anchors. Do not put additional floor
mats on top of the anchored mats.
Your vehicle is equipped with an
antenna on the front right fender.
Before using a ‘‘drive-through’’ car
wash, make sure you remove the
antenna by unscrewing it by hand. This
prevents the antenna from being
damaged by the car wash brushes.
Have your dealer replace this filter
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
under normal conditions. It should
be replaced every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) if you drive primarily in
urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air, or if
the flow from the heating and
cooling system becomes less than
usual.
Make sure the rear floor mats are
properly hooked to the floor mat
anchors. Your vehicle is equipped
with front passenger’s seat weight
sensors. If the rear passenger’s floor
mat is on the seat rail of the front
passenger’s seat, the sensors will
detect the decreased weight on the
seat, and they may not work properly.
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