Before Driving for your Honda CR-V 2006-2010
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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)
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
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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
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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.
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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).
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