check engine HONDA CR-V 2003 RD4-RD7 / 2.G Owner's Guide

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 ). You can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page ).In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page . There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
Your vehicle has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly. Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
269
320
200 331
337
85
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Won’t Start
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed319

If your vehicle’s battery has run
down,youmaybeabletostartthe
engine by using a booster battery.
Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.To jump start your vehicle, f ollow
these directions closely:
Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page ). 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.
Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
You cannot start a Honda with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it. 1.
2.269
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed320
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.

Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page ). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst 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.Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
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, bef ore check-
ing the radiator. 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
needs repair. (See
on page .)
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.
10.
9.
8. 7.
6.
11.
12.
337
189
337
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed324
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (Seeon page .)
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or 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. Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page ). Although oil
levelandoilpressurearenot
directly connected, an engine that
is very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
1.
2.
4.
3.
188 247
337 Emergency
Towing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed325
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.

This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. 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 f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
your vehicle to put out excessive
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage.If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the f uel f ill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn of f
immediately; it takes one driving trip.
If the indicator remains on past one
driving trip, or the f uel 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.
Youshouldalsohavethedealer
inspect your vehicle if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn of f as you continue driving.
This indicator may also come on
along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed327
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.

Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If your vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.If possible, do not take your vehicle
f or a state emissions test until the
readiness codes are set. To check if
they are set, turn the ignition ON (II),
but do not start the engine. The
Malf unction Indicator Lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks 5 times, the readiness
codes are not set. Ref er to State
Emissions Testing f or more
inf ormation.(See page .)
351
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Readiness Codes
328

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) This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts. This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
360
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CONT INUED
BatteryCharging System ...........................
Indicator .66, 326
............................
Jump Starting .320
..............................
Maintenance .269
............................
Specif ications .343
..............................
Bef ore Driving .183
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,50
.........................
Beverage Holders .116
.................................
Body Repairs .305 Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 212
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 184
....................
Bulb Replacement .290
...........................................
Fluid .263
.........................................
Parking .82
.................
System Indicator . 66,329
........................
Wear Indicators .211
.............................
Braking System .211
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 184
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 77
........................
Brights, Headlights .76
.................................
Built-in Table .117
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .290
..............................
Brake Lights .290
......................
Cargo Area Light .293
..............................
Ceiling Light .293
................
Front Parking Lights . 289
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 288
.................................
Headlights .287
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 292
...........................
Interior Lights .293
...................
License Plate Light . 291
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 191
................................
Accessories .191
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 192
............................
Modif ications .192
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .87
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 122
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 248
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .10, 54
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .265
..............
Air Conditioning System . 128
..............................
Maintenance .274
.........................................
Usage .128
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .130
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .278
..................
High Speed Driving . 279
.........................
Normal Driving .279
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .347
......................................
Antif reeze .251
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .68, 214
...................................
Operation .212
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 178Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock .87
..........................
Appearance Care .297
................................
Audio System .137
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 52
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 179
..............
Automatic Transmission . 204
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .342
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 260
.......................................
Shif ting .205
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 204
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 205
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 209
Index
A
B
I

ÎBulb Replacement.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 290
............................
Specif ications .343
...................................
Spotlights .293
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 288
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .287
............................
Capacities Chart .342
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 60
..........................
Cargo Area Light .125
.................................
Cargo Hooks .196
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .168
...........................
Operation .151, 164
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..........................
CD Changer .149, 169
.......................................
CD Player .146
...............................
Center Pocket .119
..................................
Center Table .115
........................
Certif ication Label .340
............................................
Chains .284
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .308
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 253.................................
Changing Oil .249
........................................
How to .249
......................................
When to .238
...
Charging System Indicator . 66,326
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 199
.....................................
Child Saf ety .24
.......................................
Child Seats .29
......
LATCH Anchorage System . 47
...........................
Lower Anchors .47
............
Tether Anchorage Point . 46
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 93
....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 265
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels .299
...................................
Carpeting .301
......................................
Exterior .298
.........................................
Fabric .302
.......................................
Interior .301
.......................................
Leather .302
...................................
Seat Belts .302
...........................................
Vinyl .302
....................................
Windows .303
.................
Clock, Setting the . 144,162
...................................
Clutch Fluid .264
........................
CO in the Exhaust .349
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 201...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 356
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 63
Coolant ........................................
Adding .251
....................................
Checking .189
.........................
Proper Solution .251
...................................
Replacing .253
...................
Temperature Gauge . 74
....................
Corrosion Protection .304
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .349
............
Cruise Control Operation . 179
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 356
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
.......................................
Dashboard .64
................
Daytime Running Lights . 77
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 358
........................
Def og and Def rost .134
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 81
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 134
.......................
Detachable Anchor .108
....................................
Dimensions .342
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 76
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
Dipstick
..........Automatic Transmission .260
..................................Engine Oil.188
..........................Directional Signals.77
........Disc Brake Wear Indicators .211
.....................Disposal of Used Oil.250
Doors
..............Locking and Unlocking .88
......................Power Door Locks.88
..........DOT Tire Quality Grading .344
Downshif ting,5-speed Manual
.............................Transmission.202
.......................................Drive Belt.277
...........................................Driving.197
....................................Economy.190
.........................In Bad Weather.215
................In Foreign Countries .347
........................Driving Guidelines.198
..................Dust and Pollen Filter .275
............................Fabric, Cleaning.302
...................................Fan, Interior.128
Features, Comfort and
..............................Convenience.127
....................Filling the Fuel Tank .185
Filters
................................Air Cleaner.265
.........................Dust and Pollen.275
...............................................Oil.249
5-speed Manual Transmission
...............Checking Fluid Level .261
................................Shif ting the.202
.............Flashers, Hazard Warning .81
...................Flat Tire, Changing a .308
..............................Economy, Fuel.190
............Emergencies on the Road .307
.............Battery, Jump Starting .320
...........Brake System Indicator .329
................Changing a Flat Tire .308
.....Charging System Indicator .326
..................Checking the Fuses .332
.....Low Oil Pressure Indicator .325
...Malf unction Indicator Lamp .327
...Manually Closing Moonroof .330
..................Overheated Engine .323
...........................Emergency Brake.82
......................Emergency Flashers.81
......................Emergency Towing.337
.......................Emissions Controls.349
.............Emissions Testing, State .352
Engine
....Coolant Temperature Gauge .74
...................................Drive Belt.277
......Engine Speed Limiter .203,208
Malf unction Indicator
................................Lamp.66,327
........Oil Pressure Indicator .66,325
..............Oil, What Kind to Use .247
...............................Overheating.323
............................Specif ications.342
.......................................Starting.200
......................Ethanol in Gasoline.347
.Evaporative Emissions Controls .349
...............................Exhaust Fumes.60
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................Belts by.21
..................Exterior, Cleaning the .298
Index
E
F
III