check transmission fluid HONDA CR-V 2003 RD4-RD7 / 2.G Owners Manual

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .234
.
Important Safety Precautions . 235
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 236 ...
Required Maintenance Record . 243
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 245
..............................
Fluid Locations .246
......................................
Engine Oil .247
..................................
Adding Oil .247
....................
Recommended Oil .247
..............................
Synthetic Oil .248
....................................
Additives .248
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 249
.............................
Cooling System .251
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 251
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 253
....................
Windshield Washers .258
.......................
Transmission Fluid .260
..........
Automatic Transmission . 260
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .261
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid . 262
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 263
............................
Brake System .263
...........................
Clutch System .264
..............................
Power Steering .264
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .265
....................................
Hood Latch .266
....................................
Spark Plugs .267
..............................
Replacement .267 ............................
Specif ications .268
...........................................
Battery .269
.................................
Wiper Blades .271
..............
Air Conditioning System . 274
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 275
.......................................
Drive Belt .277
...............................................
Tires .278
......................................
Inf lation .278
Recommended Tire Pressures f or Normal ...........................
Driving .279
Tire Pressure Adjustment f or ..........
High Speed Driving . 279
..................................
Inspection .280
..............................
Maintenance .280
.............................
Tire Rotation .281
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 282
......................
Wheels and Tires .283
..........................
Winter Driving .283
.............................
Snow Tires .283
............................
Tire Chains .284
.............................................
Lights .285
.....................
Headlight Aiming .287
........................
Replacing Bulbs .287
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .295
357
Maintenance
Maint enance233

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Maint enance238
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first.miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months 10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid ( 4WD)
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
20
32
30
4840
64 60
9680
128 100
160120
192
90
144
24 4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T 237
:
:
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance239
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page281).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000 km
(independent of time).
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C. Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
Do items in A, B. Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace transmission fluid (A/T), then
replace every 90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Inspect idle speed.
236
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty,
last column, page .
237
NOTE:
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance240
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 2 years
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions,
otherwise use normal schedule
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate door hinges, lo
cks, and latches
Visually inspect the following items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD)
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years 24
4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
:
: 237
275
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance241
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D, E
A
B
C
D
E
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 281).
Lubricate door hinges, lo cks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace air cleaner element every 15,000 mi/
24,000 km (independent of time) under dusty
conditions, otherwise use Normal Conditions
schedule.
5,000 mi/8,000 km/½ yr
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
15,000 mi/24,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1-½ yrs
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/2 yrs
25,000 mi/40,000 km/2-½ yrs
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
30,000 mi/48,000 km/3 yrs
35,000 mi/56,000 km/3-½ yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/4 yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/4-½ yrs
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/5 yrs
55,000 mi/88,000 km/5-½ yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/6 yrs Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in E.
Do item in A.
Do items in B, C.
Do item in A.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
Do items in B, D.
Do item in A.
Do item in A.
Do items in B, C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
Do item in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do item in B.
Do item in A.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
DoitemsinB,C,D.
Do item in A.
236Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance242
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
NOTE: 275
237
65,000 mi/104,000 km/6-½ yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/7 yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/7-½ yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/8 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km/8-½ yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/9 yrs
95,000 mi/152,000 km/9-½ yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/10 yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/10-½ yrs
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/11 yrs
115,000 mi/184,000 km/11-½ yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/12 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 years Do item in A.
Do item in B.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
Do item in A.
Do items in B, C.
Do item in A.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
Do items in B, D.
Do item in A.
Do item in A.
Do items in B, C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
Do item in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Do item in B.
Do item in A.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
DoitemsinB,C,D. Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.
Do item in A. Inspect idle speed. :
:
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission as shown.If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it is not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a final time.
1.
2. 3.5.
4.
Automatic Transmission
Maint enance
T ransmission Fluid
260
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid 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.Put a new washer on the f iller bolt,
then reinstall the f iller bolt and
tighten it securely.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives and continued use can
cause stif f er shif ting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
6.
5-speed Manual Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance261
WASHERFILLER BOLT
Correct level

Put a new washer on the f iller bolt,
then reinstall the f iller bolt and
tighten it securely.
Only use Honda Dual Pump Fluid.
Do not use Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF).
The rear dif f erential should be
drained and ref illed with new f luid
accordingtothetimeanddistance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Check the f luid level with the rear
dif f erential at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
dif f erential f luid f iller bolt and
washer and caref ully f eel inside the
bolt hole with your f inger. The f luid
level should be up to the edge of the
bolt hole. If it is not, slowly add
Honda Dual Pump Fluid until it
starts to run out of the hole.
Rear Dif f erential Fluid
Maint enance
4WD models only
262
Correct
level FILLER BOLT WASHER

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the lif e of the
system. Have the brake system
f lushed and ref illed with Honda
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as
soon as possible.
Check the f luid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two
reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake f luid should be replaced
according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule. Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.Brake System
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance263
MAX
MIN