steering HONDA CR-V 2006 RD4-RD7 / 2.G Owner's Manual

Your vehicle has been designed to
primarily carry passengers and their
cargo. You can also use it to tow a
trailer if you caref ully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and f ollow the guidelines in this
section.
Be sure to read thesectiononpage
if you plan to tow of f paved
surf aces.
The
maximum allowable weight of the
trailer and everything in or on it
must not exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
Towing a load that is too heavy can
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain. Theweightthatthe
tongue of a f ully-loaded trailer puts
on the hitch should be approximately
10 percent of the total trailer weight.
Too much tongue load reduces f ront-
tire traction and steering control.
Too little tongue load can make the
trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
179
Off-Highway
Driving Guidelines Load Limits
T otal T railer Weight:
T ongue L oad:
Towing a Trailer
172
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.

Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the D3mode when
towing a trailer on level roads or in
hilly terrain (see page ).
Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the left,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat. When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to 3rd
gear on the manual transmission, or
use the D3 position on the automatic
transmission. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the
brakes, and remember it will take
longer to slow down and stop when
towing a trailer.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections. Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
163
bottom
T owing Speeds and Gears
Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ingBacking Up
Parking
Towing a Trailer
176

Your vehicle can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Otherwise, severe transmission
damage will occur. To avoid damage
to the 4WD system, your vehicle
must be towed with all f our wheels
on the ground (f lat towing).
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manuf acturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer’s attachment
instructions caref ully.Check the transmission f luid level
(see page ).
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
sockets are turned of f so you do
not run down the battery.
Perf orm the f ollowing procedure
every day immediately bef ore you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage will
occur. Check the transmission f luid level
(see page ).
Start the engine. Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shif t lever through all its
positions.
ShifttoD,thentoN.Letthe
engine run f or 3 minutes, then
turn it off.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
sockets are turned of f so you do
not run down the battery.
When you stop towing your vehicle
and shif t out of the neutral position,
youmaynotbeabletomovethe
shif t lever f rom neutral to reverse or
Park.If thishappens,pressthe
brake pedal and turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, then
shif t out of neutral. Shif t to neutral.
199 200On models with manual transmission
Do not overf ill.
On models with automatic transmission Do not overf ill.
CONT INUED
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Driving
177

Only remove the fuse after you have
perf ormed the transmission shif ting
procedure, and the key is in the
ACCESSORY (I) position. Store the
f use in an obvious location (centertray, coin pockets, etc) as a reminder
to re-install the fuse before driving
the vehicle.
If youtowaCR-Vwithanautomatic
transmission, the transmission f luid
must be changed every two years or
30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever
comes f irst.
When towing your vehicle f or long
periods, remove the 15 A Front
Accessory Power Socket f use to
reduce drain on battery. This f use is
located in the interior f use box and is
shown as number 18 below.
If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours
(when you stop f or f uel, etc.)
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Automatic Transmission
Ext ended T owing
Ext ended T owing
178
INTERIOR FUSE BOX FRONT ACCESSORY
POWER SOCKET FUSE
Severe automatic transmission damage
will occur if the vehicle is shif ted f rom
reverse to neutral and then towed with
the drive wheels on the ground. This f use MUST be re-installed bef ore
driving the vehicle. Failure to re-install
the f use may allow you to remove the
key with the transmission in gear.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
Failure to f ollow the recommended
instructions exactly will result in severe
automatic transmission damage. If you
cannot shif t the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a f lat-bed truck or
trailer.

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .184
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 185
....................
Maintenance Record .189
..............................
Fluid Locations .192
........................
Adding Engine Oil .193
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 194
..............................
Engine Coolant .196
....................
Windshield Washers .198
.......................
Transmission Fluid .199
Automatic Transmission .......................................
Fluid .199
....
Manual Transmission Fluid . 200
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid . 201
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 201
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 202
.............................................
Lights .203
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 208
.....................................
Floor Mats .208
..............................
Audio Antenna .209
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 209
.................................
Wiper Blades .210
...............................................
Tires .211
...................
Checking the Battery . 217
.............................
Vehicle Storage .218
This section also includes
maintenance schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a maintenance record, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
259
Maintenance
Maint enance
183

Ì
Î
ÌÌ
Î
187
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 10
1620
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or every 6 years, whichever comes first Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or every 5 years, whichever comes first Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
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)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page .
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 214 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items:
Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
:
: 186
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

Ì
Î
Î
Ì
Ì
Î
Î
188
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page . Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 10
1620
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
Clean every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 3 years, whichever comes first
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 4 years, whichever comes first Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
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)
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 214 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items:
Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Clean and replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
:
1:
2: 186
209
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Fluid Locations
192
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIRRADIATOR CAP WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange handle)
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)

Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.
Manual Transmission only
Power Steering Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
202
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
MAX
MIN
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires every 10,000 miles (16,000
km). Move the tires to the positions
showninthecharteachtimethey
are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling. Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
For vehicles equipped with aluminum
wheels:
T ire Maintenance T ire RotationReplacing T ires and Wheels
Tires
214
Front Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s wheels. Use only Honda
wheel weights f or balancing.