check transmission fluid HONDA CR-V 2012 RM1, RM3, RM4 / 4.G Owners Manual

235
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Continued
Driving
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome.
Perform the following procedure before towing your vehicle. 1.Check the transmission fluid level.
uMake sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks.
2. Start the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions.
4. Shift to
(D and hold for five seconds, then to (N. Let the engine run for three
minutes, then turn it off.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY
(q .uMake sure the steering wheel does not lock.
7. Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.
uThis can prevent the battery from running down.
■When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
1Towing Your Vehicle
NOTICEFailure to follow the recommended instructions
exactly will result in severe automatic transmission
damage. If you cannot shift the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be transported on a
flat-bed truck or trailer.
Do not exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
To avoid damage to the AWD system, your vehicle
must be towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Consult your towing parts sales or rental agency if
any other items are recommended or required for
your towing situation.
If you tow your vehicle behind a motorhome, the
transmission fluid must be changed every 2 years or
30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.
AWD models
1When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
NOTICESevere transmission damage will occur if the vehicle is
shifted from (R to (N and then towed with the drive
wheels on the ground.

241
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control: • Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover. 2 Important Handling Information P. 26
2 Precautions While Driving P. 241
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK (0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N , as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

266
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and inspection information. ■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when refueling.
■ Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 282
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 283
• Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 296
• Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 285
• Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 292
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the information display/multi-
information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 271
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 349
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

282
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda's new vehicle warranty.
NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.Upper Mark
Lower Mark
HOT
Range

331
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■ What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. • If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■ What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada
1If the EPS System Indicator Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

352
Index
Jump Starting .......................................... 324
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 305
Maintenance (Replacing).......................... 306
Behind a Motorhome ............................... 235
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 29
Beverage Holders ...................................... 134
Bluetooth ® Audio ..................................... 171
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®..................... 194
Booster Seats (For Children) ....................... 64
Brake System ............................................. 253
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 255
Brake Assist System ................................. 256
Fluid ........................................................ 283
Foot Brake ............................................... 254
Indicator ............................................ 68, 331
Parking Brake .......................................... 253
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 117
Bulb Replacement ..................................... 285
Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn
Signal Light and Lower Rear Side Marker
Light ...................................................... 288
Fog Lights ................................................ 286
Front Turn Signal/Parking Light ................ 288
Headlights ............................................... 285
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 291
Rear License Plate Light............................ 291
Side Marker Lights ................................... 287
Upper Rear Side Marker/Taillight .............. 290
Bulb Specifications .................................... 340 C
Carbon Monoxide Gas
............................... 65
Cargo Hook ............................................... 137
Cargo Side Net .......................................... 136
Carrying Cargo ................................. 227, 229
CD Player ................................................... 160
Certification Label .................................... 342
Changing Bulbs ........................................ 285
Charging System Indicator ................. 69, 329
Child Safety ................................................. 52
Childproof Door Locks............................. 102
Child Seat .................................................... 52
Booster Seats ............................................ 64
Child Seat for Infants................................. 54
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 55
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat
Belt ......................................................... 60
Larger Children ......................................... 63
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 54
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 56
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 102
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 312
Cleaning the Interior ................................ 310
Climate Control System ............................ 145
Changing the Mode ................................ 145
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows ............................................... 146
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 309
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode ..... .............. 145
Sensors ................................................... 148
Synchronized Mode................................. 147 Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 145
Clock ........................................................... 96
Coat Hook ................................................ 136
Compact Spare Tire .......................... 317, 341
Compass .................................................... 223
Console Compartment ............................. 133
Controls ...................................................... 95
Coolant (Engine) ...................................... 280
Adding to the Radiator ...... ..................... 281
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 280
Overheating ............................................ 327
Creeping (Automatic Transmission) ........ 242
Cruise Control .......................................... 245
Indicator ................................................... 76
Cup Holders .............................................. 134
Customer Service Information ................ 350
Customized Features ................................. 84
D
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 114
Dead Battery ............................................ 324
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows ......................................... 144, 146
Detachable Anchor .................................... 34
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ............... 343
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 112
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 120
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................ 276
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) ............. 112

353
Index
Display Button............................................ 81
Door Mirrors ............................................. 121
Doors .......................................................... 97
Auto Door Locking.................................. 103
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 103
Door Open Indicator ........................... 28, 72
Keys.......................................................... 97
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside .................................................... 101
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................... 99
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 100
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 299
Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support ................. 122
Driving ...................................................... 225
Automatic Transmission .......................... 242
Braking ................................................... 253
Cruise Control ........................................ 245
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines .............. 237
Shifting Gear .......................................... 243
Starting the Engine ................................. 239
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 309
DVD Player ............................................... 173
E
Eco Assist System .......................................... 7
ECON Button ............................................ 119
Elapsed Time .............................................. 82
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator ........................................... 73, 331 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
............. 248
Emergency ................................................ 336
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ....... 345
Engine ....................................................... 342
Coolant ................................................... 280
Jump Starting .......................................... 324
Oil ........................................................... 275
Starting ................................................... 239
Switch Buzzer .......................................... 111
Engine Coolant ......................................... 280
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 281
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 280
Overheating ............................................ 327
Temperatue Guage.................................... 77
Engine Oil ................................................. 275
Adding .................................................... 277
Checking ................................................. 276
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 269
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.................. 68, 329
Recommended Engine Oil........................ 275
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
System ............................................... 73, 331
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) ................................................. 65
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 312
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 121
F Features ..................................................... 149
Filters Dust and Pollen ....................................... 309
Oil ........................................................... 278
Flat Tire ..................................................... 317
Floor Mats ................................................. 311
Fluids Automatic Transmission .......................... 282
Brake ...................................................... 283
Engine Coolant ....................................... 280
Windshield Washer ................................. 284
Fog Light Indicator ..................................... 74
Folding Down the Rear Seats .................. 129
Foot Brake ................................................ 254
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 40
Front Seats ................................................ 122
Adjusting ................................................ 122
Fuel ...................................................... 16, 259
Economy ................................................. 262
Gauge ....................................................... 77
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 70
Range ................................................. 79, 82
Recommendation .................................... 259
Refueling................................................. 259
Fuel Economy ........................................... 262
Fuel Fill Cap ........................................ 16, 261
Message.................................................. 330
Fuel Fill Door ...................................... 16, 260
Fuses .......................................................... 333
Inspecting and Changing........ ............... .. 335
Locations......................................... 333, 334

357
Index
Seats.......................................................... 122
Adjusting ................................................ 122
Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support .................. 122
Front Seats.............................................. 122
Rear Seats ............................................... 129
Seat Heaters ........................................... 139
Security System ........................................ 106
Immobilizer System Indicator..................... 75
Security System Alarm Indicator ................ 75
SEL/RESET Knob .................................... 78, 81
Select Lever ........................................ 15, 243
Operation ......................................... 15, 244
Releasing ................................................ 326
Won’t Move ........................................... 326
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 56
Selector Knob (Audio) ............................. 153
Setting the Clock ........................................ 96
Shift Lever .......................................... 15, 243
Shift Lever Position Indicator ............ 69, 244
Shifting (Transmission) ............................ 243
Shoulder Anchor ........................................ 33
Side Airbags ............................................... 44
Cutoff System ........................................... 46
Off Indicator ............................................. 46
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 47
SMS Text Message ............................ 206, 218
Snow Tires ................................................ 304
Spare Tire ......................................... 317, 341
Spark Plugs ............................................... 340
Specifications ........................................... 340
Specified Fuel ................................... 259, 340 Speedometer
.............................................. 77
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................. 40
Starting the Engine .................................. 239
Does Not Start ......................................... 323
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 111
Jump Starting .......................................... 324
Steering Wheel ......................................... 119
Adjusting................................................. 119
Stopping .................................................... 257
Summer Tires ............................................ 304
Sunglasses Holder ..................................... 138
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ........ 40
Switches (Around the Steering
Wheel) ............................................. 2, 3, 111
Synchronized Mode .................................. 147
T
Tachometer ................................................. 77
Tailgate ..................................................... 104
Unable to Open ....................................... 337
Temperature Gauge ................................... 77
Temperature Sensor ................................. 148
Text Message .................................... 206, 218
Time (Setting) ............................................. 96
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................................................... 250
Indicator ............................................ 73, 332
Tires ........................................................... 296
Air Pressure ..................................... 297, 341
Checking and Maintaining....................... 296 Inspection ............................................... 296
Labeling .................................................. 297
Puncture (Flat Tire) .................................. 317
Regulations ............................................. 299
Rotation .................................................. 303
Spare Tire ........................................ 317, 341
Summer .................................................. 304
Tire Chains .............................................. 304
Wear Indicators ....................................... 301
Winter..................................................... 304
Tonneau Cover ......................................... 140
Tools .......................................................... 316
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 231
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 232
Load Limits .............................................. 231
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 235
Behind a Motorhome .............................. 235
Emergency .............................................. 336
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) .................................................... 250
Indicator............................................ 73, 332
Transmission ............................................. 243
Automatic ............................................... 243
Fluid ........................................................ 282
Number................................................... 342
Shift Lever Position Indicator.............. 69, 244
Trip Meter ................................................... 79
Troubleshooting ....................................... 315
Blown Fuse...................................... 333, 334
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 19
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 20