towing HONDA CRV 2023 Owners Manual

Contents
This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
The Navigation Manual is available online at owners.honda.com
(U.S.) or honda.ca (Canada). If you are the first registered owner
of your vehicle, you may request a complimentary printed
copy of the Navigation Manual within the first six months of
vehicle purchase. To request a copy, visit owners.honda.com. In
Canada, please request a copy from your Honda dealer.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s ma nual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular mo del may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications in cluded in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.2 Safe Driving P. 43
For Safe Driving P. 44 Seat Belts P. 49 Airbags P. 59
2Instrument Panel P. 95
Indicators P. 96 Gauges and Driver Information Interface P. 114
2Controls P. 145
Clock P. 146 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 148
Moonroof P. 183
Seats P. 205 Interior Convenience Items P. 216
2Features P. 237
Audio System P. 238 Audio System Basic Operation P. 246, 271
Customized Features P. 368, 376
2 Driving P. 441
Before Driving P. 442 Towing a Trailer P. 447Parking Your Vehicle P. 582 Multi-View Rear Camera P. 593
2Maintenance P. 599
Before Performing Maintenance P. 600 Maintenance MinderTM P. 603
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 627
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 643
2Handling the Unexpected P. 651
Tools P. 652 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 653
Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 673 Overheating P. 674
If You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 690
2 Information P. 693
Specifications P. 694 Identification Numbers P. 696
Emissions Testing P. 699 Warranty Coverages P. 701

Contents
Child Safety P. 79Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 92Safety Labels P. 93
Tailgate P. 165 Security System P. 176 Windows P. 179
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 184 Mirrors P. 203
Climate Control System P. 232
Audio Error Messages P. 345 General Information on the Audio System P. 347
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ® P. 400, 420 Refuel Recommend P. 439
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 453 When Driving P. 455 Honda Sensing ® P. 492 Braking P. 572
Refueling P. 595 Fuel Economy and CO
2 Emissions P. 598
Maintenance Under the Hood P. 611 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 623
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 631 12-Volt Battery P. 640 Remote Transmitter Care P. 642
Cleaning P. 644 Accessories and Modifications P. 649
Handling of the Jack P. 666 Power System Won’t Start P. 667 If the 12-Volt Battery Is Dead P. 671
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 676 Fuses P. 683 Emergency Towing P. 689
If You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 691 Refueling P. 692
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 697 Reporting Safety Defects P. 698
Authorized Manuals P. 704 Customer Service Information P. 705 Open Source Licenses P. 706
Quick Reference GuideP. 8
Safe DrivingP. 43
Instrument PanelP. 95
ControlsP. 145
FeaturesP. 237
DrivingP. 441
MaintenanceP. 599
Handling the UnexpectedP. 651
InformationP. 693
IndexP. 708

38
Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected (P651)
Flat Tire (P653)
●Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the tire repair kit in the cargo
area.
Indicators Come On
(P676)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Power System Won't
Start
(P667)
●If the 12-volt battery is dead, jump start
using a booster battery.
Blown Fuse (P683)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating (P674)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the power system cool down.
Emergency Towing (P689)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

441
Driving
This chapter discusses driving and refueling.
Before Driving................................... 442
Towing a Trailer ................................ 447
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ..... 453
When Driving Turning on the Power ...................... 455
Precautions While Driving................. 462
Transmission........................................ 463Shifting ............................................ 464
Deceleration Paddle Selector ............ 466
Acoustic Vehicle Al erting System ...... 469
Drive Mode Switch ........................... 470
Hill Descent Control System ............. 474
Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System .............. 476
Agile Handling Assist ....................... 478
Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
TM*...................................... 479Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .... 480Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 485
Blind Spot Information System ......... 487
High Voltage Battery ........................ 491
Honda Sensing ®................................ 492
Collision Mitigati on Braking System
TM
(CMBSTM) ....................................... 495 Low Speed Braking Control
*............ 507
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow ................................. 513
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).... 533
Traffic Jam Assist ............................. 545
Road Departure Miti gation System... 554
Traffic Sign Recognition System ....... 562
Front Sensor Camera ....................... 568
Radar Sensor ................................... 570
Sonar Sensors
*................................ 571
Braking .............................................. 572
Parking Your Vehicle ........................ 582
Multi-View Rear Camera .................. 593
Refueling ........................................... 595
Fuel Economy and CO
2 Emissions .... 598
* Not available on all models

445
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load Limit
The maximum load for your vehicl e is 850 lbs (385 kg). See the
Tire and Loading Information la bel attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weig ht of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
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.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the am ount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)1 Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all a ccessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load. 2 Specifications P. 694
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 694
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
446
Driving
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That we ight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicl e. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVW R) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.1 Maximum Load Limit
Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your
vehicle is designed to tow a trailer.
2 Towing a Trailer P. 447
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2 Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)

447Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the lo ad as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not av ailable, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by th e manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period.
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Specifications P. 694
3WARNING
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 before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue LoadTongue Load

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
448
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Trailer brakes
If you are thinking of getting a trailer that has brakes, be sure they are electronically
actuated. Do not attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic system will lower braking effe ctiveness and create a potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requi re special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your trai ler maker for prope r installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and br aking performance of your
vehicle.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
Trailer packages and products:
•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.•Wiring harness kit
•Trailer hitch kit
Are available at a dealer.

449
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
We recommend that you have a dealer inst all a Honda wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is
required, it should only be installed by a qualified technician.1 Trailer light
The trailer lighting connect or is located behind the
left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converte r, ask a dealer for the
correct connector and pins.
Right Turn Signal (Green)
Left Turn Signal (Light Blue)
Small (Gray) Brake Light (Green)
+B Trailer (Light Violet/Red) Grand (Black)

450
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 447
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the tr ailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressure of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Turn off the rear parking sensor system.
2 Parking sensor system on and off P. 585
•Turn off the Low Speed Braking Control syst em. It may activate if it detects the
towed object as an obstacle.
2 System On and Off P. 510
•Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Shift Position
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
When towing a trailer, we recommend that you carry
a full-size spare wheel and tire for both your vehicle
and trailer.
Remember to unhitch the tra iler before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.
Models with parking sensor system
1 Towing Speeds and Shift Position
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or af fect vehicle handling.