1997 Honda CR V Owners Manual

getting out of the car, push the lock tab down and close the door. To lock the driver's door, pull the outside door handle and push the lock tab down. Release the handle, then close the door.

Master door lock switch

Keys and Locks

All doors lock when you push down the lock tab on the driver's door, or lock the driver's door from the outside with the key. Only the driver's door unlocks when you use the key or lock tab. To unlock the passen- gers' doors, use the master door lock switch or the lock tab on each door.

The front doors can be locked and unlocked from the outside with the key.

MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

The master door lock switch allows control of all door locks from the driver's door. Push the switch down to lock all doors, and up to unlock them.

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

Childproof Door Locks

Tailgate

LEVER

LOCK

KEY

1. You can open the tailgate in two

ways:

Use the ignition key to open the tailgate lock.

TAILGATE UNLOCK BUTTON Push the tailgate unlock button on the dashboard under the left air vent.

The childproof door locks are designed to prevent children seated in the rear from accidentally opening the rear doors. Each rear door has a lock lever near the edge. With the lever in the LOCK position, the door cannot be opened from the inside regardless of the position of the lock tab. To open the door, pull the lock tab up and use the outside door handle.

Instruments and Controls

HATCH GLASS

HANDLE

Keys and Locks

DOOR

STOP

2. The hatch glass will pop up

slightly.

4. Pull the handle on the door and

pull the door open.

3. Lift up the hatch glass fully.

To close the tailgate, always close the lower door first. Then, lower the hatch glass and press on it until it latches. Make sure the door and the hatch glass are locked securely before driving.

To keep the tailgate door open on an incline, use the stop in the tool kit. The tool kit is in the right cargo floor pocket. Put the stop on the support strut as shown.

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks, Seats

Glove Box

Front Seat Adjustments

An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even if the passenger is wearing the seat belt.

Always keep the glove box closed while driving.

Open the glove box by pulling the bottom of the handle. Close it with a firm push. Lock or unlock the glove box with the master key.

Instruments and Controls

Adjust the seat before you start driving.

To adjust the seat forward and backward, pull up on the lever under the seat cushion's front edge. Move the seat to the desired position and release the lever. Try to move the seat to make sure it is locked in position.

Seats

Driver's Seat Height Adjustment

Reclining the seat-back can decrease the protection you get from your seat belt in a crash.

You can slide under the seat belt and be seriously injured.

Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat.

To change the angle of the seat-back, pull up on the lever on the outside of the seat bottom. Move the seat-back to the desired position and release the lever. Let the seat-back latch in the new position.

To adjust the height of the driver's seat, turn the dial on the outside of the seat bottom.

Instruments and Controls

Seats

Head Restraints The head restraints are designed to help reduce the risk of neck injuries. Your Honda has adjustable head restraints in all the outside seating positions. Adjust the head restraint so the top is even with the tops of your ears.

Instruments and Controls

To remove a head restraint for cleaning or repair, pull it up as far as it will go. Push the release button and pull the restraint out of the seat- back.

Driving your car without head restraints can lead to serious injury to you and your passenger in a crash.

Make sure the head restraints are in place and adjusted properly before driving.

RELEASE BUTTON

The head restraints adjust for height. You need both hands to adjust the restraint. Do not attempt to adjust it while driving. To raise it, pull upward. To lower the restraint, push the release button sideways and push the restraint down.

Rear Seat-back Adjustment

Rear Seat Armrest

Seats

Reclining the seat-back can decrease the protection you get from your seat belt in a crash.

You can slide under the seat belt and be seriously injured.

Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat.

The angle of the rear seat-backs can be adjusted separately. To change the angle of the seat-back, pull up on the knob on the top of the seat-back. Move the seat-back to the desired position, then release the knob. Make sure the seat-back latches in the new position.

The rear seat armrest is located at the center of the rear seat. Pivot it down to use it.

Instruments and Controls

Seats

Reclining the Front and Rear Seat-backs

You can recline the seat-backs on the front and rear seats to make a large cushioned area. To do this:

1. Remove the front seat head

restraint and put it in the pocket of the seat-back.

2. Lift the lever and slide the front seat forward as far as it will go. Pull up the seat-back angle adjustment lever, then pivot the seat-back backward. Release the lever when the seat-back is even with the cushion on the rear seat.

3. Pull up on the knob on top of the seat-back and pivot the rear seat- back backward. Release the knob when the seat-back is reclined as far as it will go.

Instruments and Controls

Reverse this procedure to return the seats to their upright positions. Make sure you install the head restraints, and that the seats are locked securely in place before driving.

Folding Rear Seat

Seats

STRAP

The left and right halves of the rear seat can be folded up separately to create more cargo space.

2. Pull the strap to release the seat

bottom. Pivot the seat bottom forward.

1. Store the latch plate for the center lap belt by rolling up the belt and pushing it into the seat pocket.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Seats

Reverse this procedure to return the seat to the upright position. Make sure that the seat is locked securely before driving.

3. Remove the head restraint and

pull up on the knob on the top of the seat-back. Pivot the seat-back forward.

Put the head restraint behind the seat bottom as shown. Pass through the fastening strap in the hole of head restraint and fasten it by magic tape.

Instruments and Controls

Make sure any items stored in the cargo area are tied down. Loose items can fly forward and cause injury if you have to brake hard.

Seats

Instruments and Controls

Power Windows

Your car's windows are electrically- powered. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) to raise or lower any window.

Each door has a switch that controls its window. To open the window, push the switch down and hold it. Release the switch when you want the window to stop. Close the window by pushing the switch up and holding it.

Instruments and Controls

DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH

MAIN SWITCH

There is a master power window control panel on the dashboard. To open any of the passengers' windows, push down on the appropriate switch and hold it down until the window reaches the desired position. To close the window, push up on the window switch. Release the switch when the window gets to the position you want.

Closing a power window on a child's hands or fingers can cause serious injury.

Make sure your children are away from the windows before closing them.

The master control panel also con- tains these extra features:

AUTO — To open the driver's window fully, push the window switch firmly down and release it. The window automatically goes all the way down. To stop the window from going all the way down, push the window switch up briefly. To open the driver's window only partially, push the window switch down lightly and hold it. The window will stop as soon as you release the switch.

The AUTO function only works to lower the driver's window. To raise the window, you must push the window switch up and hold it until the window reaches the desired position.

The MAIN switch controls power to the passengers' windows. With this switch off, the passengers' windows cannot be raised or lowered. The MAIN switch does not affect the driver's window. Keep the MAIN switch off when you have children in the car so they do not injure them- selves by operating the windows unintentionally.

Power Windows, Mirrors

Mirrors

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

TAB

Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and adjusted for best visibility. Be sure to adjust the mirrors before you start driving.

The inside mirror has day and night positions. The night position reduces glare from headlights behind you. Flip the tab on the bottom edge of the mirror to select the day or night position.

SELECTOR SWITCH

Adjust the outside mirrors with the adjustment switch on the left side of the dashboard:

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

2. Move the selector switch to L

(driver's side) or R (passenger's side).

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Mirrors, Parking Brake, Center Table

Parking Brake

Center Table

ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up fully. To release it, pull up slightly, push the button, and lower the lever. The parking brake light on the instrument panel should go out when the parking brake is fully released (see page 34 ).

To use the center table, pull up the outside edge of the table until it latches. To store it, pull the lever and swing the table down.

3. Push the appropriate edge of the

adjustment switch to move the mirror right, left, up or down.

4. When you finish, move the

selector switch to the center (off) position. This turns off the adjustment switch so you can't move a mirror out of position by accidentally bumping the switch.

Instruments and Controls

Center Table, Beverage Holder

Beverage Holder

Sitting on or getting under the table, or putting heavy objects on the table may damage or deform the table.

To use the beverage holder, pull on the front. Push the holder all the way in to close it.

The center table also has a beverage holder.

Do not put any items on the table while driving. They may fall down or fly around when you go around corners or brake hard.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Beverage Holder, Built-in Table

Built-in Table

The cargo area floor can be taken out and used as a table.

HANDLE

To remove the table, pull up the carpet. Lift and pull on the handle to slide the table out.

Use the beverage holder only when the car is parked. If you place cups in the holder while driving, the liquid may spill when you go over bumps or around corners. Be careful when you are using the beverage holder. A spilled liquid that is very hot can scald you or your passengers. Spilled liquids can also damage the upholstery, carpeting, and electrical components in the interior.

Instruments and Controls

Built-in Table

Unfold the legs. Lock them in place by pushing on the middle of the locking arms. Make sure all four are locked.

To fold the legs, pull on the middle of each locking arm.

Put the projections on the table into the holes in the cargo area floor.

Using the Built-in Table

Be sure to lock the legs of the table. Do not stand on the table. Do not put a weight of over 44 Ibs (20 kg) on the table. Hot items such as pots, pans, or kettles should not be placed directly on the table.

Instruments and Controls

Center Pocket, Storage Box, Cargo Floor Pockets

Center Pocket

Storage Box

Cargo Floor Pockets

Open the center pocket by pulling the handle. Close it with a firm push.

A storage box is located under the front passenger's seat. To use it, pull on the front edge of the box to slide it out.

You can store small items in the pockets located on both sides of the cargo area.

Instruments and Controls

Accessory Power Socket

Tailgate Pocket

Accessory Power Socket, Tailgate Pocket

There are two accessory power sockets: one in the dashboard by the front ashtray and the other on the left side of the cargo area.

To use the tailgate pocket, turn the knobs and remove the lid. Items stored in this pocket can be secured by the belts inside the pocket.

To use the accessory power socket, pull down the cover. The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II). These sockets are intended to supply power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 120 watts or less (10
amps). They will not power an automotive type cigarette lighter element.

Instruments and Controls

Cargo Hooks, Ashtrays

Cargo Hooks

Ashtrays

ASHTRAY

HOOKS

The hooks on the floor of the cargo area enable you to tie down items stored in the back. Make sure all stored items are secured before driving.

The hook on the tailgate door pivots, allowing items to be stored in different ways. Make sure any items put on this hook weigh less than 6.5
Ib (3 kg), or you could damage the hook.

Do not open or close the tailgate door with cargo on this hook.

Open the front ashtray by pulling on the bottom edge. Push it in to close it. To remove the ashtray for emptying, push down on the metal plate inside, then pull the ashtray out completely.

Instruments and Controls

Ashtrays, Interior Lights

NOTICE

Ceiling Light

Use the ashtrays only for cigarettes, cigars and other smoking materials. To prevent a possible fire and damage to your car, don't put paper or other things that can burn in the ashtrays.

ON

DOOR ACTIVATED

The ceiling light has a three-position switch. In the OFF position, the light does not come on. In the center position, the ceiling light comes on when you open any door. In the ON position, the ceiling light stays on continuously.

Instruments and Controls

ASHTRAY

The rear ashtrays are in the front lower corner of each door. Open the ashtray by swinging the upper edge of the lid down. To remove the ashtray for emptying, open it, then lift up and out.

Interior Lights

Spotlights

Cargo Area Light

Ignition Switch Light

IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT

Turn on the spotlight by pushing the button next to each light. Push the button again to turn it off. You can use the spotlights at all times.

DOOR ACTIVATED

The cargo area light has a three- position switch. In the OFF position, the light does not come on. In the center position, the light comes on when you open the tailgate. In the ON position, the light stays on continuously.

The ignition switch light comes on when you open the driver's door, and stays on several seconds after you close the door.

Instruments and Controls

Comfort and Convenience Features

The heating and air conditioning systems in your Honda provide a comfortable driving environment in all weather conditions.

The standard audio system has many features. This section de- scribes those features and how to use them. (If you selected an optional audio system, refer to the operating instructions that came with it.)

Heating and Cooling........................ 74
What Each Control Does............ 74
How to Use the System............... 76
To Turn Everything Off ............. 81
Audio System................................... 82
A M / FM Stereo Audio System... 82
Operating the Radio.................... 82
Adjusting the Sound.................... 84
Radio Frequencies....................... 85
Radio Reception........................... 85
Digital Clock................................. 87
Operating the Optional Cassette

Player........................................ 88
Caring for the Cassette Player... 90
Operating the Optional CD

Player/Changer....................... 91
Protecting Compact Discs.......... 93
CD Changer Error Indications... 94

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Proper use of the Heating and Cooling system can make the interior dry and comfortable, and keep the windows clear for best visibility.

What Each Control Does

Fan Control Dial Turning this dial clockwise increases the fan's speed, which increases air flow.

Temperature Control Dial Turning this dial clockwise increases the temperature of the air flow.

Air Conditioning (A/C) Button This button turns the air condi- tioning ON and OFF. The indicator in the button lights when the A/C is on.

Comfort and Convenience Features

MODE CONTROL DIAL

RECIRCULATION BUTTON

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

FAN CONTROL DIAL

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

Recirculation Button This button controls the source of the air going into the system. When the indicator in this button is lit, air from the vehicle's interior is sent through the system again (Recircula- tion mode). When the indicator is off, air is brought in from outside the vehicle (Fresh Air mode).

Mode Control Dial Use the MODE control dial to select the vents the air flows from.

Air flows from the center

and corner vents in the dashboard.

Air flow is divided between the vents in the dashboard and the floor vents.

Air flows from the floor

vents.

Air flow is divided between

the floor vents and the defroster vents at the base of the windshield.

Air flows from the defroster vents at the base of the windshield.

When you select automatically switches to Fresh Air mode and turns on the A/C.

the system

Heating and Cooling

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Vent Controls

CENTER VENT

SIDE VENT

Open

Close

You can adjust the direction of the air coming from the dashboard vents by moving the tab in the center of each vent up-and-down and side-to- side.

The vents in the corners of the dashboard can be opened and closed with the dials next to them.

How to Use the System This section covers how to set up the system controls for ventilation, heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and defrosting.

The engine must be running for the heater and air conditioning to generate hot and cold air. The heater uses engine coolant to warm the air. If the engine is cold, it will be several minutes before you feel warm air coming from the system. The air conditioning does not rely on engine temperature.

Comfort and Convenience Features

It is best to leave the system in Fresh Air mode under almost all conditions. Keeping the system in Recirculation mode, particularly with the A/C off, can cause the windows to fog up. Switch to Recirculation mode when you are driving through smoky or dusty conditions, then switch back to Fresh Air mode when the condition clears.

The outside air intakes for the heating and cooling system are at the base of the windshield. Keep these clear of leaves and other debris.

Heating and Cooling

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

MODE CONTROL

FAN CONTROL DIAL

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

Ventilation The flow-through ventilation system draws in outside air, circulates it through the interior, then exhausts it through vents near the rear window.

1. Turn the temperature control dial

all the way to the left. Make sure the A/C is off.

2. Select 3. Set the fan to the desired speed.

and Fresh Air mode.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

To Cool with A/C 1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the

button. The light in the button should come on.

2. Make sure the temperature

control dial is all the way counterclockwise.

3. Select 4. Set the fan to the desired speed.

and Fresh Air mode.

If the interior is very warm from being parked in the sun, you can cool it down more rapidly by setting up the controls this way:

1. Start the engine. 2. Turn on the A/C by pressing the button. Make sure the tempera- ture control dial is all the way counterclockwise.

3. Set the fan to maximum speed. 4. Open the windows partially. Select

and Recirculation mode.

Comfort and Convenience Features

MODE CONTROL DIAL

RECIRCULATION B U T T ON

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

REAR DEFOGGER SWITCH

FAN CONTROL DIAL

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

When the interior has cooled down to a more comfortable temperature, close the windows and set the controls as described for normal cooling.

Air conditioning places an extra load on the engine. Watch the engine coolant temperature gauge (see page 37 ) when driving in stop-and-go traffic or climbing a Song, steep hill. If it moves near the red zone, turn off the A/C until the gauge reads normally.

To Heat To warm the interior:

1. Start the engine. 2. Select 3. Set the fan to the desired speed. 4. Adjust the warmth of the air with

and Fresh Air mode.

the temperature control dial

To Heat and Dehumidify with Air Conditioning Air conditioning, as it cools, removes moisture from the air. When used in combination with the heater, it makes the interior warm and dry.

1. Switch the fan on. 2. Turn on the air conditioning. 3. Select 4. Adjust the temperature control

and Fresh Air mode

dial so the mixture of heated and cooled air feels comfortable.

This setting is suitable for all driving conditions whenever the outside temperature is above 32°F (0°C).

Heating and Cooling

To Defog and Defrost To remove fog from the inside of the windows:

1. Switch the fan on. 2. Select

When you select system automatically switches to Fresh Air mode and turns on the A/C.

the

3. Adjust the temperature control

dial so the air flow from the defroster vents feels warm.

4. Turn on the rear window defogger

to help clear the rear window. When you switch to another mode from Press the A/C button to turn it off.

, the A/C stays on.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

To remove exterior frost or ice from the windshield and side windows after the car has been sitting out in cold weather:

1. Start the engine. 2. Select

When you select system automatically switches to Fresh Air mode and turns on the A/C.

the

3. Switch the fan and temperature

controls to maximum.

To rapidly remove exterior frost or ice from the windshield (on very cold days), first select the Recirculation mode. Once the windshield is clear, select the Fresh Air mode to avoid fogging the windows.

Comfort and Convenience Features

MODE CONTROL DIAL

RECIRCULATION BUTTON AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

REAR DEFOGGER SWITCH

FAN CONTROL DIAL

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

Heating and Cooling

These settings direct all the air flow to the defroster vents at the base of the windshield and the side window defroster vents. The air flow will get warmer and clear the windows faster as the engine warms up. You can close the side vents with the dial beside each vent. This will send more warm air to the windshield defroster vents.

For safety, make sure you have a clear view through all the windows before driving away.

To Turn Everything Off To shut off the system temporarily, turn the fan speed and temperature control dials all the way to the left.

You should shut the system completely off only for the first few minutes of driving in cold weather, until the engine coolant warms up enough to operate the heater. Keep the fan on at all other times so stale air does not build up in the interior.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

A M / FM Stereo Audio System Your Honda's audio system provides clear reception on both AM and FM bands, while the preset buttons allow you to easily select your favorite stations.

A cassette player, CD player or CD changer is available as optional equipment.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Operating the Radio The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to operate the audio system. Turn the system on by pressing the PWR/ VOL knob or the AM/FM button. Adjust the volume by turning the knob.

) to tune to a lower

left side ( frequency. The frequency numbers will start to change rapidly. Release the bar when the display reaches the desired frequency. To change the frequency in small increments, press and release the TUNE/SEEK bar quickly.

The band and frequency that the radio was last tuned to is displayed. To change bands, press the AM/FM button. On the FM band, ST will be displayed if the station is broadcast- ing in stereo. Stereo reproduction on AM is not available.

You can use any of three methods to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset buttons.

TUNE — Use the TUNE/SEEK bar to tune the radio to a desired frequency. Press the right side ( to tune to a higher frequency, or the

SEEK — The SEEK function searches the band for a station with a strong signal. To activate it, press the TUNE/SEEK bar until you hear a beep, then release it. Depending on which side of the bar you press, the system scans upward or downward from the current frequency. It stops when it finds a station with a strong signal.

Preset — You can store the fre- quencies of your favorite radio stations in the six preset buttons. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and two on the FM band.

To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each Preset button.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function

to tune the radio to a desired station.

3. Pick the Preset button you want for that station. Press the button and hold it until you hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM.

Once a station's frequency is stored, simply press and release the proper Preset button to tune to it. The preset frequencies will be lost if your vehicle's battery goes dead, is disconnected or the radio fuse is removed.

Audio System

PWR/VOL KNOB

STEREO INDICATOR

AM/FM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Adjusting the Sound Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader are each adjustable. You select which of these you want to adjust by pressing the MODE button. The mode changes from BAS to TRE to FAD to BAL, and then back to VOL each time you press the button. Each mode is shown in the display as it changes.

Balance/Fader — These two modes adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. BAL adjusts the side-to-side strength, while FAD adjusts the front-to-back strength.

Select BAL or FAD by pressing the MODE button. Adjust the Balance or Fader to your liking by turning the PWR/VOL knob. The indicator bars on the display show you the range.

Comfort and Convenience Features

MODE BUTTON

PWR/VOL KNOB

Treble/Bass — Use these modes to adjust the tone to your liking. Select TRE or BAS by pressing the MODE button. Adjust the desired mode by turning the PWR/VOL knob. The indicator bars on the display show you the range.

As you adjust a mode, you will hear a beep whenever the indicator bar reaches the center, far left, and far right of its range. The system will automatically return the display to normal mode about seven seconds after you stop adjusting a mode with the PWR/VOL knob.

Radio Frequencies Your Honda's radio can receive the complete AM and FM bands. Those bands cover these frequen- cies:

AM band: 530 to 1,710 kilohertz FM band: 87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band are assigned frequencies at least ten kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550). Stations on the FM band are assigned frequencies at least 0.2
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).

Stations must use these exact frequencies. It is fairly common for stations to round-off the frequency in their advertising, so your radio could display a frequency of 100.9 even though the announcer may identify the station as "FM101."

Radio Reception How well your Honda's radio receives stations is dependent on many factors, such as the distance from the station's transmitter, nearby large objects, and atmos- pheric conditions.

A radio station's signal gets weaker as you get farther away from its transmitter. If you are listening to an AM station, you will notice the sound volume becoming weaker, and the station drifting in and out. If you are listening to an FM station, you will see the stereo indicator flickering off and on as the signal weakens. Eventually, the stereo indicator will go off and the sound will fade completely as you get out of range of the station's signal.

Audio System

Driving very near the transmitter of a station that is broadcasting on a frequency close to the frequency of the station you are listening to can also affect your radio's reception. You may temporarily hear both stations, or hear only the station you are close to.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Electrical interference from passing vehicles and stationary sources can cause temporary reception problems.

Radio signals, especially on the FM band, are deflected by large objects such as buildings and hills. Your radio then receives both the direct signal from the station's transmitter, and the deflected signal. This causes the sound to distort or flutter. This is a main cause of poor radio reception in city driving.

Radio reception can be affected by atmospheric conditions such as thunderstorms, high humidity, and even sunspots. You may be able to receive a distant radio station one day and not receive it the next day because of a change in conditions.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Digital Clock The audio system also displays the time. The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).

To set the time, press the CLOCK button. The hour numbers will begin blinking. Press the Preset 5 button to get the numbers to count down, or the Preset 6 button to get the hours to count up.

Press the CLOCK button again, and the minutes numbers will begin blinking. Use the Preset 5 or Preset 6 button to change the minutes to the correct value.

After you have set the clock, press the CLOCK button again to return to the normal display. If you do not, the system will automatically return to the normal display about seven seconds after you stop pressing the Preset buttons.

Audio System

TIME DISPLAYED

PRESET 5 BUTTON

PRESET 6 BUTTON

CLOCK BUTTON

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Operating the Optional Cassette Player The cassette system features Dolby B* noise reduction, automatic sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO2) tape, and autoreverse for continuous play.

* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo- ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories

Licensing Corporation.

Make sure the tape opening on the cassette is facing to the right, then insert the cassette most of the way into the slot. The system will pull it in the rest of the way, and begin to play.

The tape direction indicator will light to show you which side of the cassette is playing. The indicates the side you inserted facing upward is now playing. If you want to play

Comfort and Convenience Features

the other side, press the PROG button.

Dolby B noise reduction turns on when you insert a cassette. If the tape was not recorded with Dolby B noise reduction, turn it off by pressing the NR button.

When the system reaches the end of the tape, it will automatically reverse direction and play the other side. If you want to remove the cassette from the drive, press the EJECT button.

If you turn the system off while a tape is playing, either with the PWR/ VOL knob or by turning off the ignition, the cassette will remain in the drive. When you turn the system back on, the tape will begin playing where it left off.

To switch to the radio or optional CD changer while listening to a tape,

press the AM/FM or CD/TAPE button. To change back to the cassette player, press the CD/TAPE button.

Tape Search Functions With a cassette playing, you can use the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT function to find a desired program.

FF/REW — Fast Forward and Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press and release the REW side of the TUNE/SEEK bar to rewind the tape, or the FF side to fast forward. Press the PLAY button to take the system out of rewind or fast forward. If the system reaches the end of the tape while in fast forward or rewind, it automatically stops that function, reverses direction, and begins to play.

Audio System

AM/FM BUTTON CD/TAPE BUTTON

NR BUTTON CASSETTE SLOT

TMS — The Tape Music Search function allows you to find the beginning of a song or passage. To activate TMS, press FF or REW until you hear a beep. You will see TMS displayed. When the system reaches the beginning of the next song or passage (FF), or the beginning of the song just played (REW), it goes back to PLAY mode.

REPEAT — The Repeat function continuously replays the current song or passage. Press the RPT button to activate it; you will see RPT displayed as a reminder. When the system reaches the end of the song or passage currently playing, it will automatically go into rewind. When it senses the beginning of the same song or passage, the system returns to PLAY mode. It will continue to repeat this same program until you deactivate REPEAT by pressing the button again.

TUNE/SEEK BAR

RPT BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

PLAY BUTTON

EJECT BUTTON

The TMS and REPEAT functions use silent periods on the tape to find the end of a song or passage. These features may not work to your satisfaction if there is almost no gap between selections, a high noise level between selections, or a silent period in the middle of a selection.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Caring for the Cassette Player The cassette player picks up dirt and oxides from the tape. This contami- nation builds up over time and causes the sound quality to degrade. To prevent this, you should clean the player after every 30 hours of use. Your dealer has a cleaning kit available.

Look at the cassette before you insert it. If the tape is loose, tighten it by turning a hub with a pencil or your finger. If the label is peeling off, remove it from the cassette or it could cause the cassette to jam in the player. Never try to insert a warped or damaged cassette in the player.

If you do not clean the cassette player regularly, it may eventually become impossible to remove the contamination with a normal cleaning kit.

Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes. Cassettes longer than that use thinner tape that may break or jam the drive.

When they are not in use, store cassettes in their cases to protect them from dust and moisture. Never place cassettes where they will be exposed to direct sunlight, high heat, or high humidity. If a cassette is exposed to extreme heat or cold, let it reach a moderate temperature before inserting it in the player.

Never try to insert foreign objects into the cassette player.

Comfort and Convenience Features

If you see the error indication

on the display, press the

EJECT button and remove the cassette from the unit. Make sure the tape is not damaged. If the cassette will not eject or the error indication stays on after the cassette ejects, take the car to your Honda dealer.

If a problem develops in the connec- tion between the cassette player and the radio, you will see the display. Take the car to your Honda dealer.

in

Operating the Optional CD Player/Changer A Compact Disc changer is available through your dealer. It holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous entertainment. You operate the CD changer with the same controls used for the radio.

Your dealer also has an accessory in- dash single CD player available that is operated by the radio controls. To operate this unit, use the instructions (except for those relating to multiple discs) in this section.

To operate the CD player or changer, the ignition must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).

Audio System

PWR/VOL KNOB

REPEAT INDICATOR

AM/FM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEK BAR

RPT BUTTON

PRESET BUTTONS

CD/TAPE BUTTON

CD Player Insert the disc into the CD slot. Push the disc in halfway, the drive will pull it in the rest of the way. Push the CD/TAPE button and the disc will start to play.

You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discs without using an adapter ring.

When the system reaches the end of the disc, it will return to the begin- ning and play that disc again.

You will see the track number being played in the display.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Press the EJECT button to remove the disc from the player.

If you eject the disc, but do not remove it from the slot, the system will automatically reload the disc after 15 seconds and put the CD player in pause mode. To begin playing the disc, press the CD button.

CD Changer Using the instructions that came with the changer, load the desired CDs in the magazine, and load the magazine in the changer.

Press the CD/TAPE button. You will see "CD" in the display. The system will start to play the first track of the first disc. When that disc ends, the next disc in the magazine is loaded and played. After the last disc finishes, the system returns to disc 1.

Comfort and Convenience Features

To select a different disc, press the appropriate preset button (1 — 6). If you select an empty slot in the magazine, the changer will, after finding that slot empty, try to load the CD in the next slot. This continues until it finds a CD to load and play.

CD Player and Changer You can use the TUNE/SEEK bar to select tracks within a disc. If you press and release the TUNE/SEEK bar, the system will move to the beginning of a track. Press the

side to move to the beginning side

of the next track, and the to move to the beginning of the current track.

If you press and hold the TUNE/ SEEK bar, you will hear a beep and the system will continue to move across tracks. Release the bar when you think it has reached the desired place on the disc.

REPEAT — When you activate the Repeat feature by pressing the RPT button, the system continuously replays the current track.You will see RPT in the display as a reminder. Press the RPT button again to turn it off.

To take the system out of CD mode, press the A M / FM button or insert a cassette in the player. If a tape is already in the cassette player, press the CD/TAPE button. When you return to CD mode, play will contin- ue at the same point that it left off.

If you turn the system off while a CD is playing, either with the PWR/VOL knob or the ignition switch, play will continue at the same point when you turn it back on.

Protecting Compact Discs

Audio System

Handle a CD by its edges; never touch either surface. Contamination from fingerprints, liquids, felt-tip pens, and labels can cause the CD to not play properly, or possibly jam in the drive.

When a CD is not being played, store it in its case to protect it from dust and other contamination. To prevent warpage, keep CDs out of direct sunlight and extreme heat.

To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth. Wipe across the disc from the center to the outside edge.

A new CD may be rough on the inner and outer edges. The small plastic pieces causing this roughness can flake off and fall on the re- cording surface of the disc, causing skipping or other problems. Remove these pieces by rubbing the inner and outer edges with the side of a pencil or pen.

Never try to insert foreign objects in the CD player or the magazine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

CD Changer Error Indications If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the car to your Honda dealer.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Before you begin driving your Honda, you should know what gasoline to use, and how to check the levels of important fluids. You also need to know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this section will help you. If you plan to add any accessories to your car, please read the information in this section first.

Before Driving

Break-in Period................................ 96
Gasoline............................................ 96
Oxygenated Fuels........................ 96
Driving in Foreign Countries..... 97
Service Station Procedures ............ 98
Filling the Fuel Tank................... 98
Opening the Hood ....................... 99
Oil Check................................ 100
Engine Coolant Check.......... 101
Fuel Economy................................ 102
Vehicle Condition...................... 102
Driving Habits............................ 102
Loading........................................... 103
Accessories..................................... 104
Modifications.................................. 104

Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period Help assure your car's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.

Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300
km).

You should follow these same re- commendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are relined.

Before Driving

Gasoline Your Honda is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 86 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage.

We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits.

Using gasoline containing lead will damage your car's emission controls. This contributes to air pollution.

In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called MMT. If you use such gasolines, your emission control system performance may deteriorate and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this happens, contact your authorized Honda dealer for service.

Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.

If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel's contents. Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the pump.

If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates given above are not covered under warranty.

The following are the EPA-approved percentages of oxygenates:

ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) You may use gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name "Gasohol."

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) You may use gasoline containing up to 15 percent MTBE by volume.

METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol) You may use gasoline containing up to 5 percent methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5 percent methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber and plastic parts of your fuel system.

Gasoline

Driving in Foreign Countries If you are planning to take your Honda outside the U.S. or Canada, contact the tourist bureaus in the areas you will be traveling in to find out about the availability of unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating.

If unleaded gasoline is not available, be aware that using leaded gasoline in your Honda will affect perfor- mance and fuel mileage, and damage its emissions controls. It will no longer comply with U.S. and Canadian emissions regulations, and will be illegal to operate in North America. To bring your car back into compliance will require the replace- ment of several components, such as the oxygen sensors and the three way catalytic converter. These re- placements are not covered under warranty.

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

Pull

1. Because the fuel fill cap is on the driver's side of the car, park with that side closest to the service station pumps.

2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling

on the handle at the outside of the driver's seat.

Before Driving

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.

You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes.

4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel pump automatically clicks off. Do not try to "top off" the tank, leave some room for the fuel to expand with temperature changes.

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,

tighten it until it clicks. If you do not properly tighten the cap, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may come on (see page 206 ).

6. Push the fuel fill door closed until

it latches.

FUEL FILL CAP

Opening the Hood

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

SUPPORT ROD

Service Station Procedures

1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set

the parking brake. Pull the hood release handle located under the lower left corner of the dashboard. The hood will pop up slightly.

LATCH

2. Standing in front of the car, put

your fingers under the front edge of the hood to the right of center. Slide your hand to the left until you feel the hood latch handle. Push this handle up until it releases the hood. Lift the hood.

3. Pull the support rod out of its clip

and insert the end into the hole on the front of the hood around the center.

To close the hood, lift it up slightly to remove the support rod from the hole. Put the support rod back into its holding clip. Lower the hood to about a foot (30 cm) above the fender, then let it drop.

CONTINUED

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

Oil Check

DIPSTICK

Check the engine oil level every time you fill the car with fuel. Wait a few minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.

1. Remove the dipstick (orange

handle).

Before Driving

2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean

cloth or paper towel.

3. Insert it all the way back in its tube.

Service Station Procedures

Engine Coolant Check

RESERVE TANK

Refer to Owner Maintenance Checks on page 138 for information on checking other items in your Honda.

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

MAX

MIN

4. Remove the dipstick again and

check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.

If it is near or below the lower mark, see Adding Oil on page 140 .

Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines. If it is below the MIN line, see Adding Engine Coolant on page 144 for information on adding the proper coolant.

Before Driving

Driving Habits You can improve fuel economy by driving moderately. Rapid acceler- ation, abrupt cornering, and hard braking use more fuel.

Always drive in the highest gear that allows the engine to run and acceler- ate smoothly. Depending on traffic conditions, try to maintain a constant speed. Every time you slow down and speed up, your car uses extra fuel. Use the cruise control, when appropriate, to increase fuel economy.

A cold engine uses more fuel than a warm engine. It is not necessary to "warm-up" a cold engine by letting it idle for a long time. You can drive away in about a minute, no matter how cold it is outside. The engine will warm up faster, and you get better fuel economy. To cut down on the number of "cold starts," try to combine several short trips into one.

The air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine which makes it use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to cut down on air conditioning use. Use the flow-through ventilation when the outside air temperature is moderate.

Fuel Economy

The condition of your car and your driving habits are the two most important things that affect the fuel mileage you get.

Vehicle Condition Always maintain your car according to the maintenance schedule. This will keep it in top operating condition.

An important part of that mainte- nance is the Owner Maintenance Checks (see page 138 ). For example, an underinflated tire causes more "rolling resistance," which uses fuel. It also wears out faster, so check the tire pressure at least monthly.

In winter, the build-up of snow on your car's underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel mileage and reduces the chance of corrosion.

Before Driving

Your Honda has been designed to carry the driver, several passengers, and cargo. As long as you keep your vehicle well-maintained, you can safely carry cargo within the given load limit and loading guidelines.

However, exceeding the load limit or improperly loading cargo can seriously affect your vehicle's handling and stability. Non-Honda accessories, improper modifications, and poor maintenance can also seriously reduce the safety margin.

The following pages give more specific information on loading, accessories, and modifications.

How much weight you put in your vehicle and how you distribute it are important to your safety.

Anytime you drive with cargo, you should be aware of the following information.

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.

Load Limit The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 Ib (395 kg).

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, accessories, and, if you are towing a trailer, the tongue weight.

Loading

Loading Guidelines Where you store cargo and how well you secure it are important to your safety. Follow these guidelines whenever you carry cargo:

Distribute cargo evenly on the floor of the cargo area, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible.

Use the cargo hooks to secure all items so they cannot fly forward and injure you or your passengers if you brake hard or are involved in a collision.

Never exceed the load limit for the vehicle.

If you put cargo on the roof, use a Honda-approved rack, distribute the cargo evenly with the heaviest items on the bottom, secure all items, and make sure the cargo does not exceed 75 Ib (34 kg).

Before Driving

Accessories, Modifications

Accessories Modifying your vehicle or using non- Honda accessories can make your vehicle unsafe. Before you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the following information.

Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicles's handling, stability and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner's manual regarding accessories and modifications.

Before Driving

We recommend that you use only genuine Honda accessories that have been designed and tested for your vehicle. Because Honda cannot test all other accessories, you must be personally responsible for the proper selection, installation, and use of non- Honda accessories. For your safety, check with your dealer for assistance and follow these guidelines:

Do not install attachments that raise the center of gravity or affect stability.

Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights or interfere with proper vehicle performance.

Be sure electrical accessories do not exceed the vehicle's electrical system capacity.

Modifications Your vehicle has been designed to provide the best combination of performance, mobility, and comfort. Removing original equipment or modifying your vehicle in any way that would alter its design or operation could make it unsafe.

We particularly urge you not to install aftermarket kits or other devices designed to change the vehicle's suspension or ride height. Such devices can seriously impair handling and stability, and cause you to lose control or roll over.

Modifying your vehicle could also void the warranty or make it illegal to drive.

This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions, and how to operate the automatic transmission. It also includes important information on parking your car and the braking system, and facts you need if you are planning to tow a trailer.

Driving

Driving Guidelines......................... 106
Preparing to Drive......................... 107
Starting the Engine........................ 108

Starting in Cold Weather

at High Altitude..................... 109
Automatic Transmission............... 110
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 110
Shift Lever Positions................. 110
Maximum Speeds...................... 113
Shift Lock Release..................... 114
Parking............................................ 115
The Braking System...................... 116
Brake Wear Indicators.............. 116
Brake System Design................ 117
Anti-lock Brakes........................ 117

Important Safety

Reminders.......................... 118
ABS Indicator......................... 119
Driving in Bad Weather................ 120
Towing a Trailer............................ 122
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a

Motorhome................................. 127

Driving

Driving Guidelines

Your CR-V is equipped with a unique four-wheel drive (4WD) system. Normally, power is delivered only to the front wheels. When the system senses a loss of front-wheel traction, it automatically transfers some power to the rear wheels. This gives you better traction and mobility.

While this system can provide increased traction on slippery surfaces, you still need to exercise the same care when accelerating, steering, and braking that you would in a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle.

Driving

Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.

Do not modify your vehicle in any way that would raise the center of gravity.

Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

For driving on unpaved roads, refer to the Off Highway Driving Guidelines section on page 233 .

Your CR-V has higher ground clearance than a passenger car designed only for use on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps and unpaved roads. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.

These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high center of gravity. This means that your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns.

To prevent rollover or loss of control:

Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger car.

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before you drive your car.

1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.

2. Check that the hood and tailgate

are fully closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a tire

looks low, use a gauge to check its pressure.

4. Check that any items you may be

carrying with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely.

5. Check the adjustment of the seat

(see page 54 ).

6. Check the adjustment of the

inside and outside mirrors (see page 63 ).

7. Check the adjustment of the

steering wheel (see page 44 ).

8. Make sure the doors are securely