Honda CR-V Maintenance and Repair

kyfdx · November 2002

Its brand new....just take it right back and say fix it. My guess is they will fix whatever the problem is, and its under warranty, so I wouldn't care what it is. I wouldn't extrapolate problems or worry about future reliability because of one problem. I would say its fairly typical for an electrical/wiring problem to show up immediately, or not at all. Thats not something that usually gets worse with age or mileage. Let the service department do their thing, then get back to enjoying your new car.

scname · November 2002

Hondaman: You didn't engage the window lock out button, did you ?

hondaman25 · November 2002

Just returned home from the Honda Dealer and my window problem was fixed in about 10 minutes. At assembly one of the connectors to the main window switch control was barely attached and making a connection only when the door was jarred while opening & closing it. Thank goodness it was a simple fix...I'm happy now and thanks for the 2 responses here.

rockycow · November 2002

Was your V built in England or Japan, I believe S in England and J japan on the Vin

hondaman25 · November 2002

My Crv was built in Japan

mikefm58 · November 2002

Anyone know where the antifreeze drain bolt is located on the cylinder block? Also, is it really necessary to remove this? Isn't just draining the radiator sufficient?

msantos4 · November 2002

I bought my CRV EX in June and I currently have 7300 mi. Last week on my way to work I filled up the gas tank. When I pulled the nozzle, gasoline began gushing out of the tank. I put the nozzle back in and it stopped so I quickly put the cap back on. I thought it was a faulty gas nozzle, however today it happened again. I don't think the cap stops clicking. Anyone with the same problem? Any suggestions aside from taking it to the dealer?!

pitter1 · November 2002

The only thing I can't stand about the new CR-V is that the radiois so far away. my arm is killing me already. what can I do? can I install radio controls on the steering wheel? need a solution!

penpower · November 2002

I am shopping for a 2003 CR-V model EX. I test drive a LX (the EX was not available at the dealership), the LX seems a bit noisy than I expect. Is the noise from tire or because poor insulation? Does the EX model run quieter?

theracoon · November 2002

Is the noise from tire or because poor insulation? Does the EX model run quieter?

The EX is not any quieter than the LX. With the original tires there is a lot of noise from some road surfaces. Switching to tires with a better rating for noise will eliminate a lot of the road noise. Try http://www.tirerack.com to compare various tire ratings.

lizbear · November 2002

I am a new CRV owner. Is it normal to hear a whinning noise when in reverse? I'm afraid something is wrong with the transmission.

protege_fan · November 2002

Is it like a "whirrrrrrr" noise when you are moving in reverse?

soonbaek · November 2002

While I don't know about CR-V, I do know that the Honda makes high-pitch whinning noise in reverse. Very distinct Honda noise.

protege_fan · November 2002

That's why I asked. My protege does the same thing in reverse...whrrrrrrrrrrr.

andries · December 2002

These burnt valves I've been reading about, are these cars past there warranty? If not then I would suggest that we have dealer problems. Just remember-- WARRANTY IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE DEALER. In other words if you have a good dealer than you have good warranty. In my business I deal with all types of vehicles, machinery, and equipment. Believe me that little saying is 100% true, no ands, if, ors, or butts !!!

ukrbyk · December 2002

Is MPG getting any better with engine broken in? My LX 4WD has 2000 miles and barely gets to 22 (250 miles/11.78 gallons) mpg on exclusively cruise control highway drive. Funny, but it really feels doing better around town. Of course, our friends at Honda put a vague 22 to 30 mpg highway mpg on their sticker, adding "depending on driving style". So what, let's drive 45 mph on highway and get fined for dragging? Why don't we wake up Honda with a small lawsuit for false advertising? Of course, they will insist that it's only "estimated" mpg, and for 86 octane (not available in USA), etc., etc.
Besides, can not not to agree with andrias - any warrenty ain't worse a penny if you do not have honest people to deal with that stand behind it. I am coming to more and more firm conclusion - drive it for 25000 miles and swap for a new one! I have overheard some repair costs at the dealership - boy, do I not want to get involved with those!

rockycow · December 2002

I'm running a 2002 CRV EX with 11K miles. Since I raised the tire pressure to 35psi I havent gotten less than 22 in the city. On a recent 3K trip coming back from San Antonio 80mph indicated and a strong crosswind I got 22mpg, next tank I slowed to 70mph indicated and got 27.5 mpg with same crosswind. After hitting I25 and heading north over raton pass indicating 75mph all the way to Denver I got 34.3mpg, tires at 36psi(dueler H/T). This thing is a brick and really is affected by drag and wind. Obviously I had a tail wind to Denver. I also run with a K&N filter.

reed4 · December 2002

ukrbyk,

We have an 02 CR-V EX 4WD Auto with 1380 miles. Here is the mileage on the three most recent tanks I have monitored:

22.4 mpg 70% city and 30% highway

23.6 mpg 80% city and 20% highway

23.2 mpg 80% city and 20% highway

Using 87 octane gas and driving moderately. All three tankfulls were from different gas stations. Currently running the tires at 28psi and will go to 35psi for the road trip.

During the holidays we will be driving from Austin to Flagstaff to Los Angeles and back. I plan on monitoring mileage and performance closely on the trip and will post my MPG's as I have access to the internet.

Reed

gary_william · December 2002

I just made a drive from atlanta to vermont, 1100+ miles, and towing a trailer. i managed to get 20 mpg from every tank. I was hauling a Uhaul 5'x8' trailer, fully loaded to Honda limits.i was able to maintain 60-65 mph even on steep hills. the grade logic transmission never downshifted/upshifted/downshifted again. it performed flawlessly. and vermont was kind enough to welcome me with a snow storm. yay.

lawsuit · December 2002

Some CR-Vs have had burnt valves within the warranty period, others were
within 3 years but had exceeded 36,000 miles.

The bottom line is that even 2001 CR-Vs are having major engine failures requiring
valve jobs.

Would you have bought a CR-V if the Honda salesman told you that the engine might require a valve job and a new cylinder head next year?

varmint · December 2002

Ukrbyk - You do know that the EPA is the group that determines the mileage range on a car's sticker, right? FWIW, my personal mileage averages slightly over 25 mpg.

I've 70,000 miles on my 99 CR-V and I'm starting to hear a little valve chatter. (Note: there could be many different reasons for the sound.) I'm going to have it looked at soon. I'll report the results.

suzettemon · December 2002

The pieces of the bracket to hold the front license plate came in a plastic bag with no instructions on how to install it. Where can I find instructions for this? No, it's not in the owner's manual.

bandit2002 · December 2002

I have a 2002 CR-V EX. At 26 miles, it stalled. The dealer claims can't determine why this happened. Also on several occasions it will not crank on the first key turn. Again, the dealer doesn't see anything wrong per the on-board computer-so there is "nothing to fix".
I am now at 3700 miles, haven't stalled again and the cranking issue hasn't happened in the last 1k miles.
Has anyone else experienced this behavior?

theracoon · December 2002

The Honda CR-V Parts Manual has an exploded diagram of the license plate holder and bracket (you do have the "V" kinda shaped piece, right?) and how it fits.

Here's an example, although the picture is bad (care of Majestic Honda Parts). I'll try to post a better copy from my parts manual this weekend. I'm on the road this week and it isn't with me.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13S100_B46.gif

suzettemon · December 2002

Thanks for the diagram, but I can't read it. Also, I have a 2002 CRV. I think the front bumper looks different from your diagram, and I have 2 pieces to the 'V' part I think.

theracoon · December 2002

Okay, how about this image for the 2002 CR-V? Unfortunately I don't have the parts manual for that year so I can't post a better image.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13S9A01_B46.gif

sureshtx · December 2002

After I park my CRV and turn off the engine I can hear some cracking noise that lasts about 10 minutes or so from the exhaust pump area. I checked with my dealer and he says that noise is from the engine (cooling down process) and all CRVs do that. I find this real hard to believe. Have any one of you experienced this?

varmint · December 2002

Yes, you will often hear "pinging" noises as the metal cools down and contracts. It's perfectly normal with most any car.

rerenov8r · December 2002

...are the culprit. They are made from light guage metal and not only do "all CR-Vs do this", but virtually ALL VEHICLES use pretty much the same type shield.

I'm surprised you haven't noticed itwith other vehicles before.

Certain vehicles are more noticable, and I do think that NEW vehicles are a bit louder (no road crud to muffle the noise) but more than likely it that you, as new owner, are just more 'atuned' to the sounds.

Good Luck!

ukrbyk · December 2002

I am driving my 02 CRV for about 6 to 8 hundred miles a week and 98% time alone. Fun car to drive. As workdays I have to drive in a small town in AL, where taxes are high but roads crappy, I found that CRV with one person "boats". I mean - it kinda has a tendency to behave like a boat on waves, with a noticable rear bounce. Call it rear end synusoidal vertical diplacement, or whatever, but you know what I mean. I figured that any car is designed for a median load, which makes struts/springs and swaybars work better. Obviously, my 275 Lb is not enough. So I started experimenting and found that "boating" is almost gone with 2x50 Lb bags of sand in drywell and 1x 50 Lb bag underneath(from behind) the passanger seat with it moved almost all the way back. I can tell that car has even load and grip on the road, topheaviness feel disappeared, ride became very comfortable. Can't weight to get back to our highways in TN! Good for one 275 pound dude only

While ago I posted a message about Dualler H/T tires - that they had to be cross-rotated to get rid of a significant pull to the right. After that car was pulling moderately to the left. Untill I spent $2 in AutoZone, bought a tire gauge, spent extra 50 cents at a gas station and EQUALIZED all tires pressure at 3.0 psi (2.6 recommended for low speed highway ride, 3.6 for speeds acceeding 100 mph). Geez, did that change the way it rides! No pull whatsoever, acceleration is better, mpg went up! I tried 3.6 - couldn't stand it, it felt like car is falling apart even with 200 lb ballast.

chuckk1 · December 2002

on the engine of my 01 CRV, at 17k miles, is the first time I have found a stuck pcv valve in all my years of replacing them, on my personal vehicles, as a routine tune up and maintenance item. When I was a young fella, in training to be a mechanic back in the '70's, was told by a master chevy engine mechanic that a pcv valve that won't rattle when you shake it means it's stuck, and can contribute towards engine wear, et., like burnt valves. I wonder if this is correct information, however.

401356 · December 2002

I recently purchased a 2003 Crv - Ex with leather interior. I love the vehicle, but, being a clean car freak, I'm a little peeved by the tacky rubber door handles that clearly show where every hand/finger print is or where my knee was leaning against it. I tried some Armour All, but it didn't do much. Has anyone tried something that might fix this minor problem.
Also, does anyone know of anyone making fender flare kits for 2002-03 CRVs? Honda offers the body cladding/flare kit, but not just a wheel well flare kit.

inkie · December 2002

I believe I told you where the pcv valve was on the 2000 Accord in the periodic maint. board. Please reciprocate and tell me where the valve is on the '02 CRV? Thanks

chuckk1 · December 2002

I have an '01 CRV, and the pcv valve is right out in plain view, mid-engine, on the back side. I replaced it with no problem. I don't know if it's different on the '02, though.

inkie · December 2002

Thanks for your quick response. I will look again it was cold and getting dark so I may have missed it. "Happy New Year"

rtrujillo · January 2003

I am a owner of a 2000 CR-V. I am at only 50000 miles and I had a valve come loose. When I had it tightened the machanic said the manual said to do it at 60000 miles. He said it was a issue that he has seen several times. He suggested to have the valves checked at 35000. The reason it is an issue is that it can lead to a burnt valve which is big cash.

just a heads up.

hungshy · January 2003

I just check recall history from MSN Auto... There are two recall for CR-V.... But I never got notice from Honda... Is there anyone know why? Thanks for any answer.

Karen_S · January 2003

What model year? You can also check for recalls and TSBs here on Edmunds.

Edmunds.com Ownership

mikefm58 · January 2003

Hmmmm, I just checked my '99 CRV and my '01 Accord and never got the recall notices either.

hungshy · January 2003

I got these information from MSN auto -my car
My car is 1999 CR-V

Recall Alert
Owner Notification Date: 5/15/2002
Component Description:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V120000

-------------

Recall Alert
Owner Notification Date: 11/4/1999
Component Description:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:HARNESS:UNDER DASH
NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V282000

slugline · January 2003

Honda has an ownership site at www.ahm-ownerlink.com. Enter your VIN, and you can find out about any applicable recalls for *your* vehicle.

joelcal · January 2003

I wondered if someone could enlighten me! My wife is on the verge of buying a 2003 CR-V LX. We drove the car yesterday for about 15 minutes. When we returned to the dealer, a very smelly smoke kept coming out of the exhaust after the car was turned off. (Smelled up the whole area around the car) The salesman said it was just because it was new, and would go away. What do you think? Thanks in advance for your answers! Joelcal

icvci · January 2003

Seals and gaskets getting used to the heat. It goes away.

You'll also notice new cars get a fog on their windows. It's from the fumes given off by all of the new plastics with in it's interior.

mlandau1 · January 2003

At 60 MPH, my new CRV 2003 EX pulls to the right. The dealer said the alignment was in the normal range and rotated the tires. That made it pull to the right a little less so. Honda customer service hasn't been very helpful and the dealer said that is all he can do. Anyone have a similar CRV problem?

jfigueroa1 · January 2003

I had the same problem and the dealer ended up by doing a 4 wheel aliment and balance, it took care of my problem.
Greetings from sunny Miami.
fig.

jfigueroa1 · January 2003

O2 cr-v lx a/t. the other night my wife had the cr-v and she put the key and stated the car but, at the time to shift, the car would not go into gear," the shift level would not move" she had her feet in the break pedal like always. After five minutes of wandering and waiting out of the blue the car was normal,any input?
Greetings from sunny Miami.
fig.

icvci · January 2003

Maybe this is the culprit??

NHTSA Safety Bulletin for 2002 HONDA CR-V
Make: HONDA Model: CR-V Year: 2002
Service Bulletin Number: 181201
Date of Bulletin:
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:SHAFT CHAIN:PROPELLOR:DRIVE
Summary: SUBJECT REGARDING THE FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT PROTECTOR NOT GOING AROUND THE PROPELLER SHAFT. *SLC SUBJECT REGARDING HIGH TIRE PRESSURE CAUSING MORE NOISE. *SLC SOME VEHICLES MAY EMIT SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST DURING PRE DELIVERY INSPECTION. *SLC SUBJE

djg4312 · January 2003

I have not seen this reported by anyone and am curious if anyone else has had this problem and what might be going on. I have had my 03 EX English automatic for only 3 mos and 1800 miles. From day one I have noticed that everytime I come to a "rolling stop"-- that is, a near stop, say, at a stop sign, and then when I hit the gas, I feel the transmission slip or delay before engaging in first gear. If I come to a total, dead stop, it does not do this. I'm about to bring it in to the dealer, but was just curious. Very annoying.

chuckk1 · January 2003

'01 CRV SE Automatic owner here. I get a hard shift in certain situations, mostly during hard acceleration situations (duh!). I'm not concerned yet, as I have 18k miles on it, and still have some warranty left. Everything else has been running like a watch, a Swiss one, that is.

peachey · January 2003

My '02 CRV EX automatic 12,000k has always slightly hesitated if quickly accelerated from a complete or rolling stop. Is this what you mean by "hard shift" and "transmission slip or delay"?

Honda CR-V Maintenance and Repair

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