Honda CR-V Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    "Power wash" an engine. If a person really wants to clean it up, just spray some Gunk on it and lightly hose it off.

    More harm than good comes from this.
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    Give it a little TLC with every wash. Wipe off dust, lather it up with some dishwasher suds and gently rinse. It's MUCH easier to always keep it clean than to have to do a major wash. Plus, most degreasers aren't very eco-friendly.
  • coatingmikecoatingmike Member Posts: 44
    May have nothing to do with anything, but if you feel this whoosh noise on opening the gas cap is new, and if it really is running better for a time after you open the cap and replace it, perhaps the cap is either not-venting(if it is suppose to), or venting(if it isn't suppose to) and causing some type of a fuel delivery problem. I am not a mechanic, and someone who knows something may read this and say "no way, what a putz", but seems like a pretty cheap thing to try to see if you have a solution. Just be sure you buy a new one that is the proper type for your vehical.
  • kizhekizhe Member Posts: 242
    coatingmike:
    Gas cap is NOT supposed to be venting, otherwise you would have a 'cloud' of fumes on a hot day, which is environmentally not friendly and also downright dangerous. It should be some gas pressure in the tank. It might have some pressure relieve valve.
  • coatingmikecoatingmike Member Posts: 44
    That is what I mean, if the pressure relief valve doesn't vent any longer, if it is suppose to, or if a system is set up that a vaccum is suppose to be ok. But as I say I am definitely not a pro.
  • andy_vietandy_viet Member Posts: 5
    I bought my CRV EX 2 months ago. The road noise for my car was pretty high until one day I checked the tire pressure. 36 PSI in all tires, I lower them to 26 PSI (Honda recommanded). Now, I got less road noise and less stiff ride. Check yours if you are experiencing the same problem.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Andy - Before cars are shipped, the factory over-inflates the tires. They do this to prevent flat-spotting durnig transit. The dealer is supposed to reduce the tire pressure when they prep the car prior to turning it over to the customer. It's not uncommon for them to forget.

    There's actually a whole bunch of things they are supposed to do when they prep the cars. Many times, parts of the electrical system will be disabled during shipping. I once test drove a CR-V that had no radio or interior lights because they hadn't finished the prep work. Luckily it did have brake lights.
  • stevesharisteveshari Member Posts: 9
    Just like Sabrina9, I had an engine fire in my 2003 CRV. The car just came of the dealers lot for the 10,000 mile service and within 5 miles the engine burst into flames. The car was a total loss. The dealership is being no help at all - not even a loaner car and certainly not taking responsibility. Would love to hear from other people who may have had something similar happen to them so we can band together and get some action from Honda.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    First step. Report it to the NHTSA.

    Second, pay for your own investigation of the vehicle. If you're going to take action, don't expect good will from the people you are going after.

    Third, don't let it be written off by your isurance. Once you allow that, the issue is pretty much out of your hands.

    Fourth, be prepared to lose. Not because I expect you will. Just be open to that possibility.

    Keep us posted.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    Well, sounds like it may be an oil or other fluid spill cause (as people have speculated before here in the forum). Anybody think of anything else special done at the 10K service that might invoke a fire?

    Good luck on your claim. Hopefully no one was hurt?
  • stevesharisteveshari Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for all of the tips and advice. I am not much of a car guy, but will keep you posted when I get a chance. Just before I saw the flames, I could smell oil, so that is the likely cause (at least in my mind). Luckily, I was the only person in the car, and was not hurt (thanks for your concern).

    Steve
  • carm11carm11 Member Posts: 13
    just put new tires on my 02 ex, by the way went with yokohama avid touring, anyway most alignment centers said 4 wheel alignment was required, except for one center who said that, that was false and a front alignment is all that would be required for my crv, anybody like to comment on that one.
  • sabrina9sabrina9 Member Posts: 148
    SteveShari:
    Couldn't help but notice....
    PLEASE REPORT TO NHTSA, (NHTSA.gov) You can do it online. Takes about two minutes. Put ALL the information there - any recent service, etc. At some point NHTSA will have to initiate some sort of investigation. In fact, I have already requested it. This helps my case and helps yours

    If you would allow me to email you privately, I would like to do that.

    Also, let your insurance company know there are others on the NHTSA. You can get free reports, but most of the info is actually available straight on-line. The reports look more official, but they only tell you a few extra things.
    I have filed my suit. Certainly another will not hurt. Was this your first o/c? I still say the same thing as I have said before. If this is just an o/c problem, why are we seeing them only on 03's and why only at about the first o/c? The 02's are identical and there have been thousands of o/c's done on them without incident. Don't give up, and assume it is related to the o/c. If it cost me 2k, it is likely to cost you more. At least I had a somewhat cooperative dealer. Don't let them tell you it is "undetermined" If it was a bad o/c it should be fairly easy to determine. Please keep everyone informed. One more suggestion. Go to where the car is now and TAKE PICTURES
  • stevesharisteveshari Member Posts: 9
    Sabrina9
    I am glad you found my post. I was hoping to hear from you. I have changed my profile to show my e-mail address. When I hear from you, I will change it back. I would love to compare notes with you.

    I will put the complaint in with the NHTSA (probably early next week).
  • jc11901jc11901 Member Posts: 3
    Hey guys, I would like to go on the beach once in a while with my 1997 CRV. Any recommendations? I know about the air pressure thing. How about the largest size tires the CRV will handle? What impact will it have on milage, handling, speedometer, tranny, motor etc. etc. Thanks Joe
  • hills99hills99 Member Posts: 3
    I've got a 2003 CRV, and love it ... except for the intermittent vibration from my driver's side window. Local dealership has attempted to address the problem 9-10 times with some success. It's mostly a cold-weather problem, but living in Michigan, that makes it a 9-month problem. My next step is contacting a Honda rep, but I just wanted to see if others have had any similar difficulties.
  • kizhekizhe Member Posts: 242
    #677: steveshari: "Just before I saw the flames, I could smell oil, so that is the likely cause.."

    At last... somebody gives very important clue.
    During the Subrina's fire discussion several times I wanted to ask her what kind of smell
    she heard before the fire - electrical and oil fires should have different smells.
    Looks like we have an OIL problem.
    Remarkable: ALL FIRES HAPPENED AFTER OIL CHANGED AT DEALERSHIPS!!!
    So I have some (speculative of course) ideas:
    I changed oil in my EX twice : 1st - at the dealership, 2nd - myself.
    When you do smth yourself you see lots of things which otherwise you don't.
    I noticed that Honda instructions advise you to use special TOOL not only to unscrew oil filter
    (which is normal) but ALSO when screw in a new one back(?). Everybody who had ever changed oil himself knows that manuals specifically recommend NOT to overtighten filter and turn it BY HAND about 3/4 after filters's gasket touches block surface. Honda recommends to use a tool and gives a torque value (very small). I was surprised, but I did as Honda recommended. Location of CRV's oil filter is inconvenient - many people complained about it.
    You normally do not see the filter and do change "by touch", you may spill hot oil on the floor,the frame, etc., and, of course, you do not want to stick you FACE close to oil filter.
    Well, at my post #11686 I described an easy way to avoid any spills: just leave oil to drip overnight through the oil plug hole and do not touch the filter. Next day not much oil left inside
    the filter and you can safely (but quickly) unscrew it, protecting it with a small peace of paper rug
    -no spills.
    While I was doing it (next day), I found another remarkable thing: Wearing glasses I stuck my
    face close to the filter and I saw a thin 'ring' of oil around the gasket. Sides of the filter was
    also oily and had a white color (like milk) - when water mix with oil we have white emulsion.
    In other words, I had a small oil leak near the filter gasket and the LAST change of oil was made at the DEALERSHIP!! Oh those professionals! (You don't wanna watch how they service your car).
    Also they left the old (factory) metal oil plug gasket in place (it was black painted) - you supposed to change it @ every oil change (it's not very important but it's telling you something - they are cutting corners!)
    After changing oil filter I had a test ride and then double checked the surface next to the filter - it was clean. I did that again in a week - it was clean. It was before the Sabrina's fire but I used common sense - oil leak might start a fire.
    O'k, in short, I believe people at the dealership did not tighten filter properly, did not check it
    after a ride (if they had any) and that might start the fire.
    What do you think?
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    Early on when I bought my CRV there was a discusssion about brakes clicking after backing up.Mine continued doing it till now.At 32K miles
    I had brake work done and the noise stopped.
    The front rotors were warped which had nothing
    to do with the clicking but it was shuddering
    from the front.The dealer said the rear pads
    were misaligned.So the bottom line is if you just bought your V and it is clicking then insist the dealer check out the rear brakes.
    Maybe if you complain early enough they might
    cover it under warranty.The work I had done was not.It costs $424 for turning front rotors,replacing front pads,replacing brake fluid,adjusting rear pads.Other than brakes it has been flawless.Eat your heart out Detroit.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Tomsr1 - Is this the brake clunk you are talking about?

    varmint "Honda CR-V Owners: FAQ" Nov 25, 2003 1:25pm
  • haijianghaijiang Member Posts: 13
    My 2002 CRV check engine light was on this Monday and I sent it to closet GoodYear. The guy from GoodYear told me it is EVAP problem and he cleared it.

    But today light is on again and GoodYear guy tell me it is still EVAP problem. He suggest me go to dealer cause it is still covered by warranty.

    I made a appointment with dealer but it is next Monday. I am just wondering is this problem serious? Cause I have a trip in the following two days. Can I drive this car with check engine light on? Will it hurt my car?

    I am totally new with this situation. Hope you guys can give me some suggestion. Thanks a lot.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Why not take it to a dealer. Isn't it still under warranty?
  • haijianghaijiang Member Posts: 13
    I said I already made a appointment with dealer but it is on next monday. Can I still drive it in next two days?
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    If the GY mechanic was willing to clear the code during the first visit, I doubt the problem is all that serious. Most issues that trigger the CEL (check engine light) are minor.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    As long as the check engine light is not blinking then it is ok to drive without any further issues. The computer goes into a back up mode with set values and will be fine. However if the light stsrts blinking or is already blinking then you should not drive because of the possibilities of other failures.

    No blinking, go on your trip and enjoy without woory. The EVAP code if it is a P1456 is probably just a loose gas cap and if a P1457 then probably a bad canister vent solenoid. Either way evap problems will not cause you any problems on your trip...
  • pasadenacrvpasadenacrv Member Posts: 1
    Hi all
    I have a 2004 CR-V, and noticed the windshield wipers are pretty slow, even on the high mode.
    Can the dealership adjust this. Anybody else have this problem? Thanks.
  • kamalsnykamalsny Member Posts: 3
    hey guys I have the 2001 Honda Cr-v.....and having a problem with it..the engine is making a noise between the speed of 0 and 50..it sounds like the car is going to break down.....I have had it for a couple months...anyone have similar problems or know the solution..please get back to me thanks...
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    For pete's sake, have it checked out! It may be something minor that can develop into something much worse.
  • zoomboyzoomboy Member Posts: 3
    When we purchased our 2003 CR-V in July of this year, the tires were set at 40 PSI. I called the service manager at the dealership and was told that they had gotten this vehicle from another local dealership. I called her attention to the hand checked pre-delivery check list that included tire pressure. She told me that her dealership would re evaluate the prep policy. I run mine at 32 PSI. Most of my driving is highway, in Southern California. Has anyone had experience with a 5 tire rotation?
  • inkieinkie Member Posts: 281
    I have the recommended routine for five tire rotation and have been using it without any problems. Just came back from a trip and I can't post now. Will post the five wheel rotation within a day or so. Varmit perhaps you can post in FAQ"s because its not so easy to obtain.
  • kizhekizhe Member Posts: 242
    To Zoomboy:
    I keep my tire pressure @ 34 PSI.
    I do 5 - tire rotation every 7K.
    If you would do it @10K, like manual recommends, the whole cycle would NOT be
    completed at - 35K , which is the life expectancy of CR-V tires.
    Lets call initial location of tires like this (clock wise):
      1 = Front left
       2 = Front right
       3 = Rear right
       4 = Rear left
       5 = Spare
    During 5 tire rotation I move:
       5 to 3
       3 to 1
       1 to 4
       4 to 2
       2 to 5.
    (please draw a diagram for clarity).
    Follow the same routine every 7K and the full cycle will be completed in five rotations (5 x 7K = 35k, all tires will be at their initial positions).
    Benefit of tire rotation: tires wear more evenly.
    Drawback: rotation would mask the suspension defect if you have one.
    I do balance all tires (including the spare) every 15K.
    Balancing is important especially if you have aggressive style of driving.
    The 5-tire rotation is much easier to do then the 4-tire rotation.
    Another advantage - all your tires would wear off at the same time and you free to buy a new set
    (of 5 tires) of any brand or type you like.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Inkie - Good suggestion. I'll add a five tire rotation to the FAQs. I may not be able to provide a diagram, though. Edmunds does not offer a place where I can host images and I'd rather not rely on my own hosting services (who knows how long I'll be with Comcast). But I will post something for posterity.

    Meanwhile... This link has a tire rotation plan if you scroll down about 3/4 of the way.

    http://www.bridgestone-usa.com/warranty/warr8.htm

    Kizhe - The Duelers have a tread life of 30-40k miles, but the BF Goodrich tires (the other OEM tire) last longer. Most get at least 40k miles.
  • leah35leah35 Member Posts: 3
    All in all, I love my new CR-V - HOWEVER, there is a "rattle/rolling" sound coming from under the front seats. It sounds like there is a bolt or screw loose under there. It will settle into a spot and be quiet for several days and then all of a sudden I'll take a turn and there it goes. It rolls around and sometimes goes across the whole car until it hits "something" and settles. When I try to have someone else hear it, of course, it won't make the sound. My neighbor also bought a 2004 CR-V Automatic the day I bought mine and he says he has the same sound, although I haven't heard it to verify that it's the same.

    Has anyone else had this problem?
  • carm11carm11 Member Posts: 13
    any input from message # 678, greatly appreciated.
  • tomk17tomk17 Member Posts: 135
    Just a guess but check the storage drawer that is under the front passenger seat. Somehow a pencil got into mine and caused the exact same sound.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Carm - I think your best bet would be to have them explain why you only need a front wheel alignment. Then take that information and get a second opinion.
  • inkieinkie Member Posts: 281
    Yes, I did look at the link and its close to the routine I obtained from various sources in the auto industry. I see Kize also uses my routine for Non Unidirectional Tires which is:

    Left Front to Left Rear
    Left Rear to Right Front
    Right Rear to Left Front
    Right Front to Spare
    Spare to Right Rear

    And I also draw a diagram.
  • beebee13beebee13 Member Posts: 38
    Hi all,
    I am new to this...I am considering buying a 2004 CRV-EX... comparing it to the Saturn Vue...can anyone tell me the difference between Hondas multi-port fuel Injected system ,and Saturns Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected System? Also, has anyone been able to get leather upholstery on their CRV? And MPG is listed at 22 city is that pretty acquerate? thanks, Bee
  • dtruong8dtruong8 Member Posts: 27
    hi everyone

    I had just ran into an odd problem regarding the hvac controls on my 2002 cr-v. Although this is an intermittent prob, it happened twice on the same day.

    I turned on the fan on the lowest setting with the a/c off. But when i go to turn on the a/c, it refuses to turn on. The light doesnt go on at all. I keep trying to turn it on. Then the a/c lights start to flicker and I could hear the compressor turn on and off along with the light. But when I turn on the fan to a higher setting, the a/c stays on. Probably something regarding the computer? (if there is one for the HVAC)

    Although this has gone away i think (i havent drove it for a while), I was just wondering if anyone else has this problem.
  • kizhekizhe Member Posts: 242
    I had that once too.
    It happened during hot and humid weather. Fan was at MIN. A/C stopped working and I saw white vapor cloud
    coming from it. I figured that if you would not give enough fan blow (at MIN fan is OFF) - system would freeze and shuts off. I waited, moved fan to medium position and it started working like it should. I never had that problem again.
  • ramarquardt2ramarquardt2 Member Posts: 15
    This post is in response to #701, leah35. I have a 2003 CRV-EX purchased 5/03. I have the exact symptoms that you described. Whereas you believe the sound comes from under the seats, I thought it was coming from either the dash or more likely in the roof cavity. There is space between the top metal roof and the head liner. Anyway, it happens occassionaly when making turns and is never repeatable. If anyone has any clues, please post them. I'm actually glad that someone besides me has this problem. I was tempted to believe that an assembler left a screw somewhere.
  • jqp11jqp11 Member Posts: 1
    Happy New Year to everyone!

    Model: 2004 CRV-EX

    On page 72 of the owner's manual is written:
    "To unlock the driver's door from the outside, turn the key and release it."
    That of course works fine, but then it reads:
    "If you turn the key and hold it, all doors and the tailgate unlock. All four doors and the tailgate unlock when you use the key in the
    passenger's door."

    The last two statements do not work! Is this a feature that should work?
    Am I missing something?

    Thanks for your advice!
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    Is any of you guys experiencing radio pulling when 5 tire rotation performed @ 7-10K interval?
  • inkieinkie Member Posts: 281
    You must mean radial pulling, I rotate around 8k with no problems especially pulling. Maybe at 10k the tires took a set and pulling can occurr but I doubt it.
  • zoomboyzoomboy Member Posts: 3
    Following the input from several of you, I went for the 7500 mile servicing on my 2003 CR-V EX. (it was actually at 8100 miles) I went to Fladaboe Honda in Irvine, Calif. They had no problem doing a 5 tire rotation, and seemed to do it often since they just wrote on the service order "Customer requested 5 tire rotation". Like many of you I hope to get 35,000 miles on the original Bridgestome Duelers. Has anyone
    purchased replacements for a 2002 or newer CR-V? I've looked at the tire rack, but they recommend the OE tire. What B.F. Goodrich or Michelin tires have been used?
  • carminey2003carminey2003 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a 2004 CRV LX last month, but I am already having problem with the brakes. Currently, my car has 450miles. This is my third Honda but first CRV. I was so impressed by the Honda reputation that I bought the CRV without testing other models (ok, other than Jeep Liberty). I love this car, it drives well, handles smoothly and is very roommie. The interior desinger takes advantage of every corner possible and yes SHE IS BEAUTIFUL (mine is silver).

    But...there is something wrong with the brakes. I hear thumping or clicking noise when I stop at a red light, with my foot on the brake pedal. I hear grinding noise when I turn the steering wheel, with my foot on the brake pedal (as in doing a K-turn). Sometimes, my car seat and steering wheel vibrates while stopping at a red light, when my engine is in drive and foot on brake.

    I've read other CRV owners have the same problem with brake noise, is this a recurring theme or mine happens to be the 'imperfect' one? Any suggestions? I brought my car in to the dealer and they said I need to leave it for a day. Since I will be without a car for a day, should the dealer give me a loaner for the day, since this is a brand new car?

    Also, when looking at the front tire, I was surprised to be able to see the inside of my car and the other side!!! Based on my past experience, I thought the area by the two front tires should be sealed by a black plastic panel (or wheel aligner, not sure if that's the correct term) to prevent snow, salt and debris from getting into the engine. This caused me great concern since I live in NY and we get pretty snowy winter and that I have seen snow and debris accumulate in that area-by the tires, against the roof of the wheel aligner. Has this cause any concern for anyone? As a matter of fact, this caused so much concern that I started to doubt as to whether I have purchased a quality car or not. My hubby thinks I am crazy. I am just not used to being able to see my engine from the outside, without opening the hood. I've looked at other older models (parked on the street) and saw that area was sealed. Why did Honda change the design? Won't the engine rust with salt and snow getting inside? I asked the dealer if there's any accessories/parts that I can purchase to seal that area off, he said no. I would like to hear what the owner CRV owners' thought on this. In addition, is there a brush guard for the car? Sometimes, I drive over a pile of snow, just want to make sure that the parts are well protected. Thanks for your feedback.
    Carmen
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Carmen - Whether or a loaner is provided is pretty much the perogative of the dealer's management. Every dealer is different. It's not a common practice unless you buy from one of the luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes, or BMW.

    Your brake condition sounds new to me. There was a chronic issue with clicking brakes, but your problem sounds very different.

    As for the holes in the wheel wells, I would not worry about them. It seems like a common sense sort of thing (there are holes, it must be a problem), but I have never read of problems related to this design. It is also used on the Honda Civic.

    FWIW, several "real trucks" like the Durango and others have similar holes. There's also that 10 sqaure foot "hole" under the engine that allows debris into the compartment.

    If you are serious about getting the holes covered, I can direct you to a link where someone describes how to make your own "gaiters" for the CR-V. It's your call.
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    I had put up with brake noise but at 32K miles I took my 02 CRV in for inspection.The front rotors were warped and the rear pads were misaligned.So take it to the dealer and demand they fix it before they can use the excuse that brakes are not covered under warranty.I have had many Hondas over the years and two areas pop up as problems,electrical and brakes.That is still better than the competition.
  • leah35leah35 Member Posts: 3
    I'm glad to hear from you both ramarquardt2 and tomk17.

    The first thing I did was empty EVERY compartment in the car. It is definitely not something INSIDE the cab/box/glovebox, etc.

    My noise is absolutely underneath the car - not in the roof. I talked with the dealership and they said that there is a "heater pan" underneath the front seats and that sometimes they get a rock in them. I will be having that looked at at my 1st oil change.

    It made the noise a lot one night last week but whatever it is has lodged and is quiet as a mouse right now.

    Of course the dealership said that there's no way they can find what it is if they never hear it. Well, it's impossible to make it duplicate the sound once it's "settled".

    I guarantee that the next time I hear that noise I am driving straight to the dealership - very gently so it doesn't settle down anywhere.

    I truly believe that there is a loose bolt or screw somewhere.

    It's odd that now there's 3 of them that we know about. I think it's very strange that my neighbors car from the same dealership on the same weekend - does the same exact thing.

    Thanks for any continuing input or insight.

    L
  • johnnyb49johnnyb49 Member Posts: 4
    I have an 02 CRV. We recently were going down a steep grade and I shifted down to 2nd to slow down and engine brake. The shifter stuck in 2nd and I couldn't get it out, either back to D or into Park when I stopped. I turned off the engine thinking it would release but it didn't help. Then I couldn't restart either. I tried every combination, i.e. key on, key off, foot on brake, etc. I finally knocked the tab out and did a shift lever lock release with a scewdriver and was good to go. Honda is checking it out but says they can't find the problem as they can't seem to duplicate it. Any ideas on this? Has this happened to anyone else? Any info at all would be helpful, thanks, John
  • sabrina9sabrina9 Member Posts: 148
    I know I have had my share of troubles lately, but this ABSOLUTELY happened to me 2 nights ago on my brand new 04. I did exactly what you did. Didn't seem to do it again, but I am monitoring. I thought it was just something I did wrong. I could not get it to D. I will go out and recheck it now
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