Honda CR-V Maintenance and Repair

jaker

Steve,

 

I totally know what you are going through. My Honda dealer has had my '05 in the shop for a few days now and Corporate hasn't been as responsive as I had hoped they would be. I mentioned beginning the Lemon Law process and my dealer said that it wouldn't fly because it's not a true "non-conformity." There is good news, though. My Service Manager had the top of the struts swapped out and realigned the vehicle twice and it improved things dramatically...from a 2 to a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. BUT, I'm still noticing road crowning and slight pulling.

 

The reason this is so bad is that I have a 90' Accord that drives perfect and my sister has an 05' Pilot that I drove last night - no problems.

 

Anyway, I'll make a report concerning how I make out. Honda Corporate maintains that we can't bring a Lemon Law Violation for this type of problem, but I disagree. Let me know what you find out. My home email is jake@phunke.net

varmint

I think I paid about $455 for the belt change (and pump) at an independent. Mine is also a '99 (105K miles).

 

Jaker - For future reference, you may not want to post your e-mail in open messages. Instead, put it into your profile and tell folks to look for it there. (Spammers sometimes search these forums for addresses.)

prcarp

I just purchased a new CR-V EX about 3 weeks ago. The morning after I bought it, it was sluggish starting. I figured a low battery but with 45 minute runs to work, I figured it would get a normal charge and be fine. It did, or so I thought. 80% of the starts are fine. Some, like after sitting for an hour but running all day, were very sluggish. Last night, we had to go to the hospital (Lamaze class), and it cranked but would not fire. Second try, it fired right up and off we went. There have been some times that when we open the door, the interior light is dim. Yes, I have made sure that all accessories and lights are off when the car is not in use.

 

So I brought it into the dealer on day 3 to have them check it out. It had started fine that day and I wasn't surprised that they couldn't find anything. To the dealer's credit, they are concerned as I am and have made several follow up calls. After last night's episode (eventually we will need to go to the hospital in a moments notice), it is at the dealer now. He suspects a intermitent defective battery which I hope is the case.

 

Has anyone else had this problem? I am hoping it is not anything more serious than that.

lorelei2

I have an 05 that I've had for a little over a month now. I also noticed some sluggish starting on a couple of occasions during the first week or two. It was like you described in terms of not wanting to fire until I tried it again. It hasn't happened since so I haven't given it much thought (out of sight out of mind...). I'll pay closer attention now. Let us know what the dealer says!

kimodo

I have noticed this too. I kept thinking it was the cold weather, but who knows now. I haven't had an occasion when it didn't fire on the first try though. But very sluggish indeed at times, like the battery was dead. I can't recall if those occasions were related to the really cold days here in the northeast.

carlessone

Keep us updated on what caused the PTTR problem. I had the same problem with a new Prelude years ago and after lots of horsing around we found out it was a bad tire. They were BF Goodrich tires as I recall and of course by simply looking at the tire you couldn't tell it was bad. So, I had to go to BF Goodrich since the car and tires were under new car warrenty and they would put a different tire on a wheel and drive it around, etc. until about the 3rd try they found the bad tire. Of course I found this out after I'd had it realigned, tires rebalanced, rotated, etc. On a new 05 CRV I would hope your problem is an easy fix like mine was. We bought two 05 CRV's(an EX and SE) in the past month and we absolutely love them. Great for MN driving and so far flawless operation.

stevengordon

Just had my first oil change at 5200 miles in my relatively new '04 CR-V. When I got home, I checked the oil dip stick to make sure the oil was at the proper level. I opted to go with the Castrol synthetic blend.

 

When I wiped the dip stick off, the residue was an orange-brown color--definitely not what I was expecting from brand new oil.

 

Is that normal for a synthetic blend?

 

BTW: any practical advantage to the synthetic blend over conventional organic oils?

mikefm58

At the risk of opening a can of worms in regards to synthetic oil vs. traditional oil, and then we have synthetic blends. IMO, the synthetics aren't worth the extra $$ as you have no way of knowing how much synthetic vs. how much traditional oil.

 

I'd suggest finding a forum that discusses synthetic vs. traditional vs. synthetic, all have pluses and minuses (don't want to go in to details here), then you decide which is right for you.

ecotrklvr

I like your suggestion, mikefm58 - go see the appropriate forum. But folks should know that it isn't really that tough to tell "blends" from "100% synthetic" - just read the forum info and the label. As you can probably tell, I'm a fan of the 100%, having used nothing else since 1987.

rod3

Does anybody know may I use not Honda ATF to

 replace it during transmission flush.Will it

work ok?Is there filter to change?

 THanks!

mikefm58

Oh, I agree too, 100% synthetic all the way. I use Mobil-1, 20 bucks at wally mart for a 5 gal jug.

mikefm58

I'd recommend only Honda ATF. I have the first gen. CRV, no filter with that model, VERY easy to change the tranny oil.

stevengordon

My owner's manual is silent about the schedule for using synthetic (or mineral-synthetic blends). Dealer said that the severe schedule for mineral-based oils could (should?) be doubled.

 

So, if the severe schedule calls for 5000 mile oil changes, then using sythetic oils could be changed every 10000 miles.

 

I'd like to get something from Honda about the oil change schedules for CR-Vs using synthetics.

 

Any suggestions on where to get Honda's official information?

jaker

Hey everyone --

 

Just wanted to let you know how I made out with the PTTR problem. I think we finally got it straightened out (although the mechanic dropped something on my hood and now it must be replaced!)

 

My service manager has been a saint and basically did everything the TSB from 03 called for. He had them do something with the top of the struts, several alignments and tire rotations, and some other stuff. I brought it home this weekend it is driving 100% better. Just to make sure, I test drove another 05 CRV at another area dealer and now I'm satisfied the problem is taken care of.

jmorris2

I am also in the PTTR club,bought my first Honda CR-V and it started immediately. Cant get it fixed. Seems to be worse when accelerating from a stop.Sometimes the 2005 2 wheel dr model darts to the right and it always pttr when cruising. Going to the dealer for the second time ( only 127 miles the first visit). What is the solution? Need help!!!!!!

accountant

Most tires are meant to run at 35 psi. The tire will tell you proper pressure. Running lower pressure gives more road friction. Hot tires are more likely to experience the dreaded tread separation (they also wear out faster). Look at the tires. When in doubt go to a tire store and just ask. Car people know cars, Tire people know tires....

accountant

Many dealers will allow a longer test drive if you tell them you are serious about the car you are driving. Honda dealers are the hardest to deal with, becuase their cars sell well. I have had a CRV for the weekend. I've also had a mazda tribute overnight, and I'll have a Mazda3s Hatchback tomorrow. Its a $100-$900 commission to him, its $23000 to me. If its a good car and I'm really interested, why not let me really see this thing?

theracoon

Most tires are meant to run at 35 psi. The tire will tell you proper pressure.

 

The number on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum recommended tire pressure from the tire manufacturer. Honda recommended 26 PSI for my '99 CR-V. I believe the original tirewall said 35 max PSI. I found that 30 PSI is a nice balance between fuel mileage and harsh ride.

 

JM2C

kyfdx

Umm.. this is entirely wrong.. As theracoon states, the number on the tire is the MAXIMUM tire pressure for that tire, and has no relation to the vehicle it is installed on..

 

The recommended pressure is on the doorjamb.. That should also be considered the MINIMUM pressure. On my '02, the recommended pressure is 26 PSI.. Most CR-Vs would ride like a farm wagon at 35 PSI...

 

I usually run mine at 28-30 PSI..

 

I do think what is on the doorjamb and the owner's manual is much better info than what most car dealers, service departments or tire retailers will tell you, though.. They are notorious fonts of misinformation..

 

regards,

kyfdx

gotribe

The best way to take the mystery out of tire pressures is to follow the manufacturers' recommendation--either found in the owners manual and/or usually on the inside of the driver side door. There are a lot of old wives tales about tire pressure, most of them wrong. Just follow the mfr reccs!!

hkjcrv

Hi all,

 

Over the weekend, I noticed that my "Maint Req'd" light blinks several times after starting up my 2004 CR-V EX. I have never noticed this before so it leads me to believe that it has just started. It blinks even after all of the other lights have gone off (i.e. SRS, etc.). I would say it blinks probably 8-10 times. However, it never comes on while driving, just always blinks right after start up.

 

Is there something wrong with my car, or is this normal? If there is something wrong, what could it be that would cause the light to blink on start up and not any other time?

 

Thanks for any help you can give me.

kyfdx

I think it starts flashing 1000 miles before the recommended service interval, then will be on continuously at some point (500 miles before?) before the interval...

 

The dealer will reset it when serviced.

user777

hkjcrv -

my suggestion would be to set some quiet time aside to read, or re-read your owner's manual - particularly the section related to the instrumentation.

 

kydfx indicated that the shop will reset it for you when you bring it in for service. however, you'll find in your owner's manual, the reset procedure on how you can extinguish the light yourself (for example, if your car was serviced before the maintenance interval - it will illuminate). you'll also find the mileage conditions under which the light illuminates.

 

your maintenance required light is thankfully, not the same as a check engine light.

varmint

As mentioned above, the number on the sidewall is the max psi for the tire. Not the recommended psi.

 

But there's one other point that could stand to be addressed.

 

"Running lower pressure gives more road friction. Hot tires are more likely to experience the dreaded tread separation (they also wear out faster)."

 

True enough. On the other hand, running your tires with too much pressure causes them to balloon a bit. Instead of having a flat contact patch an over-inflated tire will have a rounded, stretched-out contact patch. Meaning that the vehicle is riding only on the middle of the tread and the sides of the tread will not be firmly planted on the ground.

 

A smaller contact patch is never a good thing.

hkjcrv

Well, I have 8100 miles on my CRV. It would make sense that this flashing light began once my CRV hit 8000 miles, because I just hit it over the weekend, and I noticed the light flashing for the first time over the weekend, too. I'll have to take out the owner's manual and take a look. How much $$ am I looking at for the 10,000 mile maintenance? If I don't get the maintenance done at the dealer, will my mechanic be able to reset the light?

 

I had my oil changed previously, so I'm assuming that this service light is about the mileage, not the condition of anything. As you mentioned, it's not the same as a check engine light!

thirdof4

I believe the 10,000 mile maintenance is basically an oil and lube. Rotate tires (?) if you haven't already... It costs approximately 30 dollars at the shop I use (for the OC only).

 

I think anyone who does oil changes can reset the maintenance light. The shop I use will do it for free but an earlier post states that you can reset the light yourself (info in the manual) and that seems a lot more convenient. Also, if you don't mind looking at it, you can have the light turned off at your next OC.

 

I read the manual when I first purchased the car but will read it again since I don't remember seeing anything on resetting instrument panel lights. Thanks for the heads up on that!

user777

I don't own a CRV, but for the Accord and ODY I drive, I think the proceedure is essentially the same: with the car off, hold in the odometer reset button, turn the key to the accessory position, continue to hold button in for 10sec until the light goes out. Done.

 

Look in the Index for "Resetting the Maintenance Required Light", or "Maintenance Required Light", etc.

varmint

Yeah, the process for resetting the light should be easy.

 

On my mother's Olds, you had to turn the key to "on", step on the gas 3 times, turn the key again.... It was some long, complex set of instructions, which seemed to have been inspired by the hokey-pokey.

 

Conversely, my 1999 CR-V just requires that you stick the ignition key into a slot next to the maintenance indicator.

bodble2

"you had to turn the key to "on", step on the gas 3 times, turn the key again...."

 

Don't forget you also have to touch the tip of your nose with your index finger, and rub your belly in a counter-clockwise motion and at the same time move your feet to the beat of "Staying Alive"

mikev

I've got a new 2005 that's regularly getting less than 20/mpg. It only has about 500 miles on it. We were on an all-hwy road trip last weekend, when I really thought it would finally shine... but, still, less than 20! I actually bought the 2005 vs the 04 for the 5 spd automatic which theoretically should pull fewer rpms at hwy speeds (and, also, my wife was ga-ga about the heated seats...), and this is the thanks I get?

 

  Has anyone else experienced this? Or do some of you have any words du wisdom? Otherwise... I LOVE this car.

 

Thanks!

kyfdx

If you only have 500 miles, you can't "regularly" get less than 20 MPG.. that is less than two tanks.. You can't check mileage until you fill up the tank the first time, then re-fill it completely the second time... Not sure how you have checked your mileage twice already...

 

And, the sooner you fill-up (say, with only a half-tank gone), then the better chance that your mileage figures will be off...

 

regards,

kyfdx

coudiebug

I agree that you need to take more data. I have a 2003 w/AT. My average mileage per tank is anywhere between 225-300 dependent on driving conditions, speed, duration etc.

armand

I am thinking of buying a '05 CRV but I wish it had HID headlights because my 70 year old eyes "ain't what they used to be". How good are the headlights and does anyone think the '06 will have HID's?

varmint

I doubt very much the 2006 CR-V will add HIDs. That is the sort of hardware Honda typically reserves for their Acura vehicles. Actually, I can't think of any other vehicle in the CR-V's class which has them. :-(

 

It is possible that the 2006 Acura RDX (small SUV) will have these. But that has yet to be confirmed. And the RDX is likely to cost considerably more than the CR-V.

isellhondas

I've driven cars with HID lights and they aren't THAT much better.

kyfdx

Depends on which ones...

 

Acura... not that great..

 

Saab.. okay for the driver, but appear to be bouncing wildly to oncoming traffic..

 

BMW.. Like daylight.. the difference is amazing.

 

Mini.. See BMW

 

Audi.. in my limited experience...terrible.

 

haven't tried any of the others...

bodble2

Never mind HID headlights, I've been wishing for auto-off headlights. My 45-year-old memory ain't what it used to be!

stevengordon

If only my 51-year-old ears could hear it when I leave the lights on when I turn off the car.

bodble2

It's attracting too many sight and hearing impaired, absent-minded fogies!

xair

I just posted a message regarding my 2005 CRV engine catching on fire tonight, and decided to browse the forums. I told my wife that ours was pulling to the right and she said that she did not notice (city driving) but when it is on the highway at speed it is very noticeable. She took it to the dealer and they rotated the tires (did not work). Now the thing caught on fire 300 miles after the first oil change. Luckily, we all got out safely scared my daughters to death though. The PTTR is an issue though not sure what will happen now we only had 3900 miles on it. We just had it towed to the dealer for the engine fire.

mikev

Thanks for your reply. I actually have just over 700 miles on the car (I forgot to look after the weekend trip). I've just filled the tank for the third time, and it's 278 miles/14.2 gallons = 19.57mpg. This is with 200 + of those 278 being purely hwy miles. I am not a jack-rabbit-start, kind of guy - very easy, break-in period driving. This is just much worse gas mileage than I expected. Maybe this is a non-issue to most of you, but I was really expecting to do better

mikev

Wow. So sorry to hear that. This is the first 2005 I've heard catch fire. Good luck.

crimdoc

Mike,

 

Where do you live? Is it a cold climate?

 

I bought an '05 CRV LX in December. My first few tanks of gas came in at ~20 MPG as well (one was as low as 18.7).

 

As the engine has broken in (it now has about 2600 miles on it), and the temperatures have risen, things have improved dramatically. On a recent trip we got almost 26 MPG on the highway even though our CRV was loaded up with furniture (the outside temperature was between 40 and 45F).

 

So I wouldn't panic ... if the car is still getting 20MPG come spring with a few thousand miles on the engine, then I'd take issue.

crimdoc

Mike,

 

Oh ... FYI my "in town" gas mileage has gone up to about 22-23 MPG since the engine has broken in and the weather has warmed up (vs. 18.5 - 20 originally).

kyfdx

You were able to get 14.2 gallons into your tank on fill-up? Or are you going by the stated capacity? I ask.. because I've been running on fumes before, and I've never been able to get more than 13 gallons in...

 

Unless the '05s have a bigger tank...

 

If your actual mileage is under 20 MPG, I'd be mildly surprised.. Usually, 22-25 MPG is the normal range for the second generation CR-V.

 

But, the car is new.. I wouldn't be concerned yet..

 

You really got 14.2 gallons in on fill-up?

 

regards,

kyfdx

xair

Just to let everyone know. The dealer is going to give us a brand new CRV to replace the one that burned up last night, plus move the luggage rack/ski rack I installed over to the new one as well. The wife is glad they replaced it but still worried about driving one now. Wish us luck.

 

Thanks,

Xair

thirdof4

When you find out what caused the fire, let us know. Curious to know if the old gasket was left on following oil change or if the OC was done poorly (loose filter or...?) There is a CR-V engine fire forum on Edmunds (in case you weren't already aware of it) that would be very interested in your experience! This is the first 05 fire I've heard about also.

Good luck!

mikefm58

I doubt we'll ever know what caused the fire. But my guess is the mechanic messed up the job, ending up with a double gasket, and the dealer (or his insurance if covered), is doing the right thing by replacing it with a new vehicle. I'm surprised the dealer didn't try to deduct for the mileage on the vehicle. But I'm glad it worked out.

user777

you write:

>>

I'm surprised the dealer didn't try to deduct for the mileage on the vehicle.

>>

 

even if the vehicle were brought in past the first recommended service mileage, that wouldn't seem like a wise thing to do.

bodble2

Good luck!

 

Well, at least now the CR-V has one feature in common with the X5!