Honda CR-V Maintenance and Repair

phisher · December 2008

Start out by checking the fuses. That would be my guess.

theriver · December 2008

Believe it or not I changed both bulbs and they work fine - very odd.

I went to check the fuses and noticed the left and right headlights were different fuses. Figuring two fuses blown out at the same time would be just as odd as two headlights I just changed one bulb and tried it - worked, then I changed the other. I presume either a fuse is blown or it isn't - no intermittent operation- so it must be just a very strange coincidence on the headlights. Never happened before in 4 years and 80K miles so I don;t suspect anything else at this time.

In the past month I have change two brake lights, two headlights and two door switches which control the overhead lights - all seemingly unrelated to each other. I should check the EMF around my house!!!

Of course, with the help here all this cost me about 50 bucks, way less than taking it to dealer (especially the door light which really had me stumped until answered here).

thanks

fussycrvowner · December 2008

I'm fond of the Sylvania SilverStar headlights myself. Unfortunately the brighter light comes from running the filament hotter which burns them out sooner. Usually get about a year or so out of them.

fussycrvowner · December 2008

I'm undecided what my next tires will be. Possibly considering the Pirelli P4 all season touring tires.

bigdadi118 · December 2008

Sylvania Silverstar lasts about 1.5 year which is stated in Sylvania's FAQ page.

I tried the PIAA Xtreme White currently due Sylvania does not make H11 model (2008 Honda Pilot) in Silverstar or Ultra. PIAA is expensive and about same brightness & white as the SS-Ultra. I hope this PIAA will last double as Sylvania has. It is good & bright enough for me, street legal (DOT) and not like those aftermarket HIDs blinding the oncoming drivers.

raydms · December 2008

I just changed the oil and filter on my 2008 crv for the first time. According to the manual it takes 4.4 us quarts with a filter. After changing the oil I let it sit for roughly 20 minutes but after checking the oil level several times it's slightly above the bottom mark on the dipstick. Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks

circlew · December 2008

Even if there is tread life left, after 3years/30K miles I always change the tires. You will not be getting the same performance after 30K due to the stress on any tire. The internal belts are tired and stressed.

Worth it to me to change to new rubber for the ride, performance and overall safety. Particularly when the weather gets wet and cold.

My$0.02. Just purchased a 2008 EX AWD and new to this board.

Regards,
OW

zswx · January 2009

I bought this 08 CR-V in December 2008 and only drove it very lightly.

I parked it on the street on 12/19/2008 and left for the holiday. Today (1/3/2009) when I came back, the battery completely died. I couldn't even open the door with my remote or lock the door using the button.

I double checked that no light was left on during this period. So how could this happen?

If it was due to a bad battery, will Honda replace it for me for free? (it's a year and a few days since purchase.)

I don't know much about cars and thanks in advance!

lzc · January 2009

Your owner's manual for warranties explains the warranty for a defective battery. This of course assumes something in the car wasn't left on while you were away. The battery is covered 100% up to 36 months. Labor or installations charges aren't covered.

zswx · January 2009

Thank you so much!

How much labor and installation charges are reasonable for changing the battery then?

lzc · January 2009

Well, any place I know of includes installation in the price of the battery. I'd think the dealer would just do it for no charge. It's simple and won't take more than a few minutes. If they wanted to charge much, I'd take the battery and install it myself. But, you might not want to bother with it. If so, I'd think anything higher than about $25 would be out of line. Good luck.

joekinso · January 2009

I have the same problem with my 06 Accord, I had it on "trickle' charge for two days because I drive our CR-V in the winter and then left it for two weeks and it barely started. The reason I put it on the charger was because it was totally discharged last year in the winter after a couple of weeks in the garage and had to reset the radio code. I'm going to check the current draw on the Accord and get back to you. Unfortunately, this will require resetting the radio code. Other than this, the Accord has been a pleasure and the CR-V @ 100K Miles has been trouble free except for dome lamp switches and brakes at 90 K Miles (mostly highway), wait, the cruise control has given up on the CR-V, doing it myself now.

blueiedgod · January 2009

If your vehicle is completely stock with no aftermarket addon's such as alarm, stereo, amps. ect. then battery should not have died from just sitting.

I would check the draw when off. Something is draining the battery.

jdarnell · January 2009

Cruise control stopped working. Switch near door jam no longer lights.
I checked fuse "Meter" and it is o.k.
Is there another fuse to check?

dontknowathing · January 2009

I let my boyfriend drive my brand new CRV while his car was being repaired. He drove it for about a month. I only had the CRV for a little over a month and totally babied it. It ran quiet and smooth and I loved it.
Since his driving it, the car now runs very loud. When the steering wheel is straight the car goes left no matter what kind of road I'm on. It shakes and vibrates hard moving or just sitting at a red light. I had taken the car to dealership 2 times and they don't want to help me. I asked if the car needed and alignment, they said no.They said my car is making normal vibrations and gave me some silly story about my having stuff in my cupholdlers making the normal vibration seem worse than it is.
I think they just don't want to fix my car. I'm a woman, and yes, know very little about cars, But what I do know is my car is messed up. They balanced my tires both times for me and just hoped I would go away.
My boyfriend is the type to deny deny deny no matter what,.he claims nothing happened while he drove it.. but the entrance into my community where I live is a grade that if you are unaware of it, you will be airborn if you hit it hard and fast. Most everyone who is unaware of it does. I know he was unaware of it because I just moved here and he never drove here because his car was being repaired and I did all the driving. He made a statement a week ago that the entrance is really hard on the front end of a car if you don't know about it and it was like his confession to me without admitting that's what he had done. Another thing he does and I just never noticed until he was driving my CRV, is that he drives with two feet. Gas-right foot, brake-left foot. Another thing that happened was we were on a road trip and it was raining very hard the whole way and he drove. When we got to where we were going, I took over driving and something happened where we lost brakes for a couple seconds at a red light and the CRV made a crunching sound. We drove to a gas station and he checked under the hood and said the transmission fluid was low and he proceeded to go into store at gas station and bought transmission fluid and put it in. I don't know what kind of Transmission fluid, but it was something at a convenience store/gas station. I'm not sure, but was told that he checked the transmission fluid wrong and the way he did it, it would read empty when really it wasn't.
Can someone please help me figure out what he did to the car so that I can take it back and tell them to check for something specific instead of them telling me nothing is wrong?
Thanks for your help!

bigdadi118 · January 2009

Read the manual. The transmission fluid HAS TO be the 'Honda' type (purchase from Honda dealers), so gas stations/ convienance stores do not have the HONDA type. If he added in then you have to change all the transmission fluid ASAP or the warranty is VOID.

illcar · January 2009

Hi,

I bought 2008 CR-V in April 08, and I am driving it occasionally. It only has 3000 miles by now. And the oil life is at 80%.

Should I go for oil change, or wait for it to drop down below 20%?

Thanks for suggestions.

bigdadi118 · January 2009

Take a look at owner's manual if there is a period like 6 months or 5000 miles. If it says 6 months then do the oil change.

jpcanavera · January 2009

I'm sorry to say but your boyfriend has done some evil things to your new car. It almost sounds as if he took it off road. You've seen enough evidence as to his driving habits when he is with you......I fear what he does when he's alone. If your car is steering as badly as you say, I find it crazy that a dealer doesn't notice this in a test drive.

You wouldn't be pulling our leg here would you??

joekinso · January 2009

Check your owners manual, it's there, change the oil at 12 months regardless of the mileage and have the maintenance minder reset, Change it every 12 months, pay particular attention to the rear diff fluid change requirements and do not let anyone "substitute" any fluid for "Genuine Honda Fluids" except for waranteed approved engine oil and filters. Beware of big "oil changing" companies that may substitute another "Genuine Honda" Tranny fluid for the genuine diff fluid with a part # that is "almost" the same. My 02 CR-V is still purring like a kitten in spite of the incompetents at Mr goob, that thought, "close enough" on part #'s for diff fluid was OK.. Multiple flushes and aggravation seems to have put her right. We're on the edge of 100K miles and I am about to perform the first spark plug transplant, due for an emission test this month. This little van has never let us down unlike other vans we have owned. Keep her oiled, filters changed, down gear on grades and off ramps, and at 3K per year, I'm guessing your kitten will be the last you will have to buy.

illcar · January 2009

I checked the service manual, and it says 12 months. wow, I couldn't believe it.

dontknowathing · January 2009

I am not pulling your leg. I am going to take it to another Honda dealership because for some reason, it seems that they just don't want to help me and they are wasting my time. I don't think he took it off road because there really isn't any place for him to do that where we are. He's not really interested in that kind of thing anyhow. He is just very irresponsible and a very bad driver. By the way.. he is soon to be my X-boyfriend .. I had no idea that he was like this.
I really think that just didn't respect my vehicle and went too fast over that grade that I had mentioned. I wouldn't waste anybody's time here in asking the things that I asked. I am just really at my wits end and know very little about cars in general. SO to make a long story short, I knew this guy for 30 years and we were the best of friends when we were young kids until we graduated high school. I went away to college, he joined the army. We lost touch for 24 years and reconnected. We started up a relationship and he completely misrepresented himself and how established he was. The guy is a 43 year old teenager who has become a professional moocher. He was one of the ones that you would have expected to have grown into a very decent man. He lied his way into my life and it has been a hell that you can not imagine.He not only disrespected my honda, he has ruined things in my home. I am having a hard time getting him out of my home. You see, we lived in different states and he moved here and moved in... and was supposed to only stay until he got an apartment of his own. That has been since the beginning of August. It is like I have a 43 year old teenage son who doesn't want to work, doesn't contribute to the bills, he has ruined things that can't be fixed or repaired and all he cares about is having food and a roof over his head. He is moving no matter what sob story he tells me on the 24th of Jan and I don't care if he has to sleep in his car. He is out of here. This is the hugest mistake I have ever made and I based my decision on having grown up with him and how he represented himself and the fact that he was only supposed to stay with me until he found an apartment of his own. It was all BS. He wants a woman to take care of him and he wants to work meaningless jobs to have money in his pocket. He came to the wrong woman expecting that. He has ripped my financial life in shreds and I am trying to pick the pieces up and fix what I can. I really want my car to be fixed and I am getting a complete run around from these mechanics at the dealership where I bought the car. I am going to take it to another dealership but I want to go in there and tell them to check this that or the other. I did tell the other dealship I thought my car needed a front end alignment and all they told me was to always have all 4 done.. not just the front. The car pulls something awful to the left and is loud and shakes.Everything I mentioned in the original post is 100 percent accurate. Can someone help me?

tidester · January 2009

I don't think he took it off road because there really isn't any place for him to do that

That is all the more reason to worry! Off roading in designated areas is generally safer than off roading in makeshift areas.

he is soon to be my X-boyfriend

I had to resist the temptation to offer personal advice regarding your original posting but I will say that I think you are making a wise decision.

Good luck!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

theriver · January 2009

I have an 04. The are three dials in the middle of he dash that control heater, fan speed and direction of the heat/ac

The one on the left - fan speed I believe is completely dark while the others have backlights on them. I presume there is a little bulb behind them. Looks to me like you would use a little screwdriver just to get behind the inside of the knob (as I see a seam between the knob and the frame of the knob). Is that how to get to that?

jakill · January 2009

Hi Coldfoot,
My 1997 CR-V just had this same thing happen. Can you share what the final outcome of your wife's probems were? Thanks.

blueiedgod · January 2009

I am pretty sure you have to remove the HVAC controller and bulbs are on the PCB on the back.

joshuag · January 2009

You need to go to your Honda dealer and tell them that if they don't repair the car properly you contact your states lemon law commission. At that point they might take you a little more seriously.

Now the boyfriend deal. Tell him he needs to be out in a week. The day that falls on have a policemen come over to the house and escort him out and have the cop scare him a little, and he should be gone for good.

trysjp · January 2009

I have 2002 CRV with same brake lights problem.
Although I replace lights, they still did not get on.

Anyone find solution on this ?

Please let me know at trysjp @ hotmail . com

tidester · January 2009

Please let me know at trysjp ...

It's best to keep the conversation right here so all will benefit.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

Paulito · January 2009

Not sure if it's the same....
In my 1999 CR-V, brake lights (aka stop lights) are on the same fuse as the horn.
It's a 15-amp fuse located under the hood; check the fuse box label for the one indicating horn and stop lights.
If your horn is also out, then they're on the same (blown) fuse.
This is the 3rd time I had to replace the fuse in 2 weeks, last time I replaced the fuse I blew the horn the fuse immediately blew (must be a short somewhere in the horn).

blueiedgod · January 2009

It's the same on Gen 2.

SalemTheCat · January 2009

I have a new 2009 CR-V EX 2WD.

My Innova 3100 scanner will not link and returns the ERR message when trying to link which means the scanner will not link up with the CR-V's diagnostic computer.

The scanner works fine on my 1998 Ford Ranger so I know the scanner is working. Anyone else having issues with a scanner not linking?

blueiedgod · January 2009

You may need to connect it while the car is off, and then turn the ignition to "ON" without starting.

jpd3 · January 2009

Hi,
I recently had the battery replaced in my CRV.

Now the odometer, outside temp and door open indicators are no longer displaying on the cluster. The backlight for the odometer is lit but no numbers appear. Speedo and other guages all work fine. Mileage is about 72,000km.

Any ideas on what might fix this - short of replacing the cluster (yikes!)?

Thanks.

nolaj · January 2009

I was going 70mph and all of a sudden my speed started dropping and i put the accelerator all the way to the floor and i still was loosing speed... It was almost as if I was running out of gas but i had over a half a tank.. I pulled over and turned the engine off then it would not start again... what could be the problem?

circlew · January 2009

Fuel pump? Clogged fuel filter? Gas cap on tight? Gas cap tested?

Regards,
OW

dtstof · January 2009

I had an Accord that just stopped. It was an electonic module in the distributor or what ever they call it now. Fuel pump?

blueiedgod · January 2009

I pulled over and turned the engine off then it would not start again... what could be the problem?

If you are not the original owner, or don't remember the history of the vehicle, check to see if the ignition switch recall has been performed.

The easiest way to check of previous recalls and to be notified of new recalls is to register you vehicle at American Honda Owner's Link. You can find the link by going to Honda.com.

Also, the valves need to be adjusted, on the loose side of the spec, every 30,000 miles.

nolaj · January 2009

the mechanic told me it was the timing belt... then someone told me that i have an interference engine and that it probably messed up my engine... any thoughts?

Mr_Shiftright · January 2009

Yes it's an interference engine. Did you miss the timing belt change interval for some reason?

IF the belt did indeed break, then chances are good that there is engine damage, yes. How much damage remains to be seen once the cylinder head is removed.

blueiedgod · January 2009

the mechanic told me it was the timing belt... then someone told me that i have an interference engine and that it probably messed up my engine... any thoughts?

If the timing belt has never been changed, then it is very possible that it broke. The 2000 model had 7 year, 100,000 mile timing belts, I believe.

Timing belts are maintenance items and need to be replaced on regular basis based on the mileage or time.

Good luck.

nolaj · January 2009

thanks, well he took off the belt and it was not broken but most of the teeth on it were... i will let you know how it goes... if it ever stops snowing i can get it finished... thanks for the advice... it is greatly appreciated....

mcdermott · January 2009

Hello:
Recently I replaced the batteries in two remote-key fobs for my 2005 Honda CR-V. Perhaps these screws were installed using "Lock-Tite" or another type of adhesive, but they proved very difficult to remove. Eventually resorting to classic "strong arm" methods, I nearly stripped the heads of both screws.
I've searched for replacement screws locally to no avail. These screws are so tiny I cannot even determine their specificiations. I do not really want to spring for new key fobs, but would like to find a source for the replacement screws.
Any help out there?
Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Regards,
Jack

N4YIC@comcast.net

bigdadi118 · January 2009

Home Depot sells "Nut & Bolt Locker" cost is about a few bucks which prevent threaded screws from loosening
made by Super Glue

If the screw head has problem put a tiny drop of superglue to connect the screw driver then snap it off after screwed in.

As for the new replacement screw, may be lucky to get from those locksmiths that makes car keys.

Salsaboy · January 2009

I have a '96 CRV ( import) auto and i let it freeze up now the water flows out as quickly as i can put it in from the region of the bottom pulley but i can't exactly determine where.
So how can i get the pulley nut undone to check the damage?
The engine rotates anti clockwise and i have tried to pull the nut off clockwise but i need to jam the crank so that i can get some leverage on it.
I do not have any specialist tools so do i need to go to a garage.
Any tips or advice most welcome
Regards, Salsaboy

srizvi1 · January 2009

I'm at over 120k on my 2004 Honda Accord EX-L w/ Navi (Auto, Sedan, 4-cyclinder) and wanted to fix the error I made by having my Transmission service done at 90k at Firestone. However, the Honda dealers I'm calling are just saying they do a simple drain and fill. A few dealers have said they do the 3 successive fluid exchanges but that I probably don't need it in my car.

Any thoughts?

(I know this is off topic here in the CR-V forum, but this is where I first heard about it)

bigdadi118 · January 2009

Honda advises not to do tranny flush. Only drain n fill is recommended. Of course 3 is better than one. I will take the 3 one.

Remember to use ONLY Honda brand tranny fluid.

Remove bolt and about 3 quarts of transmission fluid will be drained. The drain bolt is magnetic and will have to be cleaned of metal particles when removed. After fully drained, replace plug, and add 2.7 quarts of Honda transmission fluid. Honda claims you must use Honda fluid in order to prevent damage, and for transmission to shift properly.

Just a side note: This change only replaces about half the fluid.
--Yes, from what i am told you do a flush type fill ....that is to say that after draining and refilling you run the vehicle and then repeat: drain and refill. You do this two to four times depending on the need and filth of the fluid.

stever · January 2009

"If the screw head has problem put a tiny drop of superglue to connect the screw driver then snap it off after screwed in."

Now that's a great tip. I bet I could send that in to one of the woodworking magazines and score some swag. :shades:

crv1998 · January 2009

hi everyone
today i lost my horn..it died. Then i was attempting to start the crv it went ok but i could not shift in any gear at all
help

dmathew347 · January 2009

I have a 2007 CRV. The shop guy says i have to replace both (cabin air + pollen) that are situated side by side. But when i popped open the glove box, there is only one filter behind it. Is it sufficient to just replace that or is there another cabin filter hiding somewhere that i should know about?

Also, what's a good online site to get cabin filter from?

Thanks

Honda CR-V Maintenance and Repair

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