2003 HONDA CR-V engine coolant

If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine.If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, for
example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
The pointer of your vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange under most conditions.
Itmaygohigherif youaredrivingup
a long steep hill on a very hot day. If
it climbs to the red mark, you should
determine the reason.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Turn of f the heating and cooling
system and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning
indicators.If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
Your vehicle can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action. 1.
2.3.
4.
5.
CONT INUED
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed323
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.

Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page ). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See
on page .)
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
10.
9.
8. 7.
6.
11.
12.
337
189
337
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed324
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

ÎÎ
ÎÎ
Î
Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation342
Dimensions
Weights
Engine
Capacities
178.6 in (4,537 mm)
70.2 in (1,782 mm)
66.2 in (1,682 mm)
103.1 in (2,620 mm)
60.4 in (1,533 mm)
60.6 in (1,538 mm)
3.43 x 3.90 in (87.0 x 99.0 mm) 144 cu-in (2,354 cm
)
9.6 : 1
15.3 US gal (58
)
4.4 US qt (4.2
)
4.2 US qt (4.0)
5.6 US qt (5.3) 1.43 US gal (5.4
)
1.88 US gal (7.1)
1.45 US gal (5.5
)
1.90 US gal (7.2)
3.3 US qt (3.1
)
3.1 US qt (2.9)
7.6 US qt (7.2
)
6.9 US qt (6.5)
2.0 US qt (1.9)
2.4 US qt (2.3)
1.1 US qt (1.0
)
1.3 US qt (1.2)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs
Fuel tank
Engine oil Water cooled 4-stroke DOHC
VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine
4.8 US qt (4.5
)
2.6 US qt (2.5)
2.2 US qt (2.1
)
Engine
coolant
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Manual
transmission
fluid
Rear
differential
fluid (4WD)
Windshield
washer
reservoir
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
0.16 US gal (0.6
)
See spark plug maintenance
section page 269 .
Approx.
Front
Rear
Change
Without filter
Total 1:
2:Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
4WD
2WD
Total 4WD
2WD
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Vehicles
Canada
Vehicles 4WD
2WD
Automatic Transmission
Manual Transmission
1 2
2
Including filter

ÎBulb Replacement.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 290
............................
Specif ications .343
...................................
Spotlights .293
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 288
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .287
............................
Capacities Chart .342
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 60
..........................
Cargo Area Light .125
.................................
Cargo Hooks .196
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .168
...........................
Operation .151, 164
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..........................
CD Changer .149, 169
.......................................
CD Player .146
...............................
Center Pocket .119
..................................
Center Table .115
........................
Certif ication Label .340
............................................
Chains .284
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .308
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 253.................................
Changing Oil .249
........................................
How to .249
......................................
When to .238
...
Charging System Indicator . 66,326
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 199
.....................................
Child Saf ety .24
.......................................
Child Seats .29
......
LATCH Anchorage System . 47
...........................
Lower Anchors .47
............
Tether Anchorage Point . 46
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 93
....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 265
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels .299
...................................
Carpeting .301
......................................
Exterior .298
.........................................
Fabric .302
.......................................
Interior .301
.......................................
Leather .302
...................................
Seat Belts .302
...........................................
Vinyl .302
....................................
Windows .303
.................
Clock, Setting the . 144,162
...................................
Clutch Fluid .264
........................
CO in the Exhaust .349
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 201...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 356
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 63
Coolant ........................................
Adding .251
....................................
Checking .189
.........................
Proper Solution .251
...................................
Replacing .253
...................
Temperature Gauge . 74
....................
Corrosion Protection .304
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .349
............
Cruise Control Operation . 179
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 356
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
.......................................
Dashboard .64
................
Daytime Running Lights . 77
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 358
........................
Def og and Def rost .134
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 81
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 134
.......................
Detachable Anchor .108
....................................
Dimensions .342
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 76
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
Dipstick
..........Automatic Transmission .260
..................................Engine Oil.188
..........................Directional Signals.77
........Disc Brake Wear Indicators .211
.....................Disposal of Used Oil.250
Doors
..............Locking and Unlocking .88
......................Power Door Locks.88
..........DOT Tire Quality Grading .344
Downshif ting,5-speed Manual
.............................Transmission.202
.......................................Drive Belt.277
...........................................Driving.197
....................................Economy.190
.........................In Bad Weather.215
................In Foreign Countries .347
........................Driving Guidelines.198
..................Dust and Pollen Filter .275
............................Fabric, Cleaning.302
...................................Fan, Interior.128
Features, Comfort and
..............................Convenience.127
....................Filling the Fuel Tank .185
Filters
................................Air Cleaner.265
.........................Dust and Pollen.275
...............................................Oil.249
5-speed Manual Transmission
...............Checking Fluid Level .261
................................Shif ting the.202
.............Flashers, Hazard Warning .81
...................Flat Tire, Changing a .308
..............................Economy, Fuel.190
............Emergencies on the Road .307
.............Battery, Jump Starting .320
...........Brake System Indicator .329
................Changing a Flat Tire .308
.....Charging System Indicator .326
..................Checking the Fuses .332
.....Low Oil Pressure Indicator .325
...Malf unction Indicator Lamp .327
...Manually Closing Moonroof .330
..................Overheated Engine .323
...........................Emergency Brake.82
......................Emergency Flashers.81
......................Emergency Towing.337
.......................Emissions Controls.349
.............Emissions Testing, State .352
Engine
....Coolant Temperature Gauge .74
...................................Drive Belt.277
......Engine Speed Limiter .203,208
Malf unction Indicator
................................Lamp.66,327
........Oil Pressure Indicator .66,325
..............Oil, What Kind to Use .247
...............................Overheating.323
............................Specif ications.342
.......................................Starting.200
......................Ethanol in Gasoline.347
.Evaporative Emissions Controls .349
...............................Exhaust Fumes.60
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................Belts by.21
..................Exterior, Cleaning the .298
Index
E
F
III

.............Halogen Headlight Bulbs .287
.....................................Hatch Glass.94
..............Hazard Warning Flashers .81
Headlights
........................................Aiming.287
............Daytime Running Lights .77
..................High Beam Indicator .69
........................Reminder Beeper.76
........Replacing Halogen Bulbs .287
...................................Turning on.76
..............................Head Restraints.99
.....................Heating and Cooling.128
.............High Altitude, Starting at .201
.................High-Low Beam Switch .76
..............High-mount Brake Light .292
....................................Hood Latch.266
.......................Hood, Opening the.186
..............................................Horn.3,75
...........................Hydraulic Clutch.264
.................................Hydroplaning.216
Fluids
..........Automatic Transmission .260
..........................................Brake.263
.........................................Clutch.264
..............Manual Transmission .261
..........................Power Steering.264
.......................Rear Differential.262
..................Windshield Washer .258
FM Stereo Radio
...................................Reception.161
.........................Folding Rear Seat.104
.....Foreign Countries, Driving in .348
..........................Four-way Flashers.81
............................Front Airbags.10,54
.................................................Fuel.184
......................Fill Door and Cap.185
...........................................Gauge.74
................Octane Requirement .184
...............................Oxygenated.347
........................Reserve Indicator.69
........................Tank, Filling the.185
.....................Fuses, Checking the.331
...............Gas Mileage, Improving .190
..........................................Gasohol.347
.........................................Gasoline.184
...............Fuel Reserve Indicator .69
...........................................Gauge.74
................Octane Requirement .184
........................Tank, Filling the.185
................Gas Station Procedures .185
Gauges
...Engine Coolant Temperature .74
...............................................Fuel.74
...............................Speedometer.72
.................................Tachometer.72
Gearshif t Lever Positions
..........Automatic Transmission .204
5-speed Manual
.........................Transmission.203
..............................Glass Cleaning.303
........................................Glove Box.96
...Identif ication Number, Vehicle .340
Ignition
..............................................Keys.84
...........................................Switch.86
............Timing Control System .350
........................Immobilizer System.85
.........Important Safety Precautions .6
.........Indicators, Instrument Panel .65
Index
G
H
I
IV

ÎÎ
CONT INUED
Replacement Inf ormation
.................
Air Cleaner Element . 265
..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 275
..........................
Engine Coolant .253
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 249
..........................................
Fuses .331
................................
Light Bulbs .287
....................................
Schedule .238
................................
Spark Plugs .267
...........................................
Tires .282
.............................
Wiper Blades .271
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .53
Reserve Tank, Engine ...............................
Coolant .189, 251
...............................
Restraint, Child .24
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 206
...........................
Reverse Lockout .209
................................
Rotation, Tire .281
..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 50
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 358
...........
Saf ety Checklist, Pre-Drive . 12.................................
Saf ety Features .7
.........................................
Airbags .10
..................................
Door Locks .11
..........................
Head Restraints .11
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
..................
Seats and Seat-Backs . 11
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 61
...............................
Saf ety Messages .ii
.....................................
Seat Belts .8, 50
...............
Additional Information . 50
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 21
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners .52
.....................................
Cleaning .302
...................
Detachable Anchor . 108
................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 17,50
................................
Maintenance .53
Reminder Light and ................................
Beeper .50, 67
................................
Replacement .53
...................
System Components . 50
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 21
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 17
..................................
Seat Heaters .109
........................
Seats, Adjusting the .97
...............................
Serial Number .340 ...........................
Service Intervals .238
...........................
Service Manual .359
.........
Service Station Procedures . 185
..................
Setting the Clock . 144,162
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 204
........................
Shif t Lock Release .209
..............................
Side Airbags .10, 56
....................
Cutof f Indicator .58, 67
Side Marker Lights, Bulb ..............................
Replacement .288
...............................
Signaling Turns .77
.....................................
Snow Tires .283
...................
Solvent-type Cleaners . 298
................................
Sound System .137
......................................
Spare Tire .308
................
Spark Plugs, Replacing . 267
....................
Specif ications Charts . 342
................................
Speed Control .179
...................................
Speedometer .72
.......................................
Spotlights .124
Index
S
VII