2003 HONDA CR-V towing

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.

Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (Seeon page .)
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action. Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page ). Although oil
levelandoilpressurearenot
directly connected, an engine that
is very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
1.
2.
4.
3.
188 247
337 Emergency
Towing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed325
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.

Î
Î
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle’s
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low f luid level in the
brake f luid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it f eels
normal. If it does, check the brake
f luid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page ). If the
f luid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake
system inspected f or leaks or worn
brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system’s dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will f eel the brake pedal
go down much f arther bef ore the
vehicle begins to slow down, and you
will have to press harder on the
pedal. The distance needed to stop
will be much longer. Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See
on page .)
The Brake System Indicator
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
f ully release the parking brake. If the ABS indicator comes on with
this indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your Honda dealer
immediately.
263
337
On models equipped with ABS
Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed329
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
U.S. indicator shown

µ
µ
µ
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or,
if youbelongtoone,anorganization
that provides roadside assistance.
Never tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle with just a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront or rear) and lif t
them of f the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground.
The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the f rame or suspension and
cables lif t that end of the vehicle of f
the ground. Your vehicle’s
suspension and body can be
seriously damaged.
There are three popular types of
prof essional towing equipment.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. Any other
method of towing will damage the
drive system. When you contact the
towing agency, inf orm them that a
f lat-bed is required. Refer to
on page
for non-emergency towing
inf ormation. 224Wheel L if t Equipment
Sling-t ype Equipment
Flat -bed Equipment
Never tow your vehicle with
wheel lif t equipment.
T his method of
towing your CR-V is unacceptable.
T his is the only way to
transport your vehicle. Towing Your Vehicle
Behind a Motorhome
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed337
Towing a 4WD CR-V with only two
tires on the ground will damage parts
of the 4WD system. It should be
transported on a f lat-bed truck or
trailer.

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

..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 54
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 59
.............................
Airbag Service .59
How the Side Airbag Cutof f ...........
Indicator Light Works . 58
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 57
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .54
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 56
........................
SRS Components .54
.............................
SRS Indicator .57 ,67
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 87
..............
State Emissions Testing . 350
.......................
Starting the Engine .200
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .201
................
With a Dead Battery . 320
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 323
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .83
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 87
...................
Stereo Sound System . 137
...................................
Storage Box .119
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .295
........................
Sunglasses Holder .121 Supplemental Restraint
................................
System .10, 54
......................................
Servicing .59
.........................
SRS Indicator .57 ,67
...................
System Components . 54
..................................
Synthetic Oil .248
.....................................
Tachometer .72
Tailgate .................................
Hatch Glass .94
............................
Open Indicator .70
.................................
Opening the .93
..........
Taillights, Changing Bulbs . 290
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 307
...........................
Tape Player .151, 164
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 344
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 349
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .347
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .351
.......................
Temperature Gauge .74
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 46
............................
Thef t Protection .178 ..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 351
..................
Time, Setting the . 144,162
....................................
Tire Chains .284
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 308
...........................
Tire Inf ormation .346
...............................................
Tires .278
..............................
Air Pressure .279
.........................
Checking Wear .280
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 344
......................................
Inf lation .278
..................................
Inspection .280
..............................
Maintenance .280
...................................
Replacing .282
......................................
Rotating .281
...........................................
Snow .283
............................
Specif ications .343
................................
Tire Chains .284
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 308
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .217
...............
Behind a Motorhome . 224
................................
Emergency .337
Index
T
VIII

ÎÎ
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 194
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .342
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 340
.............................
Vehicle Storage .295
.....................................
Ventilation .131
.................................................
VIN .340
...............................
Vinyl Cleaning .302
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .248
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .260
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .261
..................
Fluid Selection . 260,261
..............
Identif ication Number . 341
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 204
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 202
.....................................
Treadwear .344
.......................................
Trip Meter .73
....................................
Turn Signals .77
.....................
Underside, Cleaning .304
Unexpected, Taking Care ..........................................
of the .307
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 344
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .184
.....................
Upholstery Cleaning .301
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 250 .............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 61
..................
Warranty Coverages .357
Washers, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 258
.....................................
Operation .79
.........................................
Washing .298
..................
Waxing and Polishing . 299
Wheels ...............
Adjusting the Steering . 83
............
Alignment and Balance . 280
......................................
Wrench .311 Windows
.....................................
Cleaning .303
................
Operating the Power . 110
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .81
Windshield .......................................
Cleaning .78
...................................
Def roster .134
.....................................
Washers .258
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .271
.....................................
Operation .78
....................................
Worn Tires .280
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 337
: U.S. and Canada only
Index
U V
W
IX