2008 HONDA CR-V power steering

If you sit too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard, you can be
seriously injured by an inf lating f ront
airbag, or by striking the steering
wheel or dashboard.Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a
comf ortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel.
Passengers with adjustable seat-
backs should also adjust their seat-
back to a comf ortable, upright
position.
If you cannot get f ar enough away
f rom the steering wheel and still
reach the controls, we recommend
that you investigate whether some
type of adaptive equipment may help.
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that drivers
allow at least 10 inches (25 cm)
between the center of the steering
wheel and the chest. In addition to
adjusting the seat, you can adjust the
steering wheel up and down, and in
and out (see page ).
Once your seat is adjusted correctly,
rock it back and f orth to make sure
the seat is locked in position.
See page f or how to adjust a
f ront seat (power adjustment) and
page f or a manual adjustment.
78
9594
On vehicles with manual adjustable
seats
Adjust the Seat-Backs
3.
Protecting A dults and Teens
12
Sitting too close to a front
airbag can result in serious
injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
front airbags as possible.
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2008 CR- V

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .58 ............................
Instrument Panel .59
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators .60
.............................................
Gauges .66
...................................
Trip Meter .67
.................
Current Fuel Mileage .68
................
Average Fuel Mileage .68
...........................................
Range .68
.....................................
Odometer .69
..................................
Fuel Gauge .69
...................
Temperature Gauge .69
Outside Temperature
..................................
Indicator .69
..........
Check Fuel Cap Message .71
..................
Maintenance Minder .71
Controls Near the Steering ...........................................
Wheel .72
.
Windshield Wipers and Washers .73
.........
Turn Signals and Headlights .74
........
Instrument Panel Brightness .76
.................
Hazard Warning Button .76
.................
Rear Window Def ogger .77
.................................
Parking Brake .78
..........
Steering Wheel Adjustment .78
...............................
Keys and Locks .79
........................
Immobilizer System .80
................................
Ignition Switch .81 ......................................
Door Locks .82
......................
Power Door Locks .82
.
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .83
..............
Childproof Door Locks .88
.......................
Remote Transmitter .89
............................................
Tailgate .92
.................................................
Seats .94
..................................
Seat Heaters .108
............................
Power Windows .109
.......................................
Moonroof .110
...........................................
Mirrors .111
.........
Interior Convenience Items .113
............
Dual Deck Cargo Shelf .114
.....................
Beverage Holders .116
.............................
Center Table .117
......................
Lower Glove Box .117
......................
Upper Glove Box .118
............................
Vanity Mirror .118
...................................
Sun Visor .119
....................
Sunglasses Holder .119
................
Conversation Mirror .120
........
Accessory Power Sockets .120
.............
Console Compartment .121
..................................
Coat Hook .122
.......................
Seat Under Tray .122
...............................
Interior Lights .122
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols
57
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2008 CR- V

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Î
Î
Î
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To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
If equipped.
Ref er to the navigation system manual.
1:
2:
3:
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
72
CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL (P.78) HORN HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P.76)
SHIFT LEVER
MIRROR CONTROL
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM ON/OFF
SWITCH
REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTS
(P.78)
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS
(P.74)
(P.32)
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/
WASHERS
(P.73)
VOICE CONTROLS ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET
(P.257)
(P.112)
(P.216)
(P.120)(P.222)(P.247)
(P.76)
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
BUTTON (P.77)
(P.112)
HEATED MIRROR BUTTON1
2
3 2
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2008 CR- V

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µ
µ
The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III). If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may make it difficult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom the
ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II)
position. You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power sockets in this
position.
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to the ON (II) position when
you let go of the key. You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the LOCK (0) or
the ACCESSORY (I) position and
open the driver’s door. Remove the
key to turn of f the beeper.
TheshiftlevermustbeinPark
bef ore you can remove the key f rom
the ignition switch.
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, the shift lever must
be in Park, and you must push the
key in slightly. ON (II)
A CCESSORY (I)
ST A RT (III)
LOCK (0)
Ignition Switch
Inst rument s and Cont rols
81
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2008 CR- V

Because your vehicle rides higher
of f the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible. Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof . Do not modif y your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
You still need to exercise the same
care when accelerating, steering, and
brakingthatyouwouldinatwo-
wheel drive vehicle.
Your vehicle has higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.
Your vehicle is equipped with a f our-
wheel drive (4WD) system. When
the system senses a loss of front-
wheel traction, it automatically
transf ers some power to the rear
wheels. This gives you better
traction and mobility.
Four-wheel drive models
See page f or of f -highway drivingguidelines. 268
Driving Guidelines
244
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2008 CR- V

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.The f ront and rear disc brakes on all
models have audible brake wear
indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Braking System
Braking System Design Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Driving
253
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2008 CR- V

Your vehicle can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Otherwise, severe transmission
damage will occur. To avoid damage
to the 4WD system, your vehicle
must be towed with all f our wheels
on the ground (f lat towing).
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manuf acturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer’s attachment
instructions caref ully.
Perf orm the f ollowing procedure
every day immediately bef ore you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage will
occur.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
sockets are turned of f so you do
not run down the battery.
Release the parking brake.
Shif t to D position and hold f or 5
seconds, then to N. Let the engine
runfor3minutes,thenturnitoff.
Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shif t lever through all its
positions.
Check the transmission f luid level
(see page ).
Start the engine.
287
bottom Do not overf ill.
T owing a T railer, T owing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a
MotorhomeBacking Up
Parking
266
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2008 CR- V

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .272
....................
Maintenance Minder .273
..............................
Fluid Locations .280
........................
Adding Engine Oil .281
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .282
..............................
Engine Coolant .284
....................
Windshield Washers .286
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .287
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .289
....................................
Brake Fluid .289
....................
Power Steering Fluid .290
.............................................
Lights .291
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .297
.....................................
Floor Mats .297
..............................
Audio Antenna .298
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .298
.................................
Wiper Blades .299
...............................................
Tires .302
...........................................
Wheels .308
...................
Checking the Battery .308
.............................
Vehicle Storage .310
353
Maintenance
Maint enance
271
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2008 CR- V