Page 2 of 361

Contents
Child Safety P. 52 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 65 Safety Labels P. 66
Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 104 Security System P. 106 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 108
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 111 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 120
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 132 Heating and Cooling System*
P. 142
Rear Entertainment System *
P. 173 Audio Error Messages P. 185 Audio Remote Controls P. 189
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ® P. 194 Compass P. 223
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 237 When Driving P. 239 Braking P. 253
Refueling P. 259 Fuel Economy P. 262 Accessories and Modifications P. 263
Maintenance Under the Hood P. 273 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 285
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 296 Battery P. 305 Remote Transmitter Care P. 306
Heating and Cooling System *
/Climate Control System *
Maintenance P. 309 Cleaning P. 310
Engine Does Not Start P. 323 Jump Starting P. 324 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 326
Fuses P. 333 Emergency Towing P. 336When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 337
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 343 Reporting Safety Defects P. 344
Authorized Manuals P. 349 Customer Service Information P. 350
Quick Reference GuideP. 2
Safe DrivingP. 23
Instrument PanelP. 67
ControlsP. 95
FeaturesP. 149
DrivingP. 225
MaintenanceP. 265
Handling the UnexpectedP. 315
InformationP. 339
IndexP. 351
Note: All page numbers referenced in this document are hyperlinked.
2012 CR-V Online Reference Owner's Manual
Page 5 of 361
Visual Index
4
Quick Reference Guide
❙Power Door Lock Master Switch (P 102)
❙Power Window Switches (P 108)
❙Rearview Mirror (P 120)
❙Interior Fuse Box (P 334)
❙Parking Brake (P 253)
❙Hood Release Handle (P 274)
❙Accessory Power Socket
(P 135)
❙Seat Heater Switches*
(P 139)
❙Shift Lever Automatic Transmission
(P 242)
❙Glove Box (P 133)
❙Driver's Front Airbag (P 40)
❙Door Mirror Controls (P 121)
❙Driver’s Pocket
❙Passenger's Front Airbag
(P 40)
❙Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P 260)
Page 19 of 361
18
Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected (P 315)
Flat Tire (P 317)
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
cargo area.
Indicators Come On
(P 329) ● Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start
(P 323) ●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse (P 333)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.Overheating (P 327)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing
(P 336) ● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.
Page 237 of 361
236
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
■Extended towing
If you tow more than 8 hours in one day , you should repeat the “before towing your
vehicle procedure” at least every 8 hours. You also need to perform the following
procedure to prevent the battery from running down.
1.Remove the 7.5 A accessory radio fuse. This
fuse is located in the interior fuse box.
2 Interior Fuse Box P. 334
2. Store the fuse in a safe place so you do not
lose it.
uMake sure to reinstall the fuse before
you start driving your vehicle.
Accessory Radio Fuse
Page 255 of 361

uuBrakinguBrake System
254
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps
reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very
hard. 2 Brake Assist System P. 256
2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 255
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.
Page 264 of 361

263
Driving
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories
When installing accessories, check the following: •Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 333
• Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.
Modifications
Do not modify your vehicle or use non-Honda components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1Accessories and Modifications
Honda Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
Page 316 of 361

315
Handling the UnexpectedThis chapter explains how to h andle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 316
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 317
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 323
Jump Starting .................................... 324
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 326
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 327 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 329
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 329
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 330
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 331If the EPS System Indicator Comes On ......... 331If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 332
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 332 Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 333
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 335
Emergency Towing ........................... 336
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate..... 337
Page 324 of 361

323
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START
(e and check the
starter.
Starter conditionChecklistStarter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and respond accordingly.Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness. ● If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 305
● If the interior lights come on normally 2 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 335
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again. 2
Starting the Engine P. 239
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 106
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank. 2
Fuel Gauge P. 77
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 335
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 336
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 324