2012 HONDA CR-V towing

Contents
This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.2 Safe Driving P. 23For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 29 Airbags P. 37
2Instrument Panel P. 67Indicators P. 68 Gauges and Displays P. 77
2Controls P. 95Setting the Clock P. 96 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 97
Opening and Closing the Moonroof *
P. 110
Adjusting the Seats P. 122
Climate Control System *
P. 145
2 Features P. 149Audio System P. 150 Audio System Basic Operation P. 153
General Information on the Audio System P. 190
2Driving P. 225Before Driving P. 226 Towing a Trailer P. 231Parking Your Vehicle P. 257Multi-View Rear Camera P. 258
2Maintenance P. 265Before Performing Maintenance P. 266 Maintenance Minder™ P. 269
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 292
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care *
P. 307
2 Handling the Unexpected P. 315Tools P. 316 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 317
Overheating P. 327 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 329
2Information P. 339Specifications P. 340 Identification Numbers P. 342
Emissions Testing P. 345 Warranty Coverages P. 347
Main Menu2012 CR-V Online Reference Owner's Manual

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

15
Quick Reference Guide
Driving (P 225)
Release Button
Shift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
(P.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button. Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
Automatic Transmission
(P 243)
● Shift to
(P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
● Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving.
Drive (D3) Press the
(d button while the shift lever is in (D.
Used when:
•Going up or down hills
•Towing a trailer in hilly terrain Second
Used to increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
First
Used to further increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
(d Button
* Not available on all models

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.

225
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving Driving Preparation .......................... 226
Maximum Load Limit........................ 229
Towing a Trailer Towing Preparation .......................... 231
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 234
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 235
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines General Information ......................... 237
Important Safety Precautions............ 237
Avoiding Trouble ............................. 238
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 239
Precautions While Driving................. 241 Automatic Transmission ................... 242
Shifting ............................................ 243
Cruise Control ................................. 245
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 248
REAL TIME AWD with Intelligent Control System™ *
......................................... 250
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 250Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 251
Braking Brake System ................................... 253
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 255 Brake Assist System ......................... 256
Parking Your Vehicle When Stopped ................................ 257
Parking ............................................ 257
Multi-View Rear Camera .................. 258
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 259
How to Refuel ................................. 260
Fuel Economy .................................... 262
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 262
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 263
Modifications................................... 263
* Not available on all models

229
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load Limit The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includ es the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit - (1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the ava ilable amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of av ailable cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue load. 2 Specifications P. 340
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 340
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.Label Example

230
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combin ed weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2 Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs (45 kg)

231
Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■ Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight. • Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2 Vehicle Specifications P. 340
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue LoadTongue Load