2012 HONDA CR-Z check transmission fluid

22
Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance (P237)
Under the Hood (P245)
● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and window washer fluid. Add when necessary.
● Check transmission fluid (CVT).
● Check brake fluid and clutch fluid.
● Check the 12 volt battery regularly.
a Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights (P258)
● Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P266)
● Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires (P269)
● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
● Check tire pressures regularly.
● Install snow tires for winter driving.

201
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK
(0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N , as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
NOTICE
Following can damage the under spoiler: • Parking the vehicle by a parking block
• Parallel parking along the road shoulder
• Driving towards the bottom of a hill
• Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)
• Driving on a rutted or bumpy road
• Driving on a road with potholes

238
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information. ■ Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when refueling. ■ Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 254
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 256
• Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 269
• Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 258
• Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Mainta ining Wiper Blades P. 266
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display. 2 Maintenance Service Items P. 243
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 321
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

254
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid ■Continuously Variable Trans mission (CVT)
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature. 1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Hond a CVTF (continuously variabl e transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda CVTF with other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda CVTF
may adversely affect the operation and durability of
your vehicle's transmission, and damage the
transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda CVTF is not covered by Honda's new vehicle warranty.
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
HOT
Range

255
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.1.Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove the bolts with a wrench and clips
with a flat-tip screwdriver, then carefully remove the under cover.
3. Remove the transmission filler bolt and
washer.
Carefully feel inside the bolt hole with your
fingers.
uCheck if the fluid level is up to the edge
of the bolt hole.
4. If the fluid level is not up to the edge of the
bolt hole, add Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid (MTF) until it runs out of the hole.
5. Put a new washer on the filler bolt, then
reinstall the filler bolt.
uTightening torque:
33 lbfft (44 Nm, 4.5 kgfm)
6. Reinstall the under cover with the bolts and
clips.
■Manual Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
1Manual Transmission Fluid
If Honda MTF is not available, you may use the API
certificated SAE 0 W-20 or 5 W-20 viscosity motor oil
as a temporary measure.
Replace with MTF as soon as possible. Motor oil does
not contain the proper additives for the transmission
and continued use can cause decreased shifting
performance and lead to transmission damage.
Under CoverBolt Clip

256
uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake/Clutch Fluid
Maintenance
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Use the same fluid for both the brakes and clutch.The fluid level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Checking the Brake Fluid
NOTICE
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive damage. If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
MAX
MIN
Brake Reservoir
■Checking the Clutch Fluid
Manual transmission models
1Checking the Clutch Fluid
If the clutch fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have the system inspected for leaks or an excessively
worn clutch plate by a dealer.
Clutch Reservoir
MAX
MIN

302
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■ What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. • If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■ What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada (Red)
1If the EPS Indicator Comes On
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated operation under these conditions can eventually damage the system.

Index
323
Index
Index
Numbers
7-Speed Manual Shift Mode................... 205
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .................. 222
Accessories and Modifications ................ 236
Accessory Power Socket ........................... 127
Active Head Restraints ............................. 123
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 252
Engine Oil ............................................... 249
Washer ................................................... 257
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 247
Adjusting
Head Restraints ....................................... 121
Headlights .............................................. 258
Mirrors.................................................... 118
Seats....................................................... 119
Steering Wheel ....................................... 117
Air Conditioning System
(Climate Control System) ....................... 132
Changing the Mode................................ 132 Defrosting the Windscreen and
Windows .............................................. 133
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 280
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 132
Sensors ................................................... 134
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 132
Air Pressure ...................................... 269, 313
Airbags ....................................................... 41 Advanced Airbags ..................................... 47
After a Collision ......................................... 45
Airbag Care ............................................... 55
Event Data Recorders ................................. 26
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 44
Indicator ........................................ 52, 70, 74
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 53
Sensors ...................................................... 47
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 50
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 50
Side Airbags .............................................. 48
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 51
AM/FM Audio ................................... 143, 154
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 222
Indicator .................................................... 70
ASST Indicator ............................................. 82
Audio Remote Controls .............................. 19
Audio System ............................................ 136
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 142
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 138
Error Messages ........................................ 167
General Information ................................ 169
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 149
PC Card ................................................... 172
Radio Data System (RDS) ......................... 144
Reactivating ............................................. 139
Recommended CDs ................................. 169
Recommended Drives .............................. 171
Security Code .......................................... 139
Theft Protection ....................................... 139
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 137 USB Flash Drives ...................................... 171
with Navigation System ........................... 151
without Navigation System ...................... 141
Authorized Manuals ................................ 321
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 103
Customize ................................................. 90
Auto Idle Stop .......................................... 225
Auto Idle Stop Indicator ............................ 76
Automatic Lighting .................................. 111
Automatic Transmission (CVT) ................. 202
Creeping ................................................. 202
Fluid ........................................................ 254
Kickdown ................................................ 202
Operating the Shift Lever......................... 204
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 296
Shifting ................................................... 203
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 138
Average Fuel Economy .............................. 88
Average Fuel Economy Records ................ 88
Average Speed ........................................... 85
B
Back-Up Light ........................................... 263
Battery ...................................................... 278
Charging System Indicator................. 69, 300
Jump Starting .......................................... 294 Maintenance }
(Checking the 12 Volt Battery) ............... 278
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 279
Battery Charge in Progress (CHRG) ........... 82