2001 Honda CR-V - Overview

OVERVIEW

The Honda CR-V is the first Honda-designed and -engineered sport/utility vehicle and brings a new level of ride comfort, handling and efficiency, as well as Honda quality, to this market segment.

Priced competitively with mini-SUVs, but sized comparably with compact SUVs, the CR-V combines 4-wheel-drive capability and utility with passenger-car driveability, comfort and convenience.

EXTERIOR DESIGN/BODY STRUCTURE

The CR-V body incorporates design features intended to make it equally suited for both highway and off-road travel. Its tall stance (over 8 in. of ground clearance), combined with an expansive glass area, provide excellent outward visibility in all directions for the driver and passengers. The front bumper, side sills, wheel arch protectors and rear bumper are made of a durable plastic that resists chipping, while large, powerful multi-reflector headlights provide even illumination and give the CR-V a distinctive appearance.

In addition, high-mount rear combination lights, built into the upper rear D-pillars, enhance the CR-V's visibility from the rear and are less likely to be obscured by dirt and grime.

The carpeted cargo area has a two-way tailgate. The upper glass portion can be opened separately for quick loading and unloading of small packages, and the lower half is a full-width door, hinged on one side and held open by a gas-filled strut. The spare tire is mounted low on the tailgate door for good rearward visibility.

COMPACT 2.0 LITER ENGINE

The CR-V is powered by a 2.0 liter, 16-valve dual overhead camshaft engine developing 146 horsepower and 133 lb.-ft. of torque. The new engine boasts lightweight and compact dimensions for its displacement and has been specifically tuned to have a flat, extended torque curve suitable for both highway and off-road use.

The CR-V's engine features a new cylinder block-casting process, in which all four cast-iron cylinder bores are one compact (siamesed) unit with the aluminum -alloy block cast around it.

REAL TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE

An innovative, Honda-designed 4-wheel-drive system is used on the CR-V, called Real Time 4WD. Real Time 4WD automatically distributes drive torque to the front and rear wheels in response to changing traction conditions.

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

A smooth-shifting, electronically controlled, 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter is standard on the CR-V. The transmission's Grade Logic Control automatically downshifts and holds a lower gear when the CR-V is climbing a steep grade. This eliminates the gear hunting that can occur as the driver changes throttle position in response to changing engine load. The transmission also will downshift and hold a lower gear when descending a steep grade, so that engine braking may be utilized.

CHASSIS

The CR-V is the only SUV to use 4-wheel double wishbone suspension. Four-wheel double wishbone suspension gives the CR-V the same advantages of stability, ride isolation, handling and space efficiency found in Honda passenger cars.

SAFETY SYSTEMS

The CR-V has a highly rigid body with extensive reinforcements in key areas in order to meet current safety requirements. Dual airbags are standard and the CR-V meets U.S. government side-impact standards; it also is designed to protect its passengers in 30-mph full-frontal and rear impacts. Offset-frontal impact protection also has been built into the body.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES

Standard comfort and convenience features on the CR-V include a high-capacity air-conditioning/climate-control system with built-in air filter, AM/FM stereo system, power windows, door locks and mirrors, rear wiper/washer and cruise control.

A convenient, folding tray table is located between the front seats and features built-in beverage holders.

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is also available as an option package for the CR-V.

ROOMY, FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR

The CR-V cabin can seat five adults and boasts 41.5 in. of front legroom and 36.7 in. of rear legroom. Additional passenger-compartment features include a flat floor and passenger walk-through. Cargo space is ample, with 29.6 cu. ft. of space behind the rear seats. The rear seatback has a 50/50 split and a total of 67.2 cu. ft. is available with the seatback folded down.

Additional utility has been built into the cargo area in the form of a removable picnic table that also functions as the cargo area floor. The lower cargo area beneath the removable floor has a removable, waterproof plastic bucket, which serves as a convenient storage area for wet items, such as swimsuits or ski clothing. A 12-volt accessory outlet is also built into the cargo-area side wall for powering accessories, such as an air-mattress inflator or refrigerated cooler. Several convenient hooks are also built into the rear cargo area for an elastic cargo net and for hanging small items.

2001 Honda CR-V - Body

HIGHLY RIGID MONOCOQUE BODY

In place of the conventional truck-based body-on-frame design found in most SUVs, the CR-V uses a unit body (monocoque) with extensive cross-bracing and stiffening members incorporated into key areas. This design offers greater rigidity with less weight.

Honda engineers designed a highly rigid structure, with additional torsional and bending resistance. The result is a rugged, stable suspension platform, which is highly resistant to road noise and vibration.

Additional advantages offered by the CR-V's reinforced unit body include a flat floor and center walk-through, the absence of a space-robbing drivetrain tunnel and a lower vehicle weight, which helps improve fuel economy and performance.

Areas of the body and frame have been specially strengthened to accommodate the anticipated loads of off-road operation, including suspension pickup points, front shock-absorber mounts and A-, B-, C- and D-pillars. The frame under the main floor has four large cross-section, longitudinal members, which, along with the side sills, resist bending loads. The sheet metal in the floor between the rear wheel arches is sandwiched between upper and lower crossmembers for added strength.

BODY NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTROL

In addition to building a highly rigid body structure, Honda engineers designed several features in the CR-V body to shut out noise and vibration. High-performance, liquid-filled engine mounts reduce engine vibration and provide a comfortable ride. In addition, the suspension bushings incorporate a specially tuned type of rubber designed to reduce road noise.

Induction-related engine noises have been reduced with the adoption of an intake silencer, while low-frequency induction noises are significantly reduced with the combined use of a large volume resonator chamber and a special side branch. Similarly, a large-sized pre-chamber together with a purpose-built silencer helps reduce exhaust noise.

A new bubble-type high-damping asphalt sheet was applied to key areas of the body, such as the passenger-compartment floor and footwells. Other areas, such as the cargo compartment, have a lightweight high-damping asphalt material applied to the sheet metal. All these features combine together to make the CR-V as quiet and smooth as a sedan in all driving conditions.

2001 Honda CR-V - Exterior

DESIGN GOALS

Packaging goals for the CR-V body centered around creating an attractive, versatile SUV with roominess, comfort and maneuverability that would prove to be assets in daily urban use. The overall look is sporty, stable and functional, with a wide track, tall stance, low beltline and ample glass area. The CR-V has 8.1 inches of ground clearance, with a 29-degree angle of approach and a 27-degree angle of departure. The vehicle's high seating position and large glass area offer excellent outward visibility in all directions. All four corners of the vehicle are rounded and visible from the drivers seat, making maneuvering easier in tight spots such as parking spaces.

The front end of the CR-V features large, multi-reflector headlights and a blacked-out grille. In order to better protect the finish from stone chipping, the front and rear bumpers, front and rear wheel arch protectors, side sill garnish and side moulding are made from a chip-resistant gray plastic. Large, power-operated side mirrors, flush-mounted door handles and body side moulding are all standard. Five-lug, 15-inch steel wheels with 205/70 RiS 955 (M+S) tires are also standard (aluminum alloy wheels are standard with the ABS option package).

HIGH-POSITION COMBINATION LIGHTS

The rear combination lights (brake, turn, back-up and reflectors), are integrated into the rear (D) pillars. Their high position makes them more easily seen and helps prevent mud and dirt from obscuring the lenses.

CONVENIENT TWO-WAY TAILGATE

A two-way tailgate extends the entire width of the rear and features a separate opening glass hatch for convenient loading and unloading of small articles and packages. The full-size spare tire mounts on the lower portion of the tailgate for maximum rearward visibility. The gate is hinged on the side and is held open by a gas-filled strut.

PAINT AND CORROSION PROTECTION

Approximately 90% of all the sheet steel in the CR-V is galvanized. Surfaces that are exposed to moisture on both sides, such as outer panels, doors and fenders, are galvanized on both sides.

As with other Honda automobiles, the longitudinal weld flange running the length of the side sill is outboard of the sill, rather than directly underneath where it would be exposed to dirt and moisture. In addition, the entire lower surface of the sill is protected by a plastic rocker-panel cover. Additional advantages of this design include a cleaner appearance and protection from chipping by rocks and gravel.

The painting process used on the CR-V involves first cleaning and degreasing the body, followed by immersion in a zinc phosphate bath that forms a tough, corrosion-resistant coating and improves primer adhesion. The body is then immersed in a soluble, electro-deposited primer (Cationic deposition).

To prevent dust and moisture from accumulating in critical areas, special sealants are applied to crevices and seams in the body. Next, areas of the body that are susceptible to stone and gravel damage are coated with a special anti-chipping primer. Following this, an intermediate primer coat is applied, followed by an acrylic-resin top coat. Metallic paints also receive an additional clear coat.

RECYCLABILITY

Large plastic pieces on the CR-V, such as the bumpers, side moulding and wheel arch protectors, are made of recyclable polypropylene. Scrap plastic and molded pieces that do not meet Honda's quality-control standards during manufacturing are ground up and used to make components such as passenger-compartment air outlets and engine splash shields. To aid in recycling, all plastic parts weighing over 100 grams bear identification marks indicating the type of plastic from which they are made.

2001 Honda CR-V - Chassis

DESIGN GOALS

In designing the CR-V chassis, Honda engineers wanted to create passenger-car-like behavior on paved roads and a smooth ride off-road. To accomplish their goal, they drew on Honda's extensive engineering experience with double wishbone suspension systems.

4-WHEEL DOUBLE WISHBONE SUSPENSION

In order to tune the CR-V suspension for 4-wheel-drive requirements, Honda engineers gave the CR-V a wide tread. The adoption of front L-shaped lower control arms and negative scrub offset further increased its stability, especially in circumstances requiring braking while cornering. Both front and rear roll center heights were set low in order to reduce the effects of wheel jacking, and thicker stabilizer bars were similarly specified. In addition, efforts were made to provide superior turn-in capability and body-pitch control in cornering situations.

At the rear, the lower arm was moved rearward and set at an angle and harder bushings were also incorporated. In order to achieve high lateral load rigidity, high-strength crossbeams and heavy-duty rear hub-bearing units were adopted. Finally, high-response dampers provide the damping force necessary to cope with on- and off-road situations.

REDESIGNED HONDA PROGRESSIVE VALVE SHOCK ABSORBERS

The latest version of the Honda Progressive Valve (HPV) shock absorbers is used on the CR-V. Low-pressure HPV (Honda Progressive Valve) gas-filled dampers and heavy-duty, high-density bump rubbers were specified. They both smoothly filter small vibrations and firmly control larger movements for a more comfortable ride.

In addition, the suspension's long suspension travel, combined with low spring rates and efficient damping, help provide superior contact even on rough roads. As a result, the CR-V delivers a smooth comfortable ride, even on uneven surfaces.

EFFORT-SENSITIVE POWER STEERING SYSTEM

The CR-V uses a rack-and-pinion steering system with a 17.0:1 ratio. The power- steering system is steering-torque sensitive. It senses the amount of force (steering torque) created between the tire and the road as the wheel is steered and changes the amount of power assist accordingly. An increase in effort (for example, if a wheel were to encounter a rough surface) is automatically countered by an increase in boost.

Power assist is controlled by a rotary hydraulic valve and torsion bar. The torsion bar links the steering shaft to the steering-rack pinion. As the torsion bar twists in proportion to steering effort, it progressively opens the rotary valve, which increases boost accordingly. The power steering has reduced rattle, backlash or kickback, and imparts a smooth, linear feel to the steering system.

The power-steering pump is a large-capacity vane type that operates quietly and responds quickly to movements of the steering wheel.

The front and rear half-shafts incorporate roller-bearing constant-velocity joints. The wider angle these joints permit (50* as opposed to 46*) helps minimize the CR-V's turning diameter. The turning diameter is 34.8 ft. curb to curb.

BRAKES

The CR-V uses 15 in. x 0.9 in.-thick ventilated front disc brakes. The rear brakes are 8.71-in. drums.

AVAILABLE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM

Anti-lock brakes are available for the CR-V as an option package. On the CR-V, ABS operates even when the 4-wheel drive system is operating. The system is a four-sensor, three-channel system with a speed sensor located at each wheel. When the driver applies maximum brake pressure and impending wheel lockup is detected, the sensors send a signal to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU processes the information, then tells the ABS system to momentarily disengage, then reapply, brake pressure at the appropriate wheel(s). If impending wheel lockup occurs when brake pressure is reapplied, the cycle is repeated. This allows the tires to be maintained at the point of maximum traction.

There is a separate channel for each front wheel and the rear wheels share a common third channel. This is a "select-low system, meaning the system controls both rear-wheel slave cylinders together when it senses incipient wheel lockup in either wheel.

WHEELS

Fifteen-inch, five-bolt steel wheels are standard on the CR-V. Exclusive 15-inch alloy wheels are standard on models equipped with the ABS option package. All-season 205/70R15 95S tires are standard on both.

WHEELS AND TIRES
	CR-V	CR-V w/ ABS
Wheels	15" x 6jj steel wheels	15" x 6jj
		Aluminum Alloy
Tires	205/70 R15 95S (M+S)	205/70 R15 95S (M+S)

2001 Honda CR-V - Interior

DESIGN GOALS

Interior packaging was also a high priority in the CR-V's design. Here, Honda engineers and designers set goals of creating a spacious, functional interior with the comfort of a passenger vehicle. The passenger compartment is wide (57.5 in.) and tall (49.0 in.), with a 29.6 cu. ft. cargo area (67.2 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down).

COMFORTABLE FIVE-PASSENGER SEATING WITH CENTER WALKTHROUGH

The CR-V will accommodate five adult passengers comfortably. Front-seat legroom is 41.5 in. and rear-seat legroom is 36.7 in., with ample footroom. The CR-V's flat floor, combined with a steering column-mounted gear selector and more than 10 in. of space between the front seats, allows walk-through room between the front and rear seats.

The driver's seat features a manual height adjustment and fold-down armrest, and is fully reclinable. The flat, bench-type rear seat features two fold-down center armrests and is also reclinable. The seats are upholstered in moquette fabric.

Front and rear outboard seating positions have adjustable head restraints and 3-point seat belts. Auto-locking retractors for holding a child safety seat are also incorporated in the front passenger and rear outboard seat belts.

EASY ENTRANCE AND EXIT

The CR-V incorporates several features designed to make entrance and exit easier: The 103.2-in, wheelbase and compact 4-wheel double wishbone suspension allow it to have large front and rear passenger doors. In addition, the seat cushion's height approximates the hip height of a standing adult (as in the Odyssey), so passengers do not have to "climb" in and out of the seats. Door thresholds feature a durable, non-skid plastic surface that provides a sure footing for standing when accessing the roof.

EFFICIENT CONTROL LAYOUT

The CR-V has a two-tone instrument panel with a dark gray upper surface that minimizes glare, and a lighter gray lower section. Instruments and gauges, including a speedometer, tachometer, combination fuel and temperature gauge, warning lights and gear-position indicator, are located in a visored pod directly in front of the driver.

STEREO SYSTEM

The CR-V features a 4-speaker, 20-watt x 4-amplifier AM/FM stereo system, with clock. Beneath the stereo is a D.I.N.-sized space for additional electronic components, such as a cassette player or CD player.

HIGH-CAPACITY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM

With its large interior volume, Honda engineers equipped the CR-V with a large-capacity heating and cooling system. There are six face-level outlets in the upper portion of the instrument panel, defroster outlets in the base of the windshield and outlets at foot level for both the front- and rear-seat passengers.

The CR-V's climate system features a large-capacity blower, large-capacity A/C condenser and low-resistance heater core to help circulate a large quantity of heated or cooled air. The air-conditioning system uses R134A refrigerant and no CFC is used.

LARGE-SWITCH HEATER CONTROL PANEL

The climate-control switches and knobs are enlarged to allow them to be more easily operated with gloves on.

MICRON-AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM

Incoming air for the heating and cooling system passes through a replaceable air filter capable of removing particulate matter as small as 8 microns, including pollen and dust.

U.V.-RESISTANT GREEN GLASS

The CR-V windshield has a special green tint that makes it more U.V.-resistant and helps minimize solar heating of the interior.

VERSATILE CARGO AND STORAGE AREAS

Honda engineers designed the cargo and storage areas of the CR-V to be large, accessible and versatile. A large 268.5-cu. in. glove compartment is located in the instrument panel, just in front of the passenger, and a 103.7-cu. in. pull-out storage bin is built into the center console. The passenger compartment has large map pockets in the front and rear door liners and pockets on the front seatbacks.

A pull-out bin for coins or parking-card storage and the remote release for the tailgate glass are located below the power-window controls.

A tray table, located between the front seats, features two beverage holders and conveniently folds out of the way when not in use.

The back seat has a 50/50 split and folds flat against the front seats, providing 67.2 cu. ft. of cargo space (29.6 With the seatback up). The cargo area has a convenient double structure containing a removable folding table over a waterproof under-floor bucket. Small storage compartments can also be found on either side. The upper floor is carpeted and has built-in rings for an elastic cargo net. A storage pocket is provided on the left side. An additional large, hinged hook and pocket with belt are built into the tailgate door.

REMOVABLE FOLDING PICNIC TABLE

The cargo floor of the CR-V is removable. Built-in folding legs on the underside allow it to be used as a picnic table. The legs also serve as rigid reinforcement for the floor when it is stowed. A groove in the corner of the table serves as a hanger for small items.

WATERPROOF UNDER-FLOOR BUCKET

The storage area under the cargo floor is a large waterproof plastic bucket that can hold wet items, such as swimsuits or ski clothing. The bucket can be easily removed for cleaning.

12-VOLT ACCESSORY OUTLETS

Two 120-watt accessory outlets, one located next to the ashtray on the center instrument panel, and the other below the speaker in the left rear cargo compartment wall, are standard. Each outlet provides convenient power for such items as a 12-volt beach-toy and air-mattress inflator or 12-volt refrigerated cooler.

2001 Honda CR-V - Engine

ENGINEERING GOALS

Honda engineering goals for the CR-V drivetrain centered around developing an engine with the following performance characteristics:

• Excellent power and appropriate torque characteristics for both on and off-road use
• Good fuel economy
• Compact dimensions, for maximum maneuverability
• Quiet, smooth operation

In order to achieve these goals, Honda engineers developed an entirely new engine, with the following features:

• A 2.0 liter displacement, generating 146 hp @ 6200 rpm and 133 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
• The external dimensions and weight of a 1.6 liter engine. A new cylinder block-casting process was developed in which all four cast-iron cylinder bores are one compact (siamesed) unit with the aluminum-alloy block cast around it. Conventional engine manufacturing uses individual cylinder liners, resulting in a longer engine
• Dual overhead camshaft, 16-valve cylinder head
• Newly designed, compact intake manifold that fits in the CR-V engine compartment, yet has the long intake runners necessary for generating good low-rpm torque

WORLD'S FIRST MASS-PRODUCED QUAD-SEQUENTIAL SLEEVE ENGINE BLOCK

The CR-V engine is a 4-cylinder, transverse-mounted engine, with a high-pressure die-cast aluminum-alloy, open-deck engine block. The sides of the block extend well below the crankshaft center line for added rigidity. A cast-bearing cap carrier forms an exceptionally rigid main bearing support. The connecting rods and single-plane crankshaft are of drop-forged carbon steel.

Additional weight-saving features of the engine include a stainless steel exhaust manifold, a die-cast aluminum power steering pump bracket and a planetary gear starter.

The cast-iron cylinder liners are an integral (siamesed) unit, instead of individual bores. The result is a very compact 2.0 liter engine block (external dimensions are length: 16.14 in., width: 15.47 in., and height: 8.34 in). The bore-stroke ratio is 3.31 in. x 3.50 in. (undersquare) and a 1972 cc displacement. The CR-V engine's total weight is 321.7 lbs. (145.9 kg).

QUAD-SEQUENTIAL SLEEVE CYLINDER BLOCK: CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT

Honda wanted the design of the CR-V to reflect the long-standing Honda design philosophy of Man Maximum, Mechanism Minimum, meaning there should be the most space for people, while the automobile and its systems should physically intrude the least amount on the human space. In the case of the CR-V engine, this meant developing a 2.0 liter engine with the compactness of a 1600 cc powerplant.

In addition, a compact -- and therefore lighter-weight -- engine would help maximize performance, maneuverability and fuel economy. Since the engine block can account for as much as 15 - 20% of the engine's overall weight, Honda's goal was to produce a 2.0 liter engine with the external dimensions and weight of a 1.8 liter engine.

Most Honda engine blocks are made of cast aluminum with cast-iron cylinder liners. The minimum amount of aluminum between individual, adjacent liners for sufficient bonding and dimensional stability is 9 mm. However, if the distance between the liners could be reduced to 6 mm, then the bores could be increased sufficiently to yield the desired 2.0 liter displacement.

To achieve their goal, Honda engineers perfected the technique of casting all four iron liners as a single unit with a 6 mm spacing between the cylinder outer walls.

Honda has applied for 13 patents comprising 44 items for the quad-sequential cylinder block and casting process.

CR-V CYLINDER HEAD

The CR-V cylinder head is low-pressure die-cast from aluminum alloy. The individual combustion chamber's pent-roof configuration and centrally located spark plug promote rapid, complete burning of air and fuel.

Each cylinder has four valves (two intake and two exhaust). Since the individual valves in a four-valve combustion chamber are smaller and lighter than the valves in a two-valve combustion chamber, there is less reciprocating mass. This allows the engine to be revved safely to higher rpm levels, helping to extend the engine's power range. Four-valve combustion chambers also have greater valve area, so they offer less restriction to intake and exhaust flow, better exhaust-gas scavenging and greater volumetric efficiency.

Valve actuation is via dual overhead camshafts and direct-acting rocker arms located under the camshafts. Direct-acting rocker arms permit the use of screw-type adjusters for easier valve adjustment. The camshafts are driven by a Kevlar-reinforced toothed belt.

MULTI-POINT PROGRAMMED FUEL INJECTION

The fuel-induction system uses Honda Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). PGM-FI is a timed, sequential system with sensors for throttle position, coolant temperature, crankshaft angle, intake-manifold pressure, atmospheric pressure, intake-air temperature, vehicle speed and exhaust-gas oxygen content. Information from these sensors is fed to an Electronic Control Unit, which then decides when to activate each injector. PGM-FI can alter fuel delivery to match the engine's needs under varying environmental and engine-load conditions.

LONG-INTAKE MANIFOLD BOOSTS MID-RANGE TORQUE

Because the CR-V is an SUV, Honda engineers designed the engine to have a broad torque curve that would serve it well in all applications. The engine's 2.0 liter displacement, 4-valve, DOHC cylinder head and 6300-rpm redline would serve it well on the highway; however, high-revving engines tend to have peaky torque curves, unsuitable for the low-rpm pulling power required in many off-road situations.

To extend the CR-V engine's torque curve into the mid- and lower-rpm ranges (the torque peak is 133 @ 4,300 rpm), Honda engineers designed an intake manifold with exceptionally long (14.5 in.) intake runners for a 2.0 liter engine. The runner's long, tapered length has the effect of amplifying intake-tract sonic waves around 4,000 rpm. This in turn creates a positive pressure pulse in the air-fuel mixture as it enters the cylinder. The pressure pulse rams more air and fuel into the filling cylinder, resulting in a more powerful explosion and greater torque.

In addition, the intake manifold's runners are carefully tapered. This, combined with their long length, accelerates the air-fuel charge as it approaches the cylinders. The mixture's high velocity translates into greater turbulence as it enters the combustion chamber, which in turn improves mixing and combustion efficiency. And the mixture's higher velocity also gives it added momentum, which tends to increase the amount of charge filling the cylinders.

QUIET INDUCTION SYSTEM

The large-capacity air-cleaner chamber used in the CR-V's induction system serves to muffle intake roar, and it also incorporates a Helmholtz chamber to damp unwanted resonances. In addition, another resonance-damping chamber is located upstream, between the intake tube and the air-cleaner box. The intake tract from the air cleaner to the fuel-injection throttle body has also been optimized to muffle intake roar and incorporates an anti-resonant side-branch.

ENGINE-MOUNTING SYSTEM MINIMIZES VIBRATION

The CR-V engine, like other Honda automobile engines, uses an innovative inertial-axis engine-mounting system. In this system, the engine mounts are located on the axis of the engine's principal inertial moment (the axis about which the engine vibrates). At these points, the least amplitude of force is transmitted from engine to frame, which significantly reduces engine-idle vibration.

A liquid-filled engine mount is used at the engine-body inertial-axis mounting point. The mount has two internal chambers, separated by a metered orifice. Liquid in one of the chambers vibrates in response to engine vibration and acts as a damper. As engine rpm increases, vibration pumps the liquid into the other chamber, which changes the dynamic-spring constant of the mount. The mount is very effective in absorbing engine vibration in the 200-500 Hz range.

ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD-II)

The CR-V engine features an On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD-II) that monitors the status and efficiency of the engine's fuel and emission system.

The OBD-ll system used on the CR-V engine expands the control and diagnostic capabilities of Honda Programmed Multi-Point Fuel Injection to include emissions-system components and operation.

The components of the system include an Electronic Control Module, a charcoal-canister purge-system monitor, an engine misfire detector and a set of oxygen sensors that monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

The engine misfire detector uses a magnetic sensor that reads cylinder-firing information from the toothed, cam-drive pulley on the end of the crankshaft. The sensor is capable of reading the minute angular accelerations of the crankshaft that accompany individual cylinder firing. This data is sent to the ECM. If a cylinder is not operating efficiently, the ECM will take appropriate action.

HIGH-CAPACITY ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY

Since Honda engineers anticipated extended operation in cold climates, they equipped the CR-V with a large 95-amp alternator.

2001 Honda CR-V - Transmission

ENGINEERING GOALS

Honda engineers set the following goals for the CR-V transmission and 4-wheel- drive system:

• An automatic 4-wheel-drive system that required little or no management by the driver
• Minimize the traditional undesirable effects of 4-wheel-drive systems, including lower fuel economy, higher noise and vibration levels, higher weight and difficulty in adapting the system to ABS

In order to achieve their goals, the following systems were developed for the CR-V:

• An entirely new Real Time 4WD system was designed
• A newly developed 4-speed automatic transmission with Honda Grade Logic Control was adapted to the CR-V

The CR-V's Real Time 4WD offers the following advantages:

• Operates automatically, only when needed
• Requires practically no maintenance (90,000-mile oil-change interval)
• Weighs less than conventional 4WD systems
• When not in use it has minimal noise, vibration or handling intrusion
• Better fuel economy
• Operates with ABS

CR-V REAL TIME 4WD

The CR-V's Real Time 4WD system only sends power to the rear wheels when there is insufficient traction for the front-wheel-drive system. The system consists of the conventional front-wheel-drive system, a compact transfer case that distributes drive to a propeller shaft running the length of the vehicle, a dual-pump system, the rear differential and left and right rear-wheel driveshafts.

The heart of the system is the dual-pump unit. It consists of two hydraulic pumps, one driven by the front wheels via the propeller shaft and one driven by the rear wheels via the rear differential. A hydraulically actuated, multi-plate clutch, similar to the clutches used in Honda automatic transmissions, connects the propeller shaft to the rear differential.

When the CR-V is operating with the front and rear wheels turning at the same speed, for example, on dry pavement, the front and rear hydraulic pumps operate at the same speed. Hydraulic fluid circulates between the two pumps; however, no pressure is generated. In effect, the fluid fed by the front pump is absorbed by the rear pump.

If the front wheels begin to turn faster than the rear wheels, as would be the case if they were spinning on snow or ice, the two hydraulic pumps would turn at a different rate and hydraulic pressure proportional to the difference in their speeds of rotation would be generated. The resulting hydraulic pressure opens a valve body and feeds pressure to the multi-plate clutch, which engages the front propeller shaft to the rear differential. The rear differential feeds the drive torque to the right and left rear wheels.

System operation is completely automatic; no electronics or driver intervention is involved. The greater the degree of front-wheel slippage, the greater the amount of torque fed to the rear wheels.

Real-Time 4WD is also practically maintenance- free, requiring only a scheduled fluid change (using Honda original CVT-F-type fluid) at 90,000 miles, like an automatic transmission.

Another big advantage of the CR-V's dual-pump Real Time 4WD system is that, unlike conventional 4WD systems, Real Time 4WD automatically disengages under braking, thereby allowing the ABS system to engage.

CR-V ELECTRONCIALLY CONTROLLED, 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) with a lockup torque converter and Grade Logic programming is standard on the CR-V. The transmission is a constant-mesh unit, incorporating a first-gear, low-hold feature and an overdrive fourth gear. Overdrive improves fuel economy and helps reduce noise at highway speeds. The low-hold function allows the transmission to be held in low gear for climbing or descending steep grades or when pulling a trailer.

The lockup torque converter helps minimize fluid-coupling slippage, which can adversely affect mileage. The lockup feature works in third gear as well as fourth and also maintains lockup in third and fourth gears during deceleration.

Shifting is electronically controlled by a 16-bit microprocessor located in the Electronic Control Module (ECM). The microprocessor controls a linear shift solenoid, that in turn controls hydraulic pressure to the gear clutch packs. For optimal control of hydraulic pressure, the ECM monitors engine torque and controls transient-condition shifting. Since the control is linear, the engagement is more progressive. The result is smoother shifting and power transmission over a greater variety of power and gear settings.

The ECM is also programmed to minimize shift shock during full or part-throttle upshifts by momentarily retarding ignition timing. The ECM also controls downshifts.

The ECM also controls the CR-V transmission's Honda Grade Logic shift programming and is even used to monitor automatic-transmission fluid temperature. It uses the temperature data to alter clutch-pack hydraulic pressure to compensate for temperature-related viscosity differences.

GRADE LOGIC CONTROL SYSTEM

The CR-V automatic transmission uses Grade Logic to determine when to shift. Grade Logic differs from more conventional computer-controlled shift programming in two important ways: It can determine the actual driving situation and then, based on six different stored "shift maps," select the appropriate shift points for second-, third- and fourth-gear upshifts and downshifts.

The Grade Logic Control System on the CR-V automatic transmission uses throttle position, road speed, rate of deceleration and rate of acceleration to determine driving conditions. It then chooses the appropriate shift map for that situation in D4 and D3. For example, when driving uphill, Grade Logic will sense a large throttle opening without any increase in speed. Based on this, Grade Logic will determine that the CR-V is going uphill and it will determine how steep the grade is. It will then choose a shift map that will downshift and hold third or even second gear, thereby eliminating hunting between gears.

Grade Logic also uses brake-pedal application as a control input. For example, Grade Logic will determine that the CR-V is driving down a grade, if it receives a closed throttle signal and a brake-pedal activation signal. It then selects a shift map that will downshift and hold third or second gear to allow the CR-V to utilize engine braking.

Similarly, Grade Logic can use a rapid deceleration signal and closed throttle to determine that the CR-V is entering a tight curve in the road or a corner. It then chooses a shift map that downshifts early for more responsive acceleration.

This same set of inputs occurs in the abrupt braking followed by quick acceleration that sometimes accompanies stop-and-go city driving, thus promoting smoother driving.

2001 Honda CR-V - Comfort and Convenience

STANDARD FEATURES

The CR-V is available in one trim level. An option package with anti-lock brakes and alloy wheels is also available. The following features are standard equipment on the CR-V:

• 126-hp, 2.0 liter, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy engine w/ Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
• Electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and Grade Logic programming
• 4-wheel double wishbone suspension
• Real Time 4-wheel drive
• Body side moulding
• 205/70 R15 955 (M+S) tires
• Styled steel wheels
• Dual airbags (SRS)
• Variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering
• Air conditioning
• Micron-Air Filtration System
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors
• Tachometer
• Cruise control
• Adjustable steering column
• Driver's seat with manual height adjustment
• Folding driver's-seat armrest
• Folding rear-seat armrests
• 2-speed plus intermittent windshield wipers
• Rear intermittent wiper/washer
• Overhead map lights
• Tailgate-mounted, full-size spare tire with cover
• Remote fuel filler door release
• AM/FM electronically controlled radio w/clock
• Door-pocket storage bins in front and rear doors
• Seatback pockets
• Green heat-rejecting glass windshield
• Beverage holder
• Center tray table with beverage holders
• 3-point outboard seat belts
• 50/50 split fold-down reclining rear seatback
• Rear-seat heater ducts
• Rear-window defroster with timer
• Remote tailgate release
• Removable folding picnic table
• Cargo area and instrument panel 12V accessory outlets
• Cargo area light
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

The CR-V with ABS option package adds the following features:

• Anti-lock braking system
• Exclusive 15-inch alloy wheels

2001 Honda CR-V - Safety

SAFETY SYSTEMS

The Honda CR-V features dual air bags and 3-point safety belts, with a rear center lap belt, and available anti-lock brakes.

In addition, Honda engineers reinforced key areas of the CR-V body for greater strength and better energy management in a collision. The 1997 CR-V meets or exceeds the following impact-related federal standards:

• Full-frontal barrier impact at 30 mph
• U.S. government side-impact standards
• Full-rear impact at 30 mph

In order to meet the frontal- and rear-impact standards, the following safety features were engineered into the CR-V body:

• Outriggers that connect the side sills to the front subframe were stiffened
• Stiffeners in the roof side rails
• Stiffeners in the door lower side sill (rocker panels)
• Stronger frame rail extensions under the rear floor

Some of the side-impact protection measures taken include:

• Rigid side-impact beams in each door
• The steering-column support is a reinforced bracket that extends all the way across the front of the vehicle, from doorjamb to doorjamb
• A highly rigid body