Honda CR-V & Light: 10 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

The Honda CR-V is a line of crossover SUVs that have won praise for their performance, reliability, and quality.

Anyone who wants a compact SUV will love the CR-V. Should you buy the CR-V, you’ll need to learn how the lights work.

This article outlines everything involved with managing the lighting system on your Honda CR-V.

Let’s get started!

Which Light Bulb Sizes and Types Do Honda CR-V Use?

Replacing bulbs on your Honda CR-V can be problematic, as model years use different-sized bulbs for their headlights.

Below is a breakdown of the light bulb sizes and types used on Honda CR-V models:

Low Beam Headlights

Honda CR-V models released between 1997 and 2004 used 9003 bulbs for low beams.

However, Honda switched to H11 bulbs for the low beams on CR-Vs for a brief period (2005-2007). 

It did return to using 9003 bulbs for low beam headlights on CR-Vs produced between 2007 and 2014.

Again, Honda changed the size of bulbs used in the CR-V’s low beam headlights in 2015. Instead of using a 9003, the newer models use an H11 bulb for the low beams.

Check out the price of Honda CR-V low beam headlights here on Amazon

High Beam Headlights

Starting from 1997 until 2004, Honda CR-V models used a 9003 bulb for high beam headlights. The models briefly used H11 bulbs for low beams from 2005 until 2006.

Honda switched back to 9003 bulbs for the high beam headlights between 2007 and 2014. In 2015, Honda CR-V started using 9005 bulbs for the high beam headlights.

Click here for the prices of Honda CR-V high beam headlights on Amazon

Tail Lights

The Honda CR-V’s tail light used a 7443 bulb during the 1997 to 2006 production period.

From 2007 until 2016, the upper tail light used a 194 bulb; the lower tail light used the same bulb during that period.

Check here for Honda CR-V tail lights prices on Amazon

How to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights on a Honda CR-V?

The Daytime Running Lights (DRL) on your Honda CR-V are a safety feature designed to make you visible no matter your driving conditions.

They’ll also run during the day while your headlights are off.

Despite their perceived safety benefits, some drivers don’t like them.

According to some drivers, having DRLs on makes light bulbs wear out faster, decreases fuel economy, and distracts other drivers.

If you share similar sentiments and want to switch off your DRLs, we have a simple solution for you.

This method will make it easier to turn off the DRLs on your Honda CR-V safely:

1. Find the DRL fuse in the fuse box located under the dashboard
2. Confirm that it’s a 7.5 ampere fuse
3. Remove the fuse
4. Switch on the SUV to check if the DRLs are off

Honda CR-V Light indicator Symbols Explained

The dash on CR-V models often features illuminating symbols that may perplex inexperienced drivers.

Even expert drivers don’t understand what all the symbols mean.

We have created this guide to help you decode the symbols on your Honda CR-V:

AWD Light

A yellow AWD light indicates a malfunctioning all-wheel-drive system. If it blinks, the system is inactive or overheating.

Electric Power Steering Assist System

This symbol looks like a steering wheel beside an exclamation mark.

If it stays on while you drive or doesn’t illuminate upon startup, the power steering is likely faulty.

Low Fuel Indicator

This resembles a yellow gas pump, and it illuminates when the fuel in your tank is low.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light

This symbol resembles a tire next to an exclamation point. It indicates that one or more tires on your CR-V doesn’t have enough air pressure.

Low Oil Pressure Light

This dashboard indicator is similar to a red-colored leaky oil can. It comes on when the oil in your engine is low.

Charging System

This symbol is shaped like a red car battery, and it signals a problem with your CR-V’s battery or charging system.

Transmission System

This dashboard warning light blinks when your transmission is faulty. Stop driving immediately this appears and call a technician.

ABS Light

This symbol has “ABS” placed in a circle, and shows that the anti-lock braking system is active.

It should go off once your car is in motion, but it may stay on if your ABS has a fault.

How Do You Adjust the Light on a Honda CR-V?

Are the headlights on your Honda CR-V out of place? Read this step-by-step guide on how to adjust the headlights on your CR-V:

• First, park your CR-V on flat ground, in front of a wall or garage door.
• Measure the tire pressure with a gauge and ensure each tire is inflated properly.
• Wipe the headlights clean, then turn them on. Ask someone to sit in the vehicle.
• From the beam projected on the wall/garage door, confirm if the headlights have correct aim.
• Open your CR-V’s hood and locate the adjusters near the headlight assembly.
• Use a screwdriver to tweak the adjuster and adjust the aim of the headlights.

This should be enough to adjust the headlights on your CR-V. However, you can watch videos on YouTube if you do better with visual guides.

Please also read our article about the Honda CR-V in snow and winter driving. 

How Does the Auto Light Sensitivity Work?

You must have noticed that the automatic headlights on the CR-V come on immediately as nightfall approaches.

They do this because of light-sensitive sensors that can detect when you’re driving in poorly lit conditions.

The Auto Light Sensitivity system allows you to adjust the sensitivity of these lights so they come on when you feel they are necessary. 

If you want the lights to be active when it’s slightly dark, then “High Sensitivity” is what you need.

But, if you want your lights on only when it’s pitch black, a low-sensitivity setting is suitable.

Of course, there are other sensitivity settings available on the CR-V. Just access the ALS and tweak it how you want.

What Can Cause the Drive Light to Blink?

The Drive Light on your CR-V will start blinking when you have a bad transmission.

Common transmission-related issues that could force the Drive Light to come on include:

1. Bad shift solenoid
2. Damaged transmission speed sensor
3. Bad binding mechanism
4. Low transmission fluid

Make sure to also read our article about how long the Honda CR-V lasts. 

Can I Use Headlight Covers On a CR-V?

Some people use headlight covers to keep their headlights clean and in perfect condition.

But headlight covers can affect headlight projection, as their tinted quality can reduce light intensity.

For this reason, using headlight covers is illegal in some states.

Ensure your state transport laws don’t prohibit headlight covers before paying for them.

Otherwise, you could end up paying for stuff that you can’t use.

The Dome/Interior Light Isn’t Working

The most common reason why the dome/interior light on your CR-V may malfunction is a bad dome light bulb. In which case you want to buy a new interior light bulb.

A bad dome light unit can also be at fault: a mounting screw could be loosely fitted or missing from the setup.

If it’s a minor issue, like a loose screw, you can easily fix it.

More serious problems like a missing mount screw will require a replacement of the entire dome light unit.

Also check out our article about where Honda CR-V is made. 

Do Honda CR-V Have LED Lights?

For safety purposes, LED lights are the best for vehicles.

They provide maximum visibility on roads and ensure that you can see, and be seen, on the road.

Most Honda vehicles only started getting LED lights in 2016. Thus, you’ll likely find LED lights on Honda CR-Vs released from 2016. 

The Lights Come on But the Car Won’t Start

This is a common issue on Hondas: the vehicle lights flicker when you crank the engine, but the vehicle never comes to life.

According to technicians, here are likely causes of this problem:

1. Worn fuse
2. Low battery power
3. Bad ignition switch
4. Bad alternator

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