How to Use the Honda CR-V Gear Shift?

[OQuinn]

Here is an introduction to using the Honda CR-V gear shift: 1. The vehicle can only be started in P (Park) or N (Neutral) gear. To shift out of P gear, you must press the brake pedal. Starting in N gear is useful when you plan to move forward immediately after starting the vehicle. You can first turn on the power (without starting the engine), press the brake, shift to N gear, then start the engine, and finally shift to D (Drive) gear to move forward. This avoids passing through R (Reverse) gear when starting in P gear, which could cause a reverse impact on the transmission. 2. Generally, when shifting between N, D, and 3rd gear, you don't need to press the shift button. However, shifting from 3rd gear to lower restricted gears requires pressing the shift button, while shifting from lower to higher gears does not. 3. Never shift to N gear while driving to coast, as the automatic transmission requires lubrication. Shifting to N gear while moving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil properly, causing internal transmission components to overheat and leading to severe damage! You can shift to N gear in advance when coasting to a stop at low speeds. 4. Never push the gear shift into P gear while the vehicle is moving. When changing the direction of travel (from forward to reverse or vice versa), i.e., shifting from reverse to drive or drive to reverse, always ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before operating. 5. At the end of the drive, an automatic transmission vehicle must be turned off and shifted into P gear before the key can be removed. After parking, press the brake, shift the gear lever to N gear, engage the handbrake, release the foot brake, turn off the engine, and finally push the gear lever into P gear.

[LucyDella]

After driving the CRV for so many years, I find its gear positions quite user-friendly. Use D gear for flat roads, S gear provides more power for climbing hills or overtaking, while L gear is specifically designed for steep slopes or snowy conditions. Always remember to fully depress the brake pedal before shifting gears, otherwise the gear lever won't engage! It's best to engage the handbrake before shifting to P gear to protect the transmission. When reversing, wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting to R gear - that grinding sound is heartbreaking. Another tip beginners often overlook: if waiting at a traffic light for over 30 seconds, shift to N gear and engage the handbrake instead of holding the brake in D gear, which wastes fuel and strains the vehicle.

[KendraRose]

The gear shift of the Honda CR-V is on the right side of the steering wheel, resembling a wiper. The most commonly used is the D gear, which requires no attention during normal driving. Press the S gear for a speed boost, and the RPM will instantly soar. The L gear is exceptionally stable for hill starts; it got me through last year's heavy snow when taking my daughter to school. Three key points to note: you must press the brake and the start button to ignite, a slight shake when shifting to R gear is normal, and the console will beep incessantly if you forget to shift to P gear before turning off the engine. Shifting gears is quite effortless in this car, but avoid applying excessive force when pressing the buttons.

[LeGenevieve]

The first time I drove my friend's CRV, I was completely baffled by its electronic gear shifter. Later, I discovered the trick: you need to press the brake and hold the side button to shift gears. I hardly ever use the N gear, except when towing. The L gear is particularly noteworthy—it's much more reliable than braking on long downhill slopes, especially on mountain roads where the engine automatically helps control the speed. A good parking habit is: brake to a complete stop → shift to N gear → engage the handbrake → release the foot brake → press the brake and shift to P gear. This practice can extend the lifespan of the transmission.

[StevenLee]

The CRV's gear layout is very user-friendly. The top position is P (Park), R (Reverse) is below P, N (Neutral) is in the middle, and D (Drive) is for highway driving. The button-style gear selector might feel unfamiliar at first, but you'll get used to it after a few drives. Note that the current gear is displayed on the instrument panel. To shift from P to D, press the brake pedal, hold the unlock button, and push down—you should feel a distinct click. When making quick stops (like shopping), don't manually shift to P; simply turning off the engine will automatically engage P with the electronic parking brake.

[PrestonLee]

For beginners driving this car, there are a few key points to master: After starting, hold the small button on the left side of the gear lever and push forward for R (Reverse) gear, pull backward for D (Drive) gear. Special emphasis on the L (Low) gear usage – when speed exceeds 30 km/h, shifting to L gear will limit to second gear, which is particularly powerful for climbing 45-degree slopes. There's also a hidden feature: in L gear, you can still use the paddle shifters to manually limit the gear. Pay extra attention to parking techniques – on a slope, first shift to N (Neutral) gear, pull the handbrake tight to let the car settle and stabilize, then shift to P (Park) gear to avoid P gear jamming. By the way, the automatic return to P gear when turning off and opening the door is super convenient, no need to worry about forgetting to shift gears when with kids.