Honda CR-V: Security System Reset Procedure

Sandy B
Feb 16, 2021

Blue 2021 Honda CR-V In The Snow

When you have a vehicle like the Honda CR-V, you want to keep it safe and in good working condition and protected from would-be thieves.

Many Hondas have security systems that can help you do that. There are times when you may need to reset the security system.

How do you reset the Honda CR-V security system? 

The anti-theft alarm system in the Honda CR-V can be reset. To do this, you will need to turn the key in the driver’s side door to unlock it, then turn it back to a locked position, before one more time turning it to the open position. This should cause the light to become disabled.   

There are a few things to know about this process and whether or not it can work for your vehicle. We’ll break down some key information about the car, so you know just what to do. You can also check the Honda CR-V’s Vehicle History for more help.

What You Should Know About the Honda CR-V Security System

Many Honda CR-V vehicles have a security alarm installed by the factory. Not all offer the same type nor the same features. You may be able to upgrade your security alarm if you are purchasing a new vehicle, too.

Some owners also invest in a keyless startup. All of these features can change the way your Honda CR-V’s security system is programmed and functions.

This information can also vary based on the model trim and the year of your vehicle. That’s why it is always important to check the owner’s manual for more information.

If you own a newer model of the Honda CR-V, you will find there are numerous safety features on it. Most of these are for driver safety, such as a suite of active safety tech that helps keep you safe.

The multi-angle rearview camera and the active stability systems are good examples of this. There are other systems, such as Passive Safety, which help minimize the risk of collisions.

When it comes to the security alarm, most modern Honda CR-V systems have two key components.

Immobilizer System

Honda’s Immobilizer System is a very simplistic system. In short, it stops the vehicle from being started if the right key is not present. Every key issued for these vehicles has an electronic transmitter in it.

The vehicle uses electronic signals to verify the right key is in the vehicle. In short, unless the right key is in the car, it will not start.

Security System Alarm

What we want to focus on is the security system alarm. This alarm will activate in several situations. It will activate if the hood, the tailgate, or any of the doors are opened when the key is not present or when there is no remote transmitter present. If this happens, the alarm will continue to sound for 2 minutes. It will then automatically deactivate.

When it activates, it will honk the horn, and the exterior lights will flash. To turn this off, drivers simply need to unlock the vehicle using the key or the remote transmitter. Or, you can turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

How Can You Reset the Honda CR-V Alarm?

In the situation that you want to turn off the alarm on the Honda CR-V, you can reset it. This is done pretty easily, following a few basic steps.

This video describes the process:

Here’s what you need to do to reset the factory-installed alarm. If you receive an anti-theft system alarm on the display of your vehicle, this does not necessarily mean that someone has tried to steal your vehicle. Rather, it can happen for various sensor faults in the system itself.

Here’s how to reset it.

  • Put the key into the ignition. Turn the vehicle to the first position. This will start the electrical system. It should not start the engine itself.
  • Locate the power button located on the display of your vehicle where the warning is located.
  • Press and hold that button for about 3 seconds.
  • Once this is done, the anti-theft system will reset itself. A warning will display to show you that it has been reset.
  • While there is no official word from Honda about this warning displaying without the honking and exterior lights flashing, it tends to occur randomly. It is likely an internal error that occurs.

Not all models do this, and there does not seem to be a reason why it occurs.

Common Problems Consumers Have with the Honda CR-V Security System

All good things can develop problems over time. If your security system is not working properly, you may need to make repairs. Some of the most common complaints consumers have include:

  • The alarm does not turn off
  • The alarm seems to sound without needing to
  • It may sound when the doors are locked
  • It fails to work at all
  • The driver cannot turn off the alarm using their key fob

If you have any of these problems and your vehicle is newer, they may be covered under your warranty. You can also try to reset the alarm, as noted above. This may allow for the proper function of the alarm. In cases in which you cannot turn the alarm off with the key, it could be due to a dead battery.

What About Other Alarms?

It’s also important to know that if you have another type of security system on your vehicle, it may have a very different alarm setup. If you’ve had an alarm system installed after your vehicle left the dealership, then you will need to follow the recommendations for that alarm system’s manufacturer on how to reset or manage it.

Be Sure to Stay Up to Date on Your Honda CR-V

Owning a CR-V can be a lot of fun, especially when you keep it in good condition. The vehicle is also likely to maintain its value if you do this. Check out the additional maintenance to keep up on by looking at the model year Honda CR-V’s Vehicle History.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Vickie on July 13, 2022
Crv intermittently won’t start
I have a 2002 CRV for about a year it will just intermittently take 3 to 4 times to start . No one has been able to find the problem. It’s getting more random now and sometimes it doesn’t make a sound then on the 3 rd try it will start . At first it would do a grinding noise to start now it makes no sound and after 3 try’s it start . I have had it to 3 Honda dealerships and even local mechanics they can’t find the problem . I had a new manifold put in and it still does it
accountCircle Rosie Chesteen on March 21, 2022
Consumer
Love my 2007 Honda CRV, it has over 276,000 miles on it. BUT, it has 2 issues that nobody has been able to fix. 1 - the car alarm randomly goes off.,So, annoyingin the early hours of the morning. 2- the door locks will not work correctly! Have to lock and unlock it manually inorder to lock and unlock the other doors. Spent way to much money trying to get these things looked at and not have it fixed. Unfortunately, when it comes time to buy another vehicle, it won’t be a Honda.
accountCircle byronkinsey@yahoo.co.uk on June 29, 2022
I love my crv
My car battery goes flat after about 6 hours but can’t find the problem
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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