I have a 2006 CRV, new to me for about a year. It had approx 50k original miles on it when I purchased it used, and its a fully loaded EX-L model the last of the 2nd gen models. I absolutely love it.

Before I got it, I had it inspected and made sure to have the Honda dealer test the 4wd system. They told me everything is in working order.

After getting it, I noticed if I turned the traction control off in snow, only the front wheels would spin. The rear wheels never do anything.

I just had it in at honda again and they are not sure why the rear wheel are not spinning. My wife got stuck in the school parking lot dropping the kids off cause only the front wheels would spin. They change the rear diff fluid again (was done a year ago to remedy the same issue) with no luck.

With only 50k miles how could my AWD already be broken? I googled and could not find this to be a common issue.

Help!

 

Just talked to the honda foreman and he said he's never seen this gen of crv in his dealer with this problem in his entire career. Lucky me :-(

The only real option is to get a new (used) rear diff and or tear the current one open and try to find the problem...but its probably more affordable to to get a used unit.

From what I can tell 05-06 crv rear diff's should be the same, but 03-04 are different.

Can I use a rear diff from a Honda element or is the gearing different?

Thanks!

 

I also have a last-of-the-run CRV in the EX like you (we didn't have EX-L in the states, just SE) - Japan or UK built? Did you get the little Temp sensor gate cutout on the driver's side dash panel, and the little light sensor cutout in the dash itself?

Slap a rear diff from the 05-06 model years into it from a junkyard and see if it fixes it. In my experience these rear diffs have been indestructible, but do overheat and shut down easily. Usually I'd be using a new part, but with something like this, I would not hesitate to get it from a junkyard.

 

Hey, thanks for the reply. Yes, I really like my 2nd gen, MMC as well :-) My fav. crv look IMO of them all. I like the 17's too!

I'll have to check if its Japan or UK built...I honestly thought it was built in Ontario, Canada. I'll check tonight.

What do you mean by temp sensor gate cutout on the driver side dash panel? Its got a outdoor temp indicator in the digital odo...is that what your referring to? You have me intrigued :-)

I've found 2 used units across canada..they are not easy to find, especially just 05-06 (I found lots of 02's but its apparently different).

One unit is from a 115k mile unit, the other from a 75k mile unit. Only with the 75k unit, its $450cad vs $320cad for the higher mileage unit. You think I would be equally good with the 115k mile unit or should i spend the extra bucks on the 75k mile unit?

I found no reman's avail from any parts dealer. Only used, or brand new...choke* $3200

As my crv is very low mileage (50k miles only!) I'm wondering if I should just drop the rear diff and take it apart. Honda says its fully serviceable...could something simple inside be damaged?

If I buy used, should I update or refurb any parts before putting it back in?

Thanks for your reply!



As well, what do you mean by the little light sensor cutout on the dash?