For reference, I had 3M Crystalline 70 for FWS and RWS and 3M Nano 70S (not 3M Scotshield Crystalline Security which is priced slightly higher, quoted about RM100-200 extra) for all side windows installed on 2017 CR-V AWD (5th Generation) for RM2,250 (inclusive of 6% GST and issued with official receipt and 3M e-Warranty) at a 3M Authorised Car Centre (not B1 which Shah Alam branch quoted me RM2,800.00 (inclusive of 6% GST) for the same specs). Good workmanship with no bubbles from day 1.

No problem with (previous generation 'fat') SmartTag so far if you hold it up near the top of the windscreen at the center (not yet tested with the current 'slim' SmartTag), maybe because of the higher ground clearance plus I do not speed past the SmartTag lane.

Placing the SmartTag on the dashboard will definitely not work though. For clarity, there was also no need for a workaround 'hole' unlike what I experienced with a Honda Jazz 2015 with the same tint specs and I didn't have to drive at a snail's pace too when going through the SmartTag lane. Also, for what it is worth, I didn't have the black shade/sticker thing installed at the top of the windscreen and it looked like my tint installer had the 3M Crystalline 70 applied even over the 'black dots' on the FWS.

Just spotted this:

"Pre-Order your Groovy Honda CR-V Gen 5 Snap-On Magnet sunshades. 1st 30 registrations only. Free goodies included! Terms and Conditions apply."

Groovy Custom Fit Shades Honda CR-V Gen 5 (Promo)

Agreed that RM440 for the Groovy Snap-On Magnet Shades for the side windows is kinda expensive (I do not plan to get the RWS shade as I do not want visibility issues) but it seems to be the market price and at least it is not the clip-on 3M adhesive type which makes it an eyesore.

The replica or rival brands like Amerguard don't seem to have the CR-V Gen 5 model yet in Malaysia and I don't think that the price is going to be much cheaper too.

Anyway, jumped in on the Groovy pre-order since no payment is required yet. Not really interested in the Stayhold free gift and I am keen to get the Trapo back mat but that too is pricey at RM219.90 without the 30% boot price combo offer - so maybe I'll hang on for roadshow pricing. Prefer 3M Nomad car mat for the driver and passenger area as the dirt is hidden

How much are the Ninja Shades for the CR-V Gen 5 and do you have any contact details?

Same issue as @kianwee - wish you had posted about the flaw earlier!

Went to the One Utama roadshow last Friday evening (15/9/2017) and purchased the full set (Trapo Classic and Trapo Back) for the Honda CR-V 5th Gen since they had a 10% extra discount on top of the combo offer (30% off for Trapo Back only when purchased as a set). Was really only after Trapo Back but since it was roughly another RM150 to get the full set so I thought that I would give it a try.

Well, delivery was quick and I got the mat by courier yesterday (19/7/2017), ahead of the estimated delivery date this Friday (22/9/2017). Alas, the Trapo Classic rear seat mat doesn't fit properly - and you would have expected a PRECISE fit being a product CUSTOM-TAILORED for the Honda CR-V 5th Gen.

For the record, tried placing it (a) on its own as well as (b) on top of the Honda OEM mat. IMHO, it seems to fit better on top of the Honda OEM mat, albeit still a bad fit.

I suppose their sales representatives still lack full product knowledge. At the roadshow, I checked their FB page beforehand and there was this guy who complained that he specifically asked for the eyelet for the CR-V Gen 5 driver's seat mat (to lock the mat in place) and was told that it would be done. Of course there were no eyelets when delivered. So I took the opportunity to ask the roadshow staff whether there was an eyelet and the staff were clueless and kept saying that there is Velcro. One of the staff even said that there are eyelets (probably thinking that eyelets = velcro) before another staff corrected her and stated that there will be none.

The other thing was that the display car was a HR-V and I enquired as to the Trapo Back coverage for the CR-V Gen 5 - as to whether it covers the 2 'holes/pockets' at the cargo area. Was told that it would, but guess what, the Trapo Back I received does not.

Is your OEM cargo tray like the one sold by Raymond Loi at the Honda CR-V 2017 MarketPlace Malaysia (CRV 5th Gen MY) which seems to be the same as that below (from Lelong seller "JWCL")



Agreed that it may be weird to have the Trapo Back in one piece covering the 'hole/pocket' but right now, I keep 1 spare box of facial tissues in each 'hole/pocket' and having it covered by the mat would make the cargo area more visually pleasing if you like it looking entirely flat. Anyway, not too concerned about the 'hole/pocket' not being covered as it doesn't really matter to me but simply annoyed that what was orally confirmed (after I asked specifically about the 'hole/pocket' coverage) was not what that was delivered. Simply put, goods did not fit description.

Consider sourcing small container (eg used plastic bottled water/aluminium beer container) that fits and fill up with filtered water to wash feet on rainy days. Or you can find an emergency 3-in-1 light (torch/blinking/lantern mode) that fits, something like those Energizer ones could come in handy. I however have those Xiaomi USB powered LEDs everywhere (all over the house, bags and car) together with power banks (not kept in cargo or other excessively hot areas of course), bright enough and adequate coverage when I had to change a tyre at night recently.

For comparison, Trapo Back for CR-V Gen 5:

Great that the Trapo people have responded appropriately. I will follow up on my unit as well and report back. Thanks for the feedback @kianwee

Same view here on the coating being a waste of money when maintenance (ie weekly wash) is still required and there being no protection against chips. I am happy with DIY hand wash and using spray wax when drying car. Don't like sending car out for washing because you still need to spend time waiting around in the time you can finish it yourself plus it is good exercise.

I have the Groovy shades and as I was an early bird, received the non-fitting 'C' shades which have subsequently been replaced early this month (November 2017). The Groovy management apologised profusely for the error and I didn't make a fuss. Don't know about the quality of the Laser shades (if at all available from local Malaysian resellers) and the imitation ones (Amerguard and Ninja). The quality of the Groovy shades seems fine - sturdily build and of thick fabric though my front driver's window shade is a little 'spoiled' (ie bottom part sort of creased unreversibly resulting in a non-obvious tiny 1x10 mm? gap at the bottom) from having been squeezed by the power windows when wound up, probably due to having brushed the shade slightly outwards when reaching for parking ticket. The Groovy shades are pricy but already spent RM2.2k for 3M Crystalline window tint and decided that spending another RM440 (being 20% of that cost) is worth it for maximum heat rejection - 70% VLT tint has its limitations.

Reckon you can sell the groovy shades for half price when the time comes to sell the car...

Will agree that the noise is there on hard acceleration. However, for the CR-V main target market (family SUV), the noise is seldom heard as the typical family-minded driver will not accelerate hard often.

So unless you accelerate hard (c/f light foot/gradual acceleration) all the time or regularly drive above 120 kph, it ought be a niggling issue affecting only a small portion of drivers -> car enthusiasts.

As for Bobby Ang's reviews, after many views of his various youtube videos, kind of grown tired and unsubscribed because...ahem...his comments are too subjective, IMHO. He obviously gravitates towards the CX-5 for its driving experience. But I reckon a vast majority of CR-V owners buy it for the size/roominess (TWO (2) full size child car seats fit easily and you can still pull down the rear passenger arm rest) and engine performance (which I think is respectable enough for its category) is just a bonus.

Does "at the side of the top part" mean as per photo below?

There is difficulty to attach the Groovy shade when the doors are closed hence I guess this is what you mean, that the shade is "in between door seal and frame".

I usually open the door to attach the shade (possible to attach without opening the door but fitting it seems 'tight' and I don't want to push my luck). Not a deal killer for me since the only time I remove the shade is when driving through McD/Starbucks/really badly placed parking ticket machine.


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Very true that driving longer distances affect the oil change interval. Am now at Botanic Auto Mall for 10,000 KM service. The system displayed "Engine Oil Replacement Overdue" by the time i reached - reading was negative 40 plus KM for the oil change service when I parked the car (5th Gen CR-V, 1.5TC AWD), ODO reading was 9945 KM. Typical daily drive is around 40 plus KM per way, with occasional long distance drives, eg KL to Penang.

Anyway, if you want to save some money, do inform the SA that you want the fully synthetic oil from the STORAGE TANK (and not the 4L bottle) as you will be charged on usage basis. Quantity utilised for 10,000 KM service is 3.2L and the cost is RM108.77 + 6% GST = RM115.29. I had to specify after reviewing the service order, the default is the 4L bottle which costs more. Curious if there is any benefit in storing the approx 800ml balance oil if you took the 4L bottle option - anyone with experience who can tell if you can bring the balance oil to the service centre for the next service or is it just for self top up?

For me, the oil cost is OK as I am used to purchasing Chemlube 10W-30 fully synthetic motor oil from Bay Brothers (PJ) at roughly RM55-60 per US quart (close to 1L) and typically need around 4 quarts for previous ride, 3rd Gen CR-V 2.0 AWD. Labour charge for oil change at third party workshop in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam is approx RM25.

The service time is about 45 minutes, but then again, they only drove the car away for servicing about 30 minutes after the Service Order so you should allocate waiting time of at least 90 minutes from the time you drop your car at pre-scheduled service time.

For reference, the cost of the standard package service is as follows (all amounts AFTER GST):

1. 10,000 KM service maintenance: RM95.40
2. labour for engine oil + drain plug/gasket: RM39.75
3. washer/drain 14mm: RM1.89
4. Fully synthetic SN 0W-20 (3.2L): RM115.29

Total damage: RM252.33




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Alternatively, Honda Hack it and install Waze.

Search the thread for instructions. Pay USD$25 (used to be USD$18) for Pro features, totally worth the price just to have auto-click start-up disclaimer and Waze start automagically immediately thereafter.

Have had the Honda Hack for months without any problems, Waze is slightly laggy initially due to headunit's processor but does the job.

I hotspot with my iPhone SE for internet data and run Spotify/TuneIn Radio via Apple Carplay simultaneously. Pandora (with VPN) works too. Recommended that you use a vent mount though (eg Kenu Airframe) to avoid heat issues which will kill your battery.

If not tech inclined, you can always pay someone to do it, rather than risk bricking the headunit.

There's a "hiding" feature (to hide the Honda Hack) which can be enabled before sending for service (I have yet to try it but it reportedly works well).

Advantage of Android Auto for Waze is that you will also get turn instructions on the speedometer and there are no Waze audio issues which require a workaround.

For those curious, Netflix and YouTube works (with Honda Hack installed) while vehicle moves but please drive responsibly.

EDIT [UPDATE]: 'Hiding' feature works well and is activated in about a minute, Honda Hack and the additional installed apps such as Waze will 'disappear' from the the app list and things return to 'normal'. Reactivating is equally quick and restores all installed apps (such as Waze which were previously hidden), just remember to note the instructions before 'hiding'.

This post has been edited by wshoh: May 30 2018, 01:32 PM

Re-post above (credit to @philipcs) for those lazy to search for hack solution for 2017 Honda CR-V; those with 2018 Honda CR-V may (very likely) need to hack over WiFi (by way of wireless root method) - please DIY research here and yes, it applies to CR-V and not only Civic. Look for posts by "zhxq" and also by transmico

Note that the Honda Hack developer, codeage's PayPal account is now codeage@outlook.com. Happy to promote codeage to support his hard work.


EDIT: there's a website for Honda Hack now by the developer here. Link to another useful YouTube video here

This post has been edited by wshoh: May 24 2018, 12:08 PM

legendary gear knob/lever falling apart issue

The gear knob/lever issue is hitting me too, just recently experienced this problem and need to get it fixed otherwise will be potentially hazardous - had difficulty to engage reverse suddenly!!!

Also had the same loose bumper reported by ramzi1508 here in February 2018, I experienced that on the day of vehicle delivery back in August 2017, service centre tried to fix the bumper gap at foglamp with clips sometime this year (2018) but upon driving home, it became loose again

Waze - Android Auto
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?amp;show...post&p=88379086 (post #1429 at page 72) [tldr: "need to enable Android Auto in crv settings > smartphone"]

Waze - Honda Hack
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=89037548 (post #1512 at page 76)

This post has been edited by wshoh: Jun 14 2018, 01:13 PM

The gear knob/lever issue is real. I am still waiting for parts from Honda, out of stock since last month (May 2018).

Now (1/8/2018) encountering gear knob/ lever issue AGAIN.

Earlier DIY 'fixed' by jiggling it, now unable to self resolve at all. Had sent the car for service on 3 previous occasions whereby this issue was highlighted - twice orally and during the last service in July 2018, had the gear knob/lever issue formally recorded.

No fix presented as problem then not encountered and when I pressed, the SA mentioned that I had to wait for the problem to resurface so that I have the evidence for them to then order the necessary parts. WTF especially as this issue is well known and documented in various CR-V Gen-5 car clubs/groups.

So car is now being towed to nearest dealer. Will update folks here

Btw, my friend had gear knob/lever unit replaced before, only for it to pop out AGAIN in a short couple of months.

UPDATE: CR-V Gen 5 gear knob/lever issue fixed as of yesterday (1/8/2018) ie same day it broke.

For reference, car had to be towed as it was not possible to engage Reverse, Park or Sport ie the gear knob/lever could only move between Drive and Neutral (which are not locked in any event). Therefore, even with the engine switched off, the display on the head unit would remain on.

Fortunate that no untoward incident happened as this is a major safety issue. Imagine parking at a deserted spot late at night where reversing is the only way of egress only for the gear to fail to engage reverse...or even in your own home and you need to go somewhere urgently.

Spouse was driving and realised inability to shift gears midway. Returned home with the intention to drive to dealer - forgot that car can only go forward and cannot be put on reverse hence stuck and the need to tow.

Fortuitous that the dealer had a 'reserved' spare (which was ordered for another customer) whereby the customer had scheduled to install only next week, hence Honda Malaysia arranged an urgent spare delivery to swap the 'reserved' spare and fix mine first. Note that I actually called the same dealer earlier (before towing) to enquire if they had the spare to which they replied that they do not have stock and need to order. Of course, I was constantly on the phone with Honda Malaysia throughout the day whose CS was genuinely helpful and acknowledged the issue besides following up with the dealer for the quickest solution, unlike earlier SAs encountered who seemed to pretend that this was an unknown issue.

Yes, a redesign is definitely required and this is apparently still a work in progress. Because of this issue, spouse is strongly advising family members/friends shopping for a 4 pax family SUV at this price point to not consider CR-V based on this sole (potential safety) issue, despite the CR-V being the roomiest in its category. So looks like the current good alternatives for a 4 pax family SUV would be the Mazda CX-5 (which is definitely smaller in terms of space and has yet to get AA/CarPlay support in Malaysia) or current generation VW Tiguan (which reliability and maintenance cost is yet to be proven/determined).

According to the CS, a permanent counter-measure has yet to be issued, the current fix is by way of free replacement under warranty.

For my case, it appears that some pin inside broke - the button did not actually pop out like some photos/videos I have seen where consequently the spring is visible. The CS was also honest to say that the gear knob/lever issue was not due to aggressive/rough handling by user.