2012 CR-V Battery Dying Computer Flash

[pcabe5]

Called the dealer today to schedule the door latch recall and also told him I was sick of the battery dying on the CR-V. He told me there was a software update (must be a TSB) for battery dying issues. Anyone ever heard of this or had it done?

[pcabe5]

It is SB-12-041 (The battery is dead and needs multiple jump starts). Dealer did this software update along with having to replace the battery today. I will scan the bulletin in and post it here as the update is VIN specific.

[genep]

Thanks for posting.

[2012crvowner]

I have a 2012 CRV. I bought it in February, 2012. 3 months later, dead battery. The dealership blamed us for leaving dome light on, or something to that effect...blah, blah, blah. They replaced the battery and we went on our way. 2.5 months later, same issue. They replaced the battery, we went on our way. On Oct. 12th, the CRV left my wife stranded in town with yet another dead battery. While at the dealership's service dept. I told the manager that it wasn't "bad batteries from Honda", as he had alluded to before. So, being a smart a$$, I went to Sears and bought the most expensive DieHard battery they had for my CRV. Honda was pissed that I put it in. I told them it was to rule out the "bad battery" theory they had kept using on me. So, fast forward to Dec. 27th. Wife calls me and said she's at the dentist's office and the CRV won't start. So, I call Honda and since they now know us by name, they send out the tow truck immediately and take my wife to Hertz for a free rental. I show up at the dealer and tell them it's NOT THE BATTERY, but the CRV that's killing the battery. Finally, after all the heartache and never knowing if it's going to start when the key is turned, they tell me Honda issued a fix and required them to add software to the computer. He specifically mentioned "flash" and "computer" in the same sentence, so this must be a Honda certified legit fix. The manager also told me this fix was specifically for 2012 CRV's and some Civics, since a CRV is essentially a small SUV Civic. So, it seems we had a common problem and common fix. My wife and I were at our wit's end and were even thinking of trading in our CRV for a 2013 model. We are hoping this fix is everlasting!

I found this thread this morning, while googling for "2012 CRV Battery Dead".

Jed - Dothan, Alabama

It is SB-12-041 (The battery is dead and needs multiple jump starts). Dealer did this software update along with having to replace the battery today. I will scan the bulletin in and post it here as the update is VIN specific.

[2012crvowner]

I will update this thread if it happens again. Although I hate to see that anyone else has gone through what we went through, it's good to know that we're not "crazy" (for lack of a better word) and someone else has encountered this problem. I've seen several posts in the last couple days out on the internet regarding this problem...it's an affirmation that it's a real problem.

Oh, they did the latch recall too. No issues.

Jed

[pcabe5]

As promised here is the service bulletin. The file sizes are really restrictive so please let me know if you cannot read this.

[genep]

Glad to hear that Honda found a problem to fix. Hopefully all will be well. Let us know if the problem returns.

[russel]

Went through this at Christmas. 2012 CR-V would not start. Took in to a Honda Dealer suggesting that the battery was bad. Not so just as you stated it is a software issue. Update was done and so far it seems to have corrected the issue. I fully expected that one day I would not be able to start it as just sounded like a weak battery. Well in Ottawa where the temp went down to -18c so next morning no go.
Time will tell but believe the issue has been corrected. WHY NO NOTICE FROM HONDA?

[WillF15]

Have been thru this drill for over a month with TWO Honda dealers here in Panhandle of Fla ....had to get jump started three times. NEITHER of the dealers told me of an open SB on my V. And each dealer said my CRV elec sys was OK according to their diagnostic equip. Went to Batteries Plus and Advance Auto & each of them said it's something besides the batt (altho it needed charging).....possibly alternator/voltage reg. They obviously were not aware of the Honda SB. Ended up buying a new top-of-the-line batt from Advance Auto last week. But I've been checking the resting Volts (sit overnite; read volts before start) and get readings from 12.38 to (this morning) 12.30. IMO should get readings above 12.50-12.60.

Went to a reputable repair shop the day AFTER having new batt installed & they ran their elec diagnostics THREE times. Two failed, one passed, so the problem is intermittent. Failures point to alternator/voltage reg.

Will

PS Thanks for posting the SB

[1woodworker]

I was at my Honda dealer (Asheville, NC) on Friday and the service writer told me the battery checks out fine. He didn't have anyone available to do further testing on Friday but thought the problem was because I leave the headlight switch on Auto. I asked him why Honda would put an Auto position there if one has to remember to shut the lights off manually. Makes no sense to me. I will call them on Monday and see if they have this service bulletin so we can fix this problem. Thanks for posting the service bulletin number! Dean