Canada 2008 CRV-EXL, is Brake Assist included ?

[Pchiu]

Hi all: I am new to this forum, going to buy the CRV mostly next week.

I look at the Canada CRV booklet, cannot find Brake Assist under Safety OR anywhere within Specification.

Is Brake Assist for US only, as I checked the Official Spec. of this forum, it is under the Safety, is it still true for 2008 CRV ?

Thanks for you guys. :p

[tsmithvt]

Hi all: I am new to this forum, going to buy the CRV mostly next week.
I look at the Canada CRV booklet, cannot find Brake Assist under Safety OR anywhere within Specification.
Is Brake Assist for US only, as I checked the Official Spec. of this forum, it is under the Safety, is it still true for 2008 CRV ?
Thanks for you guys. :p

When you say "Assist", I assume that you are talking about "Power Brakes". All CR-Vs are equipped with power disc brakes as standard equipment.

This feature is addressed on page #253 of the 2008 CR-V Owner's Manual:
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/AWA080/AWA0808OM.pdf

Also see: San Leandro Honda Online Parts (http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=CR%2DV&Year=2008&TrimLevel=5DR+EX%2DL+4WD+LEATHER&TransLevel=5ATKA&Section=F&Category=B++24++%7CBRAKE+MASTER+CYLINDER+%2DMASTER +POWER+%28KA%29+%28KC%29&Doors=5&Emissions=KA&PartCatalogId=14SWA7&ViewParts=true)

[Pchiu]

Thanks tsmithvt for the quick response.

By Brake Assist, I think when you panic brake, the Brake Assist feature will apply the full force of ABS brake for you, so that it should stop sooner, something at that range.

I saw this in the Canada Press news for 2007 CRV, but cannot find the wording Brake Assist on the official Honda CRV site

Honda Canada (http://honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Models/CR-V/2008/Specs?L=E)

Normally it written with
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) , under safety section.

Thanks guys.

By the way, how you guys feel about the sensitivity of the brake ?
When I test drive CRV, it was very sensitive, just a light touch of the brake pedal, then it grabs the brake, so I have to be very careful to apply slowly to slow down CRV to stop light. Any thought ?

[tsmithvt]

Thanks tsmithvt for the quick response.
By Brake Assist, I think when you panic brake, the Brake Assist feature will apply the full force of ABS brake for you, so that it should stop sooner, something at that range.
I saw this in the Canada Press news for 2007 CRV, but cannot find the wording Brake Assist on the official Honda CRV site
Honda Canada (http://honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Models/CR-V/2008/Specs?L=E)
Normally it written with
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) , under safety section.
Thanks guys.
By the way, how you guys feel about the sensitivity of the brake ?
When I test drive CRV, it was very sensitive, just a light touch of the brake pedal, then it grabs the brake, so I have to be very careful to apply slowly to slow down CRV to stop light. Any thought ?

If you are concerned about ABS, your new V will be equipped with both ABS and VSA systems. ABS senses individual wheel speeds and if it detects a wheel on the verge of locking up (near 0 rpm) it will start pulsing that brake. It prevents full lockup and, especially with front wheels, prevents the loss of steering control.

The VSA System uses the ABS to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer. If the system detects excessive vehicle yaw, it will apply the brakes on one side of the vehicle or the other to bring the vehicle back under control. A secondary function of the VSA System is Traction Control (TCS). This part of the VSA System also uses the ABS to apply the brake on a spinning (no traction) front wheel and "push" torque to the other wheel (with traction). It also reduces your throttle input until traction can be reestablished. It's an electronic version of a limited slip differential (LSD).

Hope this helps. :)

[Black Pearl]

I don't know if the Canadian models have it or not but the US gen 3's do and it works. Somehow it measures the response time that you hit the brakes and if fast enough it throws extra pressure into braking system. There is a cat and a couple wild critters alive today because my car has it.

Here is the description on the 07 US Model:

"A function of the VSA system, the CR-V can also recognize emergency braking situations and enhance braking assist when needed - a function called Brake Assist. This feature can be especially helpful when the driver is unable to press the brake strongly. When the driver uses the brakes in a panic stop fashion, a pressure sensor recognizes braking system operation beyond a specific value for pedal stroke and speed. Then, the VSA modulator pump assists braking pressure to increase braking force and shorten the braking distance."

That is from this website:

Honda Media Newsroom Release: 2007 Honda CR-V -- Chassis (http://www.hondanews.com/categories/844/releases/3650)

[GoGreen]

As far as the mechanical function of your braking system I'm afraid I can't compete with the wiseguys on this site, but they are quite knowledgeable and can get you good information.

For a more subjective viewpoint, yes, I found the brakes on my new CRV very sensitive to the touch.
I lurched and pulled up short quite a few times when I first got my V, but I am getting better.

(I've only lurched, jerked and slid stuff to the floor of the vehicle twice this week!) :)

[tsmithvt]

I don't know if the Canadian models have it or not but the US gen 3's do and it works. Somehow it measures the response time that you hit the brakes and if fast enough it throws extra pressure into braking system. There is a cat and a couple wild critters alive today because my car has it.

Here is the description on the 07 US Model:

"A function of the VSA system, the CR-V can also recognize emergency braking situations and enhance braking assist when needed - a function called Brake Assist. This feature can be especially helpful when the driver is unable to press the brake strongly. When the driver uses the brakes in a panic stop fashion, a pressure sensor recognizes braking system operation beyond a specific value for pedal stroke and speed. Then, the VSA modulator pump assists braking pressure to increase braking force and shorten the braking distance."

That's most interesting (cool) "Black Pearl". Didn't know that. I'll add it to the data banks. ;)

[Pchiu]

Thanks all of you to throw in your real life experience.

Yes that is the Brake Assist I am looking for.
Yes I read it in the Media Press for 2007, and all over US CRV Spec, but when I got the booklet from dealer and check the Honda.ca CRV, no mention of this feature, the other Pilot and Ody Canadian has it, just wondering.

Anyway I can physically look into the hood ?
Like many years ago, for me, I look under the hood to check if the car is equipped with ABS.

Also thanks for the share of the sensitivity of the brake, I feel better that someone also feel the brake too sensitive, thanks.

Any more ideal to check Brake Assist in Canadian ? Yes, I called the salesman, he says he will check !

[lizzurd]

This is from the 2008 CRV owners manual....


The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surfaces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes.When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. There may also
be some noise from the VSA
hydraulic system.

Just a different way of stating you have brake assist as well. Other than some differences in features and options the US and Canadian CRVs are mechanically same.

[Black Pearl]

Here is larger quote from the web site I mentioned earlier:

"Braking System with Advanced Logic 4-Channel ABS and Brake Assist

The CR-V is equipped with a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Stopping power is routed through robust ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes. The 4-channel ABS with EBD independently modulates braking power at each wheel, as opposed to the more common 3-channel system that modulates the front wheels independently and the rear wheels with relatively equal braking force. The new 4-channel capability allows the rear wheels to react independently while cornering, representing a significant enhancement to the ABS system's ability to influence vehicle stability and safety.
Electronic Brake Distribution proportions brake power to the rear wheels based on algorithms that determine vehicle weight distribution. Further additions to the braking system include a new ABS control module (that applies the new 4-channel features) and a relatively large 10.5-inch power brake booster that improves pedal feel. Higher pedal rigidity with a decreased pedal stroke provides a more immediate braking response. Bottom line, the CR-V stops with greater authority and added control.
A function of the VSA system, the CR-V can also recognize emergency braking situations and enhance braking assist when needed - a function called Brake Assist. This feature can be especially helpful when the driver is unable to press the brake strongly. When the driver uses the brakes in a panic stop fashion, a pressure sensor recognizes braking system operation beyond a specific value for pedal stroke and speed. Then, the VSA modulator pump assists braking pressure to increase braking force and shorten the braking distance. For 2007, the ventilated front disc brakes are 11.7 inches and the solid rear disc brakes are 12.0 inches. The front disc thickness equals 1.1 inches (28mm) and the rear disc thickness equals 0.35 inch (9mm).

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

For enhanced control during acceleration, cornering, and sudden collision-avoidance maneuvers, the CR-V is equipped with a 4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system that works in conjunction with the drive-by-wire throttle and ABS systems. VSA enhances vehicle stability by applying brake force to each of the four disc brakes independently while also managing the throttle and ignition systems.
An additional benefit is the limited-slip differential effect the system provides for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. Analyzing data that is constantly received from seven sensors monitoring speed, steering input lateral G forces, and yaw rate, the VSA system compares the driver's control inputs with the vehicle's actual response. If the actual response is outside a predicted response range, VSA automatically intervenes with an appropriate corrective action. In the case of oversteer, VSA applies braking to the outside front and rear wheels to counter the unintended yawing effect. If understeer is detected, VSA applies braking to the inside front and rear wheels and reduces engine power to help bring the car back onto the driver's intended course.
The VSA system in the CR-V has been carefully calibrated to add handling stability and predictability with minimal intrusion to the driving experience. Its operation is designed to be transparent, so drivers may not even notice when VSA is working. Whenever the system is actively enhancing the vehicle's stability, an indicator light flashes on the instrument panel. In addition, VSA's stability enhancement and traction control can be turned off with a cockpit switch while still leaving the ABS fully functional."

From Honda Media Newsroom Release: 2007 Honda CR-V -- Chassis (http://www.hondanews.com/categories/844/releases/3650)

Eventhough the Brake Assist is a function of the VSA it is described under braking in the US literature. It is not selectively applying the brakes... it is slamming the brakes on.

I looked at the Canandian web sites and could not find anything under brake assist either. It seems very odd that it is not mentioned.

I may be wrong, but I don't think the Canadian models have it. I just don't understand why they would bandie it so much in the US advertising and not mention it in the Canadian.

[Pchiu]

Thanks everyone who give their thoughts, and Black Pearl for doing such an extensive research for, this is exactly what I mean :
- the USA model mention this Brake Assist function as a major safety feature, but the Canadian model hide it (or really do not armed with it). If you check the Canadian web site, the Pilot has it printed under Safety-Brake Assist, but not the CRV.

I know it should be the same CRV, but the way the Official Canadian Web site shown, I would tend to believe Canadian CRV do not equipt with the Brake Assist.

Will keep you guys posted when Monday the salesman call me back.

Thanks again to everyone.

[Pchiu]

Talked to the salesman, he said he checked with Honda Canada, no one can give him an answer !

He proposed to ask the technician in the service dept.

Anyway, secured a 2008 Green Tea EX-L (Grey leather, in Canada), extra Backup sensor and rust package Cad$37,121 including tax

[Black Pearl]

I am surprised first that the Canadian model would not have it. Second if it does have it, I am surprised that they don't advertise it. And Third, I am amazed that no one knows whether you have it or not. Well I guess you'll find out when you get the car. If you hit the brake rapidly and somewhat hard and it stops far quicker then you know you have it. I was impressed the time the cat ran out in front of me.

Congratulations, and good luck with your new V. Grey interior on the Canadian, I may have considered the green. I didn't want the white interior.