Parts for your 2011 Honda Cr-v-Radiator cap

2011 Honda CR‑V radiator cap: what it does and how to look after it

Technical references confirm the 2011 Honda CR‑V does use a traditional radiator cap on the radiator itself. The Honda 2011 CR‑V service manual’s Cooling System section details a “Radiator Cap Test” and specifies a relief pressure around 1.1 bar, and Honda’s parts catalogues list a radiator cap for this model (commonly the 1.1 bar cap used across many Hondas). Major aftermarket catalogues for the 2007–2011 CR‑V also list a direct-fit 1.1 bar cap. So yes—there is a radiator cap, and it’s an important little part.

On this CR‑V, the radiator cap does three key jobs. First, it seals the cooling system so pressure can build as the engine warms up. That extra pressure lifts the coolant’s boiling point, keeping things stable on hot Aussie and Kiwi days and when towing or stuck in traffic. Second, the cap’s spring-loaded valve opens at a set pressure (about 1.1 bar/16 psi), sending a little coolant to the overflow bottle instead of letting hoses balloon. Third, as the engine cools, the cap lets coolant siphon back from the overflow so the radiator stays full.

If the cap gets tired—flattened seal, weak spring, sticky valve—owners can see hard-to-pin overheating, random coolant loss, a weak heater, or even collapsed upper hoses after shut-down. Because it’s cheap and critical, treating the radiator cap as a service item makes great sense for a 2011 CR‑V.

• Check it only when the engine is stone-cold. Twist to the first stop to bleed any residual pressure, then remove.
• Inspect the rubber seals for nicks or flattening, and the spring for free movement. Any cracks, corrosion, or gunk? Replace it.
• Match the pressure rating: use a 1.1 bar (about 108 kPa/16 psi) cap as specified by Honda. Avoid low-pressure “universal” caps.
• At each coolant service (or every 12 months/20,000 km), have a workshop pressure-test the cap. Many replace proactively every 5 years or 100,000 km.
• Make sure the overflow hose between radiator neck and reservoir is clear and snug—this lets coolant move both ways.

When refitting, wipe the filler neck clean, align the tangs, and twist firmly to the second stop. Top up the overflow bottle to the “MAX” line with Honda Type 2 coolant mix after any cooling-system work. A healthy cap helps this CR‑V run cooler, happier, and longer.

Popular questions about 2011 Honda CR‑V radiator caps

Does the 2011 Honda CR‑V have a radiator cap or just a reservoir?
Yes, it has a proper radiator cap on the radiator neck, plus a separate overflow reservoir. The radiator cap is the pressurised component, the reservoir isn’t pressurised and simply stores overflow and returns coolant as the engine cools.

What pressure rating should the 2011 CR‑V radiator cap be?
Use a 1.1 bar cap—about 108 kPa or 16 psi. That matches Honda’s specified relief range for this generation and keeps the coolant’s boiling point where it needs to be without overstressing hoses and seals.

How often should the radiator cap be replaced?
Inspect it at every service and test it during coolant changes. Many technicians replace the cap every 5 years or around 100,000 km, or immediately if there are signs of leaks, a weak spring, or failed pressure testing.