Parts for your 2016 Honda Cr-v-Radiator cap

2016 Honda CR‑V radiator cap: what it is, where it sits, and how to look after it

Technical sources confirm the 2016 Honda CR‑V is fitted with a radiator cap on the radiator itself. The 2016 CR‑V Owner’s Manual references the radiator cap in cooling‑system safety warnings, the Honda Service Manual shows the cap in the radiator and reservoir diagrams, Genuine Honda parts catalogues list a dedicated radiator pressure cap for this model, and major aftermarket catalogues supply direct‑fit pressure caps to suit. So yes—on a 2016 CR‑V, the radiator cap is relevant and used.

The radiator cap on a 2016 Honda CR‑V isn’t just a lid—it’s a pressure valve that keeps the cooling system sealed and running at the right pressure, typically around 1.1 bar (about 110 kPa). By holding pressure, the cap lifts the coolant’s boiling point so the CR‑V can manage heat on long Kiwi and Aussie drives, from city traffic to summer motorway climbs. Inside the cap are two valves: a pressure relief that lets excess pressure and hot coolant move to the reservoir, and a vacuum valve that draws coolant back in as the engine cools. That back‑and‑forth movement keeps the system topped up and air‑free.

Because it’s a working valve, the radiator cap is a service item. A tired cap can cause hard‑to‑trace overheating, coolant loss, gurgling after shutdown, staining around the filler neck, or a lower heater output. Under the bonnet, quick tells include perished rubber seals, a weak or gritty spring action, and crusty deposits on the cap or neck.

Best practice on a 2016‑model CR‑V is to have the cap inspected at every service and pressure‑tested when the coolant is changed. Honda Type 2 coolant has long service intervals, so it’s smart to test—or simply replace—the cap at those intervals too. If the vehicle tows, sees lots of hills, or spends time in hot climates, consider replacing the cap preventively every 5–7 years. Always match the OEM pressure rating and quality, incorrect caps can chase cooling problems that no amount of new coolant will fix.

Safety matters: only open the radiator cap when the engine is completely cold. Use a rag, press down, and twist slowly to relieve any residual pressure. Keep the filler neck clean, check the small hose to the reservoir for cracks, and confirm the reservoir level sits between MIN and MAX when cold. After any cap replacement, run the engine to temperature and check for leaks and a steady heater output.

• Signs a cap needs attention: coolant smell, stains at the cap, frequent top‑ups, collapsed upper hose after cooldown, or rising temps at highway speeds.
• Service tip: test or replace the cap whenever the cooling system is serviced, always fit a cap with the correct 1.1‑bar spec.

Popular questions about 2016 Honda CR‑V radiator caps

Where is the radiator cap on a 2016 Honda CR‑V?
It’s on the radiator itself, near the top, under the bonnet. The translucent plastic bottle nearby is the reservoir and has a non‑pressurised cap. Only the metal radiator cap manages system pressure.

What pressure rating should the cap be?
The factory spec is about 1.1 bar (roughly 110 kPa/16 psi). Using a cap with the wrong rating can cause overheating or coolant loss, so stick with the OEM‑equivalent rating.

When should the radiator cap be replaced?
Have it inspected each service and pressure‑tested during coolant changes. Replace it if the seals are cracked, the spring is weak, it fails a pressure test, or as a preventative measure every 5–7 years—earlier if the car tows or sees extreme heat.