The Honda CR-Z is a sport hybrid that had a short production run from 2011 – 2016.
Like any vehicle, it uses beeps, alerts and chimes that may sometimes be a mystery.
If your CR-Z keeps beeping, this article is here to help.
Table of Contents
Why Does My Honda CR-Z Keep Beeping?
The most common cause of beeping on a Honda CR-Z is a bad door sensor, a blown fuse the seatbelt sensor, a key fob left in the car, a door is open whilst driving, headlights on, key fob low on battery and safety features.
1. Bad Door Sensor
A bad door sensor (aka door) switch, can cause a number of issues as the car will think a door is not closed when it is.
“I’m wondering if your door switch/button rubber protector is bad, letting in moisture that can freeze up the switch. Is the beeping in Auto-stop, the same beeping that you get while the door is opened? I have had the passenger side door of my 2002 Insight stick in the “off” position, but that was after years of just driving it back and forth to work, seldom using the passenger door, which caused the sticking switch.” – CRZforum.com
“Alright, I felt my door sensor and it felt like a piece inside was loose and was turned on its side. I turned it upright and since then the door light turned off and also the beeping stopped during the auto stop. I’m thinking this might be only a temporary fix and I would like to replace the door sensor.” – CRZforum.com
2. Honda CR-Z Auto Stop Beep: Blown Fuse
If you have noticed a beeping alarm during an auto stop, that sounds similar to leaving the key in the ignition then this is caused by a blown fuse.
Under the dash, locate the fusebox and locate the 4th fuse (bottom row) which is rated at 7.5A. This fuse has either come loose or is blown and will need to be either pushed back in or replaced.
Note: The fuse can vary depending on CR-Z model year.
“I looked around on the forum and a few other people said that the beeping during auto stop can be caused by a burnt out fuse in the #4 or #5 stop. I’m confused about this because I checked all of my fuses and they were all good.” – CRZforum.com
3. Fob Still In The Car
If you’ve left a key fob in your CR-Z, you may hear a warning beep.
4. Parking Brake Not Fully Released
The beeper sounds and the indicator comes on if you drive with the parking brake not fully released.
The parking brake sensor could be faulty, thereby sending false readings to the car’s computer, in which case the sensor will need replacing.
Related: Honda CR-Z Alarm Going Off? (12 Common Causes)
5. Headlight Switch In On Position
Make sure the headlights are switched OFF.
The beeper will sound when you open the driver’s door and the exterior lights are left on.
6. Door or Hatch Is Open Whilst the Car Is Running
Ensure all car doors, the hatch and hood and firmly and properly closed.
The beeper sounds and the indicator comes on if the hatch or either door is opened while driving.
7. Seatbelt Sensor
Another common cause for beeping is related to the passenger seatbelt sensor.
The sensor itself may be broken or it might be triggering a beep if there is weight on the passenger seat such as groceries or your pet dog.
A simple test for this will be to fasten the seatbelt and see if the noise stops.
It’s a good idea to ensure all doors and the rear hatch are shut properly too.
The beeper will sound when the driver and/or passenger are not wearing their seat belts.
8. Accessory Plugged in 12V Outlet
Sometimes your CR-Z for whatever reason won’t like some of the accessories you plug into the 12V Power Outlet.
Some owners have found by disconnecting their charging devices/electronics from the outlet the beeping has ceased.
9. Auto Idle Stop
The beeper will sound when you open the driver’s door and the Auto Idle Stop is in operation.
Related: 6 Most Common Honda CR-Z Problems (Explained)
10. Power Mode Is In Accessory
The beeper will sound when you open the driver’s door and the power mode is in accessory.
11. Low Key Fob Battery
A low key fob battery can cause a number of issues including random beeps and even triggering your car alarm.
Try giving the fob a clean, remove any dirt/dust/grime and replace the battery.
12. Electronic Devices Inside or Outside of The Car
The beeping may not actually be coming from your CR-Z. Do you have any other electronic or battery-powered devices in your vehicle or your garage that could be causing the beeping? Usually, it’s their batteries going bad.
For example, a garage door opener, a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, or a dropped wristwatch.
13. Electrical Issues
If your CR-Z has developed an electrical fault (possibly with the BCM) or a there is a wiring issue, it may beep as a result of this.
This can be quite difficult to diagnose if there obvious warning messages and the best thing to do is visit your local Honda dealer.
14. Weak 12V Battery
A weak 12V battery can cause a variety of strange issues.
Check to ensure the connections are tight and free of dirt and grime.
It is also a good idea to take your car for a battery health check.
Related: Honda Insight Alarm Going Off (13 Common Causes)
Honda CR-Z Beeping When Door Open
If the light switch is ON then this will trigger beeping when the driver door is open. Make sure the headlight switch is on OFF or AUTO to avoid beeping.
You may notice this after getting your car back from the valet as sometimes they need to adjust switches to clean them properly.
Honda CR-Z Multiple Beeps / Beeps 6 Times
If the smart entry remote battery is too weak to start the engine or the key is not within operating range to start the engine, the beeper sounds six times.
A warning message will also appear “To start, hold remote near start button”.
Honda CR-Z Not Beeping When Locked
If your Honda CR-Z does not beep when you lock the doors, this means that the Keyless Access Beep feature is turned off.
This feature causes the beeper to sound when you unlock/lock the doors.
This can be set from the Multi-informational-Display.
Select the Customize Settings screen by pressing up/down button whilst power mode is ON and vehicle is at a complete stop and the car in in park.
Press the SEL/RESET button to select CHG SETTING screen.
- Go to ‘Keyless Access Setup’
- Select ‘Keyless Access Beep’
- Select ‘ON’
If it’s on ‘Off’ the car will make no sound when you lock it.
If its ‘On’ it will beep and the exterior lights will flash when you lock it.
Honda CR-Z Beeping While Driving
The most common cause for an CR-Z that beeps whilst driving is the seatbelt sensor. If there’s weight on the passenger seat this can trigger the alarm, or if the seatbelt sensor is faulty this will trigger it too.
Try buckling the passenger’s seat belt.
It’s also a good idea to make sure all the doors and the hatch are closed properly.
If all of these conditions are met, the problem could lie in a defective door switch, leading the CR-Z’s electronic system to think a door is open while the car is in motion.
Some owners have suggested disconnecting the battery for an hour to see if that clears any possible errors.
Alternative Suggestions
Check for Recalls or TSBs
By entering your car’s VIN number on Honda’s recall page or the NTHSA’s Safety Issues & Recalls page you can determine whether or not there is a TSB or recall for your vehicle and if there is you’ll want to get it addressed.
A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer for issues that are safety-related, while a TSB covers components that may be malfunctioning but don’t compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Disconnect the Battery
Sometimes mysterious beeping problems can disappear with a simple reboot, there are no guarantees here but it’s worth a try.
Disconnect the battery for 20 seconds and this resets many of the electronics in the vehicle.
“The only other thing I can think of, is if you check the fuse labeled “BACK UP” and/or disconnect the negative & positive terminals of the 12v battery and reconnect after ten minutes–that might reset any computer controlled gremlins and get it back to normal with the Auto-Stop.” CRZforum.com
Check For Warning Messages
When the beeping occurs can you see any lights or warning messages on the instrument panel?
This can give a clue as to what’s causing the beeps e.g. ‘Door Ajar’.
Take it to an Honda Dealership
If needed, take your Honda to the dealership.
Tell them you are NOT paying for a check on what the problem might be.
Ask them if they will check it for free.
Most dealerships and other places do quick/initial diagnosis for no money as they plan to make money for the repair of your vehicle.
If your unit is still under warranty then they should fix and resolve the issue for free.
Resources
https://owners.honda.com/vehicle-information/information/2011/CR-Z/manuals
https://owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls
