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Individual Map Lights .................. 95
Infant Restraint ............................ 40
Infant Seats .................................. 40
Tether Anchorage Point ........... 48
Inflation, Proper Tire .................. 271
Recommended Pressures ....... 272
Inside Mirror ............................... 93


Index


Inspection, Tire .......................... 273
Installing a Child Seat .................. 43
Instrument Panel .......................... 57
Instrument Panel Brightness ....... 72
Instruments and Controls ............. 55
Interior Lights .............................. 95
Introduction ................................... i iPod® Error Messages ................ 172


Jacking up the Vehicle ............... 283
Jack, Tire ................................... 283
Jump Starting ............................. 291


Keys ............................................. 75


Label, Certification ..................... 306
Lane Change, Signaling ............... 71
Lap/Shoulder Belt ................. 14, 19


CONTINUED


2009 Element Index


LATCH Anchorage System .......... 44
Light Control Switch .................... 95
Lights


Bulb Replacement ................... 261
Indicator ................................... 57
Interior ..................................... 95
Parking .................................... 71
Turn Signal .............................. 71
Load Limit .................................. 208
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) ...... 79
Locks


Anti-theft Steering Column ....... 79
Fuel Fill Door .......................... 199
Glove Box ............................... 100
Hatch ....................................... 81
Lockout Prevention .................. 81
Power Door .............................. 80
Tailgate .................................... 82
Low Coolant Level ...................... 201
Lower Anchors ............................. 44
Low Fuel Indicator ....................... 61
Low Oil Pressure


Indicator ........................... 58, 295
Lubricant Specifications Chart ... 309
Luggage, Storing (cargo) ........... 207


Maintenance .............................. 241
Main Items and Sub Items ...... 246
Minder .................................... 243
Minder Indicator ...................... 59
Owner's Maintenance


Checks ................................ 248
Safety ...................................... 242
Schedule ................................. 249
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ....... 296
Manual Transmission ................. 217
Checking Fluid Level .............. 257
Shifting ................................... 217
Manual Transmission Fluid ....... 257
Meters, Gauges ............................ 64
Methanol in Gasoline ................. 198
Mirrors, Adjusting ........................ 93
Modifications ............................. 206
Modifying Your Vehicle ............. 206


New Vehicle Break-in ................. 198
Normal Shift Speeds .................. 218


VI


NOTICE, Explanation of ................ i Numbers, Identification ............. 306


Odometer ..................................... 65
Off-Highway Driving


Guidelines .............................. 238
Off-Road Precautions .................. 238
Oil


Change, How to ...................... 252
Change, When to .................... 243
Checking Engine .................... 201
Life, Engine ............................. 243
Pressure Indicator ............. 58, 295
Selecting Proper Viscosity


Chart ................................... 251


Onboard Refueling Vapor


Recovery ................................ 316
ON (Ignition Key Position) .......... 79
Outside Mirrors ........................... 93
Outside Temperature Indicator .... 68
Overhead Console ...................... 101
Overheating, Engine .................. 293
Owner's Maintenance Checks .... 248


2009 Element Oxygenated Fuels ...................... 198


Panel Brightness Control ............. 72
Parking ...................................... 223
Parking Brake .............................. 94
Parking Brake and Brake System


Indicator ........................... 58, 297


Parking Over Things that


Burn ................................ 223, 318
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .... 32
PGM-FI System .......................... 317
Playing a Disc ..................... 119, 140
Playing an iPod® ......................... 162
Playing a PC card ....................... 149
Playing a USB Flash Memory


Device .................................... 173


Playing the FM/AM


Radio ............................... 110, 127
Playing the XM® Radio ........ 113, 132
Pollen Filter ............................... 269
Power Door Locks ....................... 80
Power Windows ........................... 92
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts ........ 16


Index


Preparing to Drive ...................... 215
Protecting Adults and Teens ........ 11
Additional Safety Precautions ... 16
Advice for Pregnant Women .... 16
Protecting Children ...................... 35
General Guidelines .................. 35
Protecting Infants ..................... 40
Protecting Larger Children ...... 49
Protecting Small Children ........ 41
Using Child Seats with


Tethers ................................. 48
Using LATCH .......................... 44


Radiator Overheating ................. 293
Radio/CD Sound System ........... 109
Radio Theft Protection ............... 188
Readiness Codes ........................ 319
Rear Differential Fluid ................ 258
Rear Lights, Bulb


Replacement ........................... 266
Rear Seat, Folding ........................ 88
Rearview Camera and


Monitor .................................. 196


Rear View Mirror ......................... 93
Rear Window Defogger ................ 74
Rear Window Wiper and


Washer ..................................... 70
Reclining the Front Seats ............. 87
Recommended Shift Speeds ....... 218
Refueling .................................... 199
Remote Audio Controls .............. 191
Remote Transmitter ..................... 77
Replacement Information


Dust and Pollen Filter ............. 269
Engine Oil and Filter ............... 252
Fuses ...................................... 298
Light Bulbs ............................. 261
Schedule ................................. 249
Tires ....................................... 274
Wiper Blades .......................... 269


Replacing Seat Belts After a


Crash ........................................ 20


Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.


Vehicles) ................................ 324


Reserve Tank, Engine


Coolant ............................ 201, 254
Restraint, Child ............................ 35
Reverse Lockout ........................ 217


CONTINUED VII


2009 Element Index


Rotation, Tire ............................. 274


Safety Belts .............................. 8, 18
Safety Defects, Reporting (U.S.


only) ....................................... 324
Safety Features .............................. 7
Airbags ...................................... 9
Head Restraints ........................ 13
Seat Belts .............................. 8, 14
Seats & Seat-Backs .............. 11, 12
Safety Labels, Location of ............. 53
Safety Messages .......................... iii Seat Adjustments ......................... 83
Seat Belts ................................. 8, 18
Additional Information ............. 18
Advice for Pregnant Women .... 16
Automatic Seat Belt


Tensioners ........................... 20
Cleaning .................................. 268
Lap/Shoulder Belt .............. 14, 19
Maintenance ............................ 20
Reminder Indicator and


Beeper ............................. 18, 58


VIII


System Components ................ 18
Use During Pregnancy ............. 16
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder


Belt .................................. 14, 19
Seats ............................................ 83
Seats, Adjusting the ..................... 83
Sensors


Driver's Seat Position Sensor ... 27
Front Passenger's Weight


Sensors ................................ 27
Impact Sensors ................... 22, 23
Serial Number ............................ 306
Service Intervals ......................... 243
Service Manual (U.S. only) ........ 325
Service Station Procedures ........ 199
Setting the Clock ........................ 189
Shifting the Automatic


Transmission .......................... 219
Shift Lever Position Indicators ... 219
Shift Lock Release ...................... 221
Side Airbags ................................. 28


How the Side Airbag Off


Indicator Works ................... 32
How Your Side Airbags Work .. 28
Off Indicator ............................. 32


Side Curtain Airbags .................... 30


How Your Side Curtain Airbags


Work .................................... 30


Side Marker Lights, Bulb


Replacement in ....................... 265
Signaling Turns ............................ 60
Snow Tires ................................. 275
Sound System ............................ 109
Spare Tire .................................. 282
Inflating ........................... 271, 282
Specifications .......................... 310
Spark Plugs ................................ 308
Specifications ............................. 308
Speed Control ............................ 193
Speed Limiter ...................... 218, 221
Speedometer ................................ 64
SRS, Additional Information ......... 22
Additional Safety Precautions ... 34
Airbag Service .......................... 33
Airbag System Components ..... 22
How the Side Airbag Off


Indicator Works ................... 32
How the SRS Indicator Works .. 31
How Your Front Airbags


Works .................................. 25
How Your Side Airbags Work .. 28


2009 Element How Your Side Curtain Airbags


Work .................................... 30
SRS Indicator ......................... 31, 59
START (Ignition Key Position) ..... 79
Starting the Engine .................... 216


In Cold Weather at High


Altitude ................................ 216
With a Dead Battery ................ 291
State Emissions Testing ............. 319
Steam Coming from Engine ....... 293
Steering Wheel


Adjustment ............................... 74
Anti-theft Column Lock ............ 79
Buttons ........................... 191, 193
Stereo Sound System ................. 109
Storing Your Vehicle .................. 278
Sun Visor ................................... 100
Supplemental Restraint


System .............................. 9, 22
Servicing .................................. 33
SRS Indicator ...................... 31, 59
System Components ................ 22
Synthetic Oil .............................. 252


Tachometer .................................. 64
Tailgate ........................................ 82
Open Indicator ......................... 61
Opening the ............................. 82
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in ..... 266
Taking Care of the


Unexpected ............................ 281


Technical Descriptions


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.


Vehicles) ............................. 311
Emissions Control Systems ..... 316
Three Way Catalytic


Converter ............................ 318


Tire Pressure Monitoring System


(TPMS) - Required Federal


Explanation ...................... 314
Temperature Gauge ..................... 67
Tensioners, Seat Belts .................. 20
Tether Anchorage Points ............. 48
Theft Protection, Radio .............. 188
Three Way Catalytic


Converter ............................... 318
Tilt the Steering Wheel ................ 74


Index


Time, Setting the ........................ 189
Tire Chains ................................ 276
Tire, How to Change a Flat ........ 283
Tire Information ......................... 313
Tire Labeling .............................. 313
Tire Pressure Monitoring System


(TPMS) ........................... 227, 314
Tires .......................................... 271
Air Pressure ............................ 272
Chains ..................................... 276
Checking Wear ....................... 273
Compact Spare ........................ 282
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.


Vehicles) ............................. 311
Inflation ................................... 271
Inspection ............................... 273
Labeling .................................. 313
Low Tire Pressure


Indicator ........................ 62, 227
Maintenance ........................... 274
Pressure Monitoring System ... 227
Replacing ................................ 274
Rotating .................................. 274
Snow ....................................... 275
Specifications .......................... 310


CONTINUED IX


2009 Element Index


Tools, Tire Changing ................. 283
Towing


A Trailer .................................. 232
Emergency Wrecker ............... 303


TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring


System ................................ 227
Indicator ............................ 63, 228
Required Federal


Explanation ......................... 314


Transmission


Checking Fluid Level,


Automatic ............................ 256


Checking Fluid Level,


Manual ................................ 257
Fluid Selection ................ 256, 257
Identification Number ............. 306
Shifting the Automatic ............. 219
Shifting the Manual ................. 217
Treadwear .................................. 311
Trip Meter ................................... 66
Turn Signals ................................. 60
Turn Signals and Headlights ........ 71


Unexpected, Taking Care of


the .......................................... 281


Uniform Tire Quality Grading


(U.S. only) .............................. 311
Unleaded Gasoline ..................... 198
USB Flash Memory Device Error


Messages ............................... 182
Used Oil, How to Dispose of ...... 253


Vanity Mirror ............................. 101
Vehicle Capacity Load ................ 208
Vehicle Dimensions ................... 308
Vehicle Identification Number ... 306
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®),


aka Electronic Stability


Control (ESC), System .... 230
VSA OFF Indicator .................. 230
VSA OFF Switch ..................... 231
VSA System Indicator .............. 62
Vehicle Storage .......................... 278
Ventilation .................................. 106


VIN ............................................ 306
Viscosity, Oil .............................. 251


WARNING, Explanation of ........... iii Warning Labels, Location of ......... 53
Warranty Coverages (U.S.


only) ....................................... 323


Washer, Windshield


Checking the Fluid Level ........ 255
Fluid Level Indicator (Canada


only) ..................................... 61
Operation ................................. 70
Wheels ....................................... 271
Alignment and Balance ........... 274
Compact Spare ........................ 282
Wrench, Nut ........................... 283


Windows


Windshield


Operating the Power ................ 92
Rear, Defogger ......................... 74


Cleaning ................................... 70
Defroster ................................. 107
Washers ............................ 70, 255


2009 Element Wipers, Windshield


Changing Blades ..................... 269
Operation ................................. 70
Worn Tires ................................. 273
Wrecker, Emergency Towing .... 303


XM® Radio .......................... 113, 132


Index


XI


2009 Element 2009 Element 2009 Element Service Information Summary


Gasoline: Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 87 or higher. Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 US gal (60 L) Recommended Engine Oil: API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page 251). Oil change capacity (including filter): 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) (see page 256).


Manual Transmission Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred, or an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil as a temporary replacement (see page 257). Capacity (including differential): 2.0 US qt (1.9 L) 4WDmodelsonly Rear Differential Fluid: Honda Dual Pump Fluid II. Do not use ATF. Capacity: 1.1 US qt (1.0 L) Power Steering Fluid: Honda Power Steering Fluid preferred, or another brand of power steering fluid as a temporary replacement. Do not use ATF (see page 260).


Brake Fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page 258). Tire Pressure (measured cold): AllmodelsexceptSC Front: 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2) Rear: 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm2) SCmodel Front/Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm2) Spare Tire Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2)


2009 Element Owner's Identification


OWNER _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________


ADDRESS _______________________________________________________


STREET


_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________


CITY


STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY


ZIP CODE/


POSTAL CODE


V. I. N. ___________________________________________________________ DELIVERY DATE __________________________________________________


(Date sold to original retail purchaser)


DEALER NAME ___________________ DEALER NO. ___________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________


STREET


_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________


CITY


STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY


ZIP CODE/


POSTAL CODE


OWNER'S SIGNATURE ___________________________________________ DEALER'S SIGNATURE ___________________________________________


This owner's manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.


This owner's manual covers all models of the Element. You may find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your particular model.


The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatsoever.


POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez besoin d'un Manuel du Conducteur en français, veuillez demander à votre concessionnaire de commander le numéro de pièce 33SCVC60


2009 Element Introduction


As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a


symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.


Congratulations! Your selection of a 2009 Honda Element was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure. One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time. Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities. Maintaining your vehicle according to the maintenance minder shown in the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.


2009 Element Introduction


California Proposition 65 Warning


WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Event Data Recorders This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These devices record front seat belt use, front passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the failure of any airbag system component. This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner. Service Diagnostic Recorders This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.


ii


2009 Element Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.


A Few Words About Safety


You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including: ● Safety Labels - on the vehicle. ● Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol


and one of


three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, orCAUTION. These signal words mean:


You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.


You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.


You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.


● Safety Headings - such as Important Safety Reminders or Important


Safety Precautions.


● Safety Section - such as Driver and Passenger Safety. ● Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information - please read it carefully.


iii


2009 Element Important Handling Information


Your Element has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier. These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts. For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read ‘‘Driving Guidelines’’ on page 214 of this manual and the Off-HighwayDrivingGuidelinessection on page 238. Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of control or an accident.


iv


2009 Element 2009 Element Online Reference Owner's Manual


Contents


Owner's Identification Form


Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii


Important Handling Information .................................................................................................................... iv Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5 Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column) ............................................ 55 Features (heating and cooling, audio, steering wheel, cruise control and other convenience items) ................... 103 Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break- in, and cargo loading) ..................................................................... 197 Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 213 Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 241 Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, and fuses) ............................. 281 Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 305 Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 321 Index ........................................................................................................................................................................ I


Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)


00X31-SCV-6600


Overview of Contents


Contents A convenient reference to the sections in this manual. Your Vehicle at a Glance A quick reference to the main controls in your vehicle. Driver and Passenger Safety Important information about the proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, an overview of the supplemental restraint system, and valuable information on how to protect children with child restraints. Instruments and Controls Explains the purpose of each instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use the controls on the dashboard and steering column. Features How to operate the heating and air conditioning system, the audio system, and other convenience features.


Before Driving What gasoline to use, how to break- in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park; plus what you need to know if you're planning to tow a trailer. Maintenance The maintenance minder shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer for maintenance service. There is also a list of things to check and instructions on how to check them. Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and details how to handle them.


Technical Information ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada only) A summary of the warranties covering your new vehicle, and how to contact us for any reason. Refer to your warranty manual for detailed information. Index Service Information Summary A summary of the information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.


2009 Element INSTRUMENT PANEL (P. 57) GAUGES (P. 64)


DRIVER'S FRONT AIRBAG (P. 9, 25)


POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH (P. 80)


MIRROR CONTROLS (P. 93)


POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P. 92)


HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P. 200)


PARKING BRAKE (P. 94)


A/T model with navigation system is shown.


ꭧ: If equipped


Your Vehicle at a Glance


PASSENGER'S FRONT AIRBAG (P. 9, 25)


HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS (P. 104)


USB ADAPTER CABLEꭧ (P. 164, 177)


AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P. 219) MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P. 217)


CONTINUED


2009 Element Your Vehicle at a Glance


HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS (P. 71)


WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P. 70)


NAVIGATION SYSTEM VOICE CONTROL BUTTONSꭧ3


REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLSꭧ2
(P. 191)


VSA OFF SWITCH (P. 231)


HORNꭧ1


STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT (P. 74)


A/T model with navigation system is shown.


PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P. 32)


AUDIO SYSTEM (P. 109) DIGITAL CLOCK (P. 189)


ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET (P. 100)


REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER BUTTON (P. 74)


HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P. 73)


CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (P. 193)


ꭧ1: To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel. ꭧ2: If equipped ꭧ3: Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Refer to the navigation system manual.


2009 Element This section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts. It explains how your airbags work. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle.


Important Safety Precautions............. 6
Your Vehicle's Safety Features .......... 7
Seat Belts..................................... 8
Airbags........................................ 9
Protecting Adults and Teens ........... 11
1. Close and Lock the Doors........ 11
2. Adjust the Front Seats ............. 11
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs.............. 12
4. Adjust the Head Restraints ...... 13
5. Fasten and Position the Seat


Belts .................................. 14


6. Maintain a Proper Sitting


Position.............................. 15
Advice for Pregnant Women........ 16
Additional Safety Precautions ...... 16


Additional Information About Your


Seat Belts ............................... 18
Seat Belt System Components..... 18


Lap/Shoulder Belt...................... 19
Automatic Seat Belt


Tensioners............................. 20
Seat Belt Maintenance ................ 20


Additional Information About Your


Airbags .................................. 22
Airbag System Components ........ 22
How Your Front Airbags Work.... 25
How Your Side Airbags Work...... 28
How Your Side Curtain Airbags


Work ..................................... 30
How the SRS Indicator Works ..... 31
How the Side Airbag Off


Indicator Works ..................... 32


How the Passenger Airbag Off


Indicator Works ..................... 32
Airbag Service............................ 33
Additional Safety Precautions ...... 34


Protecting Children - General


Guidelines.............................. 35


All Children Must Be


Restrained.............................. 35


All Children Should Sit in a Back


Seat ....................................... 36


The Passenger's Front Airbag


Can Pose Serious Risks........... 36


Driver and Passenger Safety


If You Must Drive with Several


Children ................................ 38


If a Child Requires Close


Attention................................ 38
Additional Safety Precautions ...... 39


Protecting Infants and Small


Children................................. 40
Protecting Infants ....................... 40
Protecting Small Children ........... 41
Selecting a Child Seat ..................... 42
Installing a Child Seat ..................... 43


Installing a Child Seat with


LATCH .................................. 44


Installing a Child Seat with a


Lap/Shoulder Belt.................. 46


Installing a Child Seat with a


Tether ................................... 48
Protecting Larger Children ............. 49
Checking Seat Belt Fit ................ 49
Using a Booster Seat................... 50
When Can a Larger Child Sit in


Front ..................................... 50
Additional Safety Precautions ...... 51
Carbon Monoxide Hazard............... 52
Safety Labels.................................. 53


2009 Element Important Safety Precautions


You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important. Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly (see page 14).


Restrain All Children Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat (see pages 35 - 51). Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.


Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either. Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted. Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance (see page 243).


2009 Element (11)


(8)


(3)


(4)


(9)


(7)


(5)


(1)


(10)


(2)


(2)


(8) (6) (1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Side Airbags (9) Side Curtain Airbags (10) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (11) Door Locks


Your Vehicle's Safety Features


Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the seat belts in a crash. However, you and your passengers can't take full advantage of these features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and alwayswear yourseatbelts.In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly. The following pages explain how you can take an active role in protecting yourself and your passengers.


2009 Element Your Vehicle's Safety Features


Seat Belts Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions. Your seat belt system also includes an indicator on the instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. WhyWearSeatBelts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.) Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags. In addition, most states, all Canadian provinces and territories require you to wear seat belts.


Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.


Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.


When properly worn, seat belts: ● Keep you connected to the vehicle


so you can take advantage of the vehicle's built-in safety features. ● Help protect you in almost every


type of crash, including: – frontal impacts – side impacts – rear impacts – rollovers


● Help keep you from being thrown


against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants.


● Keep you from being thrown out of


the vehicle.


● Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag. Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury. WhatYouShouldDo: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.


2009 Element Airbags


Your Vehicle's Safety Features


Your vehicle has a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe frontal collision (see page 25
for more information on how your front airbags work).


Your vehicle also has side airbags to help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact (see page 28 for more information on how your side airbags work).


In addition, your vehicle has side curtain airbags to help protect the heads of the driver, front passenger, and passengers in the outer rear seating positions during a moderate to severe side impact or rollover (see page 30 for more information on how your side curtain airbags work).


CONTINUED


2009 Element Your Vehicle's Safety Features


Whatyoushoulddo:Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.


The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety. Remember however, that no safety system can prevent all injures or deaths that can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.


The most important things you need to know about your airbags are: ● Airbagsdonotreplaceseatbelts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.


● Airbagsoffernoprotectioninrear impacts,orminorfrontalorside collisions.


● Airbagscanposeserioushazards.


To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.


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2009 Element Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver, adult passengers, and teenage children who are large enough and mature enough to drive or ride in the front. See pages 35 - 51 for important guidelines on how to properly protect infants, small children, and larger children who ride in your vehicle.


1. Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors, the hatch, and the tailgate are closed and locked.


Your vehicle has a door and tailgate open indicator on


the instrument panel to indicate when a specific door, the tailgate or the hatch is not tightly closed. Locking the doors, the hatch, and the tailgate reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent passengers from accidentally opening a door, the hatch, or the tailgate and falling out. Locking the doors, the hatch, or the tailgate also helps prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop. See page 80 for how to lock the doors, and page 61 for how the door and tailgate indicator system works.


Protecting Adults and Teens


2. Adjust the Front Seats


Adjust the driver's seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a front passenger adjust their seat as far to the rear as possible. If you sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, you can be seriously injured by an inflating front airbag, or by striking the steering wheel or dashboard.


CONTINUED 11


2009 Element Protecting Adults and Teens


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest. In addition to adjusting the seat, you can adjust the steering wheel up and down (see page 74). If you cannot get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help.


Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.


Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.


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Once a seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure it is locked in position. See page 83 for how to adjust the front seats.


3. Adjust the Seat-Backs


Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. Passengers with adjustable seat- backs should also adjust their seat- back to a comfortable, upright position.


2009 Element Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.


Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.


Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. See page 83 for how to adjust the seat-backs.


4. Adjust the Head Restraints


Adjust the driver's head restraint so the center of the back of your head rests against the center of the restraint. Have passengers adjust their head restraints properly as well. Taller persons should adjust their restraint as high as possible.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash.


Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving.


Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries. See page 85 for how to adjust the head restraints.


13


2009 Element If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body.


Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries.


Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash.


Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.


Protecting Adults and Teens


5. Fasten and Position the Seat


Belts


Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash.


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2009 Element Neverplacetheshoulderportionofa lap/shoulderbeltunderyourarmor behindyourback.This could cause very serious injuries in a crash. If a seat belt does not seem to work properly, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. Nooneshouldsitinaseatwithan inoperativeseatbelt.Using a seat belt that is not working properly can result in serious injury or death. Have your dealer check the belt as soon as possible. See page 18 for additional information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.


6. Maintain a Proper Sitting


Position


After all occupants have adjusted their seats and head restraints, and put on their seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is parked and the engine is off. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased.


Protecting Adults and Teens


In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured in a crash by striking interior parts of the vehicle or being struck by an inflating front airbag.


Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash.


Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor.


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2009 Element When driving, remember to sit upright and adjust the seat as far back as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. When riding as a front passenger, adjust the seat as far back as possible. This will reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating front airbag. Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive.


Additional Safety Precautions ● Neverletpassengersrideinthe cargoareaorontopofafolded- downbackseat.If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.


● Passengersshouldnotstandupor


changeseatswhilethevehicleis moving.A passenger who is not wearing a seat belt during a crash or emergency stop can be thrown against the inside of the vehicle, against other occupants, or out of the vehicle.


● Twopeopleshouldneverusethe


sameseatbelt.If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Advice for Pregnant Women


If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt, and keep the lap part of the belt as low as possible across the hips.


16


2009 Element ● Donotputanyaccessoriesonseat belts.Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability of the belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.


● Donotplacehardorsharpobjects


betweenyourselfandafront airbag.Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.


● Donotattachorplaceobjectson thefrontairbagcovers.Objects on the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.


● Donotattachhardobjectsonor nearadoor.If a side airbag or a side curtain airbag inflates, a cup holder or other hard object attached on or near the door could be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone.


Protecting Adults and Teens


● Keepyourhandsandarmsaway


fromtheairbagcovers.If your hands or arms are close to an airbag cover, they could be injured if the front airbag inflates.


17


2009 Element Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


Seat Belt System Components Your seat belt system includes lap/ shoulder belts in all four seating positions. The front seat belts are also equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. This system uses the same sensors as the front airbags to monitor whether the front seat belts are latched or unlatched, and how much weight is on the front passenger's seat (see page 27).


The seat belt system includes an indicator on the


instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.


This system monitors the front seat belts. If you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position before your seat belt is fastened, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash. If your seat belt is not fastened before the beeper stops, the indicator will stop flashing but remain on. If a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the indicator will come on about 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position. If either the driver or a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt while driving, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals. When no one is sitting in the front passenger's seat, or a child or small adult is riding there, the indicator should not come on and the beeper should not sound.


18


If the indicator comes on or the beeper sounds when the driver's seat belt is latched and there is no front seat passenger and no items on the front seat, something may be interfering with the monitoring system. Look for and remove: ● Any items under the front


passenger's seat.


● Any object(s) hanging on the seat


or in the seat-back pocket.


● Any object(s) touching the rear of


the seat-back.


If no obstructions are found, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.


2009 Element Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belt goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips. To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched (see page 14 for how to properly position the belt).


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


To unlock the belt, press the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body so that it retracts completely. After exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door. All seat belts have an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.


The seat belts in all positions except the driver's have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat (see page 46). If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the lockable retractor will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely. To deactivate the lockable retractor, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the seat belt, pull it out only as far as needed.


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2009 Element Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


The tensioners are designed to activate in any collision severe enough to cause the front airbags to deploy, or if a sensor detects your vehicle is about to roll over (see page 30). If a side curtain airbag deploys during a side impact, the tensioner on that side of the vehicle will also deploy. The tensioners can also be activated during a collision in which the front airbags donotdeploy.In this case, the airbags would not be needed, but the additional restraint could be helpful. When the tensioners are activated, the seat belts will remain tight until they are unbuckled.


Seat Belt Maintenance For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly. Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem (see page 268). Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible. Honda provides a limited warranty on seat belts. See your Honda WarrantyInformationbooklet for details.


Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners


For added protection, the front seat belts are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. When activated, the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a front passenger in position.


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2009 Element Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


If a seat belt is worn during a crash, it must be replaced by your dealer. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash. The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed. If the automatic seat belt tensioners activate during a crash, they must be replaced.


Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.


Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.


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2009 Element Additional Information About Your Airbags


Airbag System Components


(8)


(9)


(2)


(13)


(10)


(11)


(5)


(4)


(7)


(10)


(15)


(4)


(14)


(6)


(12)


(1)


(3)


(1) Driver's Front Airbag (2) Passenger's Front Airbag (3) Control Unit (4) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (5) Side Airbags (6) Driver's Seat Position Sensor (7) Front Passenger's Weight Sensors (8) Front Impact Sensors (9) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator (10) Side Impact Sensors (First) (11) Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) Sensors (12) Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator (13) Rollover Sensor (14) Seat Belt Buckle Tensioners (15) Rear Safing Sensor


(5)


22


2009 Element Additional Information About Your Airbags


(16)


(16) Side Curtain Airbags (17) Side Impact Sensors (Second)


(17)


Your airbag system includes: ● Two SRS (supplemental restraint


system) front airbags. The driver's airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ (see page 25).


● Two side airbags, one for the


driver and one for a front passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the seat- backs. Both are marked ‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page 28).


● Two side curtain airbags, one for


each side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored in the ceiling, above the side windows. The front and rear pillars are marked ‘‘SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG’’ (see page 30).


CONTINUED 23


2009 Element ● An indicator on the instrument


panel that alerts you that the passenger's side airbag has been turned off (see page 32).


● An indicator on the dashboard that


alerts you that the passenger's front airbag has been turned off (see page 32).


● Emergency backup power in case your vehicle's electrical system is disconnected in a crash.


Additional Information About Your Airbags


● Automatic front seat belt tensioners (see page 20).


● Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe front impact, side impact, or rollover.


● Sensors that can detect whether a


child is in the passenger's side airbag path and signal the control unit to turn the airbag off (see page 29).


● Sensors that can detect whether


the driver's seat belt and the front passenger's seat belt are latched or unlatched (see page 18).


● A driver's seat position sensor that


monitors the distance of the seat from the front airbag. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force (see page 27).


● Weight sensors that monitor the weight on the front passenger's seat. If the weight is about 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant or small child), the passenger's front airbag will be turned off (see page 27).


● A sophisticated electronic system


that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, the seat belt tensioners, and driver and front passenger seat belt use when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position.


● An indicator on the instrument


panel that alerts you to a possible problem with your airbags, sensors, or seat belt tensioners (see page 31).


24


2009 Element Additional Information About Your Airbags


How Your Front Airbags Work


If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, sensors will detect the vehicle's rapid deceleration. If the rate of deceleration is high enough, the control unit will instantly inflate the driver's and front passenger's airbags, at the time and with the force needed.


During a frontal crash, your seat belt restrains your lower body and torso, and the front airbag helps protect your head and chest. Although both airbags normally inflate within a split second of each other, it is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal. Only the driver's airbag can deploy if there is no passenger in the front seat, or if the advanced airbag system has turned the passenger's airbag off (see page 27).


After inflating, the front airbags immediately deflate, so they won't interfere with the driver's visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls.


CONTINUED 25


2009 Element Additional Information About Your Airbags


The total time for inflation and deflation is one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps. After a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag's surface. Although the powder is not harmful, people with respiratory problems may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.


Dual-StageAirbags Your front airbags are dual-stage airbags. This means they have two inflation stages that can be ignited sequentially or simultaneously, depending on crash severity. In a moreseverecrash, both stages will ignite simultaneously to provide the quickest and greatest protection. In a lessseverecrash, the first stage will ignite first, then the second stage will ignite a split second later. This provides longer airbag inflation time with a little less force.


Dual-ThresholdAirbags Your front airbags are also dual- threshold airbags. Airbags with this feature have two deployment thresholds that depend on whether

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