Download PDF Manual

Passenger's Power Window Driver's Power Window Not Used Not Used


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX


No. Amps. 30 A 15 A 7.5 A 20 A 15 A 15 A


Circuits Protected


Condenser Fan Small Light Interior Light Cooling Fan Motor Hazard FI ECU


No. Amps. 15 A 15 A 10 A 30 A 10
20 A 11
12
40 A


Circuits Protected


Horn, Stop DBW Back Up VSA Motor Rear Defroster Heater Motor


Fuse Locations


No. Amps. 40 A 13
40 A 14
15 A 15
16
15 A 15 A 17
30 A 18
100 A 19
20
50 A


21-25 7.5 A-30 A


Circuits Protected


Power Window Main Option Left Headlight Door Lock Right Headlight VSA F/S Battery IG1 Main Spare Fuses


243


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Emergency Towing


If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.


On4WDmodels The only way you can safely tow your vehicle is with flat-bed equipment. The operator will load your vehicle on the back of a truck. Any other method of towing will damage the drive system. When you contact the towing agency, inform them a flat-bed is required.


On2WDmodels There are two ways to tow your vehicle:


Flat-bedEquipment- The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way to transport your vehicle.


Wheel-liftEquipment- The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to tow your vehicle.


Towing with only two tires on the ground will damage parts of the 4WD system. It should be transported on a f lat-bed truck or trailer.


244


If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do this: ● Start the engine. ● Shift to D position and hold for 5


seconds, then to N. ● Turn off the engine. ● Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock.


● Release the parking brake.


Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine, your vehicle must be transported with the all four wheels off the ground.


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).


The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position, and make sure the steering wheel turns freely before you begin towing.


Emergency Towing


245


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


246


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your vehicle and the locations of the identification numbers. It also includes information you should know about your vehicle's tires and emissions control systems.


Identification Numbers ............... 248
Specifications .............................. 250
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.


Vehicles)............................. 253


Uniform Tire Quality


Grading............................... 253
Treadwear............................... 253
Traction .................................. 253
Temperature ........................... 254
Tire Labeling .............................. 255
Tire Pressure Monitoring System


(TPMS) - Required Federal


Explanation ......................... 256
Emissions Controls..................... 258
The Clean Air Act.................... 258
Crankcase Emissions Control


System................................ 258


Evaporative Emissions Control


System................................ 258


Onboard Refueling Vapor


Recovery............................. 258


Exhaust Emissions


Controls .............................. 259


Technical Information


Three Way Catalytic


Converter................................ 260
Emissions Testing....................... 261


247


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Identification Numbers


Your vehicle has several identifying numbers located in various places. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver's side. It is also on the certification label attached to the driver's doorjamb (front edge of rear door), and is stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the certification label.


248


VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)


CERTIFICATION LABEL


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


The engine number is stamped into the engine block. The transmission number is on a label on top of the transmission.


ENGINE NUMBER


Identification Numbers


AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER


249


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


169.9 in (4,316 mm) 71.6 in (1,819 mm) 70.4 in (1,788 mm) 101.4 in (2,575 mm) 62.1 in (1,577 mm) 62.3 in (1,582 mm)


See the certification label attached to the driver's doorjamb (front edge of rear door).


Seating Capacities Total Front Rear


Engine Type


Bore x Stroke Displacement Compression ratio Spark plugs


Water cooled 4-stroke DOHC


i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine


3.43 x 3.90 in (87.0 x 99.0 mm)


144 cu-in (2,354 cm3)


9.7 : 1
IZFR6K11


NGK: DENSO: SKJ20DR-M11


Specifications


Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Track


Front Rear


Weights Gross vehicle weight rating


250


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Capacities Fuel tank


Engine oil


Changeꭧ1


Approx. 15.9 US gal (60 L)


Including filter Without filter


Total


4.4 US qt (4.2 L) 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) 5.6 US qt (5.3 L)


Specifications


Capacities Engine coolant


Automatic transmission fluid


Changeꭧ2
Total Change 4WD 2WD


Total


4WD 2WD Change Total


Rear differential fluid (4WD) Windshield washer reservoir


1.35 US gal (5.1 L) 1.90 US gal (7.2 L)


2.6 US qt (2.5 L) 2.7 US qt (2.6 L)


7.6 US qt (7.2 L) 7.4 US qt (7.0 L) 1.1 US qt (1.0 L) 1.3 US qt (1.2 L)


4.8 US qt (4.5 L)


ꭧ1: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine ꭧ2:


Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity: 0.15 US gal (0.55 L)


251


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Specifications


Air Conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity Lubricant type


Lights Headlights Daytime running lights Front turn signal/parking lights Front side marker lights Side turn signal lights Rear turn signal lights Rear side marker lights Stop/taillights Back-up lights License plate lights Ceiling light


Spotlights Cargo area light High-mount brake light


Battery Capacity


252


HFC-134a (R-134a)


17.6-19.4 oz (500-550 g)


ND-OIL8


60/55 W (H4/HB2) 60 W (HB3) 27/8 W (Amber) 3 CP 3 CP 21 W (Amber) 3 CP 21/5 W 21 CP 5 W 8 Wꭧ1
5 Wꭧ2
8 Wꭧ2
8 W 21 W


12 V - 47 AH/20 HR 12 V - 38 AH/5 HR


Fuses Interior


Under-hood


Alignment Toe-in


Camber


Caster Tires Size Pressure


ꭧ1: LX model ꭧ2: EX model


Front Rear Front Rear Front


Front/Rear Front Rear Spare


See page 242 or the fuse label attached to the inside of the fuse box lid under the steering column. See page 243 or the fuse box cover.


0.0 in (0 mm)


0.08 in (2.0 mm)


-0°13’ -1°00’ 1°50’


P215/70R16 99S


33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2) 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm2) 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2)


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings. Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)


Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.


Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.


253


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)


Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.


Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.


254


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below.


TIRE LABELING EXAMPLE


(1)


TireSize Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. Following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.


P215/70R16 99S


P - Vehicle type (P indicates


passenger vehicle).


215 - Tire width in millimeters. 70 - Aspect ratio (the tire's section


height as a percentage of its width).


(1)


(4)


(3)


(2)


(1) Tire Size (2) Tire Identification Number (TIN) (3) Maximum Tire Pressure (4) Maximum Tire Load


R - Tire construction code (R


indicates radial).


16 - Rim diameter in inches. 99 - Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).


S - Speed symbol (an


alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).


Tire Labeling


TireIdentificationNumber(TIN) The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.


DOT B97R FW6X 2202


DOT - This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation. B97R - Manufacturer's


identification mark.


FW6X - Tire type code. 2202 -


Date of manufacture. Year Week


CONTINUED 255


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Tire Labeling, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation


Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)


As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale


when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.


Glossary of Tire Terminology Cold Tire Pressure - The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6km). Load Rating - Means the maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. Maximum Inflation Pressure - the maximum tire air pressure that the tire can hold. Maximum Load Rating - Means the load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire. Recommended Inflation Pressure - The cold tire inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Treadwear Indicators (TWI) - Means the projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.


256


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation


Driving on a significantly under- inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.


Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is provided by a separate telltale, which displays the symbol ‘‘TPMS’’ when illuminated. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,


the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.


Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.


257


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Emissions Controls


The burning of gasoline in your vehicle's engine produces several by- products. Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also produces hydrocarbons. Controlling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC react to form photochemical ‘‘smog.’’ Carbon monoxide does not contribute to smog creation, but it is a poisonous gas.


258


The Clean Air Act The United States Clean Air Act sets standards for automobile emissions. It also requires that automobile manufacturers explain to owners how their emissions controls work and what to do to maintain them. This section summarizes how the emissions controls work. Crankcase Emissions Control System Your vehicle has a positive crankcase ventilation system. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine's crankcase from going into the atmosphere. The positive crankcase ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake manifold. They are then drawn into the engine and burned.


Evaporative Emissions Control System As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emissions control canister filled with charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the engine is off. After the engine is started and warmed up, the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving. Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery The onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system captures the fuel vapors during refueling. The vapors are adsorbed in a canister filled with activated carbon. While driving, the fuel vapors are drawn into the engine and burned off.


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Exhaust Emissions Controls The exhaust emissions controls include three systems: PGM-FI, ignition timing control, and three way catalytic converter. These three systems work together to control the engine's combustion and minimize the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust emissions control systems are separate from the crankcase and evaporative emissions control systems.


PGM-FISystem The PGM-FI system uses sequential multiport fuel injection. It has three subsystems: air intake, engine control, and fuel control. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses various sensors to determine how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating conditions. IgnitionTimingControlSystem This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount of HC, CO, and NOx produced. ThreeWayCatalyticConverter The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Through chemical reactions, it converts HC, CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust to carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and water vapor.


Emissions Controls


Replacement Parts The emissions control systems are designed and certified to work together in reducing emissions to levels that comply with the Clean Air Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only new Honda replacement parts or their equivalent for repairs. Using lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your vehicle. The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate from the rest of your vehicle. Read your warranty manual for more information.


259


● Keep the engine well maintained. ● Have your vehicle diagnosed and


repaired if it is misfiring, backfiring, stalling, or otherwise not running properly.


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Three Way Catalytic Converter


The three way catalytic converter contains precious metals that serve as catalysts, promoting chemical reactions to convert the exhaust gasses without affecting the metals. The catalytic converter is referred to as a three-way catalyst, since it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an original Honda part or its equivalent. The three way catalytic converter must operate at a high temperature for the chemical reactions to take place. It can set on fire any combustible materials that come near it. Park your vehicle away from high grass, dry leaves, or other flammables.


260


THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER


A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air pollution, and can impair your engine's performance. Follow these guidelines to protect your vehicle's three way catalytic converter. ● Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three way catalytic converter ineffective.


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Testing of Readiness Codes If you take your vehicle for an emissions test shortly after the battery has been disconnected or gone dead, it may not pass the test. This is because of certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that must be set in the on- board diagnostics for the emissions systems. These codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set again only after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.


If the testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, you will be requested to return at a later date to complete the test. If you must get the vehicle retested within the next two or three days, you can condition the vehicle for retesting by doing the following. 1. Make sure the fuel tank is nearly,


but not completely full (around 3/4).


2. Make sure the vehicle has been parked with the engine off for 6
hours or more.


3. Make sure the ambient


temperature is between 40° and 95°F (4° and 35°C).


Emissions Testing


4. Without touching the accelerator pedal, start the engine, and let it idle for 20 seconds.


5. Keep the vehicle in Park. Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there until the temperature gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the scale (about 3 minutes).


6. Without touching the accelerator


pedal, let the engine idle for 20
seconds.


CONTINUED 261


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Emissions Testing


7. Select a nearby lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20
minutes. Drive on the highway in D. Do not use cruise control. When traffic allows, drive for 90
seconds without moving the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of traffic conditions, drive for at least 30
seconds, then repeat it two more times (for a total of 90 seconds).


8. Then drive in city/suburban traffic


for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.


9. Make sure the vehicle has been parked with the engine off for 30
minutes.


If the testing facility determines the readiness codes are still not set, see your dealer.


262


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Warranty and Customer Relations


Customer Service Information .... 264
Warranty Coverages ................... 265
Reporting Safety Defects............. 266
Authorized Manuals.................... 267


263


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Customer Service Information


Honda dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management. The service manager or general manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way. If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership's management, contact Honda Customer Service.


U.S. Owners: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Automobile Customer Service Mail Stop 500-2N-7A 1919 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90501-2746


Tel: (800) 999-1009


In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Bella International P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816


Tel: (787) 620-7546


When you call or write, please give us this information: ● Vehicle identification number (see


page 248)


● Name and address of the dealer


who services your vehicle


● Date of purchase ● Odometer reading of your vehicle ● Your name, address, and


telephone number


● A detailed description of the


problem


● Name of the dealer who sold the


vehicle to you


264


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Warranty Coverages


RustPerforationLimitedWarranty- all exterior body panels are covered for rust-through from the inside for the specified time period with no mileage limit. AccessoryLimitedWarranty- Honda accessories are covered under this warranty. Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty booklet for details. ReplacementPartsLimited Warranty- covers all Honda replacement parts against defects in materials and workmanship.


ReplacementBatteryLimited Warranty- provides prorated coverage for a replacement battery purchased from your dealer. ReplacementMufflerLifetime LimitedWarranty- provides coverage for as long as the purchaser of the muffler owns the vehicle. Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the 2011 Honda warranty information booklet that came with your vehicle for precise information on warranty coverages. Your vehicle's original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty information is in a separate booklet.


Your new vehicle is covered by these warranties: NewVehicleLimitedWarranty- covers your new vehicle, except for the emissions control systems and accessories, against defects in materials and workmanship. EmissionsControlSystemsDefects WarrantyandEmissions PerformanceWarranty- these two warranties cover your vehicle's emissions control systems. Time, mileage, and coverage are conditional. Please read your warranty booklet for exact information. SeatBeltLimitedWarranty- a seat belt that fails to function properly is covered by a limited warranty. Please read your warranty booklet for details.


265


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Reporting Safety Defects


If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.


If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.


To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.


266


Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals The publications shown below can be purchased from Helm Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:


● Call Helm Inc. at (800)782-4356 (credit card orders only)


● Go online at www. helminc. com


If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc. at (800) 782-4356.


Publication


Form Number


61SCV09
61SCV09EL


61SCV30
31SCV680
31SCVM60
31SCVQ80


HON-R


Form Description


2011 Honda Element Service Manual


2011 Honda Element


Electrical Troubleshooting Manual


2009 Honda Element Body Repair Manual


2011 Honda Element Owner's Manual


2011 Honda Element Honda Service History


2011 Honda Element Technology Reference Guide


Order Form for Previous Years- Indicate Year and Model Desired


Authorized Manuals


Service Manual: Covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is written for the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough for most mechanically inclined owners to understand. Electrical Troubleshooting Manual: Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in your vehicle. Body Repair Manual: Describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.


267


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


268


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


Accessories and


Modifications .......................... 149


ACCESSORY (Ignition Key


Position) ................................... 79
Accessory Power Sockets .......... 100
Additives, Engine Oil ................. 194
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 74
Advanced Airbags ........................ 26
Airbag (SRS) ............................ 9, 22
Air Conditioning System ............ 104
Air Pressure, Tires .............. 212, 213
Alcohol in Gasoline .................... 142
Antifreeze ................................... 196
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)


Indicator ............................ 59, 168
Operation ................................ 167
Anti-theft, Audio System ............. 132
Anti-theft Steering Column


Lock ......................................... 79
Audio System ............................. 109
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners ... 20
Automatic Speed Control ........... 137


Automatic Transmission ............ 161
Capacity, Fluid ........................ 251
Checking Fluid Level .............. 198
Shifting ................................... 161
Shift Lever Position


Indicators ............................ 161
Shift Lever Positions ............... 161
Shift Lock Release ................... 163
Auxiliary Input Jack ................... 136


Battery


Charging System


Indicator ........................ 58, 235
Jump Starting .......................... 231
Maintenance ........................... 218
Specifications .......................... 252
Before Driving ........................... 141
Belts, Seat ................................ 8, 18
Beverage Holders ........................ 99
Booster Seats ............................... 50
Brakes


Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ........... 167
Break-in, New Linings ............. 142


Bulb Replacement ................... 206
Fluid ....................................... 199
Parking .................................... 94
System Design ........................ 166
System Indicator ............... 58, 237
Wear Indicators ....................... 167
Braking System .......................... 166
Break-in, New Vehicle ................ 142
Brightness Control,


Instruments .............................. 72


Bulb Replacement


Back-up Lights ........................ 206
Brake Lights ........................... 206
Daytime Running Lights ......... 203
Front Parking/Turn Signal


Lights .................................. 204
Front Side Marker Lights ........ 206
Headlights .............................. 202
High-mount Brake Light ......... 208
Rear Bulbs .............................. 206
Rear License Plate Lights ........ 207
Side Turn Signal Lights ........... 204
Specifications .......................... 252
Taillights ................................. 206
Turn Signal Lights .......... 204, 206


CONTINUED


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


Bulbs, Halogen .......................... 202
Bungee Cords ............................ 155


Capacities Chart ......................... 251
Carbon Monoxide Hazard ............ 52
Cargo ......................................... 151
Cargo Area Light .......................... 96
Cargo Hooks .............................. 156
Cargo, How to Carry .................. 151
Carrying Cargo .......................... 151
CAUTION, Explanation of ............ iii CD Care ..................................... 127
Ceiling Light ................................ 96
Certification Label ...................... 248
Chains, Tires .............................. 217
Changing a Flat Tire .................. 223
Changing Oil


How to .................................... 194
When to .................................. 185


Charging System


Indicator ........................... 58, 235
Check Fuel Cap Message ............ 66
Checklist, Before Driving ........... 159


II


Child Safety .................................. 35
Booster Seats ........................... 50
Child Seats .................... 40, 41, 42
Important Safety Reminders ..... 39
Infants ...................................... 40
Larger Children ....................... 49
LATCH ..................................... 44
Risks with Airbags ................... 36
Small Children ......................... 41
Tethers .................................... 48
Warning Labels ........................ 37
Where Should a Child Sit? ........ 36
Child Seats ............................. 35, 42
LATCH Anchorage Points ........ 44
Tether Anchorage Points ......... 48
Cleaning the Seat Belts .............. 209
Clock .......................................... 133
Code, Audio System ................... 132
CO in the Exhaust ................ 52, 258
Cold Weather, Starting in ........... 160
Compact Spare Tire .................... 222
Controls, Instruments and ............ 55
Coolant


Adding .................................... 196
Checking ................................ 145
Proper Solution ....................... 196


Temperature Gauge ................. 67
Cooler Box ................................... 98
Crankcase Emissions Control


System ................................... 258
Cruise Control Indicator ............... 60
Cruise Control Operation ........... 137
Cruise Main Indicator .................. 60
Cup Holders ................................. 99
Customer Service ....................... 264


DANGER, Explanation of ............. iii Dashboard ............................... 3, 56
Daytime Running Lights .............. 72
Daytime Running Lights


Indicator ................................... 60
Dead Battery .............................. 231
Defects, Reporting Safety ........... 266
Defogger, Rear Window ............... 74
Dimensions ................................ 250
Dimming the Headlights .............. 71
Dipstick


Automatic Transmission ......... 198
Engine Oil ............................... 145


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


Directional Signals ................. 60, 71
Disc Brake Wear Indicators ....... 167
Disc Care ................................... 127
Disc Changer Error


Messages ............................... 126
Disc Player Error Messages ...... 125
Disposal of Used Oil ................... 195
Doors


Indicator ................................... 11
Locking and Unlocking ............ 80
Power Door Locks ................... 80


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.


Vehicles) ................................ 253
Driver and Passenger Safety .......... 5
Driving ....................................... 157
Economy ................................. 146
Driving Guidelines ..................... 158
Dust and Pollen Filter ................ 210


Economy, Fuel ........................... 146
Emergencies on the Road .......... 221
Battery, Jump Starting ............. 231
Brake System Indicator ..... 58, 237


Changing a Flat Tire ............... 223
Charging System


Indicator ........................ 58, 235
Checking the Fuses ................ 239
Driving with a Flat Tire ........... 223
Hazard Warning Flashers ........ 73
Jump Starting .......................... 231
Low Oil Pressure


Indicator ........................ 58, 235


Malfunction Indicator


Lamp ............................. 58, 236
Overheated Engine ................. 233
Towing .................................... 244
Emergency Brake ........................ 94
Emergency Flashers .................... 73
Emergency Towing .................... 244
Emissions Controls .................... 258
Emissions Testing ...................... 261
Engine


Adding Engine Coolant ........... 196
Coolant Temperature Gauge .... 67
If it Won't Start ........................ 229
Malfunction Indicator


Lamp ............................. 58, 236
Oil Life Indicator ..................... 185
Oil Pressure Indicator ....... 58, 235


Oil, What Kind to Use ............. 193
Overheating ............................ 233
Specifications .......................... 250
Speed Limiter .......................... 163
Starting ................................... 160
Engine Coolant .......................... 196
Engine Number ......................... 249
Ethanol in Gasoline .................... 142
Evaporative Emissions


Controls .................................. 258
Exhaust Fumes ............................ 52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat


Belts by .................................... 16


Fan, Interior ............................... 105
Features ..................................... 103
Filters


Dust and Pollen ....................... 210
Oil ........................................... 194
Flashers, Hazard Warning ........... 73
Flat Tire, Changing a ................. 223
Floor Mats ................................. 209


CONTINUED III


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


Fluids


Automatic Transmission ......... 198
Brake ...................................... 199
Location .................................. 192
Power Steering ........................ 200
Windshield Washer ................. 197
FM/AM Radio Reception ........... 130
Folding the Rear Seats ................. 88
Four-way Flashers ........................ 73
Front Airbags ........................... 9, 24
Front Seat


Adjusting .................................. 83
Fuel ............................................ 142
Check Fuel Cap Message ........ 66
Economy ................................. 146
Fill Door and Cap .................... 143
Gauge ...................................... 66
Low Fuel Indicator ................... 61
Octane Requirement ............... 142
Reserve Indicator ..................... 61
Tank, Filling the ...................... 143
Fuel Economy ............................ 146
Fuses, Checking the .................. 239


IV


Gas Mileage, Improving ............. 147
Gasoline ..................................... 142
Gauge ...................................... 66
Low Fuel Indicator ................... 61
Octane Requirement ............... 142
Tank, Refueling ....................... 143
Gas Station Procedures .............. 143
Gauges


Engine Coolant Temperature ... 67
Fuel .......................................... 66
Odometer ................................. 65
Outside Temperature


Indicator ............................... 68
Speedometer ............................ 64
Tachometer .............................. 64
Trip meter ................................ 66


Gearshift Lever Positions


Automatic


Transmission ....................... 161
Glove Box .................................. 100
Gross Axle Weight Rating


(GAWR) ................................. 174


Gross Vehicle Weight Rating


(GVWR) .......................... 153, 174


Halogen Headlight Bulbs ........... 202
Hatch ........................................... 81
Hazard Warning Flashers ............ 73
Headlights


Aiming .................................... 201
Daytime Running Lights .......... 72
High Beam Indicator ................ 61
High Beams, Turning on .......... 71
Lights On Indicator .................. 61
Low Beams, Turning on ........... 71
Reminder Chime ...................... 71
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ........ 202
Turning on ............................... 71
Head Restraints ............................ 85
Heating and Cooling .................. 104
High Altitude, Starting at ............ 160
Hood, Opening and Closing


the .......................................... 144
Horn ........................................ 4, 69


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Identification Number,


Vehicle ................................... 248


Ignition


Keys ......................................... 75
Switch ...................................... 79
Immobilizer System ..................... 76
Important Safety Precautions ......... 6
Indicators, Instrument Panel ........ 57
ABS (Anti-lock Brake) ....... 59, 168
Brake (Parking and Brake


System) ......................... 58, 237
Charging System .............. 58, 235
Cruise Control .......................... 60
Cruise Main ............................. 60
Door and Tailgate Open ........... 61
DRL (Daytime Running


Lights) .................................. 60
High Beam ............................... 61
Key (Immobilizer System) ....... 60
Lights On ................................. 61
Low Fuel .................................. 61
Low Oil Pressure .............. 58, 235
Low Tire Pressure ............. 62, 169


Maintenance MinderTM ..... 59, 185
Malfunction Indicator


Lamp ............................. 58, 236
Passenger Airbag Off ............... 32
Seat Belt Reminder ............. 18, 58
Side Airbag Off .................... 31, 59
SRS ..................................... 30, 59
TPMS ................................ 63, 170
Turn Signal and Hazard


Warning ............................... 60
VSA OFF .................................. 62
VSA System ............................. 62
Individual Map Lights .................. 95
Infant Restraint ............................ 40
Infant Seats .................................. 40
Tether Anchorage Points ......... 48
Inflation, Proper Tire .................. 212
Recommended Pressures ....... 213
Inside Mirror ............................... 93
Inspection, Tire .......................... 214
Installing a Child Seat .................. 43
Instrument Panel .......................... 57
Instrument Panel Brightness ....... 72
Instruments and Controls ............. 55
Interior Lights .............................. 95
Introduction ................................... i


Index


Jacking up the Vehicle ............... 223
Jack, Tire ................................... 223
Jump Starting ............................. 231


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


Label, Certification ..................... 248
Lane Change, Signaling ............... 71
Lap/Shoulder Belt ................. 14, 19
LATCH Anchorage System .......... 44
Light Control Switch .................... 95
Lights


Bulb Replacement ................... 202
Indicator ................................... 57
Interior ..................................... 95
Parking .................................... 71
Turn Signal .............................. 71
Load Limit .................................. 152


CONTINUED


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


LOCK (Ignition Key Position) ...... 79
Locks


Anti-theft Steering Column ....... 79
Fuel Fill Door .......................... 143
Glove Box ............................... 100
Hatch ....................................... 81
Lockout Prevention .................. 81
Power Door .............................. 80
Tailgate .................................... 82
Low Coolant Level ...................... 145
Lower Anchors ............................. 44
Low Fuel Indicator ....................... 61
Low Oil Pressure


Indicator ........................... 58, 235
Lubricant Specifications Chart ... 251
Luggage, Storing (cargo) ........... 151


Safety ...................................... 184


Oil


Malfunction Indicator


Lamp ................................ 58, 236
Meters, Gauges ............................ 64
Methanol in Gasoline ................. 142
Mirrors, Adjusting ........................ 93
Modifications ............................. 150
Modifying Your Vehicle ............. 150


Neutral Gear Position ................. 162
New Vehicle Break-in ................. 142
NOTICE, Explanation of ................ i Numbers, Identification ............. 248


Change, How to ...................... 194
Change, When to .................... 185
Checking Engine .................... 145
Life, Engine ............................. 185
Pressure Indicator ............. 58, 235
Selecting Proper Viscosity


Chart ................................... 193


Onboard Refueling Vapor


Recovery ................................ 258
ON (Ignition Key Position) .......... 79
Opening the Tailgate .................... 82
Outside Mirrors ........................... 93
Outside Temperature Indicator .... 68
Overhead Console ...................... 101
Overheating, Engine .................. 233
Owner's Maintenance Checks .... 190
Oxygenated Fuels ...................... 142


Maintenance .............................. 183
Main Items and Sub Items ...... 188
Minder .................................... 185
Minder Indicator ...................... 59
Owner's Maintenance


Checks ................................ 190


VI


Octane Requirement,


Gasoline ................................. 142
Odometer ..................................... 65
Off-Highway Driving


Guidelines .............................. 180
Off-Road Precautions .................. 180


Panel Brightness Control ............. 72
Park Gear Position ..................... 161
Parking ...................................... 165
Parking Brake .............................. 94


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


Parking Brake and Brake System


Indicator ........................... 58, 237


Parking Over Things that


Burn ................................ 165, 260
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .... 32
PGM-FI System .......................... 259
Playing a Disc ............................ 119
Pollen Filter ............................... 210
Power Door Locks ....................... 80
Power Socket Locations ............. 100
Power Steering Fluid ................. 200
Power Windows ........................... 92
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts ........ 16
Preparing to Drive ...................... 159
Proper Seat Belt Usage ................ 14
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 ................. 233
Radio/CD Sound System ........... 109
Radio Theft Protection ............... 132
Readiness Codes ........................ 261
Rear Lights, Bulb


Replacement ........................... 206
Rear Seat, Folding ........................ 88
Rearview Mirror ........................... 93
Rear Window Defogger ................ 74
Rear Window Wiper and


Washer ..................................... 70
Reclining the Front Seats ............. 87
Refueling .................................... 143
Reminder Indicators ..................... 58
Remote Audio Controls .............. 135
Remote Transmitter ..................... 77
Replacement Information


Dust and Pollen Filter ............. 210
Engine Oil and Filter ............... 194
Fuses ...................................... 239
Light Bulbs ............................. 202
Spark Plugs ............................. 250
Tires ....................................... 215


Wiper Blades .......................... 210


Replacing Seat Belts After a


Crash ........................................ 20
Reporting Safety Defects ............ 266
Reserve Tank, Engine


Coolant ............................ 145, 196
Restraint, Child ............................ 35
Reverse Gear Position ................ 162
Rotation, Tire ............................. 215


Safety Belts .............................. 8, 18
Safety Defects, Reporting ........... 266
Safety Features .............................. 7
Airbags ................................. 9, 22
Door Locks .............................. 11
Head Restraints ........................ 13
Seat Belts ........................ 8, 14, 18
Seats & Seat-Backs .............. 11, 12
Safety Labels, Location of ............. 53
Safety Messages .......................... iii Seat Adjustments ......................... 83


CONTINUED VII


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


Seat Belts ................................. 8, 18
Additional Information ............. 18
Advice for Pregnant Women .... 16
Automatic Seat Belt


Tensioners ........................... 20
Cleaning .................................. 209
Lap/Shoulder Belt .............. 14, 19
Maintenance ............................ 20
Reminder Indicator and


Beeper ............................. 18, 58
System Components ................ 18
Use During Pregnancy ............. 16
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder


Belt .................................. 14, 19
Seats ............................................ 83
Head Restraints ........................ 85
Seats, Adjusting the ..................... 83
Sensors


Driver's Seat Position Sensor ... 26
Front Passenger's Weight


Sensors ................................ 26
Impact Sensors ........................ 22
Serial Number ............................ 248
Service Intervals ......................... 185
Service Manual .......................... 267
Service Station Procedures ........ 143


Setting the Clock ........................ 133
Shifting the Automatic


Transmission .......................... 161
Shift Lever Position Indicators ... 161
Shift Lock Release ...................... 163
Side Airbags ................................. 28


How the Side Airbag Off


Indicator Works ................... 31
How Your Side Airbags Work .. 28
Side Curtain Airbags .................... 29


How Your Side Curtain Airbags


Work .................................... 29


Side Marker Lights, Bulb


Replacement in ....................... 206
Signaling Turns ............................ 60
Snow Tires ................................. 217
Sound System ............................ 109
Spare Tire .................................. 222
Inflating ........................... 212, 222
Specifications .......................... 252
Spark Plugs ................................ 250
Specifications ............................. 250
Speed Control ............................ 137
Speed Limiter ............................. 163
Speedometer ................................ 64


SRS, Additional Information ......... 22
Additional Safety Precautions ... 33
Airbag Service .......................... 33
Airbag System Components ..... 22
How the Side Airbag Off


Indicator Works ................... 31
How the SRS Indicator Works .. 30
How Your Front Airbags


Work .................................... 24
How Your Side Airbags Work .. 28
How Your Side Curtain Airbags


Work .................................... 29
SRS Indicator ......................... 30, 59
START (Ignition Key Position) ..... 79
Starting the Engine .................... 160


In Cold Weather at High


Altitude ................................ 160
With a Dead Battery ................ 231
State Emissions Testing ............. 261
Steam Coming from Engine ....... 233
Steering Wheel


Adjustment ............................... 74
Anti-theft Column Lock ............ 79
Buttons ........................... 135, 137
Stereo Sound System .......... 109, 110
Storing Your Vehicle .................. 219


VIII


10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu


Index


Sun Visor ................................... 100
Supplemental Restraint


System .............................. 9, 22
Servicing .................................. 33
SRS Indicator ...................... 30, 59
System Components ................ 22
Synthetic Oil .............................. 194


Tachometer .................................. 64
Tailgate ........................................ 82
Open Indicator ......................... 61
Opening the ............................. 82
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in ..... 206
Taking Care of the


Unexpected ............................ 221


Technical Descriptions


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.


Vehicles) ............................. 253
Emissions Control Systems ..... 258
Three Way Catalytic


Converter ............................ 260
Tire Labeling ........................... 255


Tire Pressure Monitoring System


(TPMS) - Required Federal


Explanation ...................... 256
Temperature Gauge ..................... 67
Tensioners, Seat Belts .................. 20
Tether Anchorage Points ............. 48
Theft Protection, Radio .............. 132
Three Way Catalytic


Converter ............................... 260
Tilt the Steering Wheel ................ 74
Time, Setting the ........................ 133
Tire Chains ................................ 217
Tire, How to Change a Flat ........ 223
Tire Information ......................... 255
Tire Labeling .............................. 255
Tire Pressure Monitoring System


(TPMS) ........................... 169, 256
Tires .......................................... 212
Air Pressure ............................ 213
Chains ..................................... 217
Checking Wear ....................... 214
Compact Spare ........................ 222
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.


Vehicles) ............................. 253
Inflation ................................... 212
Inspection ............................... 214


Labeling .................................. 255
Low Tire Pressure


Indicator ........................ 62, 169
Maintenance ........................... 215
Pressure Monitoring System ... 169
Replacing ................................ 215
Rotating .................................. 215
Snow ....................................... 217
Specifications .......................... 252

Loading...
x