HONDA ELEMENT 2004 1.G Owners Manual

If you take your vehicle f or a state
emissions test shortly af ter 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 f or 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 f acility 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 re-tested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle for re-testing
by doing the f ollowing.Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, f ull (around
3/4). Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine of f f or 8
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 20° and
95°F.
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine, and let it
idle f or 20 seconds.
Keep the vehicle in Park
(automatic transmission) or
Neutral (manual transmission).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000
rpm and hold it there until the
temperature gauge rises to at least
1/4of thescale(approximately3
minutes).
Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80to97km/h)foratleast20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D (A/T) or 5th (M/T). Do not use
thecruisecontrol.
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 f or a
continuous 90 seconds because of
traf f ic conditions, drive f or at least
30 seconds, then repeat it two
more times (for a total of 90
seconds).
Then drive in city/suburban
traffic for at least 10 minutes.
When traffic conditions allow, let
the vehicle coast f or several
seconds without using the
accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
If the testing f acility determines the
readiness codes are still not set, see
your Honda dealer.
T esting of Readiness Codes
St at e Emissions T est ing
T echnical Inf ormation212
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Customer Service................................
Inf ormation . 214
....................
Warranty Coverages . 215
Reporting Saf ety Def ects
..........................
(U.S. Vehicles) . 216
.....................
Authorized Manuals . 217
Warranty and Customer Relations
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions213
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Honda dealership personnel are
trained prof essionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisf action, please discuss it with
the dealership’s management. The
Service Manager or General
Manager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way.
U.S. Owners:Canadian Owners:
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands:
When you call or write, please give
us this inf ormation:
If you are dissatisf ied with the
decision made by the dealership’s
management, contact your Honda
Customer Service Office. Vehicle Identif ication Number
(see page )
Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle
Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you
202
Cust omer Service Inf ormat ion
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions214
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTÈLE
Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909 Toronto (416) 287-4776
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, California 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 999-1009 Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 250-4318
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Your new Honda is covered by these
warranties:
this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery. provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom a Honda dealer.
covers your new vehicle, except f or
the battery, emissions control
systems and accessories, against
def ects in materials and
workmanship.
these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s emis-
sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact
inf ormation. a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
coveredfortheusefullifeof the
vehicle.
all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
genuine Honda Accessories are
covered under this warranty. Time
and mileage limits depend on the
type of accessory and other f actors.
Please read your warranty manual
f or details.
covers all genuine
Honda replacement parts against
def ects in materials and
workmanship. provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the
vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2004 Honda Warranty Inf ormation
booklet that came with your vehicle
f or precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your Honda’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty inf or-
mation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2004 Warranty
Manual that came with your vehicle.
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Original Equipment Bat t ery L imit edWarranty Replacement Bat t ery L imit ed
Warranty
New Vehicle L imit ed Warrant y
Emissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect sWarrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance Warranty Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant y
Accessory Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarranty Replacement Muf f ler L if et ime
Limited Warranty
Warranty Coverages
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions215
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If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investigation,
and if it f inds that a saf ety def ect
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.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
def ect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inf orm the
National Highway Traf f ic Saf ety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Saf ety Hotline toll-f ree
at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington,
D.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other inf ormation about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions
Reporting Saf ety Def ects (U.S. Vehicles)
216
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T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order in any of three ways:
Detach and mail the order f orm on the right half of this page
Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.
CONT INUED
(credit card orders only)
Valid only f or sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should
contact their authorized Honda dealer.Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals
Authorized Manuals
217
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
OR
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holder Orders Only)
MINIMUM CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00
Price
Each
$70.00 $50.00$44.00$34.00$10.00
FREE
Publication
Form Number 61SCV02
61SCV02EL 61SCV30
31SCV610
31SCVQ10 HON-R Form Description
2003-04 Honda Element Service Manual
2003-04 Honda Element
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2003-04 Honda Element
Body Repair Manual
2004 Honda Element Owner’s Manual2004 Element
Quick Start Guide
Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
PUBLICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODEL
Name Year Qty
Price
Each Total
Price
GRAND TOTAL
HANDLING CHARGE
Mich. Purchases
Add 6% Sales Tax
TOTAL MATERIAL
$6.95Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring
obligation. Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M. EST
By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can
pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to
Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.
Prices are subject to change without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Orders are mailed within 10 days. Please
allow adequate time for delivery.
www. helminc. com
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%."#)
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
218 NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
Customer Name Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
Master
Card VISA Check here if your billing address is different
from the shipping address shown above.
Account Number Expiration: Mo. Yr.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE DATE
Street Address No P.O. Box Number
()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
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CONT INUED
BatteryCharging System ...........................
Indicator . 54, 192
............................
Jump Starting . 188
..............................
Maintenance . 177
............................
Specif ications . 205
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 109
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,19
...........................
Beverage Holders . 87
...................................
Body Panels . 165
..................................
Booster Seats . 45
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 133
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 110
....................
Bulb Replacement . 166 ...........................................
Fluid . 164
.........................................
Parking . 83
.................
System Indicator . 54, 194
........................
Wear Indicators . 133
.............................
Braking System . 132
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 110
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 63
........................
Brights, Headlights . 62
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights . 169
..............................
Brake Lights . 169
................
Front Parking Lights . 167
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 168
.................................
Headlights . 166
............................
Specif ications . 205
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 167
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 166
............................
Capacities Chart . 204
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 48
..............................................
Cargo . 117
........................
Cargo, . 117
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 115
................................
Accessories . 115
............................
Modif ications . 116
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) . 69
..............
Accessory Power Sockets . 87
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 157
.............................
Airbag (SRS) . 10, 22
................
Air Conditioning System . 91
............................................
Usage . 91
.........................
Air Outlets (Vents) . 92
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 172
.........................
Normal Driving . 173
......................................
Antif reeze . 160
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 55, 134
...................................
Operation . 133
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 104
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 69
......................
Armrests, Front Seat . 74
..................................
Audio System . 94
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 107 ..............
Automatic Transmission . 127
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 204
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 162
.......................................
Shif ting . 127
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 127
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 127
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 130
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack . 106
how to carry
Index
A
B C
I
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CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care . 101
...................................
CD Changer . 100
.......................
CD Error Message . 102
.......
CD Changer Error Message . 103
.......................................
CD Player . 100
.................................
Ceiling Pocket . 86
........................
Certif ication Label . 202
...................................
Chains, . 176
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 181
.................................
Changing Oil . 158
........................................
How to . 158
......................................
When to . 149
...
Charging System Indicator . 54, 192
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 123
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 29
...................................
Child Seats . 37
.......
Important Saf ety Reminder . 29
..........................................
Inf ants . 34
............................
Large Children . 44
.........................................
LATCH . 37
...........................
Lower Anchors . 39
......................
Risks with Airbags . 30
.............................
Small Children . 36
.........................................
Tethers . 39
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 43 ............
Where Should Child Sit? . 30
............
Cleaning the Body Panels . 165
..............................................
Clock . 105
.........................
Clock, Setting the . 105
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 164
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 211
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 124
..............................
Compact Spare . 180
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 214
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 160
....................................
Checking . 113
.........................
Proper Solution . 160
...................
Temperature Gauge . 59
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System . 209
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 56
............
Cruise Control Operation . 107
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 214
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 2, 52 Daytime Running Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 56
.................................
Dead Battery . 188
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 216
..........................
Def og and Def rost . 91
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 63
................
Def rosting the Windows . 93
....................................
Dimensions . 204
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 62
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 162
..................................
Engine Oil . 113
..........................
Directional Signals . 62
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 133
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 159
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 70
......................
Power Door Locks . 70
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 206
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual
.............................
Transmission . 125
...........................................
Driving . 121
....................................
Economy . 114
........................
Driving Guidelines . 122
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 170
tires
Index
D
II
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CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 114
..................................
Emergencies . 179
............................
Jump Starting . 188
...........
Brake System Indicator . 194
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 181
.....
Charging System Indicator . 192
..................
Checking the Fuses . 196
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 63
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 192
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 193
..................
Overheated Engine . 190
.......................................
Towing . 195
...........................
Emergency Brake . 83
......................
Emergency Flashers . 63
.......................
Emissions Controls . 209
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 212 Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 59
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 126, 129
.............................. 186
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp . 54, 193
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 54, 192
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 157 ...............................
Overheating . 190
............................
Specif ications . 204
.......................................
Starting . 124
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 110
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 209
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 48
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 17
.....................................
Fan, Interior . 90
Features, Comfort and
................................
Convenience . 89
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 111
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen . 170
...............................................
Oil . 158
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 163
................................
Shif ting the . 125
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 63
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 181
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 162
..........................................
Brake . 164 .........................................
Clutch . 164
..............
Manual Transmission . 163
..........................
Power Steering . 165
..................
Windshield Washer . 161
FM Stereo Radio .....................................
Reception . 97
...........................
Folding Rear Seat . 77
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 63
Front Seat
......................................
Adjusting . 11
.........................................
Airbags . 22
.................................................
Fuel . 110
......................
Fill Door and Cap . 111
...........................................
Gauge . 58
................
Octane Requirement . 110
........................
Reserve Indicator . 56
........................
Tank, Filling the . 111
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 196
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 114
..........................................
Gasohol . 110
If it won’t start
Index
E
F
G
III
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