towing HONDA ELEMENT 2008 1.G User Guide

Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
If the automatic transmission shif ts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D . When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shif t down to second
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
bottom
3
Towing a Trailer
Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills Backing Up
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
178
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .222
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .223
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .229
................................
Jump Starting .231
..............
If the Engine Overheats .233
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .235
..........
Charging System Indicator .235
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .236
...............
Brake System Indicator .237
..............................................
Fuses .238
..............................
Fuse Locations .241
......................
Emergency Towing .243
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
221
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If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area to stop
that is far away from the traffic lanes.Open the hatch and the tailgate.
The spare tire, jack, and tools are
under the cargo area f loor.
Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic)
or reverse (manual). Apply the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
the trailer.
Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
223
TOOLS
SPARE TIRE
JACK
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
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Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page . Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem (see on page ).
62
158 238
243
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
230
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Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator. Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark. 9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
11.
10.
243
243
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
234
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeon page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully. If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
f luid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
f eels normal. If it does, check the
brake f luid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. 243
200
Emergency
Towing
Brake System
Indicator (Red)
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
237
Canada
U.S.
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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, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required.
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
243
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.
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Î
CONT INUED
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .167
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .195
.
Door and Tailgate Open Monitor .63
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking .80
......................
Power Door Locks .80
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .251
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission .159
..
Drive Gear Positions, D and D .162
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .7
...........................................
Driving .155
....................................
Economy .144
........................
Driving Guidelines .156
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .210
..............................
Economy, Fuel .144
............
Emergencies on the Road .221
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .231
...........
Brake System Indicator .237
................
Changing a Flat Tire .223
.....
Charging System Indicator .235
..................
Checking the Fuses .238
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .73 .....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .235
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .236
..................
Overheated Engine .233
...........................
Emergency Brake .93
......................
Emergency Flashers .73
......................
Emergency Towing .243
.......................
Emissions Controls .256
........................
Emissions Testing .259
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .68
......
Engine Speed Limiter .160,163
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .60,236
.........................
Oil Lif e Display .185
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .60,235
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .193
...............................
Overheating .233
............................
Specif ications .248
.......................................
Starting .158
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .256
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .54
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .18 ...................................
Fan, Interior .103
.........................................
Features .101
.................
First (1) Gear Position .163
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .141
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .210
...............................................
Oil .194
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .223
.....................................
Floor Mats .209
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .198
..........................................
Brake .200
.........................................
Clutch .201
................................
Differential .200
..............
Manual Transmission .199
..........................
Power Steering .201
..................
Windshield Washer .197
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .111
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .87
..........................
Four-way Flashers .73
3
Index
E F
INDEX
III
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ÎÎ
CONT INUED
...................
Stereo Sound System .107
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .219
Supplemental Restraint
................................
System .11,24
......................................
Servicing .35
.........................
SRS Indicator .33,61
...................
System Components .24
..................................
Synthetic Oil .194
Tailgate
............................................
Locks .82
..............................
Open Monitor .63
..........
Taillights, Changing Bulbs .207
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected .221
Technical Descriptions
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .251
.....
Emissions Control Systems .256
....................
Emissions Testing .259
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .258
.....................
Tensioners, Seat Belt .22
.......................
Temperature Gauge .68
..............
Tether Anchorage Points .50 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
..................................
(TPMS) .169
.......................................
Indicator .65
................
Thef t Protection, Radio .131
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter .258
..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel .74
..........................
Time, Setting the .132
....................................
Tire Chains .217
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .223
...........................
Tire Inf ormation .251
.................................
Tire Labeling .253
...............................................
Tires .212
..............................
Air Pressure .213
........................................
Chains .217
.........................
Checking Wear .214
..........................
Compact Spare .222
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .251
......................................
Inf lation .212
..................................
Inspection .214
.....
Low Pressure Indicator .64,169
..............................
Maintenance .215
...................................
Replacing .215
......................................
Rotating .215
...........................................
Snow .216
............................
Specif ications .250
...................
VSA and Tire Sizes .172 ...................
Tools, Tire Changing .223
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .173
................................
Emergency .243
...
Equipment And Accessories .175
.............................
Weight Limit .173
.....
Trailer, Driving Saf ely With a .177
.............................
Trailer Loading .174
...........................
Traction Devices .216
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .198
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .199
..................
Fluid Selection .198,199
..............
Identif ication Number .247
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .161
..................
Shif ting the Manual .159
......................
Transmitter, Remote .77
...................................
Treadwear .251
.......................................
Trip Meter .66
....................................
Turn Signals .71
Index
T
VIII
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ÎÎÎ
ÎÎ.......................................
XM Radio .113
Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .221
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading .251
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .140
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of .195
..................................
Vanity Mirror .99
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load .150
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .248
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number .246
.............................
Vehicle Storage .219
.....................................
Ventilation .104
.................................................
VIN .246
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .193
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
........................................
System .171
.............................
VSA Of f Switch .172
VSA System and Activation
.....................................
Indicators .64 ............
WARNING, Explanation of .iii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of .55
..................
Warranty Coverages .263
Washers, Windshield
........
Checking the Fluid Level .197
.....................................
Operation .70
...........................................
Wheels .212
...............
Adjusting the Steering .74
............
Alignment and Balance .215
..............................
Replacement .215
............................
Specif ications .216
...............................
Nut Wrench .224
Windows ..................
Operating the Power .91
..............................................
Rear .93
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .73
Windshield .......................................
Cleaning .70
...................................
Def roster .105
.....................................
Washers .197
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .210
.....................................
Operation .70
....................................
Worn Tires .214 .....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing .243
:U.S.only
: Canada only
Index
INDEX
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V W
X
IX
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