lock HONDA ELEMENT 2009 1.G Repair Manual

Brake Pad Wear Indicators
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the wheels from
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the front-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal.Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred to as
‘‘stomp and steer. ’’You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before the
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
CONTINUED
Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
225
Driving
2009 Element

ABS Indicator
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page297.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down. Test your brakes as instructed on
page297.If the brakes feel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
along with the ABS indicator.
Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
It only helps with steering
control during braking. ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly,
such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)226
2009 Element

Check Out Your Vehicle
Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
for any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
carefully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsafe.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
Remember
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.Accelerating and Braking
For better traction on all surfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the shift
lever in second (2) gear will help you
have a smoother start on snow or ice.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surfaces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not
‘‘pump ’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them for you. Avoiding Obstacles
Debris on the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.
Driving on Slopes
If you can't clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope before you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can safely drive on the slope, don't
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and find
that you cannot continue,
do not try to
turn around.
Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
following the same route you took up
the hill.
CONTINUED
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
239
Driving
2009 Element

3. Remove the oil filter and let theremaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil filter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it before installing a
new oil filter. 4. Install a new oil filter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean off any dirt and
dust on the connecting surface of a
new oil filter.
5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.5 kgf·m)
6. Refill the engine with the recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.4 US qt (4.2 L)
7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.
8. Let the engine run for several minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks. 9. Turn off the engine and let it sit for
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
OIL FILTER
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
253
Maintenance
2009 Element

1. Make sure the engine and radiatorare cool.
2. Relieve any pressure in the cooling system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. 4. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pour the coolant slowly and
carefully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
5. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Windshield Washers
Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.On U.S. models:
Check the reservoir's
fluid level by removing the cap and
looking at the level gauge attached to
the cap.
RADIATOR CAP
LEVEL GAUGE
CONTINUED
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
255
Maintenance
2009 Element

Power Steering FluidCheck the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The fluid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering fluid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.
Turning the steering wheel to full left or
right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Cleaning the Body Panels
If equipped with body panelsTo clean the gray composite body
panels, wash them with soap and
water only. Do not apply wax to the
panels; it will cause discoloration.
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Power Steering Fluid, Cleaning the Body Panels260
2009 Element

2. Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
3. Remove the rubber weather seal by pulling on the tab.
4. Unclip the end of the hold-down wire from its slot. Pivot the wire
out of the way, then remove the
bulb. 5. Install the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.
6. Install the rubber seal over the back of the headlight assembly.
Make sure one of the three arrows
on the rubber seal is facing up; it is
marked ‘‘
’’.
7. Push the electrical connector onto the new bulb. Make sure it is
connected securely. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb.
8. (Driver's side) Install the front end of the air
intake duct. Replacing a Daytime Running
Light Bulb
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
3. Remove the bulb by turning it one- quarter turn counterclockwise.
TAB
Lights262
2009 Element

4. Insert the new bulb into the hole,and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
5. Push the electrical connector back onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
6. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. Replacing a Front Parking/Turn
Signal Light Bulb
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
3. Remove the bulb from the socket by pushing the bulb in and turning
it counterclockwise until it
unlocks. 4. Install the new bulb in the socket
by pushing the bulb in and turning
it clockwise until it locks.
5. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
CONTINUED
Lights
263
Maintenance
2009 Element

Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb1. If you are changing the bulb on thedriver's side, start the engine, turn
the steering wheel all the way to
the left, and turn off the engine. If
you are changing the bulb on the
passenger's side, turn the steering
wheel to the right.
2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the three holding screws,
and remove the wheel arch
protector from the inner fender.
3. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the holding clip from the
inner fender.
4. Pull the inner fender cover away from the fender.
5. Remove the socket from the turnsignal assembly by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise.
6. Pull the burned out bulb straight out of its socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
7. Insert the socket back into the turn signal assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
8. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
WHEEL ARCH PROTECTOR
SCREWS
CLIP
Lights264
2009 Element

9. Put the inner fender cover in place.Install the holding clip.
Lock the clip in place by pushing
on the center.
Install the wheel arch protector
and tighten the screws securely. Replacing a Front Side Marker
Light Bulb
1. Open the hood.
To change the driver's side,
remove the front end of the air
intake duct by pulling it out (see
page261).
2. Remove the socket from the light assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise. 3. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
4. Reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
5. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
6. Install the front end of the air intake duct.
CONTINUED
Lights
265
Maintenance
2009 Element