check engine HONDA ELEMENT 2010 1.G Owners Manual

A
Accessories andModifications .......................... 205
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position) ................................... 79
Accessory Power Sockets ..........100
Additives, Engine Oil .................252
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ......74
Advanced Airbags ........................27
Airbag (SRS) ............................ 9, 22
Air Conditioning System ............104
Air Pressure, Tires ..............271, 272
Alcohol in Gasoline ....................198
Antifreeze ................................... 254
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator Light ..................59, 225
Operation ................................ 225
Anti-theft, Audio System .............188
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock ......................................... 79
Audio System ............................. 109
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners ...20
Automatic Speed Control ...........193Automatic Transmission
............
219
Capacity, Fluid ........................309
Checking Fluid Level ..............256
Shifting ................................... 219
Shift Lever Position Indicators ............................ 219
Shift Lever Positions ...............219
Shift Lock Release ...................221
Automatic Transmission Fluid ...256
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................192
B
Battery Charging System Indicator ........................ 58, 295
Jump Starting .......................... 291
Maintenance ........................... 277
Specifications .......................... 310
Before Driving ........................... 197
Belts, Seat ................................ 8, 18
Beverage Holders ........................99
Booster Seats ............................... 50
Brakes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...........225 Break-in, New Linings
.............198
Bulb Replacement ...................266
Fluid ....................................... 258
Parking .................................... 94
System Design ........................224
System Indicator ...............58, 297
Wear Indicators .......................225
Braking System .......................... 224
Break-in, New Vehicle ................198
Brightness Control, Instruments .............................. 72
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX

Cup Holders................................. 99
Customer Service .......................322
D
DANGER, Explanation of .............iii
Dashboard ............................... 3, 56
Daytime Running Lights ..............72
Daytime Running Lights
Indicator ................................... 60
Dead Battery .............................. 291
Defects, Reporting Safety (U.S. only) ....................................... 324
Defogger, Rear Window ...............74
Dimensions ................................ 308
Dimming the Headlights ..............71
Dipstick Automatic Transmission .........256
Engine Oil ............................... 201
Directional Signals .................60, 71
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .......225
Disc Care ................................... 183
Disc Changer Error
Messages ............................... 126Disc Player Error
Messages ........................ 125, 148
Disposal of Used Oil ...................253
Doors
Indicator ................................... 11
Locking and Unlocking ............80
Power Door Locks ...................80
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ................................ 311
Downshifting, Manual Transmission .......................... 217
Driver and Passenger Safety ..........5
Driving ....................................... 213
Economy ................................. 202
Driving Guidelines .....................214
Dust and Pollen Filter ................269
E
Economy, Fuel ........................... 202
Emergencies on the Road ..........281
Battery, Jump Starting .............291
Brake System Indicator .....58, 297
Changing a Flat Tire ...............283Charging System
Indicator ........................ 58, 295
Checking the Fuses ................298
Driving with a Flat Tire ...........282
Hazard Warning Flashers ........73
Jump Starting .......................... 291
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator ........................ 58, 295
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............................. 58, 296
Overheated Engine .................293
Towing .................................... 303
Emergency Brake ........................94
Emergency Flashers ....................73
Emergency Towing ....................303
Emissions Controls ....................316
Emissions Testing ......................319
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX

EngineAdding Engine Coolant ...........254
Coolant Temperature Gauge ....67
If it Won't Start ........................289
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............................. 58, 296
Oil Life Indicator .....................243
Oil Pressure Indicator .......58, 295
Oil, What Kind to Use .............251
Overheating ............................ 293
Specifications .......................... 308
Speed Limiter ..................218, 221
Starting ................................... 216
Engine Coolant .......................... 254
Engine Number .........................307
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................198
Evaporative Emissions Controls .................................. 316
Exhaust Fumes ............................ 52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by .................................... 16
F
Fan, Interior ............................... 105Features
..................................... 103
Filters
Dust and Pollen .......................269
Oil ........................................... 252
Flashers, Hazard Warning ...........73
Flat Tire, Changing a .................283
Floor Mats ................................. 268
Fluids Automatic Transmission .........256
Brake ...................................... 258
Clutch ..................................... 258
Location .................................. 250
Manual Transmission ..............257
Power Steering ........................260
Rear Differential ......................258
Windshield Washer .................255
FM/AM Radio Reception ...........186
Folding the Rear Seats .................88
Four-way Flashers ........................73
Front Airbags ........................... 9, 25
Front Seat
Adjusting .................................. 83
Fuel ............................................ 198
Check Fuel Cap Message ........66
Economy ................................. 202
Fill Door and Cap ....................199Gauge
...................................... 66
Low Fuel Indicator ...................61
Octane Requirement ...............198
Reserve Indicator .....................61
Tank, Filling the ......................199
Fuel Economy ............................ 202
Fuses, Checking the ..................298
G
Gas Mileage, Improving .............203
Gasoline ..................................... 198
Gauge ...................................... 66
Low Fuel Indicator ...................61
Octane Requirement ...............198
Tank, Refueling .......................199
Gas Station Procedures ..............199
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature ...67
Fuel .......................................... 66
Odometer ................................. 65
Outside Temperature Indicator ............................... 68
Speedometer ............................ 64
Tachometer .............................. 64
Index
IV

Modifications............................. 206
Modifying Your Vehicle .............206
N
Neutral Gear Position .................220
New Vehicle Break-in .................198
Normal Shift Speeds ..................218
NOTICE, Explanation of ................i
Numbers, Identification .............306
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline ................................. 198
Odometer ..................................... 65
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines .............................. 238
Off-Road Precautions ..................238
Oil Change, How to ......................252
Change, When to ....................243
Checking Engine ....................201
Life, Engine ............................. 243
Pressure Indicator .............58, 295 Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart ................................... 251
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery ................................ 316
ON (Ignition Key Position) ..........79
Outside Mirrors ........................... 93
Outside Temperature Indicator ....68
Overhead Console ......................101
Overheating, Engine ..................293
Owner's Maintenance Checks ....248
Oxygenated Fuels ......................198
PPanel Brightness Control .............72
Park Gear Position .....................219
Parking ...................................... 223
Parking Brake .............................. 94
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator ........................... 58, 297
Parking Over Things that
Burn ................................ 223, 318
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator ....32
PGM-FI System .......................... 317
Playing a Disc .....................119, 140Playing an iPod
®.........................
162
Playing a PC card .......................149
Playing a USB Flash Memory Device .................................... 173
Playing the FM/AM Radio ............................... 110, 127
Playing the XM
®Radio ........113, 132
Pollen Filter ............................... 269
Power Door Locks .......................80
Power Socket Locations .............100
Power Steering Fluid .................260
Power Windows ........................... 92
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts ........16
Preparing to Drive ......................215
Proper Seat Belt Usage ................14
Protecting Adults and Teens ........11
Additional Safety Precautions ...16
Advice for Pregnant Women ....16
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX

Your Vehicle at a Glance(main controls).................................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) ........................................................................... 5
Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column) ....................................................55
Features (heating and cooling, audio, steering wheel, cruise control, and other convenience items) ......................103
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading) ....................................................................................... 197
Driving (engine and transmission operation) ........................................................................................................... 213
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage) ...........................................................241
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, jump starting, overheating, and fuses) ...................................................281
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ........................................................305
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information)........................321
Index .............................................................................................................................................................................. I
INDEX
Service Information Summary(fluid capacities and tire pressures) ............................................................... last page
Contents
1

Contents
A convenient reference to the
sections in this manual.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
A quick reference to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important information about the
proper use and care of your vehicle's
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable information on how to
protect children with child restraints.
Instruments and Controls
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and
gauge, and how to use the controls
on the dashboard and steeringcolumn. Features
How to operate the heating and air
conditioning system, the audio
system, and other conveniencefeatures.Before Driving
What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo. Driving
The proper way to start the engine,
shift the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you're
planning to tow a trailer. Maintenance
The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance
service. There is also a list of things
to check and instructions on how to
check them.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience, and
details how to handle them.
Technical Information
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual for detailedinformation. Index
Service Information Summary
A summary of the information you
need when you pull up to the fuelpump.
Overview of Contents
2

Never place the shoulder portion of alap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back.
This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
If a seat belt does not seem to work
properly, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash.
No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt.
Using a seat
belt that is not working properly can
result in serious injury or death.
Have your dealer check the belt as
soon as possible.
See page 18 for additional
information about your seat belts and
how to take care of them. 6. Maintain a Proper Sitting
Position
After all occupants have adjusted
their seats and head restraints, and
put on their seat belts, it is very
important that they continue to sit
upright, well back in their seats, with
their feet on the floor, until the
vehicle is safely parked and the
engine is off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches, lies
down, turns sideways, sits forward,
leans forward or sideways, or puts
one or both feet up, the chance of
injury during a crash is greatlyincreased. In addition, an occupant who is out of
position in the front seat can be
seriously or fatally injured in a crash
by striking interior parts of the
vehicle or being struck by an
inflating front airbag.Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on thefloor.
Protecting Adults and Teens
15
Driver and Passenger Safety
Table of Contents

How the SRS Indicator Works
The SRS indicator alerts
you to a potential problem
with your airbags or seat belt tensioners.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, this indicator
comes on briefly then goes off. This
tells you the system is working properly. If the indicator comes on at any other
time, or does not come on at all, you
should have the system checked by
your dealer. For example:
● If the SRS indicator does not come
on after you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position.
● If the indicator stays on after the
engine starts.
● If the indicator comes on or flashes
on and off while you drive.
If you see any of these indications,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when you
need them.Ignoring the SRS indicator can
result in serious injury or death
if the airbag systems or
tensioners do not workproperly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS indicator alerts you to
a possible problem.
Additional Information About Your Airbags
31
Driver and Passenger Safety
Table of Contents

The instrument panel has many
indicators that give you important
information about your vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
For more information, see page 296.
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator flashes or stays on
when the engine is running. For
more information, see page 295.
Charging System Indicator
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more
information, see page 295. U.S. Canada
Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator(Red)
This indicator has two functions:
1. It comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. A beeper
sounds if you drive with the
parking brake not fully released.
Driving with the parking brake not
fully released can damage the
brakes and tires.
2. If it remains on after you have fully released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the brake
system. For more information, see
page 297.
Seat Belt Reminder Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. It reminds you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
fastened your seat belt.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position before fastening
your seat belt, the beeper sounds
and the indicator flashes. If you do
not fasten your seat belt before the
beeper stops, the indicator stops
flashing but remains on.
If your front passenger does not
fasten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds after the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.
Instrument Panel Indicators
58
Table of Contents

Immobilizer System Indicator
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It will
then go off if you have inserted a
properly coded ignition key. If it is
not a properly coded key, the
indicator will blink, and the engine
will not start (see page 76).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch from the ON (II) position to
the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position.Turn Signal and
Hazard WarningIndicators
The left or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the indicators do not blink
or they blink rapidly, it usually
means one of the turn signal bulbs is
burned out (see page 263). Replace
the bulb as soon as possible, since
other drivers cannot see that you aresignaling.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signal indicators
and all turn signals on the outside of
the vehicle flash.Daytime Running Lights Indicator
If this indicator comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position and the parking brake is
released, it means there is a problem
with a circuit. Have your vehicle
checked by your dealer.
Cruise Control Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page 193
for information on operating the
cruise control.
Cruise Main Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button on the
steering wheel (see page 193).
Instrument Panel Indicators
60
Table of Contents