engine HONDA ELEMENT 2011 1.G Manual PDF

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. 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
SystemYour 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.
Emissions Controls25810/08/06 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-FI SystemThe 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.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe 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 (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor. 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.
Emissions Controls
259
Technical Information
10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

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.
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.
●Keep the engine well maintained.●Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring,
backfiring, stalling, or otherwise
not running properly.
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Three Way Catalytic Converter26010/08/06 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). 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
Emissions Testing
261
Technical Information
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7. Select a nearby lightly traveledmajor 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.Emissions Testing26210/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Purchasing Factory Authorized ManualsThe 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 Form Description
61SCV09 2011 Honda Element Service Manual
61SCV09EL 2011 Honda Element
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61SCV30 2009 Honda Element Body Repair Manual
31SCV680 2011 Honda Element Owner's Manual
31SCVM60 2011 Honda Element Honda Service History 31SCVQ80 2011 Honda Element Technology Reference Guide HON-R Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
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.
Authorized Manuals
267
Warranty and Customer Relations

A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
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
B
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
Index
I
INDEX
10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Bulbs, Halogen
..........................
202
Bungee Cords
............................
155
C
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 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
D
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
IndexII10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

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

FluidsAutomatic 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 G
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
H
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
IndexIV10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu