Honda 2005 Element - Owner's Manual Manuel d'utilisateur

2005 Element Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed

−You’ll find many safetyrecommendations throughout thissection, and throughout this manual.Therecommendationsonthispageare the ones we consider to be

The radio can receive the completeAM and FM bands.Those bands cover these frequen-cies:AM band: 530 to 1,710 kilohertzFM band: 87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio signals, especially on the FMband, are deflected by large objectssuch as buildings and hills. Yourradio then receives both the directsignal from

Your vehicle is capable of receivingXMSatellite Radio anywhere in theUnited States, except Hawaii andAlaska.XMis a registered trade mark ofXM Satellit

−−Press and release thisbutton to change the display. Thedisplay will change in the followingsequence: channel name, channelnumber, category, artist n

−−−The scan function samplesall channels for 5 seconds. Toactivate the function, push the SCANbutton. Push it again to get out of thesequence.Use the

Satellite radio receives signals fromtwo satellites to produce clear, high-quality digital reception. It offersmany channels in several categories.Alo

Depending on where you drive, youmay experience reception problems.Interference can be caused by any ofthese conditions:Drivingonaneast/westroadwitha

If you decide to purchase XMSatellite Radio service, contact XMRadio at , or at1-800-852-9696. You will need to givethem your radio I.D. number andyou

Playing a Disc106PWR/VOLKNOBCD BUTTONREPEAT INDICATOREJECT BUTTONCD SLOTSEEK/SKIP BARSKIP BUTTONSEJECT BUTTONCD SLOTPWR/VOL KNOBRANDOM INDICATORRANDOM

Playing a DiscFeatures107CD BUTTONSKIP BUTTONSEJECT BUTTONCD SLOTPWR/VOL KNOBRANDOM INDICATORFOLDER INDICATORDISC INDICATORREPEATBUTTONSCANBUTTONDISPL

Your vehicle is equipped with manyfeatures that work together toprotect you and your passengersduring a crash.Some features do not require anyaction o

To load or play discs, the ignitionswitch must be in the ACCESSORY(I) or ON (II) position.The disc player can also play CD-RsWMA files, and CD-RWscomp

− Each time youpress and release the , theplayer skips forward to thebeginning of the next track (files inMP3/WMA mode). Press andrelease the to skip

−−−−−To continuously replaya track (files in MP3/WMA mode),press and release the RPT button.You will see RPT in the display.Press the RPT button again

−−Pressing either side of the SEEK/SKIP button also turns off the scanfeature.If you turn the system off while adisc is playing, either with the PWR/V

−＋−＋If you select an empty slot in themagazine, the changer will searchfor the next available disc to load andplay.The auxiliary input jack is on thed

Never try to insert foreign objects inthe CD player or the magazine.When a disc is not being played,store it in its case to protect it fromdust and ot

IndicationIf you see an error message in thedisplay while playing a disc, find thecause in the chart to the right. If youcannot clear the error messag

IndicationIf you see an error message in thedisplay while playing a disc, find thecause in the chart to the right. If youcannot clear the error messag

Your vehicle’s audio system willdisable itself if it is disconnectedfrom electrical power for any reason.To make it work again, you mustenter a specif

If your vehicle’s battery isdisconnected or goes dead, you willneed to set the clock.You can use the R button to quicklyset the time to the nearest ho

Your vehicle is equipped with seatbelts in all seating positions.Your seat belt system also includesan indicator on the instrument panelto remind you

You can quickly set the time to thenearest hour. If the displayed time isbefore the half hour, press the R(RESET) button to set the clockback to the p

Accelerate to the desired cruisingspeedabove25mph(40km/h).Press and release the SET/DECELbuttononthesteeringwheel. The indicator on theinstrument pane

You can increase the set cruisingspeed in any of these ways:Press and hold the RES/ACCELbutton. When you reach thedesired cruising speed, release theb

Before you begin driving yourvehicle, you should know whatgasoline to use and how to check thelevels of important fluids. You alsoneed to know how to

Help assure your vehicle’s futurereliability and performance by payingextra attention to how you driveduring the first 600 miles (1,000 km).During thi

Some gasoline today is blended withoxygenates such as ethanol orMTBE. Your vehicle is designed tooperate on oxygenated gasolinecontaining up to 10 per

If the fuel nozzle keeps clicking offeven though the tank is not full,there may be a problem with yourvehicle’s fuel vapor recoverysystem. The system

Pull the support rod out of its clipand insert the end into the hole inthe hood.If the hood latch handle movesstiffly, or if you can open the hoodwith

Wait a few minutes after turning theengine off before you check the oil.Remove the dipstick (orange tab).Wipe the dipstick with a cleancloth or paper

Always maintain your vehicleaccording to the maintenanceschedule. See(see page).The build-up of snow or mud onyour vehicle’s underside addsweight and

The most important things you needto know about your airbags are:Your vehicle also has side airbags tohelp protect the upper torso of thedriver or a f

When properly installed, cellularphones, alarms, two-way radios, andlow-powered audio systems shouldnot interfere with your vehicle’scomputer controll

Some examples are:Larger or smaller wheels and tirescan interfere with the operation ofyour vehicle’s anti-lock brakes andother systems.If you plan to

Your vehicle has several convenientstorage areas:Cargo area side pocketsDoor pocketsGlove boxCeiling pocket (EX model)Seat-back pocket (EX model)Cargo

−×Steps for determining correct loadlimit:Determine the combined weightof the driver and passengers thatwill be riding in your vehicle.The maximum loa

In addition, the total weight of thevehicle, all passengers, accessories,cargo, and trailer tongue load mustnot exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating

The driver’s seat-back and left rearseat-back are equipped withadjustable bungee cords to holdmedium-sized, lightweight objects.If the cords are not i

134Main Menu

This section gives you tips onstarting the engine under variousconditions, and how to operate themanual and automatic transmissions.It also includes i

Because your vehicle rides higheroff the ground, it has a high centerof gravity that can cause it to rollover if you make abrupt turns. Utilityvehicle

Check the seat adjustment (seepage ).Check the adjustment of theinside and outside mirrors (seepage ).Check the steering wheeladjustment (see page ).M

−The rest of this section gives moredetailed information about how youcan maximize your safety.After everyone has entered thevehicle, be sure the door

Apply the parking brake.In cold weather, turn off allelectrical accessories to reducethe drain on the battery.Push the clutch pedal down all theway.Ma

When slowing down, you can getextra braking from the engine byshifting to a lower gear. This extrabraking can help you maintain a safespeed and preven

Normal acceleration15 mph (24 km/h)25 mph (40 km/h)40 mph (64 km/h)48 mph (77 km/h)Shift up1st to 2nd2nd to 3rd3rd to 4th4th to 5thIf you exceed the m

−These indicators on the instrumentpanel show which position the shiftlever is in.To shift from any position, pressfirmly on the brake pedal, push the

−− −To avoid transmission damage, cometo a complete stop before shiftinginto Park. The shift lever must be inPark before you can remove the keyfrom th

−−This position locksthe transmission in second gear. Itdoes not downshift to first gearwhen you come to a stop.This position locks thetransmission in

Do this if pushing on the brake pedaland pulling the shift lever does notshift the transmission out of Park:Set the parking brake.Make sure the igniti

Always use the parking brake whenyou park your vehicle. Make surethe parking brake is set firmly oryour vehicle may roll if it is parkedon an incline.

Constant application of the brakeswhen going down a long hill buildsup heat and reduces their effective-ness. Use the engine to assist thebrakes by ta

If the brake pads need replacing, youwill hear a distinctive, metallicscreeching sound when you applythe brake pedal. If you do not havethe brake pads

The National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration and TransportCanada recommend that driversallow at least 10 inches (25 cm)between the center of the

Test your brakes as instructed onpage . If the brakes feel normal,drive slowly and have your vehiclerepaired by your dealer as soon aspossible. Avoid

Your vehicle has been designed toprimarily carry passengers and theircargo. You can also use it to tow atrailer if you carefully observe theload limit

To achieve a proper tongue load,start by loading 60 percent of theload toward the front of the trailerand 40 percent toward the rear, thenre-adjust th

Towing can require a variety ofequipment, depending on the size ofyour trailer, how it will be used, howmuch load you are towing, andwhere you tow.Dis

Trailer lights and equipment mustcomply with federal, state, and localregulations. Check with your localrecreational vehicle dealer for therequirement

When preparing to tow, and beforedriving away, be sure to check thefollowing:The vehicle has been properlyserviced, and the tires, brakes,suspension,

Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwiderthan normal. The trailer tracks asmaller arc than your vehicle, and itcanhitorrunoversomethingthevehicle misses. Allow more

Your vehicle can be towed behind amotorhome at legal highway speedsup to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do notexceed 65 mph (100 km/h) or severetransmission damag

If you tow a vehicle with anautomatic transmission, thetransmission fluid must be changedevery two years or 30,000 miles(48,000 km), whichever comes f

To avoid loss of control or rollover,be sure to follow all precautions andrecommendations.Be sure to store cargo properlyand do not exceed your vehicl

Adjust the driver’s seat-back to acomfortable, upright position,leaving ample space between yourchest and the airbag cover in thecenter of the steerin

Before you leave the pavement, besure to do all scheduled maintenanceand service and that you inspect yourvehicle. Pay special attention to theconditi

Avoid driving through deep water. Ifyou encounter water in your route (asmall stream or large puddle, forexample), evaluate it carefully beforegoing a

160Main Menu

This section explains why it isimportant to keep your vehicle wellmaintained and how to follow basicmaintenance safety precautions.This section also i

To eliminate potential hazards, readthe instructions before you begin,and make sure you have the toolsand skills required.To clean parts, use a commer

−−Avoid exceeding your vehicle’sload limit. This puts excess stresson the engine, brakes, and manyother vehicle parts. The load limitis shown on the t

−−−−−−＃We recommend the use of Hondaparts and fluids whenever you havemaintenance done.U.S. Vehicles:Youshouldcheckthefollowingitems at the specified

＊＃＃＃＊Follow the normal maintenanceschedule if the severe drivingconditions specified in the severeconditions maintenance schedule onthe next page do n

−＊＊＃＃＃＊＊Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) pertrip or, in freezing temperatures,driving less than 10 miles (16 km)per trip.Driving in extremely hot [ove

(for Normal and Severe Schedules)Maintenance RecordMaintenance1675,000 mi10,000 mi15,000 mi20,000 mi25,000 mi30,000 mi35,000 mi40,000 mi45,000 mi50,00

Adjust the driver’s head restraint sothe back of your head rests againstthe center of the restraint.Have passengers with adjustablehead restraints adj

(for Normal and Severe Schedules)Maintenance Record16885,000 mi90,000 mi95,000 mi100,000 mi105,000 mi110,000 mi115,000 mi120,000 mi125,000 mi130,000 m

Fluid LocationsMaintenance169BRAKE FLUID(Gray cap)AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONFLUID DIPSTICK(Yellow loop)RADIATOR CAPENGINECOOLANTRESERVOIRWASHER FLUID(Blue

Unscrew and remove the engine oilfill cap on top of the valve cover.Pour in the oil slowly and carefully soyou do not spill. Clean up any spillsimmedi

Your vehicle does not require any oiladditives. Additives may adverselyaffect your engine’s or transmission’sperformance and durability.Always change

Remove the oil filter and let theremaining oil drain. A specialwrench (available from yourdealer) is required.Install a new oil filter according tothe

If the coolant level in the reservetank is at or below the MIN line, addcoolant to bring it up to between theMIN and MAX lines. Inspect thecooling sys

When the radiator and engine arecool, relieve any pressure in thecooling system by turning theradiator cap counterclockwise,without pressing down.Remo

Check the fluid level with the engineat normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.Shut off the engine.Remove the dipstick (yellow

If Honda MTF is not available, youmay use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40viscosity motor oil with the APICertification seal that says ‘‘FORGASOLINE ENGINES’’

Check the brake fluid level in thereservoirs monthly.Always use Honda Heavy DutyBrake Fluid DOT 3. If it is notavailable, you should use only DOT 3or

Position the lap part of the belt aslow as possible across your hips,then pull up on the shoulder part ofthe belt so the lap part fits snugly.This let

Always use Honda Power SteeringFluid. You may use another powersteering fluid as an emergencyreplacement, but have the powersteering system flushed an

Theheadlightswereproperlyaimedwhen your vehicle was new. If youregularly carry heavy items in thecargo area or pull a trailer,readjustment may be requ

Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by pulling theconnector straight back.Remove the rubber weather sealby pulling on the tab.Unclip the end

Pull the bulb straight out of itssocket. Push the new bulb straightinto the socket until it bottoms.Insert the socket back into theheadlight assembly.

Put the socket back into the lightassembly, and turn it clockwise tolock it in place.Turn on the lights to make surethe new bulb is working.Put the li

Reinstall the socket into the lightassembly by turning it clockwiseuntil it locks.Place a cloth and insert a smallflat-tipped screwdriver betweenthe l

Open the hatch. Remove the lightassembly cover by pushing in onthe tabs on both sides and pullingthe cover down.Remove the socket from the lightassemb

If your seat belts get dirty, use a softbrush with a mixture of mild soapand warm water to clean them. Donot use bleach, dye, or cleaningsolvents. Let

Disconnect the blade assemblyfromthewiperarmbypushinginthe lock tab. Hold the lock tab inwhile you push the blade assemblytoward the base of the arm.I

Slide the new wiper blade into theholder until the tabs lock.Slide the wiper blade assemblyonto the wiper arm. Make sure itlocks in place.Lower the wi

If a seat belt does not seem to workproperly, it may not protect theoccupant in a crash.This could causevery serious injuries in a crash.After all occ

Youshouldgetyourowntirepressure gauge and use it wheneveryou check your tire pressures. Thiswill make it easier for you to tell if apressure loss is d

Every time you check inflation, youshould also examine the tires fordamage, foreign objects, and wear.Youshouldlookfor:Bumps or bulges in the tread or

To help increase tire life anddistribute wear more evenly, rotatethe tires every 10,000 miles (16,000km). Move the tires to the positionsshowninthecha

＋Wheels: Tires marked ‘‘M S’’ or ‘‘AllSeason’’ on the sidewall have an all-weather tread design suitable formost winter driving conditions.For the bes

When installing cables, follow themanufacturer’s instructions, andmount them as tight as you can.Make sure they are not contactingthe brake lines or s

−Check the condition of the batterymonthlybylookingatthetestindicator window. The label on thebattery explains the test indicator’scolors.Check the te

Fill the fuel tank.Change the engine oil and filter.Wash and dry the exteriorcompletely.Cleantheinterior.Makesurethecarpeting, floor mats, etc., areco

This section covers the morecommon problems that motoristsexperience with their vehicles. Itgives you information about how tosafely evaluate the prob

Check the inflation pressure of thecompact spare tire every time youcheck the other tires. It should beinflated to:Follow these precautions:Never exce

If you have a flat tire while driving,stop in a safe place to change it.Drive slowly along the shoulder untilyou get to an exit or an area to stopthat

This owner’s manual covers allmodels of the Element. You may finddescriptions of equipment andfeatures that are not on yourparticular model.The inform

If you are pregnant, the best way toprotect yourself and your unbornchild when driving or riding in avehicle is to always wear a seat belt,and keep th

Push the rear edge of the handleto raise the handle loop and pull upthe loop to raise the cargo areafloor.Unscrew the wing bolt, and takethe spare tir

Locate the jacking point nearestthetireyouneedtochange.Itispointed to by an arrow molded intothe underside of the body. Placethe jack under the jackin

Before mounting the spare tire,wipeanydirtoffthemountingsurface of the wheel and hub witha clean cloth. Wipe the hubcarefully;itmaybehotfromdriving.Pu

Store the jack in its holder. Turnthe jack’s end bracket to lock it inplace. Store the tools.Remove the center cap from theflat tire, and store it in

Remove the small round plug fromthe cargo area floor by pushing itfromthebacksidetomakeahole.Storetheremovedpluginaplaceyou can easily remember.Reinst

Diagnosing why the engine won’tstart falls into two areas, dependingon what you hear when you turn thekey to START (III):You hear nothing, or almostno

Are you using a properly codedkey? An improperly coded key willcause the immobilizer systemindicator in the instrument panelto blink rapidly (see page

＋＋Although this seems like a simpleprocedure, you should take severalprecautions.You cannot start your vehicle with anautomatic transmission by pushin

−If the booster battery is in anothervehicle, have an assistant startthat vehicle and run it at a fast idle.The numbers in the illustration showyou th

If you do not see steam or spray,leave the engine running, andwatch the temperature gauge. Ifthe high heat is due to overloading,the engine should sta

If a side airbaginflates,acupholderorotherhardobject attached on or near thedoor could be propelled inside thevehicle and hurt someone.If yourhands or

Look for any obvious coolant leaks,such as a split radiator hose.Everything is still extremely hot,so use caution. If you find a leak, itmust be repai

Let the vehicle sit for a minute.Open the hood, and check the oillevel (see page ). An enginevery low on oil can lose pressureduring cornering and oth

If you have recently refueled yourvehicle, the indicator coming oncould be due to a loose or missingfuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until itclicks at l

However, if the brake pedal does notfeel normal, you should takeimmediate action. A problem in onepart of the system’s dual circuitdesign will still g

Turn the ignition switch to LOCK(0). Make sure the headlights andall other accessories are off.Remove the cover from the fusebox.If something electric

Check the smaller fuses in theunder-hood fuse box and all thefuses in the interior fuse box bypulling out each one with the fusepuller provided in the

If the replacement fuse of thesame rating blows in a short time,there is probably a seriouselectrical problem in your vehicle.Leave the blown fuse in

−−−−−＊＊＊＊＊No. Amps. Circuits ProtectedNo. Amps. Circuits ProtectedCONTINUED1234515 A15 A10 A10 AIgnition CoilRear Accessory PowerSocketDaytime running

−−−No. Circuits ProtectedAmps.1234567891011121314151617181920Condenser FanSmall LightInterior LightCooling Fan MotorHazardIGPHorn, StopNot UsedBack Up

The operator will loadyour vehicle on the back of a truck.Any other method of towing willdamage the drive system. When youcontact the towing agency, i

The seat belt systemincludes an indicator on theinstrument panel and a beeper toremind you to fasten your seat belt.To fasten the belt, insert the lat

218Main Menu

Thediagramsinthissectiongiveyou the dimensions and capacities ofyour vehicle, and the locations of theidentification numbers. It alsoincludes informat

Your vehicle has several identifyingnumbers located in various places.The vehicle identification number(VIN) is the 17-digit number yourdealer uses to

The transmission number is on alabel on top of the transmission.The engine number is stamped intothe engine block.Identification NumbersTechnical Info

＊＊＊＊＊Specifications222DimensionsWeightsEngineCapacities169.3 in (4,300 mm)71.5 in (1,815 mm)70.4 in (1,788 mm)101.4 in (2,575 mm)62.1 in (1,577 mm)62.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−SpecificationsTechnical Information223Air ConditioningLightsBatteryFusesAlignmentTiresHFC-134a (R-134a)16.9 18.7 oz (480 530 g)SP-1012

−Quality grades can be found whereapplicable on the tire sidewallbetween the tread shoulder and themaximum section width. Forexample:All passenger car

−The temperature grades are A (thehighest), B, and C, representing thetire’s resistance to the generation ofheat and its ability to dissipate heatwhen

−−−−−−−−−−−−−The tires that came on your vehiclehave a number of markings. Thoseyou should be aware of are describedbelow.Whenever tires are replaced,

＊＊The burning of gasoline in yourvehicle’s engine produces several by-products. Some of these are carbonmonoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen(NOx), and hy

CONTINUEDFor added protection, the front seatbelts are equipped with automaticseat belt tensioners. When activated,the tensioners immediately tightent

The PGM-FI system uses sequentialmultiport fuel injection. It has threesubsystems: air intake, enginecontrol, and fuel control. Thepowertrain control

The three way catalytic convertercontains precious metals that serveas catalysts, promoting chemicalreactions to convert the exhaustgasses without aff

Make sure the ambienttemperature is between 20° and95°F.Without touching the acceleratorpedal, start the engine, and let itidle for 20 seconds.If you

Then drive in city/suburbantraffic for at least 10 minutes.When traffic conditions allow, letthe vehicle coast for severalseconds without using theacc

232Main Menu

...Customer Service Information . 234...Warranty Coverages . 235Reporting Safety Defects...(U.S. Vehicles) .

Honda dealership personnel aretrained professionals. They shouldbe able to answer all your questions.If you encounter a problem that yourdealership do

−−−−−−−−−Your new vehicle is covered by thesewarranties:covers your new vehicle, except forthe battery, emissions controlsystems, and accessories, aga

If NHTSA receives similar com-plaints, it may open an investigation,and if it finds that a safety defectexists in a group of vehicles, it mayorder a r

−−−−＊＊＊＊２００５ＨＯＮValid only for sales within the United States. Canadianowners should contact their authorized Honda dealer.The publications shown below

If a seat belt is worn during a crash,it must be replaced by the dealer. Abelt that has been worn during acrash may not provide the same levelof prote

−−−ＳＨＩＰＴＯＰＡＹＭＥＮＴThis manual covers maintenance and recommendedprocedures for repair to engine and chassis components.It is written for the journeyman

CONTINUED...Accessories . 128ACCESSORY (Ignition Key...Position) . 69...

＊＊＊＊...Capacities Chart . 222...Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 47...Carring Cargo . 130...

CONTINUED...Economy, Fuel . 127...Emergencies on the Road . 195...Battery, Jump Starting . 205...

＊＊...Gas Station Procedures . 124Gauges...Engine Coolant Temperature . 59...Fuel . 58Gearshif

CONTINUED...Glove Box . 87...Power Door . 70...Tai

＊＊...Radiator Overheating . 207...Radio/CD Sound System . 94...Readiness Codes . 230...

＊CONTINUED...Snow Tires . 191...Sound System . 94...

＊＊＊＊...Tools, Tire Changing . 197Towing...A Trailer . 149...Behind a Motorhome . 155...

Service Information SummaryGasoline:Fuel Tank Capacity:Recommended Engine Oil:Automatic Transmission Fluid:Brake Fluid:Tire Pressure (measured cold):S

Your airbag system includes:Automatic seat belt tensioners(see page ).In models with side airbags, onefor the driver and one for a frontpassenger. The

After inflating, the front airbagsimmediately deflate, so they won’tinterfere with the driver’s visibility,or the ability to steer or operateother con

Your front airbags are also dual-threshold airbags. Airbags with thisfeature have two deploymentthresholds that depend on whetheror not the occupant i

Only one airbag will deploy during aside impact. If the impact is on thepassenger’s side, the passenger’sside airbag will deploy even if thereis no pa

If the indicator comes on at anyother time, or does not come on at all,you should have the system checkedby your dealer. For example:If the SRS indica

Congratulations! Your selection of a 2005 Honda Element was a wiseinvestment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.California Proposition 65 War

Your airbag systems are virtuallymaintenance free, and there are noparts you can safely service.However, you must have yourvehicle serviced if:This in

Together, airbags andseat belts provide the bestprotection.Tampering could causethe airbags to deploy, possiblycausing very serious injury.Improperly

−−−If you have children, or ever need todrive with a child in your vehicle, besure to read this section. It beginswith important general guidelines,th

−Front airbags have been designed tohelp protect adults in a moderate tosevere frontal collision. To do thisthe passenger’s front airbag is quitelarge

−To remind you of the passenger’sfront airbag hazards, and thatchildren must be properly restrainedin a back seat, your vehicle haswarninglabelsonthed

−Many parents say they prefer to putan infant or small child in the frontpassenger seat so they can watch thechild, or because the child requiresatten

−During a crash, thebelt could press deep into the childand cause serious or fatal injuries.If they do, theycould be very seriously injured in acrash.

CONTINUEDAn infant must be properlyrestrained in a rear-facing, recliningchild seat until the child reaches theseat maker’s weight or height limitfor

A child who is at least one year old,and who fits within the child seatmaker’s weight and height limits,should be restrained in a forward-facing, upri

Since LATCH-compatible child seatsare easier to install and reduce thepossibility of improper installation,we recommend selecting this style.We also r

−−−−−−Your safety, and the safety of others,is very important. And operating thisvehicle safely is an importantresponsibility.To help you make informe

After selecting a proper child seat,and a good place to install the seat,there are three main steps ininstalling the seat:All child seats must besecur

CONTINUEDMake sure there are no objectsnear the anchors that couldprevent a secure connectionbetween the child seat and theanchors.To install a LATCH-

Whatever type you have, followthe child seat maker’s instructionsfor adjusting or tightening the fit.Remove the head restraint (seepage ). Make sure t

CONTINUEDWith the child seat in the desiredseating position, route the beltthrough the child seat accordingto the seat maker’s instructions,then inser

Push and pull the child seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is secure enough tostay upright during normal drivingmaneuvers. If the chil

A child seat with a tether can beinstalled in either seating position inthe back seat, using one of theanchorage points shown above.After securing the

Does the shoulder belt crossbetween the child’s neck and arm?Is the lap part of the belt as low aspossible, touching the child’sthighs?Will the child

A child who has outgrown a forward-facing child seat should ride in aback seat and use a booster seatuntil the lap/shoulder belt fits themproperly wit

If you decide that a child can safelyride up front, be sure to:Carefully read the owner’s manual,and make sure you understand allseat belt instruction

Your vehicle’s exhaust containscarbon monoxide gas. You shouldhave no problem with carbonmonoxide entering the vehicle innormal driving if you maintai

Your Element has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higherground clearance has many advantages for of

These labels are in the locationsshown. They warn you of potentialhazards that could cause seriousinjury. Read these labels carefully. Ifa label comes

On models without side airbagsOn models with side airbagsOn models with side airbagsSafety LabelsDriver and Passenger Saf ety49HOODRADIATOR CAPMain Me

50Main Menu

This section gives information aboutthe controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation ofyour vehicle. All the essentialcontrols are with

Control Locations52POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH AUDIO SYSTEMA/T model is shown.HOOD RELEASEHANDLEPOWER WINDOWSWITCHESHEATING/COOLINGCONTROLS(P.70)(P.81)(P.8

＊＊The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.Instrument PanelInstruments and Controls53IMMOBILIZERS

The instrument panel has manyindicators that give you importantinformation about your vehicle.See page .If this indicator comes on when theengine is r

This indicator also blinks severaltimes when you turn the ignitionswitch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY(I) or LOCK (0).This indicator normally comes on for

This indicator comes on when youturn the ignition switch to ON (II)with the headlight switch off and theparking brake set. It should go off ifyouturno

−Canadian models onlyThis indicator reminds you that it istime to take your vehicle in forscheduled maintenance.This indicator comes on if any dooris

Your Vehicle at a Glance4POWER DOORLOCK SWITCHMIRROR CONTROLSGAUGESPOWER WINDOWSWITCHESA/T model is shown.HOOD RELEASEHANDLEINSTRUMENT PANELHEATING/CO

This shows the number of miles (U.S.)or kilometers (Canada) driven sinceyou last reset it.There are two trip meters: Trip Aand Trip B. Switch between

If your fuel cap is loose or missing, a‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ messageappears as text in the odometer/tripmeter display after you start theengine. Turn the

＊＊To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.:Controls Near the Steering Wheel60HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALSREAR WINDOWDEFOGGERSHIFT LEVER

−−−−−−−−−Push the right lever up or down toselect a position.The wipers are not activated.The wipers run at low speed.The wipers run at high speed.Rot

−−−Push down on theleft lever to signal a left turn and upto signal a right turn. To signal a lanechange, push lightly on the lever andhold it. The le

Push the button next to the shiftlevertoturnonthehazardwarninglights (four-way flashers). Thiscauses all four outside turn signalsand both turn indica

Make sure the rear window is clearand you have good visibility beforestarting to drive.Thedefoggerwiresontheinsideofthe rear window can be accidentall

The master key fits all the locks onyour vehicle. The valet key worksonly in the ignition and the doorlocks. You can keep the glove boxand hatch locke

If the system repeatedly does notrecognize the coding of your key,contact your dealer.Do not attempt to alter this systemor add other devices to it. E

−−−Press this button once tolock both doors and hatch. Someexterior lights will flash. When youpush LOCK twice within 5 seconds,you will hear a beep t

＊＊To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.:Your Vehicle at a GlanceYour Vehicle at a Glance5HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALSREAR WINDOWDEFO

＋◎▽If it takes several pushes on thebutton to lock or unlock the doorsand the hatch, replace the battery assoon as possible.Battery type: CR2025To rep

−−−−The ignition switch has fourpositions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY(I), ON (II), and START (III).You can insert orremove the key only in this position.To t

To lock the driver’s door, remove thekey from the ignition switch, pull theoutside door handle and push thelock tab down or push the door lockswitch d

To lock or unlock the hatch.Lock the hatch by pushing downthe lock tab on the driver’s door(see page ), or by using themaster key in the driver’s door

Youcanopenthetailgateonlywhenthe hatch is open. To open thetailgate, slide the lock lever to theleft and swing down the tailgate. Toclose the tailgate

−See pages for important safetyinformation and warnings about how toproperly position seats and seat-backs.12 14To change the seat-back angle of thefr

To adjust the height of the driver’sseat, turn the dial on the outside ofthe seat bottom.To change the angle of the rear seat-back, pull the strap at

See page for important safetyinformation and a warning about how toproperly position the head restraints.15The rear seat passengers can get outthrough

You can recline the seat-backs on thefront seats so they are level with therear seat cushions, making a largecushioned area. To do this:Adjust the fro

To create more cargo space, you canfold up each rear seat to each sidewall separately.Lower the head restraint to itslowest position.Pull the seat-bac

6Main Menu

A fastening strap is attached to theinside of the seat cushion. Whilepushing the seat up and towardthesidewall,hookthefasteningstraptothegrabrail.Fold

Both seats can be removed to givemore cargo capacity. To remove aseat:Pull the release strap on the seatsupport to unlock the seat support.Remove the

Reverse this procedure to reinstallthe seat. Make sure the seat issecurely locked.Always remove an unsecured seatfrom the vehicle before driving. Asea

−−If the MAIN switch is OFF, thepassenger’s window cannot be raisedor lowered. Keep the MAIN switchoffwhenyouhavechildreninthevehicle so they do not i

Keeptheinsideandoutsidemirrorsclean and adjusted for best visibility.Be sure to adjust the mirrors beforeyou start driving.The inside mirror has day a

To open a rear window, pull the levertowards you, then push it out until itlocks. To close the rear window pullthe lever towards you, then push itback

Turn off the engine, and set theparkingbrake.Thenpulldownthelever, squeeze both sides of the pivotwhile pushing up the red tab in thelever, and pull t

With the rear seats in their uprightposition, store the skylight, facedown in its bag in the cargo area.Secure the bag with four hooks onthe cargo are

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊Interior Convenience Items86CARGO AREA COIN TRAYCARGO AREASIDE POCKETDOOR POCKETSVANITY MIRRORRADIO POCKETACCESSORYPOWERSOCKETGLOVE BOXCENTER L

These sockets are intended to supplypower for 12 volt DC accessoriesthat are rated 120 watts or less (10amps).Open the glove box by pulling thebottom

−This section gives you importantinformation about how to protectyourself and your passengers. Itshows you how to use seat belts. Itexplains how your

The ceiling light has a three-positionswitch: ON, Door Activated, andOFF.In the Door Activated (center)position, the light comes on whenyou:Open any d

The standard audio system hasmany features. This section de-scribes those features and how touse them. (If you selected anoptional audio system, refer

Vents, Heating, and A/C90FAN CONTROL DIALTEMPERATURECONTROL DIALMODE CONTROL DIALRECIRCULATION BUTTONAIR CONDITIONING(A/C) BUTTONREAR WINDOW DEFOGGERB

The outside air intakes for theheating and cooling system are atthe base of the windshield. Keep thisarea clear of leaves and other debris.Thesystemsh

Air flows from the defrostervents at the base of the windshield. The heater uses engine coolant towarm the air. If the engine is cold, itwill be sever

＊＊＊＊Air conditioning, as it cools, removesmoisture from the air. When used incombination with the heater, itmakes the interior warm and dry.This setti

Playing the AM/FM Radio94AM/FM BUTTON STEREO INDICATORSCAN INDICATORSCAN BUTTONSEEK BARPWR/VOLKNOBAUTO SELECTBUTTONPRESET BUTTONSPWR/VOL KNOBSEEK BUTT

Playing the AM/FM RadioFeatures95STEREO INDICATORPWR/VOL KNOBSEEK BUTTONSSCAN BUTTON PRESET BUTTONSAUTO SELECTBUTTONAM/FMBUTTONTUNE KNOBU.S. EX models

−−−−You can use these five methods tofind radio stations on a selectedband: thepreset buttons, and .The ignition switch must be inACCESSORY (I) or ON

− −−If you aretraveling far from home and can nolonger receive your preset stations,you can use the auto select feature tofind stations in the local a