Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel 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.
If the ABS indicator comes on, the
anti-lock f unction 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 page . If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together
and the parking break is f ully
released, the front-to-rear braking
distribution system may also shut
down.
It only helps with steering
control during braking. such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change.
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.
on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
211
55
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle. A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Important Saf ety Reminders
148
To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 percent of the
load toward the front of the trailer
and 40 percent toward the rear, then
re-adjust the load as needed.The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo,
and the tongue is: The best way to conf irm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the f irst time you set up a
towing combination (a f ully-loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.
The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle axles is:
on the f ront axle
on the rear axle
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR): Checking L oads
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GA WR):
Towing a Trailer
150
4,450 Ibs (2,020 kg) 2,300 Ibs (1,045 kg)
2,205 Ibs (1,000 kg)
Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f an cycles twice).
Pref erably, do this once a month.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic). If you store your vehicle f or 12
months or longer, have your dealer
perf orm the inspections called f or in
the 24 months/30,000 miles
(48,000 km) maintenance schedule
(normal conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page ).
The replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage.
165
Vehicle Storage
194
µ
µ
µ
µ
Î
Î Î
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$
#
Valid only f or sales within the United States. Canadian
owners should contact their authorized Honda dealer.
T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order in any of three ways:
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356. Detach and mail the order f orm on the right half of this page
Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356
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(credit card orders only)
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
Authorized Manuals
237
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
OR
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Form Description
2003 2005 Honda Element Service Manual
2003 2005 Honda Element
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2003 2005 Honda Element Body Repair Manual
2005 Honda Element Owner’s Manual
2005 Honda Element
Honda Service History 2005 Honda Element Quick Start Guide
Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61SCV03
61SCV03EL 61SCV30
31SCV620
31SCVM00 31SCVQ20 HON-R
PUBLICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODEL
Name Year Qty
Price
Each Total
Price
GRAND TOTAL HANDLING CHARGE Mich. Purchases
Add 6% Sales Tax TOTAL MATERIAL
$6.95
Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M. EST
By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can
pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to
Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.
Prices are subject to change without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Orders are mailed within 10 days. Please
allow adequate time for delivery.
Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation.
www. helminc. com
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ÎÎ Î
............................
Capacities Chart .222
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 47
...............................
Carring Cargo .130
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .113
...................................
CD Changer .112
.......................
CD Error Message .114
.......
CD Changer Error Message . 115
.......................................
CD Player .106
.................................
Ceiling Pocket .86
........................
Certif ication Label .220
............................................
Chains .192
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .197
.................................
Changing Oil .171
........................................
How to .171
......................................
When to .165
...
Charging System Indicator . 54,209
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 137
.....................................
Child Saf ety .30
Child Seats ......
LATCH Anchorage System . 39
...........................
Lower Anchors .39
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 43
............
Cleaning the Body Panels . 178..............................................
Clock .117
.........................
Clock, Setting the .117
...................................
Clutch Fluid .177
........................
CO in the Exhaust .227
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 138
..............................
Compact Spare .196
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 234
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant ........................................
Adding .173
....................................
Checking .126
.........................
Proper Solution .173
...................
Temperature Gauge . 59
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .227
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 56
............
Cruise Control Operation . 119
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 234
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .4, 52
Daytime Running Lights ...................................
Indicator .56
.................................
Dead Battery .205 ............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 236
..........................
Def og and Def rost .91
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 63
................
Def rosting the Windows . 93
....................................
Dimensions .222
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 62
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 175
..................................
Engine Oil .126
..........................
Directional Signals .62
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 147
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .172
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 70
......................
Power Door Locks .70
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 224
Downshif ting, Manual .............................
Transmission .139
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .135
....................................
Economy .127
........................
Driving Guidelines .136
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 185
Index
D
C
II
ÎÎ
................
Gas Station Procedures . 124
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 59
...............................................
Fuel .58
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 141
..............
Manual Transmission . 139
........................................
Glove Box .87
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 179
................................................
Hatch .71
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 63
Headlights ........................................
Aiming .179
.......
Daytime Running Lights . 62
..................
High Beam Indicator . 56
........................
Reminder Beeper .62
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 179
...................................
Turning on .62
..............................
Head Restraints .75
.......................
Heating and Cooling .90
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 138
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 62
..
Hood, Opening and Closing the . 125..............................................
Horn .5,60
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .177
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 220
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .65
...........................................
Switch .69
............
Timing Control System . 228
........................
Immobilizer System .66
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 8
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 53
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .35
......................................
Inf ant Seats .35
......
LATCH Anchorage System . 39
...........................
Lower Anchors .39
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 43
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 187
.........................
Normal Driving .188
...................................
Inside Mirror .82
.............................
Inspection, Tire .189
............................
Instrument Panel .53
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 63
.................................
Interior Lights .88
........................................
Introduction .i .................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 199
.......................................
Jack, Tire .197
................................
Jump Starting .205
..................................................
Keys .65
.......................
Label, Certif ication .220
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 62
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 15,20
...........
LATCH Anchorage System . 39
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement .179
.......................................
Indicator .53
.........................................
Parking .62
..................................
Turn Signal .62
....................................
Load Limits .131
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 69
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 69
............................
Fuel Fill Door .124
Index
H I
J
K
L
IV
Î
CONT INUED
.....................................
Snow Tires .191
..................................
Sound System .94
......................................
Spare Tire .196
......................................
Inf lating .196
............................
Specif ications .223
....................
Specif ications Charts . 222
................................
Speed Control .119
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 23
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 29
.............................
Airbag Service .28
How the Side Airbag Cutof f ......................
Indicator Works .28
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 27
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 26
........................
SRS Components .23
.............................
SRS Indicator .27 ,55
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 69
..............
State Emissions Testing . 230
.......................
Starting the Engine .138
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .138
................
With a Dead Battery . 205
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 207Steering Wheel
..................................
Adjustment .64
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 69
.....................
Stereo Sound System .94
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .194
Supplemental Restraint ................................
System .11, 23
......................................
Servicing .28
.........................
SRS Indicator .27 ,55
...................
System Components . 23
..................................
Synthetic Oil .171
Tailgate ............................
Open Indicator .57
.................................
Opening the .72
..........
Taillights, Changing Bulbs . 182
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 195
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 224
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 227
..........
State Emissions Testing . 230
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .229
.................................
Tire Labeling .226 .......................
Temperature Gauge .59
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 43
............................
Thef t Protection .116
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 229
..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel . 64
..........................
Time, Setting the .117
....................................
Tire Chains .192
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 197
...........................
Tire Inf ormation .224
...............................................
Tires .187
..............................
Air Pressure .188
.........................
Checking Wear .189
..........................
Compact Spare .196
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 224
......................................
Inf lation .187
..................................
Inspection .189
..............................
Maintenance .189
...................................
Replacing .190
......................................
Rotating .190
...........................................
Snow .191
............................
Specif ications .223
................................
Tire Chains .192
Index
T
INDEX
VII