Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not tow a trailer.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
You may hear a knocking noise from
the engine if you drive the vehicle at
low engine speed (below about 1,000
rpm) in a higher gear. To stop this,
raise the engine speed by shif ting to
a lower gear. We recommend quality gasoline
containing detergent additives that
help prevent f uel system and engine
deposits.
On vehicles with manual transmission
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period
Fuel Recommendation
124
Park with the driver’s side closest
to the gas pump.
Outside of the vehicle, locate and
open the f uel f ill door by pulling on
the notched edge.Remove the f uel f ill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as
pressure inside the tank escapes.
Place the cap in the holder on the
fuel fill door.
Stop f illing the tank af ter the f uel
nozzle automatically clicks of f . Do
not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank. Leave
some room f or the f uel to expand
with temperature changes.even though the tank is not f ull,
there may be a problem with your
vehicle’s fuel vapor recovery
system. The system helps keep
f uel vapors f rom going into the
atmosphere. Try f illing at another
pump. If this does not f ix the
problem, consult your dealer.
Push the f uel f ill door closed. Screw the f uel f ill cap back on
until it clicks at least three times.
If you do not properly tighten the
cap, the malfunction indicator
lampmaycomeon(seepage ).
1.
2.
3.
4.5.
6.
210
If the f uel nozzle keeps clicking of fRef ueling
Service Station Procedures
126
Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
Stop the engine, and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors.
Wipe up spills immediately.
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 this 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
150
To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 % of the load
toward the front of the trailer and
40 % toward the rear, then re-adjust
the load as needed.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:
The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo,
and tongue load is: on the f ront axle
on the rear axleChecking L oads
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GA WR):
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
Towing a Trailer
152
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 1
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
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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
Go online at
(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 2006 Honda Element Service Manual
2003 2006 Honda Element
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2003 2006 Honda Element Body Repair Manual
2006 Honda Element
Navigation System Owner’s Manual 2006 Honda Element
Honda Service History
Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61SCV04
61SCV04EL 61SCV30
31SCV630
31SNA700
31SCVM10 31SCVQ30 HON-R Price
Each
$75.00
$50.00
$44.00
$35.00
$29.00
$12.00
$12.00 FREE
2006 Honda Element Owner’s Manual
2006 Honda Element Quick Start Guide
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
Î
ÎÎ Î
Î
............................
Capacities Chart .222
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .47
.............................
Carrying Cargo .132
..............
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 . 139
.....................................
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 . 140
..............................
Compact Spare .196
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 234
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant ........................................
Adding .173
....................................
Checking .128
.........................
Proper Solution .173
...................
Temperature Gauge . 59
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .227
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 56
............
Cruise Control Operation . 120
.............
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 .93
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 63
................
Def rosting the Windows . 93
....................................
Dimensions .222
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 62
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 175
..................................
Engine Oil .128
..........................
Directional Signals .62
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 149
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .172
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 70
......................
Power Door Locks .70
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 224
Downshif ting, Manual .............................
Transmission .141
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .137
....................................
Economy .129
........................
Driving Guidelines .138
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 185
Index
D
C
II
ÎÎ
...
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
................
Gas Station Procedures .126
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .59
...............................................
Fuel .59
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission .143
..............
Manual Transmission .141
........................................
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 .140
.................
High-Low Beam Switch .62
..
Hood, Opening and Closing the .127 ..............................................
Horn .5,60
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .177
.......................
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 .133
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .69
Locks
.......
Anti-thef t Steering Column .69
............................
Fuel Fill Door .126
Index
H I
J
K
L
IV