2006 HONDA ELEMENT power steering

Your airbag system includes:Two SRS (supplemental restraint
system) f ront airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the f ront
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG’’ (see page ).
On models equipped with two side
airbags, one for the driver and one
f or a f ront passenger. The airbags
arestoredintheouteredgesof
the seat-backs. Both are marked
‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page ). On models equipped with side
airbags, an indicator on the
dashboard that alerts you that the
passenger’s side airbag has been
turned of f (see page ).
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe front impact,
or side impact in models with side
airbags. On models with side airbags,
sensors that can detect whether
a child is in the passenger’s side
airbag path and automatically
turn the airbag off (see page
).
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, the seat belt
tensioners, and driver and f ront
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II)
position.
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags,
sensors, or seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
26
24
28
21 26
27
A irbag System Components
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
23

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .52
............................
Instrument Panel .53
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Instrument Panel Indicators .54
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Gauges .58
...................................
Trip Meter .58
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Odometer .58
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Fuel Gauge .59
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Check Fuel Cap Indicator .59
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Temperature Gauge .59
Controls Near the Steering .......................................
Wheel .60
.
Windshield Wipers and Washers .61
...........
Turn Signal and Headlights .62
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Instrument Panel Brightness .63
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Hazard Warning Button .63
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Rear Window Def ogger .63
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Steering Wheel Adjustment .64
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Keys and Locks .65
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Immobilizer System .66
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Remote Transmitter .67
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Ignition Switch .69
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Door Locks .70
......................
Power Door Locks .70
..................................
Rear Doors .70
............................................
Hatch .71
........................................
Tailgate .72.................................................
Seats .73
........................
Seat Adjustments .73
Driver’s Seat Height ..............................
Adjustment .74
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FrontSeatArmrests .74
..........................
Head Restraints .75
........................
Rear Seat Access .75
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Reclining the Front Seats .76
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Folding the Rear Seats .77
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Removing the Rear Seats .79
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Power Windows .81
.............................................
Mirrors .82
....
Adjusting the Power Mirrors .82
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Rear Windows .83
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Parking Brake .83
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Skylight .83
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Interior Convenience Items .86
.......................
Beverage Holders .87
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Accessory Power Sockets .87
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Glove Box .87
.................................
Interior Lights .88
................................
Ceiling Light .88
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Cargo Area Light .88
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Spotlights .88
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Ignition Switch Light .88
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols
51

µµ
µ
µ
The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III).
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, push it in slightly. If
your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the shif t lever must
also be in park. If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may make it difficult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power sockets in this
position.
This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom the
ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II)
position. You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or the
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the shif t lever must be
in Park bef ore you can remove the
key f rom the ignition switch.
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to the ON (II) position when
you let go of the key.
Ignition Switch
LOCK (0) A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
Inst rument s and Cont rols
69
Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle.
Remove the key from the
ignition switch only when
parked.

Because your vehicle rides higher
of f the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible. Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof . Do not modif y your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Your vehicle is equipped with a f our-
wheel drive (4WD) system. When
the system senses a loss of front-
wheel traction, it automatically
transf ers some power to the rear
wheels. This gives you better
traction and mobility.
You still need to exercise the same
care when accelerating, steering, and
brakingthatyouwouldinatwo-
wheel drive vehicle.
Your vehicle has a higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.
Four-wheel drive models
See page f or of f -highway drivingguidelines. 157
Driving Guidelines
138

Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you. Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard. Braking System Design
Braking System
148

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
maintenance schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a maintenance record, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .162
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Maintenance Schedule .163
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Maintenance Record .167
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Fluid Locations .169
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Adding Engine Oil .170
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Changing the Oil and Filter .171
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Engine Coolant .173
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Windshield Washers .174
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Automatic Transmission Fluid .175
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Manual Transsmission Fluid .176
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Brake and Clutch Fluid .177
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Power Steering Fluid .178
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Cleaning the Body Panels .178
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Lights .179
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Cleaning the Seat Belts .185
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Dust and Pollen Filter .185
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Wiper Blades .186
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Tires .187
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Checking the Battery .193
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Vehicle Storage .194
237
Maintenance
Maint enance
161

Fluid Locations
Maint enance
169
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
POWER
STEERING FLUID
(Red cap) ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange tab)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)

Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL. A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment. To clean the gray composite body
panels, wash them with soap and
water only. Do not apply wax to the
panels; it will cause discoloration.
If equipped with body panels
Power Steering Fluid
Cleaning the Body Panels
Power Steering Fluid, Cleaning the Body Panels
178
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.