2008 HONDA ELEMENT window

Air f lows f rom the def roster
vents at the base of the windshield. The heater uses engine coolant to warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes bef ore you
f eel warm air coming f rom the
system.
When you select or ,
the system automatically switches to
f resh air mode and turns on the A/C.
The A/C indicator does not come on.
Select and fresh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control dial.
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then discharges
it through vents near the tailgate. Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reading returns to normal.
Set the temperature to the lower
limit.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and fresh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The indicator in the button
comesonwhenafanspeedis
selected.
Set the temperature to the lower
limit.Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select f resh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Set the mode control dial to MAX
A/C.
The system automatically turns on
the A/C, selects and
switches to recirculation mode.
Set the temperature to the lower
limit.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
you can
cool it down more rapidly by partially
opening the windows, turning on the
A/C, and setting the fan to
maximum speed in f resh air mode.
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To cool the interior with MAX A/C:
If the interior is very warm,
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Using the A/C
Using the Heater
Ventilation
(f resh air mode)
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To remove f og f rom the inside of the
windows:
Air conditioning, as it cools, removes
moisture from the air. When used in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry and
can prevent the windows f rom
f ogging up.
This setting is suitable f or all driving
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above 32°F (0°C). Turn the fan on.
Turn on the air conditioning.
Select and fresh air mode.
Adjust the temperature to your
pref erence. When you select or ,
the system automatically turns on
the A/C. This helps to dehumidif y
the air and to def og the windshield.
In either mode, you cannot turn of f
the A/C. When you switch to
another mode, the A/C returns to its
original setting, either on or of f , as
indicated by the A/C indicator.
Set the f an to the desired speed, or
high f or f aster def rosting.
Select . The system
automatically switches to f resh air
mode and turns on the A/C. (The
A/C indicator will not come on in
U.S. vehicles, if the A/C was of f to
start with)
Adjust the temperature control
dial so the airflow feels warm.
Select to help clear the
rear window.
To increase airf low to the
windshield, close the corner vents.
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Vents, Heating, and A/C
Dehumidif y the Interior T o Def og and Def rost
Features
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Select . The system
automatically switches to f resh air
mode and turns on the A/C. The
A/C indicator does not come on in
U.S. vehicle, if the A/C was off to
start with.
Select .
Set the f an and temperature
controls to maximum level.
Select to help clear the
rear window.
To clear the windows f aster, you can
close the dashboard corner vents by
rotating the wheel below each vent.
This sends more warm air to the
windshield def roster vents. Once the
windshield is clear, select f resh air
mode to avoid f ogging the windows.
For your saf ety, make sure you have
a clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving. Turning the f an speed control dial all
the way to the left shuts the system
off.
Keep the system of f f or short
periods only.
To keep stale air and mustiness
f rom collecting, you should have
the f an running at all times.
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T o Remove Exterior Frost or Ice
From the Windows
To Turn Everything Off
Vents, Heating, and A/C
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Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.
Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make it unsaf e. Bef ore you make any
modif ications or add any accessories,
be sure to read the f ollowing
inf ormation.Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Although non-Honda accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability. Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system. 238
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
147
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the pedals, the seat operation, or
the proper operation of the
sensors under the seats.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.If youfoldtherearseatsdownor
up,orremovethem,tiedown
items that could be thrown about
the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. Also, keep all cargo
below the bottom of the windows.
If it is higher, it could interf ere
with the proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
If you use an accessory roof rack,
the roof rack weight limit may be
lower. Ref er to the inf ormation
that came with your roof rack.
If you carry any items on a roof
rack,besurethetotalweightof
the rack and the items does not
exceed 165 lbs (75 kg).
If you carry large items that
prevent you f rom closing the
tailgate or the hatch, exhaust gas
can enter the passenger area. To
avoid the possibility of
,followthe
instructions on page . 54
Carrying Cargo
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Carrying Cargo in the Cargo A rea
or on a Roof Rack carbon
monoxide poisoning
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Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).Make sure the doors, hatch, and
tailgate are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
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Preparing to Drive
Driving
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Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.Make sure the windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the hatch with
the key.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear.
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving
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µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the time,
see page . If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself . The next
timeyouturnontheradio,youwill
see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the
f requency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the code (see page
).
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On EX and SC models
Checking the Battery
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
218
TEST INDICATOR
WINDOW
POSITIVE TERMINAL NEGATIVE TERMINAL
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
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