If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. You will also see a
‘‘ CHECK FUEL CAP ’’message on
the information display. Tighten the
cap until it clicks at least once.
Tightening the cap will not turn the
indicator off immediately; it can take
several days of normal driving. If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the malfunction
indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emissions controls and
engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the malfunction
indicator lamp may also come on
with the
‘‘D ’’indicator.
Readiness CodesYour vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes ’’that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes may be erased. It can take
several days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will
come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks five times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle for an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to Emissions Testing for more
information (see page319).
Malfunction Indicator Lamp296
2009 Element
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXNo. Amps. Circuits Protected1 30 A Condenser Fan
2 15 A Small Light
3 7.5 A Interior Light
4 20 A Cooling Fan Motor
5 15 A Hazard
6 15 A FI ECU No. Amps. Circuits Protected
7 15 A Horn, Stop
8 15 A DBW
9 10 A Back Up
10 30 A VSA Motor
11 20 A Rear Defroster
12 40 A Heater Motor No. Amps. Circuits Protected
13 40 A Power Window Main
14 40 A Option
15 15 A Left Headlight
16 15 A Door Lock
17 15 A Right Headlight
18 30 A VSA F/S
19 100 A Battery
20 50 A IG1 Main
21 - 25 7.5 A -30 A
Spare Fuses
Fuse Locations302
2009 Element
Air ConditioningRefrigerant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge quantity 17.6-19.4 oz (500 -550 g)
Lubricant type ND-OIL8
Lights Headlights 12 V-60/55 W (H4/HB2)
Daytime running lights 12 V-60 W (HB3)
Front turn signal/parking lights 12 V -27/8 W (Amber)
Front side marker lights 12 V-3CP
Side turn signal lights 12 V-3CP
Rear turn signal lights 12 V-21 W (Amber)
Rear side marker lights 12 V-3CP
Brake/Taillights 12 V-21/5 W
Back-up lights 12 V-21CP
License plate lights 12 V-5W
Ceiling light 12 V-8W
ꭧ1
12 V -5W
ꭧ2, ꭧ3
Spotlights 12 V-8W
ꭧ2, ꭧ3
Cargo area light 12 V-8W
High-mount brake light 12 V-21 W
Battery Capacity 12 V-47 AH/20 HR
12 V -38 AH/5 HR Fuses
Interior See page301or the fuse label
attached to the inside of the fuse
box door under the steering
column.
Under-hood See page302or the fuse box cover.
Alignment Toe-in Front 0.0 in (0 mm)
Rear 0.08 in (2.0 mm)
Camber Front -0°13 ’
ꭧ1, ꭧ2
- 0°24 ’
ꭧ3
Rear -1°00 ’
ꭧ1, ꭧ2
- 1°06 ’
ꭧ3
Caster Front 1°50’
Tires Size Front/Rear P215/70R16 99S
ꭧ1, ꭧ2
P225/55R18 97H
ꭧ3
Pressure Front 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm
2)ꭧ1, ꭧ2
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)ꭧ3
Rear 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm
2)ꭧ1, ꭧ2
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)ꭧ3
Spare 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
ꭧ 1: LX model
ꭧ 2: EX model
ꭧ 3: SC model
Specifications310
2009 Element
Testing of Readiness Codes
If you take your vehicle for an
emissions test shortly after the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not pass the test.
This is because of certain‘‘readiness
codes ’’that must be set in the on-
board diagnostics for the emissions
systems. These codes are erased
when the battery is disconnected,
and set again only after several days
of driving under a variety of
conditions. If the testing facility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle retested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle for retesting by
doing the following.
1. Make sure the fuel tank is nearly,
but not completely full (around
3/4).
2. Make sure the vehicle has been parked with the engine off for 6
hours or more.
3. Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40° and
95°F (4° and 35°C). 4. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine, and let it
idle for 20 seconds.
5. Keep the vehicle in Park (automatic transmission) or
neutral (manual transmission).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000
rpm, and hold it there until the
temperature gauge rises to at least
1/4 of the scale (about 3 minutes).
6. Without touching the accelerator pedal, let the engine idle for 20
seconds.
CONTINUED
Emissions Testing
319
Technical Information
2009 Element
U.S. Owners
Your new vehicle is covered by these
warranties:New Vehicle Limited Warranty
-
covers your new vehicle, except for
the battery, emissions control
systems, and accessories, against
defects in materials and
workmanship.
Emissions Control Systems Defects
Warranty and Emissions
Performance Warranty
- these two
warranties cover your vehicle's
emissions control systems. Time,
mileage, and coverage are
conditional. Please read your
warranty booklet for exact
information.
Original Equipment Battery Limited
Warranty
- this warranty gives up to
100% credit toward a replacement
battery.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty
- a seat
belt that fails to function properly is
covered by a limited warranty. Please
read your warranty booklet for
details.
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
-
all exterior body panels are covered
for rust-through from the inside for
the specified time period with no
mileage limit.
Accessory Limited Warranty
-
Honda accessories are covered
under this warranty. Time and
mileage limits depend on the type of
accessory and other factors. Please
read your warranty booklet for
details.
Replacement Parts Limited
Warranty
- covers all Honda
replacement parts against defects in
materials and workmanship.
Replacement Battery Limited
Warranty
- provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from your dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Limited Warranty
- provides
coverage for as long as the purchaser
of the muffler owns the vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2009 Honda warranty information
booklet that came with your vehicle
for precise information on warranty
coverages. Your vehicle's original
tires are covered by their
manufacturer. Tire warranty
information is in a separate booklet.
Canadian Owners
Please refer to the 2009 warranty
manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty Coverages
323
Warranty and Customer Relations
2009 Element
A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
205
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
...................................
79
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
100
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
252
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
......
74
Advanced Airbags
........................
27
Airbag (SRS)
............................
9,22
Air Conditioning System
............
104
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
271,272
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
198
Antifreeze
...................................
254
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light
..................
59,225
Operation
................................
225
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
188
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
.........................................
79
Audio System
.............................
109
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
20
Automatic Speed Control
...........
193 Automatic Transmission
............
219
Capacity, Fluid
........................
309
Checking Fluid Level
..............
256
Shifting
...................................
219
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
219
Shift Lock Release
...................
221
Automatic Transmission Fluid
...
256
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
192
B
Battery Charging System
Indicator
........................
58,295
Jump Starting
..........................
291
Maintenance
...........................
277
Specifications
..........................
310
Before Driving
...........................
197
Belts, Seat
................................
8,18
Beverage Holders
........................
99
Booster Seats
...............................
50
Brakes
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...........
225
Break-in, New Linings
.............
198 Bulb Replacement
...................
266
Fluid
.......................................
258
Parking
....................................
94
System Design
........................
224
System Indicator
...............
58,297
Wear Indicators
.......................
225
Braking System
..........................
224
Break-in, New Vehicle
................
198
Brightness Control, Instruments
..............................
72
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights
........................
266
Brake Lights
...........................
266
Daytime Running Lights
.........
262
Front Parking/Turn Signal Lights
..................................
263
Front Side Marker Lights
........
265
Headlights
..............................
261
High-mount Brake Lights
........
267
Rear Bulbs
..............................
266
Rear License Plate Lights
........
267
Side Turn Signal Lights
...........
264
Specifications
..........................
310
Taillights
.................................
266
Turn Signal Lights
..................
266
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
2009 Element
Bulbs, Halogen
..........................
261
Bungee Cords
............................
211
C
Capacities Chart
.........................
309
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
............
52
Cargo
.........................................
207
Cargo Area Light
..........................
96
Cargo Hook
................................
212
Cargo, How to Carry
..................
207
Carrying Cargo
..........................
207
CAUTION, Explanation of
............
iii
CD Care
.....................................
183
CD Error Messages
............
125,148
CD Player
...........................
119,140
Certification Label
......................
306
Chains, Tires
..............................
276
Changing a Flat Tire
..................
283
Changing Oil How to
....................................
252
When to
..................................
243
Charging System
Indicator
...........................
58,295
Check Fuel Cap Message
............
66 Checklist, Before Driving
...........
215
Child Safety
..................................
35
Booster Seats
...........................
50
Child Seats
....................
40,41, 42
Important Safety Reminders
.....
39
Infants
......................................
40
Large Children
.........................
49
LATCH
.....................................
44
Risks with Airbags
...................
36
Small Children
.........................
41
Tethers
....................................
48
Warning Labels
........................
37
Where Should a Child Sit?
........
36
Child Seats
.............................
35,42
LATCH Anchorage Points
........
44
Tether Anchorage Points
.........
48
Cleaning the Seat Belts
..............
268
Clock
..........................................
189
Clutch Fluid
...............................
258
Code, Audio System
...................
188
CO in the Exhaust
................
52,316
Cold Weather, Starting in
...........
216
Compact Spare Tire
....................
282
Controls, Instruments and
............
55
Coolant Adding
....................................
254 Checking
................................
201
Proper Solution
.......................
254
Temperature Gauge
.................
67
Cooler Box
...................................
98
Courtesy Light
.............................
96
Crankcase Emissions Control System
...................................
316
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
60
Cruise Control Operation
...........
193
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
60
Cup Holders
.................................
99
Customer Service
.......................
322
D
DANGER, Explanation of
.............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3,56
Daytime Running Lights
..............
72
Daytime Running Lights Indicator
...................................
60
Dead Battery
..............................
291
Defects, Reporting Safety
...........
324
Defogger, Rear Window
...............
74
Dimensions
................................
308
Dimming the Headlights
..............
71
IndexII
2009 Element
DipstickAutomatic Transmission
.........
256
Engine Oil
...............................
201
Directional Signals
.......................
60
Disc Brake Wear Indicators
.......
225
Disc Care
...................................
183
Disc Changer Error Messages
...............................
126
Disc Player Error Messages
........................
125,148
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
253
Doors
Indicator
...................................
11
Locking and Unlocking
............
80
Power Door Locks
...................
80
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
311
Downshifting, Manual Transmission
..........................
217
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
213
Economy
.................................
202
Driving Guidelines
.....................
214
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
269 E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
202
Emergencies on the Road
..........
281
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
291
Brake System Indicator
.....
58,297
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
283
Charging System
Indicator
........................
58,295
Checking the Fuses
................
298
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
282
Hazard Warning Flashers
........
73
Jump Starting
..........................
291
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
........................
58,295
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
58,296
Overheated Engine
.................
293
Towing
....................................
303
Emergency Brake
........................
94
Emergency Flashers
....................
73
Emergency Towing
....................
303
Emissions Controls
....................
316
Emissions Testing
......................
319 Engine
Adding Engine Coolant
...........
254
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
67
If it Won ’t Start
........................
289
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
58,296
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
243
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
58,295
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
251
Overheating
............................
293
Specifications
..........................
308
Speed Limiter
..................
218,221
Starting
...................................
216
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
198
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
316
Exhaust Fumes
............................
52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by
....................................
16
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
105
Features, Comfort and Convenience
...........................
103
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
2009 Element