2009 HONDA ELEMENT tow

Brake System Indicator (Red)U.S. CanadaThe brake system indicator (red)
normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and as a reminder to check
the parking brake. It will stay on if
you do not fully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
fluid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
258).
If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system's dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Emergency
Towing on page303).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully. If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator
297
Taking Care of the Unexpected
2009 Element

If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The only way you can safely tow
your vehicle is with flat-bed
equipment.The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inform
them a flat-bed is required.
4WD models onlyTowing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the 4WD
system. It should be transported on a
flat-bed truck or trailer.
Emergency Towing
303
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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

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

Tools, Tire Changing
.................
283
Towing A Trailer
..................................
232
Emergency Wrecker
...............
303
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System
................................
227
Indicator
............................
63,228
Required Federal Explanation
.........................
314
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, Automatic
............................
256
Checking Fluid Level, Manual
................................
257
Fluid Selection
................
256,257
Identification Number
.............
306
Shifting the Automatic
.............
219
Shifting the Manual
.................
217
Treadwear
..................................
311
Trip Meter
...................................
66
Turn Signals
.................................
60
Turn Signals and Headlights
........
71 U
Unexpected, Taking Care of
the
..........................................
281
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (U.S. only)
..............................
311
Unleaded Gasoline
.....................
198
USB Flash Memory Device Error
Messages
...............................
182
Used Oil, How to Dispose of
......
253
V
Vanity Mirror
.............................
101
Vehicle Capacity Load
................
208
Vehicle Dimensions
...................
308
Vehicle Identification Number
...
306
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System....
230
VSA OFF Indicator
..................
230
VSA OFF Switch
.....................
231
VSA System Indicator
..............
62
Vehicle Storage
..........................
278
Ventilation
..................................
106 VIN
............................................
306
Viscosity, Oil
..............................
251
W
WARNING, Explanation of
...........
iii
Warning Labels, Location of
.........
53
Warranty Coverages (U.S. only)
.......................................
323
Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level
........
255
Fluid Level Indicator (Canada only)
.....................................
61
Operation
.................................
70
Wheels
.......................................
271
Alignment and Balance
...........
274
Compact Spare
........................
282
Wrench, Nut
...........................
283
Windows Operating the Power
................
92
Rear, Defogger
.........................
74
Windshield Cleaning
...................................
70
Defroster
.................................
107
Washers
............................
70,255
IndexX
2009 Element

Wipers, WindshieldChanging Blades
.....................
269
Operation
.................................
70
Worn Tires
.................................
273
Wrecker, Emergency Towing
....
303
X
XM
®Radio
..........................
113,132
Index
XI
INDEX
2009 Element