2009 HONDA ELEMENT catalytic converter

Trip Meter
This shows the number of miles
(U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) driven
since you last reset it.
There are two trip meters: Trip A and
Trip B. Switch between these
displays by pressing the select/reset
knob repeatedly.
Each trip meter works
independently, so you can keep track
of two different distances.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, the last
selection is displayed.
To reset a trip meter, display it, and
then press and hold the select/reset
knob until the number resets to
‘‘0.0 ’’. Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
than the actual amount. The needle
returns to the bottom after you turn
off the ignition.
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
Check Fuel Cap Message
Your vehicle's onboard diagnostic
system will detect a loose or missing
fuel fill cap as an evaporative system
leak. The first time a leak is detected
a
‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP ’’message
appears on the information display.
Turn the engine off, and confirm the
fuel fill cap is installed. If it is, loosen
it, then retighten it until it clicks at
least once. The message should go
off after several days of normal
driving once you tighten or replace
the fuel fill cap. To scroll to another
display, press the select/reset knob.
The ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP ’’message
will appear each time you restart the
engine until the system turns the
message off.
Gauges66
2009 Element

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly, or your
vehicle may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.Parking Tips
●Make sure the windows are
closed.●Turn off 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 flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
●If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in first gear.●If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in reverse
gear.●Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking
223
Driving
2009 Element

The diagrams in this section give you
the dimensions and capacities of
your vehicle and the locations of the
identification numbers. It also
includes information you should
know about your vehicle's tires and
emissions control systems.Identification Numbers
...............
306
Specifications
..............................
308
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
311
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
...............................
311
Treadwear
...............................
311
Traction
..................................
311
Temperature
...........................
312
Tire Labeling
..............................
313
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) －Required Federal
Explanation
.........................
314
Emissions Controls
.....................
316
The Clean Air Act
....................
316
Crankcase Emissions Control System
................................
316
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
................................
316
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
.............................
316
Exhaust Emissions
Controls
..............................
317 Three Way Catalytic
Converter
................................
318
Emissions Testing
.......................
319
Technical Information
305
Technical Information
2009 Element

Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include three systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, and three
way catalytic converter. These three
systems work together to control the
engine's combustion and minimize
the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport fuel injection. It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and fuel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM) in
automatic transmission vehicles or
the engine control module (ECM) in
manual transmission vehicles uses
various sensors to determine how
much air is going into the engine. It
then controls how much fuel to inject
under all operating conditions.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor. Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Honda replacement parts or their
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more
information.
Emissions Controls
317
Technical Information
2009 Element

The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is referred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Honda part
or its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any
combustible materials that come
near it. Park your vehicle away from
high grass, dry leaves, or other
flammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine's
performance. Follow these
guidelines to protect your vehicle's
three way catalytic converter.●Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.
●Keep the engine well maintained.●Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring,
backfiring, stalling, or otherwise
not running properly.
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Three Way Catalytic Converter318
2009 Element

How Your Side Curtain AirbagsWork
....................................
30
SRS Indicator
.........................
31,59
START (Ignition Key Position).....
79
Starting the Engine
....................
216
In Cold Weather at High Altitude
................................
216
With a Dead Battery
................
291
State Emissions Testing
.............
319
Steam Coming from Engine
.......
293
Steering Wheel Adjustment
...............................
74
Anti-theft Column Lock
............
79
Buttons
...........................
191,193
Stereo Sound System
.................
109
Storing Your Vehicle
..................
278
Sun Visor
...................................
100
Supplemental Restraint System
..............................
9,22
Servicing
..................................
33
SRS Indicator
......................
31,59
System Components
................
22
Synthetic Oil
..............................
252 T
Tachometer
..................................
64
Tailgate
........................................
82
Open Indicator
.........................
61
Opening the
.............................
82
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in
.....
266
Taking Care of the
Unexpected
............................
281
Technical Descriptions DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
311
Emissions Control Systems
.....
316
Three Way Catalytic Converter
............................
318
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) －Required Federal
Explanation
......................
314
Temperature Gauge
.....................
67
Tensioners, Seat Belts
..................
20
Tether Anchorage Points
.............
48
Theft Protection, Radio
..............
188
Three Way Catalytic Converter
...............................
318
Tilt the Steering Wheel
................
74 Time, Setting the
........................
189
Tire Chains
................................
276
Tire, How to Change a Flat
........
283
Tire Information
.........................
313
Tire Labeling
..............................
313
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
...........................
227,314
Tires
..........................................
271
Air Pressure
............................
272
Chains
.....................................
276
Checking Wear
.......................
273
Compact Spare
........................
282
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
311
Inflation
...................................
271
Inspection
...............................
273
Labeling
..................................
313
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
........................
62,227
Maintenance
...........................
274
Pressure Monitoring System
...
227
Replacing
................................
274
Rotating
..................................
274
Snow
.......................................
275
Specifications
..........................
310
CONTINUED
Index
IX
INDEX
2009 Element