2009 HONDA ELEMENT immobilizer

This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations
..........................
56
Instrument Panel
..........................
57
Instrument Panel Indicators
..........
58
Gauges
..........................................
64
Information Display
..................
65
Odometer
..................................
65
Trip Meter
................................
66
Fuel Gauge
...............................
66
Check Fuel Cap Message
.........
66
Temperature Gauge
..................
67
Maintenance Minder
................
67
Outside Temperature Indicator
...............................
68 Controls Near the Steering
Wheel
.......................................
69
Windshield Wipers and Washers
....................................
70
Turn Signals and Headlights
.........
71
Instrument Panel Brightness
........
72
Hazard Warning Button
................
73
Rear Window Defogger
.................
74
Steering Wheel Adjustment
..........
74
Keys and Locks
.............................
75
Immobilizer System
......................
76
Remote Transmitter
......................
77
Ignition Switch
..............................
79
Door Locks
...................................
80
Power Door Locks
....................
80
Rear Doors
................................
81
Hatch
........................................
81
Tailgate
.....................................
82
Seats
.............................................
83
Seat Adjustments
......................
83
Driver's Seat Height Adjustment
...........................
84
Front Seat Armrests
..................
85
Head Restraints
.........................
85 Reclining the Front Seats
..........
87
Folding the Rear Seats
..............
88
Removing the Rear Seats
..........
90
Power Windows
............................
92
Mirrors
.........................................
93
Adjusting the Power Mirrors
.....
93
Rear Windows
...............................
94
Parking Brake
...............................
94
Interior Lights
...............................
95
Light Control Switch
.................
95
Individual Map Lights
...............
95
Courtesy Light
..........................
96
Ceiling Light
.............................
96
Cargo Area Light
.......................
96
Ignition Switch Light
.................
96
Interior Convenience Items
...........
97
Cooler Box
................................
98
Beverage Holders
.....................
99
Accessory Power Sockets
.......
100
Glove Box
...............................
100
Sun Visor
................................
100
Vanity Mirror
..........................
101
Overhead Console
..................
101
Instruments and Controls
55
Instruments and Controls
2009 Element

ꭧ: The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
DRL
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
INDICATOR (P.
60)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
(P.
61)
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P.
58,295)
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA)
INDICATOR
(P.
62)
VSA OFF
INDICATOR
(P.
62)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) INDICATOR (P.
59) LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR
(P.
58,295)
DOOR AND TAILGATE
OPEN INDICATOR (P.
61)SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR (P.
59)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P.
60) SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P.
59)LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
(P.
61)MAINTENANCE MINDER
INDICATOR (P.
59)SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR (P.
58)LIGHTS ON INDICATOR (P. 61)PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.
58,297)
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR (P.60)
TPMS INDICATOR
(P.
63) CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
(P.
60)
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (P.
58,296)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR (P.
62)
Instrument Panel
57
Instruments and Controls
2009 Element

Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It will
then go off if you have inserted a
properly coded ignition key. If it is
not a properly coded key, the
indicator will blink, and the engine
will not start (see page76).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch from the ON (II) position to
the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0)
position.
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
The left or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the indicators do not blink
or they blink rapidly, it usually
means one of the turn signal bulbs is
burned out (see page263).Replace
the bulb as soon as possible, since
other drivers cannot see that you are
signaling.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signal indicators
and all turn signals on the outside of
the vehicle flash.
Daytime Running Lights
Indicator
If this indicator comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position and the parking brake is
released, it means there is a problem
with a circuit. Have your vehicle
checked by your dealer.Cruise Control Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page193
for information on operating the
cruise control.Cruise Main Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button on the
steering wheel (see page193).
Instrument Panel Indicators60
2009 Element

You should have received a key
number tag with your set of keys.
You will need this key number if you
ever have to get a key replaced. Use
only Honda-approved key blanks.These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
immobilizer system. They will not
work to start the engine if the circuits
are damaged.
●Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.●Do not drop the keys or set heavy
objects on them.●Keep the keys away from liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart.
See page77for an explanation of the
remote transmitter's operation. Immobilizer System
The immobilizer system protects
your vehicle from theft. If an
improperly coded key (or other
device) is used, the engine's fuel
system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, the immobilizer
system indicator should come on for
a few seconds, then go off. If the
indicator starts to blink, it means the
system does not recognize the
coding of the key. Turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK (0) position,
remove the key, reinsert it, and turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position again.
The system may not recognize your
key's coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object (i.e. key
fob) is near the ignition switch when
you insert the key.
Keys and Locks, Immobilizer System76
2009 Element

If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your dealer.
Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your vehicle inoperable.
If you have lost your key and cannot
start the engine, contact your dealer.Always take the ignition key with you
whenever you leave the vehicle alone.
As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept any
interference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.
Remote TransmitterLOCK －Press this button once to
lock both doors and hatch. Some
exterior lights will flash. When you
push LOCK twice within 5 seconds,
you will hear a horn to verify that the
doors are locked. You cannot lock it
if any door is not fully closed or key
is in the ignition switch.
LED
UNLOCK
BUTTON LOCK
BUTTON
PANIC
BUTTON
CONTINUED
Immobilizer System, Remote Transmitter
77
Instruments and Controls
2009 Element

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. In cold weather, turn off allelectrical accessories to reduce the
drain on the battery.
3.Manual transmission:Press the clutch pedal down all the
way. The START (III) position
does not function unless the clutch
pedal is pressed.Automatic transmission:Make sure the shift lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal. 4. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. Do not hold
the key in the START (III) position
for more than 15 seconds at a time.
If the engine does not start right
away, pause for at least 10 seconds
before trying again.
The immobilizer system protects your
vehicle from theft. If an improperly
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine's fuel system is disabled. For
more information, see page76.
5. If the engine does not start within15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed halfway
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race. 6. If the engine fails to start, press
the accelerator pedal all the way
down, and hold it there while
starting to clear flooding. If the
engine still does not start, return to
step 5.
The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air found at
altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.
Starting the Engine216
2009 Element

The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's speed
sounds normal, or even faster than
normal, when you turn the ignition
switch to the START (III) position,
but the engine does not run.●Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page60).●Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer toStarting the
Engine on page216.
●Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.●There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see
page298).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find the
problem (see Emergency Towing
on page303).
If the Engine Won't Start290
2009 Element

Heating and Cooling
..................
104
Hood, Opening and Closing the
..........................................
200
Horn
............................................
69
Hydraulic Clutch
........................
258
I
Identification Number, Vehicle
...................................
306
Ignition Keys
.........................................
75
Switch
......................................
79
Immobilizer System
.....................
76
Important Safety Precautions
.........
6
Indicators, Instrument Panel
........
57
ABS (Anti-lock Brake)
..............
59
Brake (Parking and Brake System)
.........................
58,297
Charging System
..............
58,295
Cruise Control
..........................
60
Cruise Main
.............................
60
Door and Tailgate Open
...........
61
DRL (Daytime Running Lights)
..................................
60 High Beam
...............................
61
Key (Immobilizer System)
.......
60
Lights On
.................................
61
Low Fuel
..................................
61
Low Oil Pressure
..............
58,295
Low Tire Pressure
.............
62,227
Maintenance Minder
.........
59,243
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
58,296
Passenger Airbag Off
...............
32
Seat Belt Reminder
.............
18,58
Side Airbag Off
....................
32,59
SRS
.....................................
31,59
TPMS
................................
63,228
Turn Signal and Hazard Warning
...............................
60
VSA OFF
..................................
62
VSA System
.............................
62
Washer Level
...........................
61
Individual Map Lights
..................
95
Infant Restraint
............................
40
Infant Seats
..................................
40
Tether Anchorage Point
...........
48
Inflation, Proper Tire
..................
271
Recommended Pressures
.......
272
Inside Mirror
...............................
93 Inspection, Tire
..........................
273
Installing a Child Seat
..................
43
Instrument Panel
..........................
57
Instrument Panel Brightness
.......
72
Instruments and Controls
.............
55
Interior Lights
..............................
95
Introduction
...................................
i
iPod
®Error Messages
................
172
J
Jacking up the Vehicle
...............
283
Jack, Tire
...................................
283
Jump Starting
.............................
291
K
Keys
.............................................
75
L
Label, Certification
.....................
306
Lane Change, Signaling
...............
71
Lap/Shoulder Belt
.................
14,19
CONTINUED
Index
V
INDEX
2009 Element