2010 HONDA ELEMENT Owners Manual

Wearing a Lap/ShoulderBelt .................................. 14, 19
Seats ............................................ 83
Head Restraints ........................85
Seats, Adjusting the .....................83
Sensors Driver's Seat Position Sensor ...27
Front Passenger's Weight Sensors ................................ 27
Impact Sensors ...................22, 23
Serial Number ............................ 306
Service Intervals .........................243
Service Manual (U.S. only) ........325
Service Station Procedures ........199
Setting the Clock ........................189
Shifting the Automatic Transmission .......................... 219
Shift Lever Position Indicators ...219
Shift Lock Release ......................221
Side Airbags ................................. 28
How the Side Airbag Off
Indicator Works ...................32
How Your Side Airbags Work ..28
Side Curtain Airbags ....................30
How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work .................................... 30Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in .......................265
Signaling Turns ............................ 60
Snow Tires ................................. 275
Sound System ............................ 109
Spare Tire .................................. 282
Inflating ........................... 271, 282
Specifications .......................... 310
Spark Plugs ................................ 308
Specifications ............................. 308
Speed Control ............................ 193
Speed Limiter ......................218, 221
Speedometer ................................ 64
SRS, Additional Information .........22
Additional Safety Precautions ...34
Airbag Service .......................... 33
Airbag System Components .....22
How the Side Airbag Off Indicator Works ...................32
How the SRS Indicator Works ..31
How Your Front Airbags
Work .................................... 25
How Your Side Airbags Work ..28
How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work .................................... 30
SRS Indicator ......................... 31, 59START (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
CONTINUED
Index
IX
INDEX

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 Labeling ........................... 313
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
Tools, Tire Changing .................283
Towing A Trailer .................................. 232
Emergency Wrecker ...............303TPMS (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
Index
X

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
VSA OFF Indicator ..................230
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System ................................ 230
VSA OFF Indicator ...................62
VSA OFF Switch .....................231
VSA System Indicator ..............62
Vehicle Storage .......................... 278
Ventilation .................................. 106
VIN ............................................ 306
Viscosity, Oil .............................. 251W
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
Adjusting the Steering ..............74
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
Wipers, Windshield
Changing Blades .....................269Operation
................................. 70
Worn Tires ................................. 273
Wrecker, Emergency Towing ....303
X
XM®Radio .......................... 113, 132
Index
XI
INDEX

OWNER_________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________
STREET
_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________ CITY STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY ZIP CODE/ POSTAL CODE
V. I. N. ___________________________________________________________
DELIVERY DATE __________________________________________________
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME ___________________ DEALER NO. ___________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________
STREET
_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________ CITY STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY ZIP CODE/ POSTAL CODE
OWNER'S SIGNATURE ___________________________________________
DEALER'S SIGNATURE ___________________________________________ This owner's manual should be considered a
permanent part of the vehicle and should
remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner's manual covers all models of the
Element. You may find descriptions of
equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
The information and specifications included
in this publication were in effect at the time of
approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or
change specifications or design at any time
without notice and without incurring any
obligation whatsoever.
POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN
AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez
besoin d'un Manuel du Conducteur
en français, veuillez demander à
votre concessionnaire de
commander le numéro de pièce33SCVC70
Owner's Identification

Congratulations! Your selection of a 2010 Honda Element was a wise
investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read
this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so
you can refer to it at any time.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the maintenance minder shown in the
instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves
your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that
your dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique
to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be
pleased to answer any questions and concerns.As you read this manual, you will find
information that is preceded by a
symbol. This information is
intended to help you avoid damage to
your vehicle, other property, or the
environment.
Introduction
i

California Proposition 65 Warning WARNING:This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These
devices record front seat belt use, front passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the failure of
any airbag system component. This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else
except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.
Service Diagnostic Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data
can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It
may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.
Introduction
ii

Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an importantresponsibility.
To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
● Safety Labels －on the vehicle.
● Safety Messages －preceded by a safety alert symbol
and one of
three signal words: DANGER,WARNING ,orCAUTION.
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.
● Safety Headings －such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
● Safety Section －such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
● Instructions －how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information －please read it
carefully.
A Few Words About Safety
iii

Your Element has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher
ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and
rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high
center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear
seat belts.
For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read‘‘Driving Guidelines ’’on page 214 of this manual and the
Off-Highway Driving Guidelinessection on page 238. Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of
control, a crash, or rollover.
Important Handling Information
iv