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Honda 2005 Element User Manual

Honda 2005 Element
249 pages
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2005 Element Online Reference Owner's Manual
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Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance.....................................................................................................................4
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................7
Seat belts, SRS, and child protection
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................51
Indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column
Features ..............................................................................................................................................89
Climate, audio, steering wheel, security, cruise control, and HomeLink
Before Driving..................................................................................................................................121
Fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading
Driving ..............................................................................................................................................135
Engine and transmission operation
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................161
Schedules, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................195
Flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fuses
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................219
Vehicle specifications, tires, fuels, and emissions controls
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................233
Warranty and contact information
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................237
How to order
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary
Fluid capacities and tire pressures
Owner's Identification Form

Table of Contents

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Honda 2005 Element Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandHonda
Model2005 Element
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Owner's Identification Form

Introduction

A Few Words About Safety

Important Handling Information

Your Vehicle at a Glance

Important Safety Precautions

Always Wear Your Seat Belt

Emphasizes the importance and proper use of seat belts for collision protection.

Control Your Speed

Advises on safe speed management to prevent accidents and injuries.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Warns against alcohol consumption and driving due to impaired responses.

Restrain All Children

Stresses the necessity of properly restraining children for safety in crashes.

Be Aware of Airbag Hazards

Alerts to potential risks associated with airbag deployment if occupants are not positioned correctly.

Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition

Highlights regular maintenance and checks for safe vehicle operation.

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Seat Belts

Details the function and importance of seat belts as the primary safety device.

Airbags

Explains the role of airbags as a supplemental restraint system in frontal and side impacts.

Protecting Adults and Teens

Provides guidelines for safe positioning and seat belt use for adult and teenage occupants.

Protecting Children - General Guidelines

Offers general rules for safely restraining children of all ages in the vehicle.

Protecting Adults and Teens

1. Close and Lock the Doors

Instructions on securing vehicle doors to enhance safety and prevent accidental opening.

2. Adjust the Front Seats

Guidance on adjusting front seats for proper driving position and airbag safety.

3. Adjust the Seat-Backs

Instructions for adjusting seat-back angle for optimal safety and comfort during driving.

4. Adjust the Head Restraints

Explains how to properly position head restraints to protect against whiplash and crash injuries.

5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts

Details the correct procedure for fastening and positioning seat belts for maximum effectiveness.

6. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining an upright sitting posture for occupant safety.

Advice for Pregnant Women

Provides safety recommendations for pregnant occupants regarding seat belt use and seating position.

Additional Safety Precautions

Offers extra safety advice regarding airbags, seat belts, and vehicle modifications.

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Seat Belt System Components

Describes the parts and features of the vehicle's seat belt system.

Lap/Shoulder Belt

Explains the proper use and function of the lap and shoulder seat belts.

Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

Details how automatic tensioners tighten seat belts during a collision for added restraint.

Seat Belt Maintenance

Provides guidance on regularly inspecting and maintaining seat belts for safety and proper function.

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Airbag System Components

Lists and describes the components of the vehicle's airbag system.

How Your Front Airbags Work

Explains the operation and inflation process of the front airbags during a collision.

Dual-Stage Airbags

Describes the two-stage inflation capability of airbags based on crash severity.

Dual-Threshold Airbags

Explains how airbags deploy at different thresholds based on occupant restraint status.

How Your Side Airbags Work

Details the function and deployment of side airbags, including cutoff systems.

Side Airbag Cutoff System

Explains the automatic system that deactivates the passenger side airbag under certain conditions.

Additional Safety Precautions

Offers further safety advice concerning airbag system tampering and modifications.

How the SRS Indicator Works

Explains the function of the SRS indicator light for system status and potential issues.

How the Side Airbag Cutoff Indicator Works

Describes the indicator that signals when the passenger side airbag is automatically shut off.

Airbag Service

Provides information on servicing and replacing airbag components, recommending professional service.

Protecting Children - General Guidelines

All Children Must Be Restrained

Stresses the legal requirement and safety benefit of restraining all children in the vehicle.

Infants and small children must be restrained in an approved child seat

Mandates the use of approved child seats for infants and small children.

Larger children must be restrained with a lap/shoulder belt and ride on a booster seat

Advises on proper restraint for larger children using seat belts and booster seats.

All Children Should Sit in a Back Seat

Recommends placing children in the back seat for enhanced safety, away from front airbags.

The Passenger’s Front Airbag Poses Serious Risks

Warns about the severe risks to children from passenger front airbag inflation.

Small Children

Provides specific warnings about placing forward-facing child seats in the front seat for small children.

Larger Children

Discusses the risks to larger children from passenger front airbags if not properly positioned.

Infants

Warns against placing rear-facing child seats in the front due to airbag risks to infants.

Protecting Infants and Small Children

Protecting Infants

Details how to properly restrain infants in rear-facing child seats for head and neck support.

Child Seat Type

Explains the types of child seats suitable for infants, emphasizing rear-facing.

Child Seat Placement

Advises on the safest placement of child seats, prioritizing the back seat.

Protecting Small Children

Provides guidance on restraining small children in forward-facing child seats, recommending back seat placement.

Child Seat Type

Describes forward-facing child seats and the recommended five-point harness system.

Child Seat Placement

Strongly recommends placing forward-facing child seats in the back seat, not the front.

Selecting a Child Seat, Installing a Child Seat

Selecting a Child Seat

Guides on choosing a child seat that meets safety standards and fits the child and vehicle.

Installing a Child Seat

Outlines the main steps for securely installing a child seat in the vehicle.

Installing a Child Seat Using LATCH

Details the process of installing a LATCH-compatible child seat using lower anchors and tether.

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Belt

Explains how to install a child seat using the vehicle's seat belt system, including locking retractors.

Installing a Child Seat with a Tether

Protecting Larger Children

Checking Seat Belt Fit

Provides a guide to check if a child's seat belt fits correctly, determining the need for a booster seat.

Using a Booster Seat

Explains when and how to use booster seats for children who have outgrown child seats.

When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front

Discusses the conditions and risks associated with allowing larger children to ride in the front passenger seat.

Additional Safety Precautions

Offers extra precautions for larger children regarding seat belt use and proper positioning.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Safety Labels

Instruments and Controls

Control Locations

Identifies the locations of major vehicle controls and switches for easy reference.

Instrument Panel

Provides an overview of the vehicle's instrument panel and its indicators.

Gauges

Explains the function and interpretation of the vehicle's various gauges.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Details the controls located on or near the steering wheel for convenient access.

Windshield Wipers/Washers

Details the controls for operating the windshield wipers and washers.

Turn Signal and Headlights

Explains the operation of headlights, turn signals, and hazard lights.

Instrument Panel Brightness, Hazard Warning Button, Rear Window Defogger

Covers adjusting panel brightness, hazard lights, and rear window defogger operation.

Rear Window Defogger, Steering Wheel Adjustment

Details rear defogger operation and adjusting the steering wheel for position and safety.

Keys and Locks

Explains the vehicle's key system, locks, and the immobilizer.

Immobilizer System

Explains the vehicle's anti-theft immobilizer system and its operation.

Remote Transmitter

Describes the functions and care of the remote keyless entry transmitter.

Ignition Switch

Explains the different positions of the ignition switch and their functions.

Door Locks

Details the operation of power door locks, rear doors, hatch, and tailgate.

Seats

Covers seat adjustments, armrests, head restraints, and rear seat access.

Power Windows

Explains the operation of power windows, including auto reverse and manual modes.

Mirrors

Guides on adjusting interior and power exterior mirrors for optimal visibility.

Rear Windows, Parking Brake, Skylight

Covers rear window operation, parking brake use, and skylight functions.

Interior Convenience Items

Identifies various interior storage areas like pockets, glove box, and beverage holders.

Interior Lights

Explains the operation of ceiling, cargo area, and ignition switch lights.

Features

Vents, Heating, and A/C

Explains the vehicle's climate control system, including vents, heating, and air conditioning.

Playing the AM/FM Radio

Guides on operating the AM/FM radio, including tuning, seeking, and presets.

Playing the XM Satellite Radio

Details how to use the XM satellite radio, including channel selection and subscription.

Playing a Disc

Explains how to play CDs, including MP3 and WMA formats, and disc player controls.

Protecting Your Discs

Provides advice on handling and protecting discs to ensure proper playback and prevent damage.

Disc Player Error Messages

Lists common error messages for the disc player and their solutions.

Disc Changer Error Messages

Lists common error messages for the disc changer and their solutions.

Radio Theft Protection

Explains the anti-theft system for the audio unit and how to re-enable it after power loss.

Setting the Clock

Guides on setting the vehicle's clock after battery disconnection or power loss.

Cruise Control

Explains how to use the cruise control system for maintaining set speeds on highways.

Vents, Heating, and A/C

FAN CONTROL DIAL

Explains how to adjust the fan speed to control airflow volume.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

Details how to adjust the temperature control dial to regulate airflow temperature.

MODE CONTROL DIAL

Explains how to select different airflow modes for heating and cooling.

AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) BUTTON

Describes how to turn the air conditioning system on and off.

Air Flow Controls

Explains the different controls for managing air flow within the climate system.

Using the Heater

Explains how to use the heater to warm the vehicle's interior.

Using the A/C

Guides on using the air conditioning system to cool the interior.

Ventilation (fresh air mode)

Explains the ventilation system for drawing in outside air.

Recirculation Button

Explains the recirculation button to control interior air circulation and prevent fogging.

Rear Window Defogger Button

Details how to operate the rear window defogger to clear moisture and frost.

Dehumidify the Interior

Explains how to use AC to remove moisture from the air, making the interior dry.

To Defog and Defrost

Provides steps to clear fog and frost from interior windows.

To Remove Exterior Frost or Ice From the Windows

Offers tips for clearing frost and ice from exterior windows for better visibility.

Playing the AM/FM Radio

To Play the Radio

Guides on turning on the radio and adjusting basic settings like volume and band.

To Select a Station

Explains various methods (TUNE, SEEK, SCAN, AUTO SELECT) for finding radio stations.

Tune

Explains how to manually tune the radio to a specific frequency using the TUNE knob.

Seek

Describes the SEEK function to automatically find stations with strong signals.

Scan

Explains the SCAN function for sampling stations and selecting one.

AUTO SELECT

Describes the auto select feature for finding stations in a local area and storing presets.

Adjusting the Sound

Guides on adjusting audio settings like Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader.

Preset

Explains how to store and recall radio stations using the preset buttons.

Balance/Fader

Explains how to adjust side-to-side (Balance) and front-to-back (Fader) sound distribution.

Treble/Bass/Sub-Woofer

Guides on adjusting the tone controls for Bass, Treble, and Sub-Woofer.

Playing the XM Satellite Radio

Satellite Digital Radio

Introduces XM Satellite Radio service and its availability in the US.

Satellite Radio Signals

Explains how satellite radio signals are received and factors affecting reception.

To Play XM Satellite Radio

Guides on turning on the audio system and selecting XM radio mode.

To Select a Channel

Explains methods (TUNE, SEEK/SKIP, SCAN) for finding channels on XM radio.

DISP

Explains how to change the display information for XM radio channels.

TUNE

Explains how to use the TUNE knob to select XM channels.

SEEK/SKIP (CATEGORY)

Guides on selecting XM categories and searching for channels within them.

SCAN

Explains the SCAN function for sampling XM channels.

Preset

Explains how to store and select XM channels using preset buttons.

Playing a Disc

To Play a Disc

Guides on loading and playing discs in the CD player, including MP3/WMA support.

CD BUTTON

Explains the CD button to select the disc player mode.

EJECT BUTTON

Describes how to use the eject button to remove a disc from the player.

SEEK/SKIP BAR

Identifies the seek/skip bar for navigating tracks or files.

RANDOM BUTTON

Explains how to activate random playback mode for discs.

SKIP BUTTONS

Explains how to use skip buttons to move between tracks or files.

FOLDER KNOB

Describes how to use the folder knob to select folders on MP3/WMA discs.

DISC INDICATOR

Identifies the indicator that shows when a disc is being played.

To Stop Playing a Disc

Explains how to stop disc playback and remove the disc.

Auxiliary Input Jack

Explains how to connect and select auxiliary audio input devices.

Audio System Malfunction

Provides information on identifying and addressing audio system malfunctions.

Protecting Discs

Provides advice on handling and protecting discs to ensure proper playback and prevent damage.

Operating the Optional Disc Changer

Guides on operating the optional six-disc CD changer, including loading and selection.

Disc Player Error Messages

Disc Changer Error Messages

Radio Theft Protection

Setting the Clock

U.S. LX and Canadian DX models

Details clock setting procedures for LX and DX models.

On U.S. EX models

Details clock setting procedures for U.S. EX models.

On Canadian EX models

Details clock setting procedures for Canadian EX models.

Cruise Control

If equipped

Indicates that cruise control may be an optional feature.

Using Cruise Control

Explains how to operate the cruise control system, including setting and cancelling speed.

Changing the Set Speed

Details methods to increase or decrease the set cruising speed.

Resuming the Set Speed

Explains how to resume the previously set cruising speed after cancellation.

Cancelling Cruise Control

Lists ways to cancel cruise control, including brake pedal and CANCEL button.

Before Driving

Break-in Period

Provides recommendations for the initial driving period to ensure vehicle reliability.

Fuel Recommendation

Advises on the type of gasoline and fuel additives to use for optimal performance.

Service Station Procedures

Outlines procedures for refueling and basic checks at a service station.

Opening and Closing the Hood

Provides instructions on how to safely open and close the vehicle's hood.

Oil Check

Explains how to check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary.

Engine Coolant Check

Guides on checking the engine coolant level and adding coolant if low.

Fuel Economy

Offers tips on how to improve fuel economy through driving habits and maintenance.

Accessories and Modifications

Discusses Honda accessories and the implications of non-Honda accessories.

Modifying Your Vehicle

Warns about the risks of modifying vehicle components and recommends consulting the dealer.

Carrying Cargo

Provides guidance on load limits and safe cargo handling practices.

Load Limits

Explains how to determine the vehicle's load limits and calculate available cargo capacity.

Driving

Driving Guidelines

Offers advice on safe driving practices, considering vehicle characteristics like ground clearance.

Preparing to Drive

Lists essential checks and adjustments to perform before driving the vehicle.

Starting the Engine

Provides instructions for starting the engine under various conditions, including cold weather.

Manual Transmission

Explains how to operate the manual transmission, including shifting and clutch use.

Automatic Transmission

Details how to operate the automatic transmission, including shift lever positions and modes.

Parking Tips

Offers advice on safely parking the vehicle, including brake use and uphill/downhill considerations.

Braking System

Explains the vehicle's braking system, including power assist and dual circuits.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Details the operation of the ABS system, how it works, and driver interaction.

Towing a Trailer

Provides essential information and guidelines for safely towing a trailer.

Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

Explains the procedure for towing the vehicle behind a motorhome, emphasizing flat towing.

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Offers specific advice and precautions for driving the vehicle on unpaved roads and off-highway conditions.

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Emphasizes crucial safety precautions to be followed during vehicle maintenance.

Maintenance Schedule

Provides schedules for normal and severe driving conditions to guide maintenance intervals.

Maintenance Record

Offers a section to record completed maintenance services for tracking purposes.

Fluid Locations

Identifies the locations of various vehicle fluid reservoirs under the hood.

Adding Engine Oil

Guides on how to check and add engine oil, including the recommended type.

Changing the Oil and Filter

Details the procedure for changing engine oil and filter, recommending professional service.

Engine Coolant

Explains how to check and add engine coolant, including the recommended type and warnings.

Windshield Washers

Guides on checking and refilling the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Explains how to check and add automatic transmission fluid, including recommended types.

Manual Transmission Fluid

Guides on checking and adding manual transmission fluid, including temporary replacements.

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Explains how to check brake and clutch fluid levels and the importance of using the correct fluid.

Power Steering Fluid, Cleaning the Body Panels

Guides on checking power steering fluid and cleaning body panels.

Lights

Covers the replacement of various vehicle light bulbs, including headlights and taillights.

Cleaning the Seat Belts, Dust and Pollen Filter

Provides guidance on cleaning seat belts and replacing the dust/pollen filter.

Wiper Blades, Tires

Guides on inspecting and replacing wiper blades and general tire care.

Checking the Battery

Explains how to check the battery's condition and maintain its terminals.

Vehicle Storage

Offers advice on preparing the vehicle for extended storage to prevent deterioration.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Compact Spare Tire

Describes the compact spare tire, its limitations, and precautions for use.

Changing a Flat Tire

Provides step-by-step instructions for changing a flat tire safely.

If the Engine Won’t Start

Offers diagnostic steps for troubleshooting engine starting problems.

Jump Starting

Details the procedure for jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery.

If the Engine Overheats

Provides instructions on what to do if the engine overheats, including safety warnings.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator

Alerts to critical warning lights for low oil pressure and charging system issues.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Explains the meaning of the check engine light and potential causes.

Brake System Indicator

Explains the brake system warning light and actions to take if it illuminates.

Fuses

Guides on checking and replacing fuses to resolve electrical issues.

Fuse Locations

Identifies the locations of the interior and under-hood fuse boxes.

Emergency Towing

Provides instructions on contacting towing services and the correct towing methods.

Technical Information

Identification Numbers

Locates various vehicle identification numbers, including VIN and engine numbers.

Specifications

Provides detailed specifications for the vehicle, including dimensions, weights, and capacities.

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

Explains DOT grading for tires, including treadwear, traction, and temperature ratings.

Tire Labeling

Explains markings on tire sidewalls, including size, load index, and speed rating.

Emissions Controls

Explains systems controlling emissions, including Clean Air Act standards.

Three Way Catalytic Converter

Explains the function of the catalytic converter in converting exhaust gases into less harmful substances.

State Emissions Testing

Explains OBD-II readiness codes and their importance for emissions testing.

Warranty and Customer Relations

Customer Service Information

Provides contact information for customer service and dealership support.

Warranty Coverages

Outlines the types of warranties covering the vehicle, including limited and emissions warranties.

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)

Explains how to report safety defects to NHTSA and the manufacturer.

Authorized Manuals

Lists available factory-authorized manuals and how to purchase them.

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