Honda Element (2010 year). Instruction - part 4

Installing a Child Seat with
LATCH

Your vehicle is equipped with
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) at the rear seats.
The lower anchors are located
between the seat-back and seat
bottom, and are to be used only with
a child seat designed for use with
LATCH.
The location of each lower anchor is
indicated by a small button above the
anchor point.

To install a LATCH-compatible child
seat:

1. Remove both anchor covers by

pulling forward.

2. Make sure there are no objects

near the anchors that could
prevent a secure connection
between the child seat and the
anchors.

3. Place the child seat on the vehicle

seat, then attach the seat to the
lower anchors according to the
child seat maker's instructions.

Some LATCH-compatible seats
have a rigid-type connector as
shown above.

MARKS

LOWER ANCHORS

ANCHOR COVER

Rigid-type

Installing a Child Seat

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Other LATCH-compatible seats have
a flexible-type connector as shown
above.

4. Whatever type you have, follow the

child seat maker's instructions for
adjusting or tightening the fit.

5. Remove the head restraint (see

page 85). Make sure the removed
head restraints are secured in the
cargo area, and reinstalled when
the child seat is removed.

6. Route the tether strap over the top

of the seat-back, making sure the
strap is not twisted.

7. Slide the anchor cover open.

Flexible-type

ANCHOR COVER

TETHER ANCHOR

CONTINUED

Installing a Child Seat

Driver

and

Passenger

Safety

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8. Attach the tether strap hook to the

tether anchor, then tighten the
strap as instructed by the child
seat maker.
If the tether strap is too long and
cannot be tightened firmly, find a
route where the strap can be
tightened securely.

9. Push and pull the child seat

forward and from side-to-side to
verify that it is secure.

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Belt
When not using the LATCH system,
all child seats must be secured to the
vehicle with the lap part of a lap/
shoulder belt.

In addition, the lap/shoulder belts in
all seating positions except the
driver's have a lockable retractor that
must be activated to secure a child
seat.

1. With the child seat in the desired

seating position, route the belt
through the child seat according to
the seat maker's instructions, then
insert the latch plate into the
buckle and remove any slack from
the lap portion of the belt.

TETHER STRAP HOOK

TETHER ANCHOR

Installing a Child Seat

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2. To activate the lockable retractor,

slowly pull the shoulder part of the
belt all the way out until it stops,
then let the belt feed back into the
retractor.

3. After the belt has retracted, tug on

it. If the belt is locked, you will not
be able to pull it out. If you can pull
the belt out, it is not locked, and
you will need to repeat these steps.

4. After confirming that the belt is

locked, grab the shoulder part of
the belt near the buckle, and pull
up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. Remember, if
the lap part of the belt is not tight,
the child seat will not be secure.

To remove slack, it may help to put
weight on the child seat, or push
on the back of the seat while
pulling up on the belt.

5. Push and pull the child seat

forward and from side-to-side to
verify that it is secure enough to
stay upright during normal driving
maneuvers. If the child seat is not
secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to
retract fully, then repeat these
steps.

To deactivate the lockable retractor
and remove a child seat, unlatch the
buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let
the belt fully retract.

Installing a Child Seat

Driver

and

Passenger

Safety

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Installing a Child Seat with a
Tether

A child seat with a tether can be
installed in either back seat, using
one of the anchor points shown
above.

Since a tether can provide additional
security to the lap/shoulder belt
installation, we recommend using a
tether whenever one is required or
available.

1. After securing the child seat in the

desired position (see page 46),
remove the head restraint (see
page 85), then route the tether
strap over the top of the seat-back.

2. Slide the anchor cover open as

shown.

3. Attach the tether strap hook to the

anchor, making sure the strap is
not twisted.

4. Tighten the strap according to the

seat maker's instructions. Make
sure the removed head restraint is
secured in the cargo area. Reinstall
the head restraint in place when
you remove the child seat.

TETHER ANCHORAGE POINTS

TETHER ANCHOR

ANCHOR COVER

TETHER ANCHOR

TETHER STRAP HOOK

Installing a Child Seat

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When a child reaches the
recommended weight or height limit
for a forward-facing child seat, the
child should sit in a back seat on a
booster seat and wear the lap/
shoulder belt.
The following pages give instructions
on how to check proper seat belt fit,
what kind of booster seat to use if one
is needed, and important precautions
for a child who must sit in front.

Allowing a child age 12 or under
to sit in front can result in injury
or death if the passenger's front
airbag inflates.

If a child must ride in front, move
the vehicle seat as far back as
possible, use a booster seat if
needed, have the child sit up
properly and wear the seat belt
properly.

Checking Seat Belt Fit

To determine if a lap/shoulder belt
properly fits a child, have the child
put on the seat belt, then ask
yourself:

1. Does the child sit all the way back

against the seat?

2. Do the child's knees bend

comfortably over the edge of the
seat?

3. Does the shoulder belt cross

between the child's neck and arm?

4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as

possible, touching the child's
thighs?

5. Will the child be able to stay

seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these
questions, the child is ready to wear
the lap/shoulder belt correctly. If
you answer no to any question, the
child needs to ride on a booster seat.

Protecting Larger Children

Driver

and

Passenger

Safety

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Using a Booster Seat

A child who has outgrown a forward-
facing child seat should ride in a
back seat and use a booster seat until
the lap/shoulder belt fits them
properly without the booster.
Some states, Canadian provinces and
territories also require children to
use a booster seat until they reach a
given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or
60 lbs). Be sure to check current
laws in the states, provinces or
territories where you intend to drive.

Booster seats can be high-back or
low-back. Whichever style you select,
make sure the booster meets federal
safety standards and that you follow
the booster seat maker's
instructions.

If a child who uses a booster seat
must ride in front, move the vehicle
seat as far back as possible and be
sure the child is wearing the seat belt
properly.

A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of their ears are
even with the top of the vehicle's or
booster's seat-back. A child of this
height should be tall enough to use
the lap/shoulder belt without a
booster seat.

When Can a Larger Child Sit in
Front
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
aged 12 and under be properly
restrained in a back seat.

If the passenger's front airbag
inflates in a moderate to severe
frontal collision, the airbag can cause
serious injuries to a child who is
unrestrained, improperly restrained,
sitting too close to the airbag, or out
of position.

A side airbag also poses risks. If any
part of a larger child's body is in the
path of a deploying side airbag, the
child could receive possibly serious
injuries.

Protecting Larger Children

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Of course, children vary widely. And
while age may be one indicator of
when a child can safely ride in front,
there are other important factors you
should consider.

Maturity
To safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly, and wearing the seat
belt properly throughout a ride.

Physical Size
Physically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit (see pages 14 and 49). If
the seat belt does not fit properly,
with or without the child sitting on a
booster seat, the child should not sit
in front.

If you decide that a child can safely
ride up front, be sure to:

●

Carefully read the owner's manual,
and make sure you understand all
seat belt instructions and all safety
information.

●

Move the vehicle seat to the rear-
most position.

●

Have the child sit up straight, back
against the seat, and feet on or
near the floor.

●

Check that the child's seat belt is
properly and securely positioned.

●

Supervise the child. Even mature
children sometimes need to be
reminded to fasten the seat belts
or sit properly.

Additional Safety Precautions

●

Do not let a child wear a seat belt
across the neck. This could result
in serious neck injuries during a
crash.

●

Do not let a child put the shoulder

part of a seat belt behind the back
or under the arm. This could cause
very serious injuries during a
crash. It also increases the chance
that the child will slide under the
belt in a crash and be injured.

●

Two children should never use the
same seat belt. If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.

●

Do not put any accessories on a
seat belt. Devices intended to
improve a child's comfort or
reposition the shoulder part of a
seat belt can make the belt less
effective and increase the chance
of serious injury in a crash.

Protecting Larger Children

Driver

and

Passenger

Safety

Table of Contents

Your vehicle's exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide should not enter the
vehicle in normal driving if you
maintain your vehicle properly and
follow the information on this page.

Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:

●

The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.

●

You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.

●

The vehicle was in a collision that
may have damaged the underside.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage.

With the tailgate or hatch open, air
flow can pull exhaust gas into your
vehicle's interior and create a
hazardous condition. If you must
drive with the tailgate or hatch open,
open all the windows and set the
heating and cooling system as shown
below.

If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconfined area, adjust the heating
and cooling system as follows:

1. Select the fresh air mode.

2. Select the

mode.

3. Turn the fan on high speed.

4. Set the temperature control to a

comfortable setting.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

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These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury or death.
Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner),
contact your dealer for a replacement.

U.S. models only

Canadian models

U.S. models

SUN VISOR

DASHBOARD

U.S. models only

CONTINUED

Safety Labels

Driver

and

Passenger

Safety

Table of Contents

U.S. models

Canadian models

RADIATOR CAP

DOORJAMBS

Safety Labels

Table of Contents

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

..........................

Instrument Panel

..........................

Instrument Panel Indicators

..........

Gauges

..........................................

Information Display

..................

Odometer

..................................

Trip Meter

................................

Fuel Gauge

...............................

Check Fuel Cap Message

...............................

Controls Near the Steering

Wheel

.......................................

Windshield Wipers and

Washers

....................................

Turn Signals and Headlights

.........

Instrument Panel Brightness

........

Hazard Warning Button

................

Rear Window Defogger

.................

Steering Wheel Adjustment

..........

Keys and Locks

.............................

Immobilizer System

......................

Remote Transmitter

......................

Ignition Switch

..............................

Door Locks

...................................

Power Door Locks

....................

Rear Doors

................................

Hatch

........................................

Tailgate

.....................................

Seats

.............................................

Seat Adjustments

......................

Driver's Seat Height

Adjustment

...........................

Front Seat Armrests

..................

Head Restraints

.........................

Reclining the Front Seats

..........

Folding the Rear Seats

..............

Removing the Rear Seats

..........

Power Windows

............................

Mirrors

.........................................

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

.....

Rear Windows

...............................

Parking Brake

...............................

Interior Lights

...............................

Light Control Switch

.................

Individual Map Lights

...............

Courtesy Light

..........................

Ceiling Light

.............................

Cargo Area Light

.......................

Ignition Switch Light

.................

Interior Convenience Items

...........

Cooler Box

................................

Beverage Holders

.....................

Accessory Power Sockets

.......

100

Glove Box

...............................

100

Sun Visor

................................

100

Vanity Mirror

..........................

Instruments and Controls

Instruments

and

Controls

ꭧ: If equipped

VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) OFF
SWITCH (P. 231)

PARKING BRAKE
(P. 94)

AUDIO SYSTEM
(P. 109)

HEATING/COOLING
CONTROLS
(P. 104)

A/T model with navigation system is shown.

POWER DOOR
LOCK SWITCH
(P. 80)

MIRROR CONTROLS
(P. 93)

POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P. 92)

INSTRUMENT PANEL (P. 57)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
(P. 200)

GAUGES (P. 64)

USB ADAPTER CABLE

ꭧ

(P. 164, 177)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P. 219)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P. 217)

Control Locations

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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

Instruments

and

Controls

Table of Contents

The instrument panel has many
indicators that give you important
information about your vehicle.

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp

For more information, see page 296.

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator flashes or stays on
when the engine is running. For
more information, see page 295.

Charging System
Indicator

If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more
information, see page 295.

U.S.

Canada

Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
(Red)

This indicator has two functions:

1. It comes on when you turn the

ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. A beeper
sounds if you drive with the
parking brake not fully released.
Driving with the parking brake not
fully released can damage the
brakes and tires.

2. If it remains on after you have fully

released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the brake
system. For more information, see
page 297.

Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator

This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. It reminds you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
fastened your seat belt.

If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position before fastening
your seat belt, the beeper sounds
and the indicator flashes. If you do
not fasten your seat belt before the
beeper stops, the indicator stops
flashing but remains on.

If your front passenger does not
fasten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds after the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.

Instrument Panel Indicators

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If either of you do not fasten your
seat belt while driving, the beeper
will sound and the indicator will flash
again at regular intervals. For more
information, see page 18.

Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator

This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates a potential
problem with your front airbags. This
indicator will also alert you to a
potential problem with your side
airbags, passenger's side airbag
cutoff system, side curtain airbags,
automatic seat belt tensioners,
driver's seat position sensor, or the
front passenger's weight sensors.
For more information, see page 31.

U.S.

Canada

Side Airbag Off
Indicator

This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that the
passenger's side airbag has
automatically shut off. For more
information, see page 32.

Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator

This indicator normally comes on for a
few seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and
when the ignition switch is turned to
the START (III) position. If it comes on
at any other time, there is a problem
with the ABS. If this happens, have
your vehicle checked at a dealer. With
this indicator on, your vehicle still has
normal braking ability but no anti-lock
function. For more information, see
page 226.

Maintenance Minder
Indicator

This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It
reminds you that it is time to take
your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance. The maintenance main
items and sub items will be displayed
in the information display. See page
243 for more information on the
maintenance minder.

This indicator goes off when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service.

CONTINUED

Instrument Panel Indicators

Instruments

and

Controls

Table of Contents

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