Honda Element (2010 year). Instruction

●

Minimize the use of the air
conditioning system － The A/C
puts an extra load on the engine
which makes it use more fuel. Use
the fresh-air ventilation when
possible.

●

Plan and combine trips －
Combine several short trips into
one. A warmed-up engine is more
fuel efficient than a cold one.

Calculating Fuel Economy
Measuring Techniques
Direct calculation is the
recommended source of information
about your actual fuel economy.
Using frequency of fill-ups or taking
fuel gauge readings are NOT
accurate measures of fuel economy.
Fuel economy may improve over the
first several thousand miles.

Checking Your Fuel Economy

1) Fill the fuel tank until the nozzle automatically clicks off.

2) Reset trip counter to zero.

3) Record the total gallons (liters) needed to refill.

4) Follow one of the simple calculations above.

100

Liter

Kilometers

L per

100 km

Miles

driven

Gallons

of fuel

Miles per

Gallon

Fuel Economy

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Modifying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make it unsafe. Before you make any
modifications or add any accessories,
be sure to read the following
information.

Accessories
Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have been
designed and approved for your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.

Although non-Honda accessories
may fit on your vehicle, they may not
meet factory specifications, and could
adversely affect your vehicle's
handling and stability.

Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.

Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding
accessories and modifications.

When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your vehicle's
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system.

Before installing any accessory:

●

Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper vehicle operation or
performance.

●

Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits (see
page 298) or interfere with the
proper operation of your vehicle.

●

Before installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the final installation.

●

Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
these areas may interfere with
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.

CONTINUED

Accessories and Modifications

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Modifying Your Vehicle
Removing parts from your vehicle, or
replacing components with some
non-Honda components could
seriously affect your vehicle's
handling, stability, and reliability.

Some examples are:

●

Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit that
significantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.

●

Raising your vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit can affect
the handling and stability.

●

Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components, and are not
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).

●

Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interfere with the operation of
your vehicle's anti-lock brakes and
other systems.

●

Modifying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle's
safety features can make the
systems ineffective.

If you plan to modify your vehicle,
consult your dealer.

Accessories and Modifications

206

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ꭧ: If equipped

Your vehicle has several convenient
storage areas:

●

Cargo area side pockets

●

Glove box

●

Overhead console (EX and SC
models)

●

Door pockets

●

Seat-back pockets (EX and SC
models)

●

Cargo area (including rear seats
when they are folded down, folded
to the side, or removed)

●

Seat-back bungees (EX model)

●

Roof-rack (if installed)

●

Center console (SC model)

●

Cooler box (EX model)

CARGO AREA

CENTER CONSOLE

ꭧ

COOLER BOX

ꭧ

SEAT-BACK POCKETS

ꭧ

GLOVE BOX

CARGO AREA SIDE POCKET

DOOR POCKETS

OVERHEAD CONSOLE

ꭧ

CONTINUED

Carrying Cargo

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However, carrying too much cargo, or
improperly storing it, can affect your
vehicle's handling, stability, stopping
distance, tires, and make it unsafe.
Before carrying any type of cargo, be
sure to read the following pages.

Load Limits
The maximum load for your vehicle
is 670 lbs (305 kg).

See Tire And Loading Information
label attached to the driver's
doorjamb.

Label Example

This figure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.

Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.

Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit －

1. Locate the statement ‘‘The

combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle's

placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of

the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of

the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.

Carrying Cargo

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4. The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount

equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.
(1,400 － 750 (5 ╳ 150) ＝ 650 lbs.)

5. Determine the combined weight of

luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a

trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo,
and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the
driver's doorjamb.

Max Load (675 lbs)

Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs)

Cargo Weight
(375 lbs)

Max Load (675 lbs)

Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 3 = 450 lbs)

Cargo Weight
(225 lbs)

Max Load (675 lbs)

Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs)

Cargo Weight
(75 lbs)

CONTINUED

Carrying Cargo

209

Before

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Table of Contents

Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment

●

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.

●

Be sure items placed on the floor
behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the pedals, the seat operation, or
the proper operation of the sensors
under the seats.

●

Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.

●

If you fold the rear seats down or
up, or remove them, tie down
items that could be thrown about
the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. Also, keep all cargo
below the bottom of the windows.
If it is higher, it could interfere
with the proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.

Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area
or on a Roof Rack

●

Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.

●

If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the
tailgate or the hatch, exhaust gas
can enter the passenger area. To
avoid the possibility of

carbon

monoxide poisoning, follow the
instructions on page 52.

●

If you carry any items on a roof
rack, be sure the total weight of
the rack and the items does not
exceed 75 lbs (34 kg).

If you use an accessory roof rack,
the roof rack weight limit may be
lower. Refer to the information that
came with your roof rack.

Carrying Cargo

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Optional Cargo Net
The cargo net can be used to help
hold down light items in the cargo
area. The cargo net may not prevent
heavy items from being thrown
forward in a crash or a sudden stop.
Heavy items should be secured to
the cargo area floor with the hooks
or cinch straps attached to the cargo
hooks.

Seat-Back Bungee
On EX model

The driver's seat-back and left rear
seat-back are equipped with
adjustable bungee cords to hold
medium-sized, lightweight objects.

If the cords are not installed, route
one cord through the loops as
shown. To attach the hooks, press
the top of the hook down, and slide
to the desired position, then release.
Adjust as needed.

ADJUSTABLE BUNGEE CORD

LOOP

HOOK

CONTINUED

Carrying Cargo

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Cargo Hooks

The four hooks on the side panels
can be used to install a net for
securing items. Each hook is
designed to hold up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
of weight.

Your vehicle also has a grocery hook
on each side panel in the cargo area.
They are designed to hold light
items. Heavy objects may damage
the hook. Make sure any items put
on each hook weigh less than 6.5 lbs
(3 kg).

CARGO HOOKS

GROCERY HOOKS

Carrying Cargo

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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual and automatic transmissions.
It also includes important information
on parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the vehicle stability assist
(VSA

) system, the tire pressure

monitoring system (TPMS), and
facts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer or drive off-highway.

Driving Guidelines

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

214

Preparing to Drive

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

215

Starting the Engine

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

Automatic Transmission

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

219

Parking

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

223

Braking System

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

224

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

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

225

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS)

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

227

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA

aka Electronic Stability Control

(ESC), System

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

230

Towing a Trailer

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

232

Off-Highway Driving

Guidelines

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

238

Driving

213

Driving

Your vehicle has a higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.

Because your vehicle rides higher off
the ground, it has a high center of
gravity that can cause it to roll over if
you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a significantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.

To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:

●

Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.

●

Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible.

●

Do not modify your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.

●

Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof.

Four-wheel drive models
Your vehicle is equipped with a four-
wheel drive (4WD) system. When
the system senses a loss of front-
wheel traction, it automatically
transfers some power to the rear
wheels. This gives you better traction
and mobility.

You still need to exercise the same
care when accelerating, steering, and
braking that you would in a two-
wheel drive vehicle.

See page 238 for off-highway driving
guidelines.

Driving Guidelines

214

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You should do the following checks
and adjustments before you drive
your vehicle.

1. Make sure all windows, mirrors,

and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.

2. Check that the hood is fully

closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a tire

looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.

4. Check that any items you may be

carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely.

5. Check the seat adjustment (see

page 83).

6. Check the adjustment of the inside

and outside mirrors (see page 93).

7. Check the steering wheel

adjustment (see page 74).

8. Make sure the doors, the hatch,

and the tailgate are securely
closed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that

your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 14).

10. When you start the engine, check

the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page 57).

Preparing to Drive

215

Driving

Table of Contents

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. In cold weather, turn off all

electrical 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 page 76.

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 Engine

216

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U.S. models Only

The manual transmission is
synchronized in all forward gears for
smooth operation. It has a lockout so
you cannot shift directly from fifth to
reverse. When shifting up or down,
make sure you push the clutch pedal
down all the way, shift to the next
gear, and let the pedal up gradually.
When you are not shifting, do not
rest your foot on the clutch pedal.
This can cause the clutch to wear out
faster.

Come to a full stop before you shift
into reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into
reverse with the vehicle moving.
Push down the clutch pedal, and
pause for a few seconds before
shifting into reverse, or shift into one
of the forward gears for a moment.
This stops the gears so they won't
‘‘grind.’’
When slowing down, you can get
extra braking from the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe
speed and prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a
steep hill. Before downshifting, make
sure the engine speed will not go
into the tachometer's red zone in the
lower gear.

Rapid slowing or speeding up
can cause loss of control on
slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.

CONTINUED

Manual Transmission

217

Driving

Table of Contents

Recommended Shift Points
Drive in the highest gear that lets the
engine run and accelerate smoothly.
This will give you good fuel economy
and effective emissions control. The
following shift points are
recommended:

Shift up

Normal acceleration

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th

4th to 5th

15 mph (24 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
48 mph (77 km/h)

Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. If this occurs,
you may feel the engine cut in and
out. This is caused by a limiter in the
engine's computer controls. The
engine will run normally when you
reduce the rpm below the red zone.

The engine speed limiter only works
when you upshift; engine speed is
not limited during downshifts. Before
downshifting, make sure the engine
will not go into the tachometer's red
zone.

Manual Transmission

218

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Shift Lever Position Indicators

These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shift
lever is in.
The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for a few

seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
flashes while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission. Avoid
rapid acceleration, and have the
transmission checked by your dealer
as soon as possible.

Shifting

To shift from any position, press
firmly on the brake pedal, push the
release button, and pull the lever
toward you. You cannot shift out of
Park when the ignition switch is in
the LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I)
position.

To shift from:

Do this:

P to R

Press the brake pedal, and
press the shift lever release
button.

R to P

Press the shift lever release
button.

N to R

D to 2

2 to 1
1 to 2

Move the shift lever.

2 to D

D to N
N to D

R to N

D3 to D

Press the D

button.

D to D3

Park (P) － This position
mechanically locks the transmission.
Use Park whenever you are turning
off or starting the engine. To shift out
of Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and press the release button on
the shift lever. Make sure your foot is
off the accelerator pedal.

RELEASE BUTTON

D3 BUTTON

SHIFT LEVER

CONTINUED

Automatic Transmission

219

Driving

Table of Contents

Honda Element (2010 year). Instruction - part 14