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2008 HONDA Element Owners Manual
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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 schedules given in this manual
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.
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2008 Honda Element was a wise
investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.
Introduction
i
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California Proposition 65 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 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
WARNING:
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.
ii
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Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
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:
on the vehicle.
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: , , or .
such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it
carefully.
These signal words mean:
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
Safety Headings
Safety Section
Instructions
A Few Words About Safety
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
iii
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.
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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 of this manual and the
section on page . Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of
control or an accident.
156
179 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
Important Handling Information
iv
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2008 Element Online Reference Owner's Manual
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii
Important Handling Information .................................................................................................................... iv
Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 4
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 7
Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column) ............................................ 57
Features (heating and cooling, audio, steering wheel, and cruise control) ........................................................... 101
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break- in, and cargo loading) ..................................................................... 139
Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 155
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 183
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, and fuses) ............................. 221
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 245
Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 261
Authorized Manuals (U. S. only) (how to order) ......................................................................................... 265
Index ............................................................................................................................... ........................................ I
Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)
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How to operate the heating and air
conditioning system, the audio
system, and other convenience
features.
A convenient reference to the
sections in this manual.
A quick reference to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
and how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
A summary of the information you
need when you pull up to the fuel
pump.
What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
The proper way to start the engine,
shift the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you’re
planning to tow a trailer.
Important information about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable information on how to
protect children with child restraints.
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual for detailed
information.
The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance service.
There is also a list of things to check
and instructions on how to check
them.
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them.
Overview of Contents
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Driver and Passenger Safety
Instruments and Controls
Features
Technical Information
Warranty and Customer
Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Index
Service Information Summary
Before Driving
Maintenance
Driving
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Your Vehicle at a Glance
4
POWER DOOR
LOCK SWITCH
MIRROR CONTROLS
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
A/T model is shown.
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
HEATING/COOLING
CONTROLS
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
(P.92)
(P.80)
(P.91)
PARKING BRAKE
(P.93)
(P.102)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
GAUGES (P.66)
(P.59)
(P.142)
(P.161)
(P.159)
DRIVER’S FRONT
AIRBAG(P.11, 27)
PASSENGER’S
FRONT AIRBAG
(P.11, 34)
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*
*
*
*
To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel. 1:
2: If equipped
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Your Vehicle at a Glance
5
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
A/T model is shown.
AUDIO SYSTEM
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS
(P.74)
REMOTE AUDIO
CONTROLS
HORN
DIGITAL CLOCK
(P.107)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
(P.73)
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P.73)
(P.70)
(P.71)
(P.134)
(P.135)
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
(P.34)
(P.132)
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET
(P.98)
(P.135)
CRUISE CONTROL
MASTER BUTTON
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST(VSA) SYSTEM
ON/OFF SWITCH
(P.172)
2
1
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What's Included?

Fast Download Speeds
Online & Offline Access
Access PDF Contents & Bookmarks
Full Search Facility
Print one or all pages of your manual
$24.99
Gain immediate access to a comprehensive manual available in PDF format, extracted from the original factory owner's manual. This digital resource mirrors the content of a traditional physical manual and encompasses a wide array of topics:
- Introduction
- Instrument Cluster
- Entertainment Systems
- Climate Controls
- Lights
- Driver Controls
- Locks and Security
- Seating and Safety Restraints
- Driving
- Customer Assistance
- Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
- Cleaning
- Maintenance and Specifications
- Engine Compartment
- Engine Oil
- Battery
- Fuel Information
- Air Filter(s)
- Part Numbers
- Refill Capacities
- Lubricant Specifications
- Accessories
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