The BATTERY CHARGE
LOW or BATT LOW warning message on my dash is on. What does that mean
and what should I do?
For vehicles equipped with the Battery Management System, this
message occurs when the battery's State of Charge has dropped below a
predetermined level. The message is intended to inform you that the
battery requires charging to guarantee proper performance under all
conditions (extremely cold conditions, high electrical system demands,
etc).
Conditions that may cause the battery charge to drop enough to prompt the BATTERY CHARGE LOW or BATT LOW message are:
If you see the BATTERY CHARGE LOW or BATT LOW message, don't panic. It simply means the battery charge is lower than it should be. This can be fixed by taking longer trips between shorter trips, minimizing unnecessary electrical accessory usage during short trips, and spending less time using electrical accessories while the engine is not running.
The battery management system is intended to protect the driver from allowing the battery charge to drop to a point where it cannot start the vehicle. By using it as a guide, not only will the life of the battery be extended, but the chances of the vehicle not starting due to a discharged battery will be greatly reduced.
Conditions that may cause the battery charge to drop enough to prompt the BATTERY CHARGE LOW or BATT LOW message are:
- Extended time spent with the ignition on, but the engine not running. The affect on the battery is made worse if the radio, lights, heater fan or other accessories are on at the same time.
- Driving short trips repeatedly without a longer trip between them. The starter uses a lot of energy when starting the engine. If the engine is not run long enough, the charging system cannot recharge the battery to the level it was at before the engine was started. Running high-demand electrical accessories, such as seat heaters, can make this situation even worse.
- Extremely cold weather is also hard on the battery. Not only does it require more energy to start the vehicle in the cold, but the battery just doesn't work as well.
If you see the BATTERY CHARGE LOW or BATT LOW message, don't panic. It simply means the battery charge is lower than it should be. This can be fixed by taking longer trips between shorter trips, minimizing unnecessary electrical accessory usage during short trips, and spending less time using electrical accessories while the engine is not running.
The battery management system is intended to protect the driver from allowing the battery charge to drop to a point where it cannot start the vehicle. By using it as a guide, not only will the life of the battery be extended, but the chances of the vehicle not starting due to a discharged battery will be greatly reduced.
Where can I find
out more about Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (phone compatibility, pairing a
phone, etc)?
For information about Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (HFL), such as
checking phone compatibility, how to pair a phone, or importing an
address book, please visit http://automobiles.honda.com/handsfreelink/ or
call (888) 528-7876.
The battery was disconnected from my
vehicle and now my radio display is flashing "CODE" and the radio
doesn't work. Where can I find my radio code?
If an audio unit with theft protection is disconnected
from electrical power, you must enter a unique code into the unit or it
will not work. This code and the audio unit's serial number are listed
on the anti-theft ID card that comes with the vehicle. If this card is
lost, you must obtain the audio unit serial number in order to get the
radio code. Once you have the audio unit serial number, you can go to
the Radio & Navigation System Micro-site to retrieve your radio
code. Some newer vehicles allow you to retrieve the audio unit serial
number electronically from the radio. Refer to your owner's manual for
the specific procedure. Most older vehicles (model year 2003 and older)
require a visit to the dealer in order to retrieve the audio unit serial
number. If dealer assistance is required to retrieve your serial
number, the dealer will be able to provide the radio code as well.
- For more information on how to retrieve your Radio or Navi code, go to the Radio & Navigation System Micro-site
How can I find out if my vehicle is
affected by a campaign?
There are a number of ways to find out if your vehicle is affected
by a campaign (recall, product update, or extended warranty). You can
either call Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009 (press the
appropriate option for Campaign information) or you can access
information on any campaign affecting your vehicle
through Owner
Link.
How often do I need to change the oil in my
vehicle?
There are many variables that
determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time,
highway or city street driving, etc.). You should refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance section in the appropriate owner's manual for specific
information.
How often do I need to
change the timing belt on my vehicle?
Depending
on the model year of the vehicle, it is typically between 60,000 and
90,000 miles. If your vehicle has a timing chain, instead of a timing
belt, replacement of the timing chain is not required. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance section of the appropriate owner's manual for
specific information.
My USB Audio Interface doesn't play music
after upgrading to OS 4.0 on my iPhone/iPod touch.
A hard reset (complete power off) to the device should resolve this
problem. To perform a hard reset, hold the home button (below the
screen) and the stand-by button (on the top) until the device reboots
(ignore the "slide to power off" and wait until the Apple logo
appears).
Note: if a non-reset OS 4.0 iPhone/iPod touch is connected to the vehicle and disconnected, other OS 3.x iPods/iPhones may not work until the vehicle has been restarted.
Note: if a non-reset OS 4.0 iPhone/iPod touch is connected to the vehicle and disconnected, other OS 3.x iPods/iPhones may not work until the vehicle has been restarted.
Is it possible to
tow my Honda vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (dinghy
towing)?
For model year 2006 and newer, if a
Honda vehicle is approved for towing with all four wheels on the ground,
it will be noted in the Owner's Manual for that vehicle. Please refer
to the owner's manual for specific towing
instructions.
For model year 2005 and older, dinghy towing capability may or may not be possible. Please contact Honda Automobile Customer Service (800-999-1009) for additional information on whether or not your specific 2005 or older vehicle may be dinghy towable.
For model year 2005 and older, dinghy towing capability may or may not be possible. Please contact Honda Automobile Customer Service (800-999-1009) for additional information on whether or not your specific 2005 or older vehicle may be dinghy towable.
Where can I
purchase an updated Navigation disc?
Updated
Navigation DVDs can be purchased at www.hondanavi.com. You can also
access this link through Owner Link if you have registered a vehicle
that has a navigation system.
Why do my brakes make a squealing noise
sometimes when I apply them lightly at low speeds?
As described in some owner's manuals, the squealing noise is caused
by high-frequency vibration of the brake pads against the rotating
brake disc. Vibration is the unavoidable result of friction generated by
the pads as the caliper clamps them against the rotating disc. Under
average braking conditions, some brake noise is normal and cannot be
eliminated.
Normally, the shims and the high-temperature grease between the pads and the brake caliper dampen and isolate most of the vibration. The level of vibration, however, is affected by outside temperature and humidity, by road conditions (mud, dust, and road salt), and by the condition or thickness of the brake pad material.
If the squealing noise is abnormally loud, have the brakes inspected and checked for pad wear.
Normally, the shims and the high-temperature grease between the pads and the brake caliper dampen and isolate most of the vibration. The level of vibration, however, is affected by outside temperature and humidity, by road conditions (mud, dust, and road salt), and by the condition or thickness of the brake pad material.
If the squealing noise is abnormally loud, have the brakes inspected and checked for pad wear.
Why do my brakes
make a single "click" noise when I back out of a parking place and once
again when I drive forward?
A clearance
between the brake caliper brackets and the ends of the brake pads
allows for heat expansion and avoids corrosion between the caliper
bracket and the brake pads. That clearance can cause the pads to hit the
caliper brackets when you first apply the brakes in a new directions of
travel. When you back up and apply the brakes and then drive forward
and apply the brakes, the single "click" noise you hear is a normal
characteristic of the brake system.
Why do I hear a groaning noise when I start my
car and then leave for work in the morning?
On models with a compact anti-lock brake system (ABS) unit, the
vehicle's ABS emits a brief grunt or groan when it does a self-check.
The self-check occurs when a vehicle is backed up or driven forward
after being started. The groaning noise associated with the ABS
self-check is a normal characteristic; it doesn't mean there is a
problem with the ABS.
Why does my brake pedal sometimes feel like it
sinks when I'm holding my car stopped at a light?
This change in brake pedal height is caused by an increase in
engine vacuum. The "power brakes" system in most modern vehicles uses
engine vacuum to boost the amount of force applied to the brake pedal by
the driver of the car. The device that does this, called the brake
"booster", makes it easier for the driver to stop the
vehicle.
Engine vacuum is affected by many different conditions. Engine vacuum is highest when all accessories are off and the accelerator pedal is released (low load), and lowest when all accessories are turned on and the accelerator pedal is held to the floor (high load). Any change in engine vacuum (load) can affect the amount of "assist," or boost, provided by the brake booster.
One system that applies a noticeable load to the engine is the air conditioning. During normal operation, the air conditioning system constantly cycles on and off, changing the amount of load on the engine. When the air conditioning cycles off, the load on the engine is decreased and the amount of engine vacuum is increased. If the driver is applying the brake pedal when the air conditioning cycles off, the increase in engine vacuum increases the amount of boost applied to the brake pedal. That increase is felt as a slight drop in brake pedal height and is a normal characteristic.
Engine vacuum is affected by many different conditions. Engine vacuum is highest when all accessories are off and the accelerator pedal is released (low load), and lowest when all accessories are turned on and the accelerator pedal is held to the floor (high load). Any change in engine vacuum (load) can affect the amount of "assist," or boost, provided by the brake booster.
One system that applies a noticeable load to the engine is the air conditioning. During normal operation, the air conditioning system constantly cycles on and off, changing the amount of load on the engine. When the air conditioning cycles off, the load on the engine is decreased and the amount of engine vacuum is increased. If the driver is applying the brake pedal when the air conditioning cycles off, the increase in engine vacuum increases the amount of boost applied to the brake pedal. That increase is felt as a slight drop in brake pedal height and is a normal characteristic.
When I look through the side of the windshield
on my car, it's all wavy and distorted. Is this
normal?
This distortion is called "cross-car
distortion." You will notice it when you're watching a vehicle cross in
front of your car and also when you're turning left and looking through
the right side of the windshield at other vehicles. Front-seat
passengers see the same distortion when they look through the left side
of the windshield. Since cross-car distortion occurs when you look
through the glass at an angle, it may be even more noticeable for short
drivers. Wearing nonprescription sunglasses, which tend to reduce depth
perception, also may increase the perceived distortion.
Some cross-car distortion exists in the windshields of Honda vehicles manufactured since 1994. In fact, all of these recent Honda windshields have this distortion to some degree, and the condition should be considered normal. Because the aerodynamic windshield of recent Hondas is at more of an angle than in the past, the cross-car distortion may be slightly more noticeable, even though the jump distortion is at the same low level as before. These windshields meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for glazing materials, and this minor distortion is allowable within the industry specifications for automotive glass.
Some cross-car distortion exists in the windshields of Honda vehicles manufactured since 1994. In fact, all of these recent Honda windshields have this distortion to some degree, and the condition should be considered normal. Because the aerodynamic windshield of recent Hondas is at more of an angle than in the past, the cross-car distortion may be slightly more noticeable, even though the jump distortion is at the same low level as before. These windshields meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for glazing materials, and this minor distortion is allowable within the industry specifications for automotive glass.
Is it normal for
my head lights to dim slightly and then come back to normal while my car
is stopped at a light?
This is a normal
characteristic and is caused by variations in the electrical system
created by the onboard computer. The computer controls the output of the
electrical charging system to improve fuel economy and minimize vehicle
vibration.
While the engine is at idle, the computer monitors the electrical usage of the car and then controls the electrical charging system so that it charges just enough to keep up with demand. This change reduces the load on the engine and, in turn, increases fuel economy and reduces vehicle vibration. As electrical accessories turn on and off, the computer changes the rate of electrical charge in response to the changes in demand for electricity. As the computer responds to the addition of electrical load, you may notice a momentary dimming of the lights. For example, the headlights or instrument panel lights may briefly dim as the air conditioning cycles on.
While the engine is at idle, the computer monitors the electrical usage of the car and then controls the electrical charging system so that it charges just enough to keep up with demand. This change reduces the load on the engine and, in turn, increases fuel economy and reduces vehicle vibration. As electrical accessories turn on and off, the computer changes the rate of electrical charge in response to the changes in demand for electricity. As the computer responds to the addition of electrical load, you may notice a momentary dimming of the lights. For example, the headlights or instrument panel lights may briefly dim as the air conditioning cycles on.
If my vehicle has a branded
or "Salvage" title, is the warranty still valid?
Honda vehicles with titles that have been branded as salvaged,
scrapped, or dismantled are no longer covered by the new car warranty,
with the exception of some emissions warranties and safety recalls. For
further information regarding the branding of vehicle titles, please
contact your state's department of motor vehicles.
Can I change the size of the tires on my
vehicle?
Honda does not recommend modifying the
vehicle in any manner, including changing the original tire size or the
suspension. Honda vehicles meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards when they are originally distributed, and modification
could affect the safety and/or operation of the vehicle, as well as
remove it from compliance with specifications and standards mandated by
the Federal Government. As with any modification, if a failure occurs on
the vehicle that can be attributed to the modification, the warranty on
the affected components may be voided.
Who should I contact regarding the tire
warranty on my Honda vehicle?
The tires
that come as original equipment on your vehicle are warranted by their
manufacturer and not Honda. The tire warranty information is located in
the glove box of the vehicle.
For additional warranty information or service assistance, contact the tire manufacturer directly.
Bridgestone/Firestone
Consumer Affairs Dept.
P.O. Box 7988
Chicago, IL 60680-9534
(800) 367-3872
Continental/General Tire
1800 Continental Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28273
(800) 847-3349
Goodyear/Dunlop Tire Corporation
1144 East Market Street
Akron, OH 44316-0001
(800) 321-2136
Michelin Tires
Customer Relations Dept.
P.O. Box 19001
Greenville, SC 29602-9001
(800) 847-3435
Yokohama Tires
601 South Acacia Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92831
(800) 722-9888
These addresses and phone numbers are subject to change. Contact your DCH Gardena Honda for current information.
For additional warranty information or service assistance, contact the tire manufacturer directly.
Bridgestone/Firestone
Consumer Affairs Dept.
P.O. Box 7988
Chicago, IL 60680-9534
(800) 367-3872
Continental/General Tire
1800 Continental Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28273
(800) 847-3349
Goodyear/Dunlop Tire Corporation
1144 East Market Street
Akron, OH 44316-0001
(800) 321-2136
Michelin Tires
Customer Relations Dept.
P.O. Box 19001
Greenville, SC 29602-9001
(800) 847-3435
Yokohama Tires
601 South Acacia Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92831
(800) 722-9888
These addresses and phone numbers are subject to change. Contact your DCH Gardena Honda for current information.
What do the
sidewall markings on my tire mean?
The
sidewall markings on a tire provide descriptive information about the
tire's design. The following refers to the tire illustration below with
the sidewall marking of 225/50R16:
- 225 - This number specifies the width in millimeters (i.e. 225 mm)
- 50 - This number is the Aspect Ratio, the ratio of sidewall height to width
- R - Radial
- 16 - This number designates the tire's diameter in inches (i.e. 16")
- 92 - This number indicates the tire's load-carrying capacity, known as the Load Index; as the number for the load index increases so does the load-carrying capacity (All passenger car tires in the U.S. are also marked with their actual load limit in pounds)
- V - This letter denotes the Speed Rating, the maximum tire speed under controlled test conditions ("V" in this example is one of several types of speed ratings)
- psi (pounds per square inch) - The maximum cold inflation rating for the tire
- DOT (Department of Transportation) - This symbol indicates the tire meets or exceeds United States DOT safety standards; the letters and numbers following the DOT symbol provide information about the tire manufacturer, tire size, and the date it was manufactured
What is the VIN?
The Vehicle Identification Number, commonly referred to as the VIN,
is a sequence of 17 letters and numbers that is uniquely assigned for
each vehicle. The VIN can usually be found on the driver's side
dashboard near or under the bottom portion of the windshield. It can
also be found in various other places on the vehicle, including the
certification label found on the driver's
doorjamb.
The VIN provides some information about the vehicle. It is typically composed of four sections. The first three digits are called the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). This identifies where the vehicle was manufactured or assembled and the type of vehicle it is. Honda has factories in Japan, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Each factory has it's own identifying code. For example, a VIN starting with 1HG identifies a passenger vehicle manufactured at Honda of America, while 2HG identifies a passenger vehicle manufactured at Honda of Canada. Honda currently has 10 different manufacturing locations.
The next five digits (4 through 8) are the Vehicle Description Section (VDS). These digits provide information on the engine type, body style, and vehicle model type. The ninth digit is a check digit used internally. The 10th digit indicates the model year; letters (except "O" and "Z") were used for vehicles up to the 2000 model year while numbers are used for 2001 and newer vehicles. For example, "X" means the 1999 model year, "Y" is the 2000 model year and "1" represents the 2001 model year. The 11th digit is the plant code. Finally, digits 12 - 17 are the serial number, which is unique to each vehicle.
The VIN provides some information about the vehicle. It is typically composed of four sections. The first three digits are called the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). This identifies where the vehicle was manufactured or assembled and the type of vehicle it is. Honda has factories in Japan, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Each factory has it's own identifying code. For example, a VIN starting with 1HG identifies a passenger vehicle manufactured at Honda of America, while 2HG identifies a passenger vehicle manufactured at Honda of Canada. Honda currently has 10 different manufacturing locations.
The next five digits (4 through 8) are the Vehicle Description Section (VDS). These digits provide information on the engine type, body style, and vehicle model type. The ninth digit is a check digit used internally. The 10th digit indicates the model year; letters (except "O" and "Z") were used for vehicles up to the 2000 model year while numbers are used for 2001 and newer vehicles. For example, "X" means the 1999 model year, "Y" is the 2000 model year and "1" represents the 2001 model year. The 11th digit is the plant code. Finally, digits 12 - 17 are the serial number, which is unique to each vehicle.
Does Honda offer seat belt extenders to
increase the length of the seat belt?
No, Honda
does not offer seat belt extenders for any of our vehicles. Although
some auto manufacturers do offer extenders, Honda believes they are not
the best or the safest solution for our customers. As required by
Federal Standards, Honda's seat belts are designed to fit 95% of all
U.S. adults in any seating position.
Before buying a car, you should first sit in the intended seating position and adjust the seat to the most comfortable position. If you don't feel comfortable (your legs or stomach are touching the steering wheel, or you cannot reach and operate the controls), then you cannot safely operate the vehicle and should look for a larger car.
Before buying a car, you should first sit in the intended seating position and adjust the seat to the most comfortable position. If you don't feel comfortable (your legs or stomach are touching the steering wheel, or you cannot reach and operate the controls), then you cannot safely operate the vehicle and should look for a larger car.
Can I use E85 fuel in my Honda
vehicle?
No. E85 is a fuel being promoted by
some other vehicle manufacturers. No current Honda products are
compatible with E85. Refer to the owner's manual for gasoline
requirements.
Does Honda recommend snow tires during the
winter for better performance?
For most
vehicles, Honda does recommend using snow tires or chains in snowy or
icy conditions. Refer to your owner's manual for information and
recommendations for your specific vehicle.
What are PAX Tires?
The PAX Tire System is the latest in "run-flat" tire technology
that, in the event of a tire puncture, allows a driver to remain in
control of the vehicle and continue driving for up to 125 miles at
speeds up to 50 miles an hour on a deflated tire. For more information
on PAX tires, go to
www.michelinman.com/difference/innovation/paxsystem.html.
Can snow chains be used on PAX
tires?
Yes, the recommendation for snow
chains on vehicles with PAX tires is located in the owner's manual. It
is recommended that customers contact their local auto parts store to
obtain snow chains.
Are PAX snow tires available for my
vehicle?
PAX snow tires are currently available
for the Honda Odyssey Touring model. Contact your dealer for assistance
in obtaining these tires.
Can PAX tires be replaced with non-PAX
tires?
No. PAX wheels will only accommodate
PAX tires. Use of non-PAX tires will disable the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) and is not recommended.
How far can a PAX-equipped vehicle be driven
with a flat tire?
PAX-equipped vehicles may be
driven up to 125 miles at up to 50 miles per hour.
How do PAX tires compare to regular tires for
wear?
While tread life is determined by
multiple variables that include speed, load, road surface abrasiveness
and crown, driving habits and temperatures, PAX System tires should
provide tread life comparable to a corresponding Michelin
tire.
Do warranty
repairs have to be completed at the dealership where the car was
originally purchased?
No. Warranty repairs can
be performed at any authorized Honda dealership.
How do I get the extra accessories (bag with
leash and other items) that are included in the Dog Friendly Element
Package?
To receive the Dog Friendly Extras
portion of your package, including personalized items, you must fill out
and send your mail-in order card. It can be found in the Dog Friendly
Honda Element User's Information Manual (this is different than your
Element Owner's Manual), which came with your new Element. You should
receive your extras in 2-3 weeks. More
information.
Learn more about the Dog Friendly Package
Learn more about the Dog Friendly Package
I sent in the
fulfillment card from the Element Dog Friendly User's guide but I
haven't received the "Extras." What should I do?
You should have received an order confirmation email with a FedEx
tracking number for your shipment. If you have not received your "Dog
Friendly Extras" within 3 weeks, please track your shipment through
FedEx. Should you have problems or concerns, give us a call at
1-800-999-1009.
How can I get
additional Dog Friendly Extras?
If you've
already received your included extras but still want more, feel free to
order additional items at dogfriendlyextras.com.
Can the Honda Element Dog Friendly Package be
applied to Element LX models or to models prior to 2009 model
year?
The Element Dog Friendly Package was
specifically designed for 2009-2010 Honda Element EX models and is not
recommended for other trims or model years.
I recently purchased a new Element EX. Can I
purchase the Dog Friendly Package to turn it into a Dog Friendly
Element?
Yes, the Dog Friendly Element Package
can be installed on 2009 and 2010 Element EX models. Please see your
Honda Dealer.
Learn more about the Dog Friendly Package
Learn more about the Dog Friendly Package
How can I get a
replacement key for my Honda vehicle?
Any
Honda dealer can provide
you with a replacement key.
Where can I find Warranty information for my
Honda vehicle?
Warranty information can be
found in a number of different places. The most complete warranty
information can be found in the Warranty booklet supplied with your
vehicle. If the Warranty booklet is no longer with the vehicle, the same
information can be found online through Owner Link. To access the
information in Owner Link, you must first register and enter your
vehicle information. The warranty information can then be accessed for
each vehicle. To register for an Owner Link account, go to the Owner
Link website: https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/login.asp?brand=honda
If you are not currently a Honda owner or prefer not to register for an Owner Link account, basic warranty information can be accessed by completing a search for "Certified Used Cars" in the search box located in the upper right hand corner of this webpage. Click on the "Certified Used Car" link and then pick the Warranty tab. This will provide new car warranty information as well as warranty information for certified used cars.
Basic warranty information for current model year vehicles can be found on the Owner Resources page.
If you are not currently a Honda owner or prefer not to register for an Owner Link account, basic warranty information can be accessed by completing a search for "Certified Used Cars" in the search box located in the upper right hand corner of this webpage. Click on the "Certified Used Car" link and then pick the Warranty tab. This will provide new car warranty information as well as warranty information for certified used cars.
Basic warranty information for current model year vehicles can be found on the Owner Resources page.