HONDA 2005 Element - Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 212)

If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least three times.
Tightening the cap will not turn the
indicator off immediately; it takes at
least three days of normal driving.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. If your vehicle battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes at least
three days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle’s performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition to ON (II), without starting
the engine. The malfunction
indicator lamp will come on for 20
seconds. If it then goes off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks
five times, the readiness codes are
not set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle for a state emissions test
until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to
for more information (see page
). 230
Readiness Codes
State Emissions Testing
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
210
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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