What useful new things have you discovered about your E since you've owned it? For example, the drink holder in the center console just next to the ebrake takes a 1 liter Nalgene bottle pretty nicely. Also, the bolt at the base of the hatch's swing arms makes an excellent bungee point when securing the open hatch to an oversized load.

The biggest "secert" features that I discovered are actual features that I didn't know about....the change bin and the sunglass clips.....but I have to say that they best feature is no secret....the colapsable, hangable rear seats that allow just about anything to be put in the back of the E...including a folding picnic table, 2+ mountain bikes, and countless other oversized items!

[quote:75db042156="StLouisPenguin"]The biggest "secert" features that I discovered are actual features that I didn't know about....the change bin and the sunglass clips.....but I have to say that they best feature is no secret....the colapsable, hangable rear seats that allow just about anything to be put in the back of the E...including a folding picnic table, 2+ mountain bikes, and countless other oversized items![/quote:75db042156]

When I actually get my E, will I be taught The Secret Handshake so I can know about the change bin and the sunglass clips?

:wink:

When I actually get my E, will I be taught The Secret Handshake so I can know about the change bin and the sunglass clips?



ONLY if you play nice Kim! and of course after you go through hazing.....but I promise that it will be nothing like the hazing that occured at the High School in Northbrook, IL (Crazy High School Seniors.....can you say stupid????)

I know all about the change drawer, but where are the sunglass clips?

Actually, the secret little feature I found would go over most peoples head except the avid cb'r/ham. I used an existing bolt under the hood to hold an antenna mount for my ham radio instead of using a magnet mount on the roof (too tall vehicle), or drilling a hole somewhere to mount it. It sticks out between the hood and the fender. Also, the power cord going to the radio from the battery simply slinks down the side of the fender and is pulled thru that opening (open door, of course) and snaked under the rubber around the bottom of the door, paralelling the coax from the antennea. I have not had to drill holes in the body to put my much needed radio equipment in. The radio remote head is stuck on top of the dash with velcro glued to the dash and glued to the bottom of the radio. The rest of the radio is HIDDEN! When I park in a area that has bad ass people wandering around, the radio remote head can be removed and hidden, as well.

Cloak-

Pop open the little overhead bin.....and look on the open side of the little door....there are two clips designed to hold your sunglases 8) 8) 8)

[quote:d2410a16d2="StLouisPenguin"]Cloak-

Pop open the little overhead bin.....and look on the open side of the little door....there are two clips designed to hold your sunglases 8) 8) 8)[/quote:d2410a16d2]

I thought that was supposed to be for a pen! Oops!

My favorite hidden feature is the auto-renewing front windshield... forces you to replace it every 5000 miles or so, so it won't get too dirty! :lol: (yes, of course that's a joke!) Seriously though, my favorite "hidden feature" (it's in the manual, but it's still pretty obscure) is the adjustable console light dimmer in the center ring of the guage cluster. I love how not only does it incrementally dim the lights, but briefly replaces the speedometer with little rings to indicate the level. Neat!

How about the little holder for the gas cap that's in the door to the gas tank. Very spiffy feature. Didn't save the guy at the full serve from placing the cap on the roof and then dropping in on the ground when he filled my "E" tho. And to boot, he didn't even ask about it!!

Incidently, 26.36 miles per imperial gallon for the first tank.

Yeah, the glasses clips kick ass. I used to keep a glasses case in my car all the time when I had my last one, and now I don't have to. Plus the tray to the left of the wheel is the perfect size for my sunglasses. The pen holder is great too although it's a little tight... gotta really pull to get the pen out! Speaking of which, this weekend I actually popped the tip off of my 12V plug trying to get it out of the accessory jack! Damn those things are tight...

Drew

Wow, IskiE! I didn't know about that one and I've had my E for 3 weeks and 4 fill-ups! Now I want to run out to the parking lot and look at my E! (Well, I would like to do that anyway; haven't seen it for a couple of hours. :) )

I've been putting the gas cap on top of the pump, but I'm always afraid it will fall or I'll forget it. Thanks!

I thought I had a defective driver door lock to I looked in Honda's quick start guide good Idae though since Honda does not come unlock your car for you :) .......also found change tray after reading manual

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2047

I've found that the moonroof opening (for those that have it) is an excellent place to watch fireworks from. Having the heat on full blast while watching a winter fireworks dispaly kept my girlfriend's feet warm and there was a perfect gust of warm air coming through the opening in the roof (so it was warm even though we were halfway outside). Plus everyone else in the parking lot was out of view. It's like we had the show to ourselves.

I found the space between the center console and front passenger seat will hold 2-3 CD's, end-to-end.

The top of the dash is a perfect place to mount my E-Trex Vista GPS in the Garmin sandbag mount. The high glass gives it a good view of the sky, while keeping it out of your field of view.

I can strap my Camelbak H.A.W.G. to the driver's seat for hands-free drinking water while driving. I'm sure reservoir would fit in the bungees behind the seat too, although I have not tried it yet.

Finally, for a little fun, remove the sunroof and have someone drive you around while standing in the back. I did this in my neighborhood. All the local kids were waving to me. Great way to play "Tank Commander" with your E. Still trying to figure out if there is a way to mount a ring with an M2 Browning .50 CAL on top :-)


Regards,
SOL

:oops: I found out to turn on the console lights you actually hit the lights. They are the switches. I was looking around the cabin for a switch. Took me 2 months to figure out.

Those big gulp cup holders in the rear doors holds my new chrome APC fire extinguisher nicely. With all that plastic you never know. :wink:

Which bolts are you talking about. I need to increase my FM reception. I have a ham license as well but not active.

[quote:ca051c9a97="Aykew"][quote:ca051c9a97="StLouisPenguin"]Cloak-

Pop open the little overhead bin.....and look on the open side of the little door....there are two clips designed to hold your sunglases 8) 8) 8)[/quote:ca051c9a97]

I thought that was supposed to be for a pen! Oops! [/quote:ca051c9a97]

I feel like a little kid. I stopped working and ran down to my garage and looked inside the little overhead storage bin. Sure enough: there are both a pair of sunglass clips AND two clips to hold a pen. Will the fun never end??????

I've found that the little area under the speedo, to the right of the steering column...you know, that little change holder area...it holds my garage door opener, PERFECTLY. :D

It holds my garage door open perfectly, too. We put our change in a plastic film container so it doesn't rattle in the change holder. We put a plastic shower curtain ring on the left rear grab handle to hang clothes hangers.

Well, after a month, I just found another cool E trick- the side mirrors are on hinge thingies so that they will fold forward or backward and not be damaged if you hit anything with them.

Was I the only one who had never seen mirrors that do that? Okay, maybe all cars have that now, but this is my first new car in years, and I know my Saturn didn't do this.

SOP EX in Virginia (where it's raining...again!)

the removable covers for the rear shocks are an excellent place to store, um, stuff...

yelapa

:lol: Like your emergency stash of aspirins :lol:

...or your emergency stash of cheetos for uh, after you use it for that "stuff" :wink:

I like the flashing green key light that reminds me that my keys are still in the igntion...I've been known to leave them in there, and always carry a spare for my other car in the change compartment of my wallet...but the E keys are so bulky they don't fit!!!

I also like that the ignition is lit so you can it at night!!

With the front door and side door opened to the first "click" you can balance an umbrella on the door tops to create a little side porch if you're loading in or out or rummaging around. Very convenient.

Call me stupid (cuz that's how I felt) but after countless times of using only the handle on the end of the back doors, both from the inside and from the outside to let someone out, I just realized when I was cleaning it that there are rear door handles, too...

d'oh!

also, the "grocerey bag" hook in the back is a great place to hang a golf towel for a handy wipe down rag...

lovin' every minute of it...

-Pat

>>>>Pop open the little overhead bin.....and look on the open side of the little door....there are two clips designed to hold your sunglases <<<<

ummmmm,,, penguin,,,, i think those clips are for a pen and a pad of paper..?.. but of course my owners manual may be wrong... :shock: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

>>>> Pop open the little overhead bin.....and look on the open side of the little door....there are two clips designed to hold your sunglases <<<<

ummmmm,,, penguin,,,, i think those clips are for a pen and a pad of paper..?.. but of course my owners manual may be wrong...

Well, Kevy, since I am a woman I am NEVER wrong!!!!! <evil laugh>

I did just go read my manual and it states "The back of the ceiling pocket lid has a pen and card holder."

So you are WRONG! The clips are not for a pad of paper.....and they could very well be for sunglasses (if they happen to be made out of card stock! Ya know like 3D glasses....I always keep a few pairs in my E to make things a little bit more interesting) or perhaps you are holding out for a postcard from your favorite penguin to keep in your E using your card clips :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Please keep in mind you will NOT win an argument with me! I am a master at weaseling my answers/opinions/thoughts into the right one! Be afraid, be very afraid!

You have been warned....argue at your own risk!

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

I know I am pure evil

My favorite feature sadly doent exist..........a locking gas lid door........cant even think about and aftermarket locking cap.....may not seal properly and i dont want that anoying check engine light glowing on my dash.

Check out H and A Accessories. There is an official Honda locking gas cap for the "E". Pretty affordable too.

Yep get the OEM gas cap. The sealing properly caused us some anxious days, so we got the official one.

Wow! 4 and a half months later and I find out there is a sunglass clip! Something new all the time! :o

One of these days i will get around to reading the owners manual.After 4 months i am still tossing my spare change in the tray on the left side of the dash.....which is also perfectly contoured to fit me cell phone.

Who needs a manuel when we have the EOC?

ISkie you are too much,.. well yeah great community to show n tell and share!

YEAH! now the locking gas cap intrigues me.. i have been so used to have the inside release and having a the door you can open anytime and no security that makes me nervous.. especially how gas prices have been!

Thank you all for the tip.. i will have to hit H and A again!

I have never had a locking gas door or cap. Always been fine without. The little gas cap holder in the door is an often overlooked feature. I wish I could train the gas pump jockeys at the full serve to use it.

[quote:ec11e2c467="isketerol"]I have never had a locking gas door or cap. Always been fine without. The little gas cap holder in the door is an often overlooked feature. I wish I could train the gas pump jockeys at the full serve to use it.[/quote:ec11e2c467]

you trust someone else to pump gas for ya.. (grin) I do the self serve.. I guess I don't trust terribly easy.

I also grew up in hill billy land.. and you would often find the hoses next to your (empty) vehicle cause some one decided your car was a self serve.. we were many many miles from a gas station, so you fill up or you are screwed.. of course this was in when i was a child and we also has the gas wars.. with the limited supply, lines, and etc.. buy dem were the days eh???

[quote:258f827f54="yelapa"]the removable covers for the rear shocks are an excellent place to store, um, stuff...

yelapa[/quote:258f827f54]

[quote:258f827f54="isketerol"]:lol: Like your emergency stash of aspirins :lol:[/quote:258f827f54]

[quote:258f827f54="eMass"]...or your emergency stash of cheetos for uh, after you use it for that "stuff" :wink:[/quote:258f827f54]

Yeah dude, that was SO obvious... :lol:

You can get a locking gas cap from Honda, which I'm sure will lock properly since it is a normal Honda accessory. Don't have one, but think they may be in the $35 range... :roll:

A nokia 51xx cell phone fits perfectly in the center console, straddled between those two little tic tac sized indentations.

Have never had a vehicle with the driver's side window that had auto-down AND auto-up! Great feature. :wink:

Yes, that was one of the first things I noticed!

This is one i noticed today:

on the center console (with the cup holders and parking brake), the rear cupholder is in a rectangular indentation-- perfectly sized for a standard paper bag with your favorite fast food in it. no more french fry grease on the passenger's seat!

It's also just right for a small box of facial tissue.

[quote:223e350363="elemantal"]It's also just right for a small box of facial tissue.[/quote:223e350363]

word. that's what i use it for. my allergies here in austin are horrible. it would be great to put fries in there, but i need by box of tissues ...

[quote:631fe061a5="puppy"][quote:631fe061a5="elemantal"]It's also just right for a small box of facial tissue.[/quote:631fe061a5]

word. that's what i use it for. my allergies here in austin are horrible. it would be great to put fries in there, but i need by box of tissues ...[/quote:631fe061a5]

That's why I use the change pocket for a couple tabs of Claritin.

Here is another tip I got when I got the privacy curtain. There is no way I can make my own as good as this pricey accessory.

You can use the tailgate striker as a tie point for a bungee hook etc. The tailgate striker is that black U shaped piece of metal that holds the tailgate up. The small slot in the tailgate makes the inside part of the striker available for hooking things. There are not enough hooks points for me. I want more. 8)

The second cup holder between the front seats holds a can of pringles perfectly. Not as good a fit in the frort one though.

Sorry if this was mentioned already but I was very impressed by the brilliant design of the back door strorage pockets. With the round indent near the back of each one, I'm able to fit all kinds of pretty large cylinder-shaped objects. Currently, I have a 4-ball can of tennis balls in each one. And recently, on trip, they were perfect for an extra bottle of water and a can of Pringles.

I was pleasantly surprised the other day to find out that the front vents rotate as well as louvre. I like the nice cool a/c to blow over me in these warm summer days.

you trust someone else to pump gas for ya..

Here in Oregon, you have no choice. They pump the gas for you. :D

Hey, has anyone checked out the upgrade driver's armrest? I can see lots of uses for the storage bin area (right now I have my lottery ticket slips and gas mileage calculator card), but have you noticed the clips on the inside of the lid? One part is about the size of a credit card/driver's license. The other could hold something a little bigger. I'm trying to think of what I could put in them. Has anyone found a use for them?

I thought the one slot would be perfect for a parking card if you require one at work--which I do. In my other cars I'm always wondering where I have put it, so this is perfect. Not sure what the other spot would be good for, I'll give it some thought and get back to you. I just wish that they had put cup holders in the larger armrest since the larger armrest makes it difficult to get to the ones in the console.

The other could hold something a little bigger. I'm trying to think of what I could put in them. Has anyone found a use for them?

I assumed it was meant to hold the registration.

-A

I just discovered the tie downs hidden in the rear seats. I had put them flat for a long trip and saw little plastic covers that said "Pull". So I did! (I always do what I'm told.) I put my dog's crate on the flat seat and was able to secure it down nice and snug. I love the fact that I can find another new, cool feature every week or so!

[quote:15729bae23="ropedart"]Here is another tip I got when I got the privacy curtain. There is no way I can make my own as good as this pricey accessory.

You can use the tailgate striker as a tie point for a bungee hook etc. The tailgate striker is that black U shaped piece of metal that holds the tailgate up. The small slot in the tailgate makes the inside part of the striker available for hooking things. There are not enough hooks points for me. I want more. 8)[/quote:15729bae23]

The child seat tether hooks could make great tie down points!

You mean tie ups. :lol:

Another tip. I had to buy a mini step ladder to wax my Element. Dropped the tailgate and strapped it down sticking it out back. Great stuff. Only problem is that hatch will not stay closed during trip. No big deal but would look neater if hatch stayed closed. Next time have a pair of 2 foot bungees and hook to the drain holes in the hatch bottom to the tie down points. The inside ones look the strongest. The corner drain holes look weak. 8)

I've been lurking for about a month and a half, I finally decided to join up. I've had my E for about a month now. Since I have an 8 year old and a 3 year old and wet wipes are a must in my car (I promised myself I'd never lick my thumb and wipe my kids' face with it), the tray where the 3rd cupholder on the center console perfectly fits a box of wipes. Cell phone fits perfectly in the dash tray to the left of the steering column. Best experience so far was when we went to see Finding Nemo and Holes at the drive in. We backed into the space, I laid on my stomach with a pillow and looked out the back, my 3 year old sat in his kid sized lawn chair behind the back drivers side seat, my eight year old sat on the tailgate and shared my pillow and my husband sat in his lawn chair behind the car as the official "E-greeter" and demonstrator. Every time someone walked by and got in range of the subwoofer they would wheel around and ask first what kind of car, then what kind of stereo. This is the best drive in car ever.

[quote:0a86655d5c=" "]The second cup holder between the front seats holds a can of pringles perfectly. Not as good a fit in the frort one though.[/quote:0a86655d5c]

The second & third cup holders between the front seats both hold wine bottles perfectly. We found that out when we were taking a couple bottles of wine to a friend's house for dinner.

[quote:4e8f3ec668=" "] Best experience so far was when we went to see Finding Nemo and Holes at the drive in. [/quote:4e8f3ec668]

Wow, a working drive in, still around. I live in So CA and had about 5 drive-ins about 20 miles apart in my area, but they have all become dinosaures. Yes, there are a few working ones around, but they are much too far away to go to. Seems like kids growing up need a place like a drive-in to go to mess around at and watch movies without sitting in a crowded room and you can bring your own drinks/food, etc.

Ger

gotta be the front windshield rain gutter,,,, no other car or truck to my knowledge has one

[quote:9a8e1ad9b3=" "][quote:9a8e1ad9b3="StLouisPenguin"]Cloak-

Pop open the little overhead bin.....and look on the open side of the little door....there are two clips designed to hold your sunglases 8) 8) 8)[/quote:9a8e1ad9b3]

I thought that was supposed to be for a pen! Oops!

My favorite hidden feature is the auto-renewing front windshield... forces you to replace it every 5000 miles or so, so it won't get too dirty! :lol: (yes, of course that's a joke!) Seriously though, my favorite "hidden feature" (it's in the manual, but it's still pretty obscure) is the adjustable console light dimmer in the center ring of the guage cluster. I love how not only does it incrementally dim the lights, but briefly replaces the speedometer with little rings to indicate the level. Neat![/quote:9a8e1ad9b3]

there is a pen holder right behind the sunglasses clip

[quote:09c1db91ee=" "]there is a pen holder right behind the sunglasses clip[/quote:09c1db91ee]

That's not a pen holder! That's a "Windshield Impact-Assessment Device, Disposable" holder!

-brendan

[quote:03f898235a=" "][quote:03f898235a=" "]there is a pen holder right behind the sunglasses clip[/quote:03f898235a]

That's not a pen holder! That's a "Windshield Impact-Assessment Device, Disposable" holder!

-brendan[/quote:03f898235a]

well dammit I'm using it as a pen hold (just messing)
:twisted: :twisted:

[quote:12739beda2=" "]Finally, for a little fun, remove the sunroof and have someone drive you around while standing in the back. I did this in my neighborhood. All the local kids were waving to me. Great way to play "Tank Commander" with your E. Still trying to figure out if there is a way to mount a ring with an M2 Browning .50 CAL on top :-)


Regards,
SOL[/quote:12739beda2]

A few years from now, Jesse James and his gang down at Monster Garage will be doing just that when the build the ultimate paint-ball APV. ;)

Cheers, Derek

I've found that the small storage area above the windshield holds a Glock 19 quite snug :!:

Why not fake EVERYBODY out and install something a little exotic looking, like something with multiple barrels, odd sights, strange sound emiters, and a rather obvious insignia or something......like "Type 77x"
Of course, your own Element would be Military green or perhaps camoflage, with a bunch of numbers of the front fender and back hatch, like USC (for US Citizen) and your social security number. Add a Law Enforcement Vehicles roof mounted blue/red light system on the roof (but don't hook it up, for obvious reasons) and an official sign on the back stating "do not follow closer than 50 feet" .
Whooooops! :shock: There I go again, getting a little carried away with my thoughts. :lol:

Ger 8)

I think a Glock would be better sitting by the AUX inlet shelf. Then no one can see you reach for it. Be sure to use non slip shelf material. Isn't a Barretta more reliable?

I'm from Canada what do I know. :P

Now IMH but OCO, a Glock on the AUX shelf could be seen and not easily grabbed if needed, so what ya do is, have someone make a holster that would fit on the right side of the drivers' seat and have the ability to be quickly whupped out to smoking position. 8)
Now, I'm looking into positioning the short barrelled 12 gauge Mossberg onto the drivers door, facing backwards, so when they come up behind me, I just open the door and pull the trigger. :shock:

Ger

[quote:4558537fcb=" "]I just discovered the tie downs hidden in the rear seats. I had put them flat for a long trip and saw little plastic covers that said "Pull". So I did! (I always do what I'm told.) I put my dog's crate on the flat seat and was able to secure it down nice and snug. I love the fact that I can find another new, cool feature every week or so![/quote:4558537fcb]

Prior to delivery, I was sitting in mine adjusting the rear view mirror and noticed two tie downs (tie ups?) above the rear hatch. When I got the car home, I remembered those loops and discovered they have sliding doors to cover them. I assumed these are to what you referred. However, I just ran out in the garage to look and instead of "Pull", my doors have illustrations for child seat attachments. Are we talking about the same loops? If not, where are the tie downs you mentioned?

bluesman77

[quote:ac4915436f=" "]The second cup holder between the front seats holds a can of pringles perfectly. Not as good a fit in the frort one though.[/quote:ac4915436f]
Why is the front one different than the back one? Makes no sense.

[quote:dd48fb0f38=" "][quote:dd48fb0f38=" "]The second cup holder between the front seats holds a can of pringles perfectly. Not as good a fit in the frort one though.[/quote:dd48fb0f38]
Why is the front one different than the back one? Makes no sense.[/quote:dd48fb0f38]

I think it's in case you want to hold a cup or can that is a different size...

Bill

there are actually THREE can holders in front. The slot in between the two obvious ones, it has a cut out that hold Dr Ppper cans perfectly

The little space between the first and second cup holders was the perfect size for my *
McGuyver 33 Function multi-tool. Every E owner should have one. Here's what the tool looks like open. (http://www.topeak.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Store/mcguyver.html?L+scstore+qcjh5542ff8d978d+107309491 9) It comes in a handy rectangular canvas case and fits snug.