Honda Element (2010 year). Manual — part 17

Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil, it
displays the API Certification Seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the maintenance
minder display.

Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.

Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the information
display. The oil and filter collect
contaminants that can damage your
engine if they are not removed
regularly.

Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.

1. Run the engine until it reaches

normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.

2. Open the hood, and remove the

engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.

OIL DRAIN BOLT

WASHER

Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter

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3. Remove the oil filter and let the

remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.

Make sure the oil filter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it before installing a
new oil filter.

4. Install a new oil filter according to

the instructions that come with it.

Make sure to clean off any dirt and
dust on the connecting surface of a
new oil filter.

5. Put a new washer on the drain

bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m, 4.5 kgf·m)

6. Refill the engine with the

recommended oil.

Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.4 US qt (4.2 L)

7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. Start

the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.

8. Let the engine run for several

minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.

9. Turn off the engine and let it sit for

several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.

Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.

OIL FILTER

Changing the Engine Oil and Filter

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Adding Engine Coolant

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX
line. Inspect the cooling system for
leaks.

Always use Honda Long-life Anti-
freeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent distilled
water. Never add straight antifreeze
or plain water.

If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum
engines. Continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.

Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

RESERVE TANK

Engine Coolant

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1. Make sure the engine and radiator

are cool.

2. Relieve any pressure in the cooling

system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.

3. Remove the radiator cap by

pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.

4. The coolant level should be up to

the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.

Pour the coolant slowly and
carefully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.

5. Put the radiator cap back on and

tighten it fully.

6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.

Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.

Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.

Windshield Washers

Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.

On U.S. models:

Check the reservoir's

fluid level by removing the cap and
looking at the level gauge attached to
the cap.

RADIATOR CAP

LEVEL GAUGE

CONTINUED

Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers

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On Canadian models:

The low washer

level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page 61).

Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.

When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.

Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze
can damage your vehicle's paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer fluid.

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.

1. Park the vehicle on level ground.

Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator fan comes on, then shut
off the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) before
doing step 2.

2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)

from the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.

3. Insert the dipstick all the way into

the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.

4. Remove the dipstick and check the

fluid level. It should be between
the upper and lower marks.

DIPSTICK

UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK

Windshield Washers, Transmission Fluid

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5. If the level is below the lower

mark, add fluid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Genuine
ATF-Z1 (automatic transmission
fluid).

Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission fluid). Do not
mix with other transmission fluids.
Using transmission fluid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting from the use of
transmission fluid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Honda new vehicle warranty.

6. Insert the dipstick all the way back

into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.

The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the maintenance minder (see page
243).

If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.

Manual Transmission Fluid

Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle on level
ground. Remove the transmission
filler bolt, and carefully feel inside
the bolt hole with your finger. The
fluid level should be up to the edge
of the bolt hole. If it is not, add
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
(MTF) until it starts to run out of the
hole.

WASHER

FILLER BOLT

Correct Level

CONTINUED

Transmission Fluid

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Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt and
tighten it securely.

If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certification Seal that says ‘‘FOR

GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a

temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as soon
as it is convenient.

The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the maintenance minder (see page
243).

If you are not sure how to check and
add fluid, contact your dealer.

Rear Differential Fluid
4WD models only
The rear differential should be
drained and refilled with new fluid
according to the time and distance
recommendations shown on the
maintenance minder display. Have
your dealer replace the rear
differential fluid.

Use Honda Dual Pump Fluid II only.
Do not use automatic transmission
fluid (ATF).

Brake and Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
There are up to two reservoirs,
depending on the model. They are:

●

Brake fluid reservoir (all models)

●

Clutch fluid reservoir (manual
transmission only)

Replace the brake fluid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance minder schedule.

Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.

Transmission Fluid, Rear Differential Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid

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Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT
3 as soon as possible.

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.

Brake Fluid

The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.

Clutch Fluid
On vehicles with manual transmission

The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the brake
system.

A low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.

MAX

MIN

MAX

MIN

Brake and Clutch Fluid

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Power Steering Fluid

Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The fluid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL.

Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.

Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering fluid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.

A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.

If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.

Turning the steering wheel to full left or
right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

Cleaning the Body Panels
If equipped with body panels
To clean the gray composite body
panels, wash them with soap and
water only. Do not apply wax to the
panels; it will cause discoloration.

UPPER LEVEL

LOWER LEVEL

Power Steering Fluid, Cleaning the Body Panels

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Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustments should be done by your
dealer or another qualified
technician.

Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. Handle it by its steel base and
protect the glass from contact with
your skin or hard objects. If you
touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.

Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

1. Open the hood.

If you need to change the
headlight bulb on the driver's side,
remove the front end of the air
intake duct by pulling it out.

AIR INTAKE DUCT

CONTINUED

Lights

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2. Remove the electrical connector

from the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.

3. Remove the rubber weather seal

by pulling on the tab.

4. Unclip the end of the hold-down

wire from its slot. Pivot the wire
out of the way, then remove the
bulb.

5. Install the new bulb into the hole,

making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.

6. Install the rubber seal over the

back of the headlight assembly.
Make sure one of the three arrows
on the rubber seal is facing up; it is
marked ‘‘ ’’.

7. Push the electrical connector onto

the new bulb. Make sure it is
connected securely. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb.

8. (Driver's side)

Install the front end of the air
intake duct.

Replacing a Daytime Running
Light Bulb

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the electrical connector

from the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.

3. Remove the bulb by turning it one-

quarter turn counterclockwise.

TAB

Lights

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4. Insert the new bulb into the hole,

and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.

5. Push the electrical connector back

onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.

6. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.

Replacing a Front Parking/Turn
Signal Light Bulb

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the socket from the

headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

3. Remove the bulb from the socket

by pushing the bulb in and turning
it counterclockwise until it
unlocks.

4. Install the new bulb in the socket

by pushing the bulb in and turning
it clockwise until it locks.

5. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.

CONTINUED

Lights

263

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Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb

1. If you are changing the bulb on the

driver's side, start the engine, turn
the steering wheel all the way to
the left, and turn off the engine. If
you are changing the bulb on the
passenger's side, turn the steering
wheel to the right.

2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to

remove the three holding screws,
and remove the wheel arch
protector from the inner fender.

3. Use a flat-tip screwdriver to

remove the holding clip from the
inner fender.

4. Pull the inner fender cover away

from the fender.

5. Remove the socket from the turn

signal assembly by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise.

6. Pull the burned out bulb straight

out of its socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.

7. Insert the socket back into the

turn signal assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.

8. Turn on the lights to make sure

the new bulb is working.

WHEEL ARCH PROTECTOR

SCREWS

CLIP

Lights

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9. Put the inner fender cover in place.

Install the holding clip.
Lock the clip in place by pushing
on the center.
Install the wheel arch protector
and tighten the screws securely.

Replacing a Front Side Marker
Light Bulb

1. Open the hood.

To change the driver's side,
remove the front end of the air
intake duct by pulling it out (see
page 261).

2. Remove the socket from the light

assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.

4. Reinstall the socket into the light

assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.

5. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.

6. Install the front end of the air

intake duct.

CONTINUED

Lights

265

Maintenance

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Replacing Rear Bulbs

1. Open the hatch and the tailgate.

Remove the two mounting screws
with a Phillips-head screwdriver,
and remove the taillight assembly
from the body by pulling it back.

2. Determine which of the four bulbs

is burned out: brake/taillight, turn
signal light, side marker light, or
back-up light.

3. Remove the socket by turning it

one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

4. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.

5. Reinstall the socket into the light

assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.

6. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.

7. When reinstalling the taillight

assembly, first place the two pins
in the holes in place. Tighten the
two mounting screws.

SCREW

SCREW

TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY

SOCKET

SOCKET

SOCKET

SOCKET

Lights

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Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb

1. Remove the license light assembly

by pushing the left edge of the
lens toward the right and pulling
the assembly out.

2. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.

3. Turn on the parking lights and

check that the new bulb is
working.

4. Put the lens back on the socket

until it locks.

5. Slide the right side of the light

assembly into the hole. Push on
the left side to latch the assembly
into place.

Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb

1. Open the hatch. Remove the light

assembly cover by pushing in on
the tabs on both sides and pulling
the cover down.

2. Remove the socket from the light

assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.

LENS

SOCKET

BULB

LENS

TABS

COVER

CONTINUED

Lights

267

Maintenance

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