lock HONDA ELEMENT 2003 1.G Repair Manual

When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manuf acturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer’s attachment
instructions caref ully. Your Element can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph(100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100km/h).
Otherwise, severe transmission
damage will occur. To avoid damage
to the 4WD system, it must be towed
with all f our wheels on the ground
(f lat towing).
After attaching the tow bar to your
motorhome, do the following to
prepare your Element f or ‘‘f lat
towing’’:When preparing to tow your
Element, make sure the
transmission is f illed to the correct
level (see page ). Do not
overf ill.
When preparing to tow your Element,
make sure the transmission is f ull of
fluid (see page ). Maintaining
the correct level is very important.
Do not overf ill. Do the f ollowing
Follow the procedure exactly.
Otherwise, severe automatic
transmission damage will occur.
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to Neutral.
Leave the key in the ignition
switch and the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) so the steering
wheel does not lock. Make sure
the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets
are turned of f so you do not run
down the battery. 232
231
every day immediately bef ore you begin
towing.
5-speed Manual T ransmission A ut omat ic T ransmission
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Driving198

Start the engine.
Press on the brake pedal. Shif t the
lever through all the positions (P,
R, N, D, 2, 1)
ShifttoD,thentoN.Letthe
engine run f or three minutes, then
turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) so the steering
wheel does not lock. Make sure
the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets
are turned of f so you do not run
down the battery.If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours.
(when you stop f or f uel, etc.)
If you tow a Element with an
automatic transmission, the
transmission f luid must be changed
every two years or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km), whichever comes f irst.Ext ended T owing
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Driving199
Failure to f ollow the above instructions
exactly will result in severe automatic
transmission damage. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a f lat-bed truck or
trailer. The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing.Severe automatic transmission damage
will occur if the vehicle is shif ted f rom
reverse to neutral and then towed with
the drive wheels on the ground.

After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e. Check
the tires for damage and for proper
pressure. Driving of f -highway can be hard on a
vehicle. Bef ore you leave the
pavement, be sure all scheduled
maintenance and service has been
done, and that you have inspected
your vehicle. Pay special attention to
the condition of the tires, and use a
gauge to check the tire pressures. The f ollowing pages contain practical
tips on basic of f -highway operation.Of f -highway, the general rule is to
keep your speed low. Of course,
you’ll need enough speed to keep
moving forward. But at higher
speeds, you have less time to assess
conditions and make good decisions.
There’s also a greater chance of
sliding if you brake or turn too
quickly on wet soil, gravel, or ice. In
any situation, never go f aster than
conditions allow.
Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway. You may even dig
yourself into a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in second gear (2) will
help get you to a smooth start on
snow and ice.Generally, the best of f -pavement
braking technique is to gently
depress the brake pedal, then
increase pressure as more braking is
needed. Avoid hard braking. Keep in
mind that you will usually need more
time and distance to brake to a stop
on unpaved surf aces.
If you need to brake hard because of
an emergency, apply steady, even
pressure to the brake pedal. Do not
pump the brakes; let the anti-lock
braking system pump them f or you.
If you pump the brakes, the anti-lock
cannot work as ef f iciently, and your
stopping distance may be increased.
With ABS
Driving T ips
Check Out Your Vehicle
Cont rolling Speed
A ccelerat ing and Braking
Off-Highway Guidelines
Driving202

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Maint enance214
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 2 years
20
32
30
4840
64 80
128 100
160
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions,
otherwise use normal schedule
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
60
96 90
144
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Visually inspect the following items: Tie rod ends, steering gear, box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines, and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD)
Inspect idle speed
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years120
192
24 4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
:
: 246
211
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance215
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D, E
A
B
C
D
E
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 252).
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace air cleaner element every 15,000 mi/
24,000 km (independent of time) under dusty
conditions, otherwise use Normal Conditions
schedule.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A, E.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
5,000 mi/8,000 km
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
15,000 mi/24,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
35,000 mi/56,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
55,000 mi/88,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs 212Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Turn the radiator cap counter-
clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. 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.
Put the radiator cap back on.
Tighten it f ully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Pour the coolant slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill. Clean up any
spills immediately. Spilled coolant
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
2.
3.
4.5.
6.
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance226
RADIATOR CAP
RESERVE TANK

CONT INUED
Thecoolingsystemshouldbe
completely drained and ref illed with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Honda All Season Antif reeze/
Coolant Type 2.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the vehicle.
Unless you have the tools and
knowledge, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the heater temperature control
dial f ully clockwise. Turn the
ignition of f .
Openthehood.Makesurethe
engine and radiator are cool to the
touch. Remove the radiator cap.
Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. The
coolant will drain through the
splash guard.
1.
2. 3.
4.
Replacing Engine Coolant
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance227

Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering f luid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The f luid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
f luid to the UPPER LEVEL.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible. Power Steering
Clutch System
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
Maint enance235
LOWER LEVEL
MAX
MIN UPPER LEVEL
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

Clean off any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.
Use a wrench to remove the bolt
holding the ignition coil. Pull the
ignition coil up slightly.
Disconnect the wire connector
f rom the ignition coil by pushing
on the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.Remove the ignition coil.
Remove the spark plug with
a f ive-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
Put the new spark plug into the
socket, then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.
Remove the f our nuts with a
wrench, then remove the coil
cover.
The spark plugs in your vehicle are a
special iridium-tipped design f or
longer lif e. The spark plugs should
be replaced according to the distance
recommendation in the maintenance
schedule.
1.
6.
7. 5.
2.
4. 3.
Replacement
Spark Plugs
Maint enance238
NUTS
NUTSBOLT
CONNECTOR
IGNITION COIL LOCK TAB
COIL COVER

Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
af ter it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:Connect the wire connector to the
ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.
Push the ignition coil down all the
way. Install the bolt.
Repeat this procedure f or the
other three spark plugs.
Reinstall the coil cover, and
tighten the f our nuts. Install the ignition coil into the
hole.NGK:
DENSO:
8. 9.
10.
11.
12.
13. Specif ications:
Spark Plugs
Maint enance239
13 lbf·ft (18 N·m , 1.8 kgf·m)
IZFR6K-11
SKJ20DR-M11
Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.