automatic transmission HONDA ELEMENT 2006 1.G User Guide

Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shif ts
f requently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, turn of f
the overdrive (O/D) (see page ).If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to 3rd
gear (manual transmission) or turn
of f the overdrive (O/D) (automatic
transmission). Do not ‘‘ride’’ the
brakes, and remember it will take
longer to slow down and stop when
towing a trailer.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
145
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ingBacking Up
Parking
156

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
maintenance schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a maintenance record, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .162
.................
Maintenance Schedule .163
....................
Maintenance Record .167
..............................
Fluid Locations .169
........................
Adding Engine Oil .170
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .171
..............................
Engine Coolant .173
....................
Windshield Washers .174
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .175
.......
Manual Transsmission Fluid .176
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .177
....................
Power Steering Fluid .178
............
Cleaning the Body Panels .178
.............................................
Lights .179
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .185
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .185
.................................
Wiper Blades .186
...............................................
Tires .187
...................
Checking the Battery .193
.............................
Vehicle Storage .194
237
Maintenance
Maint enance
161

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We recommend the use of Honda
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. U.S. Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability.
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the maintenance record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
175
177
188
179
128
128
Maintenance Schedule
Servicing Your Vehicle Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.Owner’s Maintenance Checks
164

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Follow the normal maintenance
schedule if the severe driving
conditions specif ied in the severe
conditions maintenance schedule on
the next page do not apply.
NOT E: If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the normal conditions
maintenance schedule.
165
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
( (O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 6
6y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
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coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
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st t)
)
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ly
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if
f n
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oi
is
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)
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)(
(O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
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coo m
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es
s f
fi
ir
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)
Check inflation and condition once a month Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128
( ( O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
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coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
(
(O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
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es
s f
fi
ir
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)
(
( O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 5
5y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years 150
240
140
224
130
208
120
192
110
176
100
160
90
144
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 190 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
1:
: 164
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads. Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
Follow the severe maintenance
schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
T railer towing, driving with a loaded
roof rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions.
166
Canadian Owners
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
( (O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 3
3y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
(
(
O
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th
h e
er
rw
w i
is
se e a
ad
d j
ju
u s
stt o
o n
nl
ly
y i
if
f n
n o
oi
is
sy y )
)
(
(
O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
10
16 50
8070
112
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
( (O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
(
( O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
40
64
20
32 60
9680
128
30
48
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
( (O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 4
4y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3
years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000
km) or 2 years.
90
144 100
160 140
224
130
208
120
192
110
176
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
(Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 190 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components, driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system , fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Follow the maintenance
schedule for severe conditions. See dust and pollen filter on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty on page .
1:
2:
: 185
164
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Fluid Locations
Maint enance
169
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
POWER
STEERING FLUID
(Red cap) ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange tab)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)

Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely. Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can af f ect the shif t quality.
Have the transmission f lushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
in the transmission.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
3. 4.
5.
1.
2. 6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
175
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK

Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f an cycles twice).
Pref erably, do this once a month.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic). If you store your vehicle f or 12
months or longer, have your dealer
perf orm the inspections called f or in
the 24 months/30,000 miles
(48,000 km) maintenance schedule
(normal conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page ).
The replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage.
165
Vehicle Storage
194

If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area to stop
that is far away from the traffic lanes.Open the hatch and the tailgate.
The spare tire, jack, and tools are
under the cargo area f loor.
Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic)
or reverse (manual). Apply the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
the trailer.
Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
197
TOOLS
SPARE TIRE
JACK
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.

Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound or series of clicks, or
nothing at all. Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem (see
on page ).
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page ). You can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page ).
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged (seeon page ).
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, the shif t
lever must be in Park or neutral.
Check these things:
193205217
205
CONT INUED
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly Emergency T owing
Jump Starting
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
203