service HONDA ELEMENT 2004 1.G User Guide

All service items not detailed in this
section should be perf ormed by a
Honda technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions bef ore you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is of f .
To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.
To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and f lames away f rom the battery
and all f uel-related parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
bef ore touching any parts.
Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so. Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.
Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
with the battery or compressed air.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance
Important Saf ety Precautions Potential Vehicle Hazards
Burns f rom hot parts.
Injury f rom moving parts.
Carbon Monoxide poison f rom
engine exhaust.
148
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations, and
schedules in this owner’smanual.
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Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task. Service your vehicle according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions.
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.
Used primarily as a delivery
vehicle or taxi that is driven
mostly in stop-and-go traf f ic and/
or parked with the engine idling.
The maintenance schedule assumes
you will use your vehicle as normal
transportation for passengers and
their possessions. You should also
f ollow these recommendations:
Operate your vehicle on
reasonable roads within the legal
speed limit.
Drive your vehicle regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
theproperoctanerating(seepage ).
Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s
load limit. This puts excess stress
on the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your vehicle. The
load limit is shown on the tire
inf ormation label on the driver’s
doorjamb.
110
CONT INUED
Maintenance Saf ety, Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Maintenance Schedule U.S. Owners
Which Schedule to Follow:
149
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’smanual.
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Trailer towing, driving with a roof
top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Your authorized Honda 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 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.
We recommend the use of Honda
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done.
If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under ‘‘severe’’ conditions, you
should f ollow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Normal Conditions. According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Canadian Owners
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.
150
NOTE:
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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.
Maint enance
152
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)
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Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)((OOrreevveerryy11yyeeaarr,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))
Check inflation and condition once a monthCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10 16
2032304840645080 609670
112 80
128
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Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
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((OOrreevveerryy55yyeeaarrss,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))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
140224
130208
120192
110176
100160
90
144
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 175 )
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, last column, page .
1:
: 150
1Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions: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.
T railer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
Maint enance
For Canadian Owners
153
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
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10 16508070
112
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 150240
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
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40 64
2032 609680
128
3048
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
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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 140224
130208
120192
110176
See dust and pollen filter on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
(Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page.
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 175 )
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 1: 2:
: 150 170
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
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You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals given on the maintenance
schedule.
Your Honda does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability.Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. The oil
and f ilter collect contaminants that
can damage your engine if they are
not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Open the hood and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
1. 2.
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives Changing the Oil and Filter
158
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT
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Store the jack in its holder. Turn
the jack’s end bracket to lock it in
place. Store the tools.
Remove the center cap from the
f lat tire, and store it in the spare
tire well.Removethewingboltonthespare
tire mount, and pivot the arm 90°
to the upright position. Then
tighten the wing bolt securely.
Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
f acility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
Lower the vehicle to the ground
and remove the jack.
18.
16. 17.
14.
15.
Changing a Flat T ire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed184
80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m) Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.
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Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
This light should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low. Serious engine damage is
possible and you should take
immediate action. Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure light. If it does not go out
within ten seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving.
(See on page
).
1. 2. 4.
3. 113
157
195
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owingCharging System Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed192
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If the brake system
indicator comes on while
driving, the brake f luid
level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal if
it f eels normal. If it does
not, check the brake f luid
level the next time you stop
at a service station (see
page ).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. 164
195Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed194
Canada U.S.
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If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
an organization. Never tow your
vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is
very dangerous.The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required. Refer to
on page
for non-emergency towing
inf ormation. 141
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment. Towing Your Vehicle
Behind a Motorhome
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed195
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the 4WD
system. It should be transported on a
f lat-bed truck or trailer.
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