check oil HONDA ELEMENT 2005 1.G User Guide

Remove the oil f ilter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
4. 3. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Changing the Oil and Filter
172
OIL FILTER
33 lbf·ft (44 N·m , 4.5 kgf·m)
4.4 US qt (4.2
)
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul 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.

If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication 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 ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt, and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda manual transmission
f luid (MTF) until it starts to run out
of the hole. Reinstall the f iller bolt,
and tighten it securely. Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual T ransmission Fluid
176
FILLER BOLT
Correct Level
WASHER

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.
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This indicator 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.
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon page
).
1.
2.
4. 3.
126
170
217
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Charging System Indicator
Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
209
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.

CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .128
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .69
..............
Accessory Power Sockets . 87
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 171
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 23
...
Airbags, Additional Information . 23
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 29
.............................
Airbag Service .28
How the Side Airbag Cutof f ......................
Indicator Works .28
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 27
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 26
........................
SRS Components .23
................
Air Conditioning System . 91
............................................
Usage .91
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .188
.........................
Normal Driving .188
......................................
Antif reeze .173
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .55, 148
...................................
Operation .147 ..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 116
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 69
......................
Armrests, Front Seat .74
..................................
Audio System .94
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 21
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 119
..............
Automatic Transmission . 141
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .222
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 175
.......................................
Shif ting .141
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 141
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 141
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 144
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .112
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .54, 209
............................
Jump Starting .205
..............................
Maintenance .193
............................
Specif ications .223
..............................
Bef ore Driving .121
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 20
...........................
Beverage Holders .87 ...................................
Body Panels .178
..................................
Booster Seats .45
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 147
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 122
....................
Bulb Replacement .179
...........................................
Fluid .177
.........................................
Parking .83
.................
System Indicator . 54,211
........................
Wear Indicators .147
.............................
Braking System .146
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 122
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 63
........................
Brights, Headlights .62
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .182
..............................
Brake Lights .182
................
Front Parking Lights . 180
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 181
.................................
Headlights .179
............................
Specif ications .223
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 180
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .179
................................
Bungee Cords .133
Index
A
B
INDEX
I

Î
ÎÎ Î
............................
Capacities Chart .222
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 47
...............................
Carring Cargo .130
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .113
...................................
CD Changer .112
.......................
CD Error Message .114
.......
CD Changer Error Message . 115
.......................................
CD Player .106
.................................
Ceiling Pocket .86
........................
Certif ication Label .220
............................................
Chains .192
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .197
.................................
Changing Oil .171
........................................
How to .171
......................................
When to .165
...
Charging System Indicator . 54,209
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 137
.....................................
Child Saf ety .30
Child Seats ......
LATCH Anchorage System . 39
...........................
Lower Anchors .39
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 43
............
Cleaning the Body Panels . 178..............................................
Clock .117
.........................
Clock, Setting the .117
...................................
Clutch Fluid .177
........................
CO in the Exhaust .227
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 138
..............................
Compact Spare .196
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 234
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant ........................................
Adding .173
....................................
Checking .126
.........................
Proper Solution .173
...................
Temperature Gauge . 59
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .227
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 56
............
Cruise Control Operation . 119
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 234
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .4, 52
Daytime Running Lights ...................................
Indicator .56
.................................
Dead Battery .205 ............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 236
..........................
Def og and Def rost .91
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 63
................
Def rosting the Windows . 93
....................................
Dimensions .222
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 62
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 175
..................................
Engine Oil .126
..........................
Directional Signals .62
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 147
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .172
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 70
......................
Power Door Locks .70
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 224
Downshif ting, Manual .............................
Transmission .139
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .135
....................................
Economy .127
........................
Driving Guidelines .136
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 185
Index
D
C
II

CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel .127
............
Emergencies on the Road . 195
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 205
...........
Brake System Indicator . 211
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 197
.....
Charging System Indicator . 209
..................
Checking the Fuses . 212
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 63
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 209
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 210
..................
Overheated Engine . 207
...........................
Emergency Brake .83
......................
Emergency Flashers .63
......................
Emergency Towing .217
.......................
Emissions Controls .227
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 230
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 59
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 140,143
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .54, 210
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 54,209
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 170
...............................
Overheating .207 ............................
Specif ications .222
.......................................
Starting .138
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 227
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .47
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
.....................................
Fan, Interior .90
...........................................
Features .89
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 124
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .185
...............................................
Oil .171
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 63
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 197
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 175
..........................................
Brake .177
.........................................
Clutch .177
..............
Manual Transmission . 176
..........................
Power Steering .178
..................
Windshield Washer . 174
FM Stereo Radio .....................................
Reception .98 ...........................
Folding Rear Seat .77
..........................
Four-way Flashers .63
..........................
Four-wheel Drive .136
............................
Front Airbags .11, 23
Front Seat ......................................
Adjusting .12
.........................................
Airbags .23
.................................................
Fuel .122
......................
Fill Door and Cap .124
...........................................
Gauge .58
................
Octane Requirement . 122
........................
Reserve Indicator .56
........................
Tank, Filling the .124
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .212
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 127
.........................................
Gasoline .122
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 56
...........................................
Gauge .58
................
Octane Requirement . 122
........................
Tank, Filling the .124
Index
E
F
G
INDEX
III

CONT INUED
....................................
Glove Box .87
.................................
Power Door .70
........................................
Tailgate .72
........................
Low Coolant Level .126
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .56
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 54,209
................................
Lower Anchors .39
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 139
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 222
.........................................
Luggage .130
..................................
Maintenance .161
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 164
.................................
Record .167-168
......................
Required Indicator .57
..........................................
Saf ety .162
.............................
Schedule .165-166
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 54,210
...................
Manual Transmission . 139
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 176
................................
Shif ting the .139
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 176
.........................
Meters, Gauges .53, 58
..........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .82 ...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 129
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 142
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 122
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds .140
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 220
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 122
.........................................
Odometer .58
...............................
Odometer, Trip .58
....................
Of f -Highway Driving . 157
Oil ........................
Change, How to .171
......................
Change, When to .165
......................
Checking Engine .126
..............
Pressure Indicator . 54,209
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .170
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 69
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .227 ..............................
Outside Mirrors .82
.......................................
Overdrive .143
....................
Overheating, Engine .207
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 164
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 63
........................
Park Gear Position .141
...........................................
Parking .145
.................................
Parking Brake .83
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 54,211
.................................
Parking Lights .62
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 145
................................
Playing a Disc .106
............
Playing the AM/FM Radio . 94
Playing the XM Satellite ..........................................
Radio .100
.............................
PGM-FI System .228
.................
Power Socket Locations . 87
..............................
Power Windows .81
..........................
Power Door Locks .70
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 18
TM
Index
M N
O
P
INDEX
V

Î
CONT INUED
.....................................
Snow Tires .191
..................................
Sound System .94
......................................
Spare Tire .196
......................................
Inf lating .196
............................
Specif ications .223
....................
Specif ications Charts . 222
................................
Speed Control .119
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 23
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 29
.............................
Airbag Service .28
How the Side Airbag Cutof f ......................
Indicator Works .28
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 27
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 26
........................
SRS Components .23
.............................
SRS Indicator .27 ,55
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 69
..............
State Emissions Testing . 230
.......................
Starting the Engine .138
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .138
................
With a Dead Battery . 205
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 207Steering Wheel
..................................
Adjustment .64
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 69
.....................
Stereo Sound System .94
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .194
Supplemental Restraint ................................
System .11, 23
......................................
Servicing .28
.........................
SRS Indicator .27 ,55
...................
System Components . 23
..................................
Synthetic Oil .171
Tailgate ............................
Open Indicator .57
.................................
Opening the .72
..........
Taillights, Changing Bulbs . 182
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 195
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 224
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 227
..........
State Emissions Testing . 230
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .229
.................................
Tire Labeling .226 .......................
Temperature Gauge .59
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 43
............................
Thef t Protection .116
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 229
..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel . 64
..........................
Time, Setting the .117
....................................
Tire Chains .192
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 197
...........................
Tire Inf ormation .224
...............................................
Tires .187
..............................
Air Pressure .188
.........................
Checking Wear .189
..........................
Compact Spare .196
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 224
......................................
Inf lation .187
..................................
Inspection .189
..............................
Maintenance .189
...................................
Replacing .190
......................................
Rotating .190
...........................................
Snow .191
............................
Specif ications .223
................................
Tire Chains .192
Index
T
INDEX
VII

ÎÎ
ÎÎ
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 197
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .149
...............
Behind a Motorhome . 155
................................
Emergency .217
...
Equipment And Accessories . 151
.............................
Weight Limit .149
.............................
Trailer Loading .150
......................
Trailer Towing Tips .153
...........................
Traction Devices .192
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .175
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .176
..................
Fluid Selection . 175,176
..............
Identif ication Number . 220
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 141
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 139
.....................................
Treadwear .224
.......................................
Trip Meter .58
....................................
Turn Signals .62 Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .195
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 224
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .122
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 172
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 131
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .222
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 220
.............................
Vehicle Storage .194
........................................
Ventilation .92
.................................................
VIN .220
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .170
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 48
..................
Warranty Coverages .235
Washers, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 174
.....................................
Operation .61 Wheels
...............
Adjusting the Steering . 64
............
Alignment and Balance . 189
......................................
Wrench .198
Windows ..................
Operating the Power . 81
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .63
Windshield .......................................
Cleaning .61
.....................................
Def roster .91
.....................................
Washers .174
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .186
.....................................
Operation .61
....................................
Worn Tires .189
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 217
:U.S.only
: Canada only
Index
U
V
W
VIII