coolant level HONDA ELEMENT 2005 1.G Owners Manual

Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period .122
.................
Fuel Recommendation . 122
.........
Service Station Procedures . 124
....................................
Ref ueling .124
Opening and Closing the .......................................
Hood .125
...................................
Oil Check .126
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 126
...............................
Fuel Economy .127
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 128
.............................
Carrying Cargo .130
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
121

Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick (orange tab).
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert it all the way back in its tube. Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page . Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
1.
2.
3. 4.
170 173
164
Oil Check
A dding OilEngine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Service Station Procedures
126
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARKLOWER MARK RESERVE TANK
MAX
MIN

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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.
126
126
175 177
188
179
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
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 6
6y
ye
ea
ar
rs
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ev
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s f
fi
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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
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ev
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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
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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
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r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
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er
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coo m
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es
s f
fi
ir
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)
(
( O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 5
5y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , 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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)
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
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 3
3y
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)
)
(
(
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th
h e
er
rw
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stt o
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ly
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if
f n
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sy y )
)
(
(
O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
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rs
s, , w
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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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)
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
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
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ch h e
ev
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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

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to between the
MIN and MAX lines. Inspect the
cooling system f or leaks.Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
173
RESERVE TANK
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.

When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill. Clean
up any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on and
tighten it.
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.
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. Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather. Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
The low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page ).
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
3.
4.
5.
2. 1. 57
On Canadian models:
Windshield Washers
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
174
RADIATOR CAP
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page ). Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator. Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
9.
8.
7. 6. 5.
11. 10.
217
126
217
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
208
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.

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
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INDEX
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