ECO mode HONDA ELEMENT 2009 1.G Service Manual

Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt and
tighten it securely.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certification 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 refilled with new fluid according
to the maintenance minder (see page
243).
If you are not sure how to check and
add fluid, contact your dealer. Rear Differential Fluid
4WD models onlyThe rear differential should be
drained and refilled with new fluid
according to the time and distance
recommendations shown on the
maintenance minder display. Have
your dealer replace the rear
differential fluid.
Use Honda Dual Pump Fluid II only.
Do not use automatic transmission
fluid (ATF).
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
There are up to two reservoirs,
depending on the model. They are:
●Brake fluid reservoir (all models)●Clutch fluid reservoir (manual
transmission only)
Replace the brake fluid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance minder schedule.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Transmission Fluid, Rear Differential Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid258
2009 Element

Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, we
recommend that you visually check
your tires every day. If you think a
tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per
month. Remember to check the
spare tire at the same time.
Check the air pressures when the
tires are cold. This means the vehicle
has been parked for at least 3 hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures. If you check air pressures when the
tires are hot [driven for several miles
(kilometers)], you will see readings 4
to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm
2) higher than the cold
readings. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the recommended
cold air pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.
You should get your own tire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
While tubeless tires have some
ability to self-seal if they are
punctured, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure. Recommended Tire Pressures
The following chart shows the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal and high-speed driving
conditions.
On all models except SC
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
P215/70R16 99S Front:
33 psi (230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm
2)
Rear:
35 psi (240 kPa,
2.4 kgf/cm2)
On SC model
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure for Normal Driving
P225/55R18 97H Front/Rear:
32 psi (220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Tires272
2009 Element

It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, replace the two front
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle's handling.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specific wheels. If you do not, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not
work.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
Installing improper tires on your
vehicle can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner's manual.
Wheel and Tire Specifications
Wheels:
(On all models except SC)16 x 6 1/2JJ(On SC model)18 x 7JJ
Tires:(On all models except SC)P215/70R16 99S(On SC model)P225/55R18 97H See page311for DOT tire quality
grading information, and page313
for tire size and labeling information.
Winter Driving
Tires marked
‘‘M ＋ S’’ or ‘‘All
Season ’’on the sidewall have an all-
weather tread design suitable for
most winter driving conditions.
For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.
Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
vehicle, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as original tires. Mount snow tires on
all four wheels. The traction provided
by snow tires on dry roads may be
lower than your original tires. Check
with the tire dealer for maximum
speed recommendations.
CONTINUED
Tires
275
Maintenance
2009 Element

Tire Chains
Mount tire chains on your tires when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Install them only on the
front tires.On all models except SCBecause your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, use only SAE Class‘‘S ’’
cable-type traction devices, with
rubber chain tensioners, on the front
tires. Use traction devices only when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size for your tires. Metal link-
type ‘‘chains ’’should not be used.
Traction devices that are the wrong size
or improperly installed can damage
your vehicle's brake lines, suspension,
body, and wheels. Stop driving if they
are hitting any part of the vehicle.On SC modelBecause your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, Honda strongly
recommends using the chains listed
below, made by Security Chain
Company (SCC).
Cable-type: SCC Super Z6 SZ 139 When installing cables, follow the
manufacturer's instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.
Using the wrong chains, or not
properly installing chains, can
damage the brake lines and
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding the
selection and use of tire chains.
Tires276
2009 Element

Check the condition of the battery
monthly by looking at the test indicator
window. The label on the battery
explains the test indicator's colors.
Check the terminals for corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To remove
it, cover the terminals with a solution of
baking soda and water. It will bubble
up and turn brown. When this stops,
wash it off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualified technician.
WARNING:Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle's
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative (－ ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
If your vehicle's battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the
time, see page189.
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt
you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
On EX and SC modelsIf your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself. The next
time you turn on the radio, you will
see ‘‘ENTER CODE ’’in the
frequency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the code (see page
188).
NEGATIVE TERMINAL
TEST INDICATOR
WINDOW
POSITIVE TERMINAL
CONTINUED
Checking the Battery
277
Maintenance
2009 Element

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)The publications shown below can be purchased from Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:●Call Helm Inc. at (800)782-4356 (credit card orders only)●Go online at
www. helminc. com
If you are interested in other years or models, contact HelmInc.
at (800) 782-4356.Publication
Form Number Form Description
61SCV07 2009 Honda Element Service Manual
61SCV07EL 2009 Honda Element
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61SCV30 2009 Honda Element Body Repair Manual
31SCV660 2009 Honda Element Owner's Manual
31SCV800 2009 Honda Element
Navigation System Owner's Manual
31SCVM40 2009 Honda Element Honda Service History
31SCVQ60 2009 Honda Element Quick Start Guide
HON-R Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Service Manual:
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures for
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
for the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
for most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in
your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
325
Warranty and Customer Relations
2009 Element

Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane
number of 87 or higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.9 US gal (60 L)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page251).
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.4 US qt (4.2 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid)
(see page256).Manual Transmission Fluid:
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
preferred, or an SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 motor oil as a temporary
replacement (see page257).
Capacity (including differential):
2.0 US qt (1.9 L)
4WD models onlyRear Differential Fluid:
Honda Dual Pump Fluid II. Do not
use ATF.
Capacity:
1.1 US qt (1.0 L)
Power Steering Fluid:
Honda Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of
power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page260).Brake Fluid:
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page258).
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
All models except SCFront:
33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm
2)
Rear: 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm2)
SC modelFront/Rear:32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Spare Tire Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2)
Service Information Summary
2009 Element