transmission fluid HONDA ELEMENT 2009 1.G Owners Manual

2009 Element Online Reference Owner's Manual
Contents

Owner's Identification Form

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii Important Handling Information .................................................................................................................... iv
Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5
Instruments and Controls
(indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column)
............................................ 55
Features (
heating and cooling, audio, steering wheel, cruise control and other convenience items
)
................... 103
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break- in, and cargo loading) ..................................................................... 197
Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 213
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 241
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, and fuses) ............................. 281
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 305
Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 321
Index ........................................................................................................................................................................ I


Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)
1 00X31-SCV-6600

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page325for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.Maintenance Safety
.....................
242
Maintenance Minder
..................
243
Fluid Locations
...........................
250
Adding Engine Oil
......................
251
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
.......................................
252
Engine Coolant
...........................
254
Windshield Washers
...................
255
Transmission Fluid
.....................
256
Automatic Transmission Fluid
...................................
256
Manual Transmission Fluid
....
257
Rear Differential Fluid
.................
258
Brake and Clutch Fluid
...............
258
Power Steering Fluid
..................
260
Cleaning the Body Panels
...........
260
Lights
..........................................
261
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
268
Floor Mats
..................................
268
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
269
Wiper Blades
..............................
269
Wheels
........................................
271
Tires
...........................................
271
Checking the Battery
..................
277 Vehicle Storage
...........................
278
Maintenance
241
Maintenance
2009 Element

However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect. Maintenance may be done by
any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service facility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out your
Honda Service History or Canadian
Maintenance Log. Check your
warranty booklet for more
information.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are
‘‘certified’’to EPA
standards.
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with ＃will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the information
display.
Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.
●Engine oil level －Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
201.●Engine coolant level －Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page201.●Automatic transmission －Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
256.●Brakes －Check the fluid level
monthly. See page258.●Tires －Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
271.●Lights －Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page261.
Maintenance Minder248
2009 Element

SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
ꭧ 1
B
●Replace engine oil
ꭧ1and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect these items:●Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Suspension components●Driveshaft boots●Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections
＃
ꭧ 1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page248.
NOTE:
●Independent of the maintenance message in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.●Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (2 56,000 km).●Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
SymbolMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmiss ion
and transfer temperatures. This requires transmission
and transfer fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the transmission and transfer fluid changed at
60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) (For A/T only).
4●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid (4WD model only)
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
249
2009 Element

ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange tab)
POWER
STEERING FLUID
(Red cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAPBRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
transmission only)
(Gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
Fluid Locations250
2009 Element

On Canadian models:
The low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page61).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze
can damage your vehicle's paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer fluid. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator fan comes on, then shut
off the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) before
doing step 2.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
from the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way intothe transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between
the upper and lower marks.
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK
Windshield Washers, Transmission Fluid256
2009 Element

5. If the level is below the lowermark, add fluid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Genuine
ATF-Z1 (automatic transmission
fluid).
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do not
mix with other transmission fluids.
Using transmission fluid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting from the use of
transmission fluid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Honda new vehicle warranty.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way backinto the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
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 add fluid,
contact your dealer. Manual Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle on level
ground. Remove the transmission
filler bolt, and carefully feel inside
the bolt hole with your finger. The
fluid level should be up to the edge
of the bolt hole. If it is not, add
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
(MTF) until it starts to run out of the
hole.WASHER FILLER BOLT
Correct Level
CONTINUED
Transmission Fluid
257
Maintenance
2009 Element

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

Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT
3 as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.Clutch Fluid
On vehicles with manual transmissionThe fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the brake
system.
A low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Brake and Clutch Fluid
259
Maintenance
2009 Element

CapacitiesFuel tank Approx.
15.9 US gal (60 L)
Engine oil Change
ꭧ 1
Including filter 4.4 US qt (4.2 L)
Without filter 4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Total 5.6 US qt (5.3 L)
Capacities
Engine
coolant Automatic
Transmission
Change
ꭧ2
1.35 US gal (5.1 L)
Total 1.90 US gal (7.2 L)
Manual
Transmission Change
ꭧ2
1.37 US gal (5.2 L)
Total 1.93 US gal (7.3 L)
Automatic
transmission
fluid Change
4WD 2.6 US qt (2.5 L)
2WD 2.7 US qt (2.6 L)
Total 4WD 7.6 US qt (7.2 L)
2WD 7.4 US qt (7.0 L)
Manual
transmission
fluid Change
2.0 US qt (1.9 L)
Total
4WD 2.4 US qt (2.3 L)
2WD 2.3 US qt (2.2 L)
Rear
differential
fluid (4WD) Change
1.1 US qt (1.0 L)
Total 1.3 US qt (1.2 L)
Windshield washer reservoir 4.8 US qt (4.5 L)
ꭧ1: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
ꭧ2: Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine
Reserve tank capacity:
0.15 US gal (0.55 L)
Specifications
309
Technical Information
2009 Element