engine HONDA ELEMENT 2011 1.G Repair Manual

5. Look for any obvious coolantleaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergency
Towing on page 244).
6. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
7. 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 before
checking the radiator.
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.
8. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off. 9. Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck. If you do not have the proper
coolant mixture available, you can
add plain water. Remember to
have the cooling system drained
and refilled with the proper
mixture as soon as you can.
10. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see Emergency
Towing on page 244).
11. 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 the Engine Overheats23410/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle stopped. 1. Safely pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page 145). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 193).
4. Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(see Emergency Towing on page
244). Charging System Indicator
If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn off 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.
Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
235
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. You will also see a
‘‘ CHECK FUEL CAP ’’message on
the information display. Tighten the
cap until it clicks at least once.
Tightening the cap will not turn the
indicator off immediately; it can take
several days of normal driving. If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the malfunction
indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emissions controls and
engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.
The malfunction indicator lamp may
also come on with the
‘‘D ’’indicator. Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has certain
‘‘readiness
codes ’’that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
these codes may be erased. It can
take several days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp23610/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will
come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks five times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle for an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer toEmissions Testing for
more information (see page 261). Brake System Indicator (Red)
The brake system indicator (red)
normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and as a reminder to check
the parking brake. It will stay on if
you do not fully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
fluid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
199).
If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
CONTINUED
Malfunction Indicator Lamp, Brake System Indicator
237
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The vehicle's fuses are located in two
fuse boxes. The under-hood fuse box
is located in the engine compartment
on the driver's side. To open it, push
the tabs as shown.
The interior fuse box is underneath
the steering column. To remove the
fuse box lid, turn the knobs
clockwise and pull the lid out of its
hinges.Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, check for a
blown fuse first. Determine from the
chart on pages 242 and 243, or the
diagram on the fuse box lid, which
fuse or fuses control that device.
Check those fuses first, but check all
the fuses before deciding that a
blown fuse is the cause. Replace any
blown fuses, and check if the device
works.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse box.
UNDER-HOOD
TAB
INTERIOR
KNOBS
CONTINUED
Fuses
239
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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If your vehicle needs to be towed, call
a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.On 4WD modelsThe only way you can safely tow
your vehicle is with flat-bed
equipment.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, inform
them a flat-bed is required.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.
On 2WD modelsThere are two ways to tow your
vehicle:Flat-bed Equipment
－ The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. This is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
Wheel-lift Equipment
－ The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle. If, due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the front wheels on
the ground, do this:
●Start the engine.●Shift to D position and hold for 5
seconds, then to N.●Turn off the engine.●Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.●Release the parking brake.Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the all four wheels off
the ground.
Emergency Towing24410/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Your vehicle has several identifying
numbers located in various places.
The vehicle identification number
(VIN) is the 17-digit number your
dealer uses to register your vehicle
for warranty purposes. It is also
necessary for licensing and insuring
your vehicle. The easiest place to
find the VIN is on a plate fastened to
the top of the dashboard. You can
see it by looking through the
windshield on the driver's side. It is
also on the certification label
attached to the driver's doorjamb
(front edge of rear door), and is
stamped on the engine compartment
bulkhead. The VIN is also provided
in bar code on the certification label.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)CERTIFICATION LABEL
Identification Numbers24810/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

The engine number is stamped into
the engine block.
The transmission number is on a
label on top of the transmission.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER
ENGINE NUMBER
Identification Numbers
249
Technical Information
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DimensionsLength 169.9 in (4,316 mm)
Width 71.6 in (1,819 mm)
Height 70.4 in (1,788 mm)
Wheelbase 101.4 in (2,575 mm)
Track Front 62.1 in (1,577 mm)
Rear 62.3 in (1,582 mm)
Weights Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached to the driver's doorjamb
(front edge of rear door). Seating Capacities
Total 4
Front 2
Rear 2
Engine Type Water cooled 4-stroke DOHC
i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine
Bore x Stroke 3.43 x 3.90 in (87.0 x 99.0 mm)
Displacement 144 cu-in (2,354 cm
3)
Compression ratio 9.7 : 1
Spark plugs NGK: IZFR6K11 DENSO: SKJ20DR-M11
Specifications25010/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

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 Change
ꭧ 2
1.35 US gal (5.1 L)
Total 1.90 US gal (7.2 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)
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
251
Technical Information
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