oil temperature HONDA ELEMENT 2011 1.G Owners Manual

Your vehicle's exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide should not enter the
vehicle in normal driving if you
maintain your vehicle properly and
follow the information on this page.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:●The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.●You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.●The vehicle was in a collision that
may have damaged the underside.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage. With the tailgate or hatch open, air
flow can pull exhaust gas into your
vehicle's interior and create a
hazardous condition. If you must
drive with the tailgate or hatch open,
open all the windows and set the
heating and cooling system as shown
below.
If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconfined area, adjust the heating
and cooling system as follows:
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the
mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard5210/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Information Display
The information display shows the
odometer, trip meter, engine oil life,
outside temperature (if equipped),
and maintenance item code(s).To switch the display, press and
release the select/reset knob
repeatedly. When you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, your last selection is
displayed.Odometer
The odometer shows the total
distance your vehicle has been
driven. It measures miles. It is illegal
under U.S. federal law to disconnect,
reset, or alter the odometer with the
intent to change the number of miles
indicated.
OUTSIDE
TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
ODOMETER TRIP METER A
ENGINE OIL
LIFE TRIP METER B
Gauges
65
Instruments and Controls
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If the system still detects a leak in
your vehicle's evaporative emissions
system, the malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL) comes on. If the fuel fill
cap was not already tightened, turn
the engine off, and check or
retighten the fuel fill cap until it
clicks at least once. The MIL should
go off after several days of normal
driving once the cap is tightened or
replaced. If the MIL does not go off,
have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer. For more information, see
page 236.Temperature Gauge
This shows the temperature of the
engine's coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise to
about the middle of the gauge. In
severe driving conditions, the pointer
may rise to the upper zone. If it
reaches the red (hot) mark, pull
safely to the side of the road. Turn to
page 233 for instructions and
precautions on checking the engine's
cooling system.
Maintenance Minder
™
The information display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil life and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
information helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs for continued trouble-
free driving. Refer to page 185 for
more information.
Gauges
67
Instruments and Controls
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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 page 190.
NOTE:
●Independent of the maintenance message in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.●Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).●Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
Symbol Maintenance 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 transmission
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).
4●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid (4WD model only)
Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance Minder
191
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Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour
in the oil slowly and carefully so you
do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute's latest requirements.
Honda motor oil is the preferred
5W-20 lubricant for your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle for
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certification Seal says
‘‘
For Gasoline Engines. ’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container's label.
5W-20 oil is formulated for year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
fuel economy.
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
CONTINUED
Adding Engine Oil
193
Maintenance
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Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil, it
displays the API Certification Seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the Maintenance
Minder display.
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the information
display. The oil and filter collect
contaminants that can damage your
engine if they are not removed
regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove the engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
OIL DRAIN BOLT WASHER
Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter19410/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Bulbs, Halogen
..........................
202
Bungee Cords
............................
155
C
Capacities Chart
.........................
251
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
............
52
Cargo
.........................................
151
Cargo Area Light
..........................
96
Cargo Hooks
..............................
156
Cargo, How to Carry
..................
151
Carrying Cargo
..........................
151
CAUTION, Explanation of
............
iii
CD Care
.....................................
127
Ceiling Light
................................
96
Certification Label
......................
248
Chains, Tires
..............................
217
Changing a Flat Tire
..................
223
Changing Oil How to
....................................
194
When to
..................................
185
Charging System Indicator
...........................
58, 235
Check Fuel Cap Message
............
66
Checklist, Before Driving
...........
159 Child Safety
..................................
35
Booster Seats
...........................
50
Child Seats
....................
40, 41, 42
Important Safety Reminders
.....
39
Infants
......................................
40
Larger Children
.......................
49
LATCH
.....................................
44
Risks with Airbags
...................
36
Small Children
.........................
41
Tethers
....................................
48
Warning Labels
........................
37
Where Should a Child Sit?
........
36
Child Seats
.............................
35, 42
LATCH Anchorage Points
........
44
Tether Anchorage Points
.........
48
Cleaning the Seat Belts
..............
209
Clock
..........................................
133
Code, Audio System
...................
132
CO in the Exhaust
................
52, 258
Cold Weather, Starting in
...........
160
Compact Spare Tire
....................
222
Controls, Instruments and
............
55
Coolant Adding
....................................
196
Checking
................................
145
Proper Solution
.......................
196 Temperature Gauge
.................
67
Cooler Box
...................................
98
Crankcase Emissions Control System
...................................
258
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
60
Cruise Control Operation
...........
137
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
60
Cup Holders
.................................
99
Customer Service
.......................
264
D
DANGER, Explanation of
.............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3, 56
Daytime Running Lights
..............
72
Daytime Running Lights Indicator
...................................
60
Dead Battery
..............................
231
Defects, Reporting Safety
...........
266
Defogger, Rear Window
...............
74
Dimensions
................................
250
Dimming the Headlights
..............
71
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission
.........
198
Engine Oil
...............................
145
IndexII10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Directional Signals
.................
60, 71
Disc Brake Wear Indicators
.......
167
Disc Care
...................................
127
Disc Changer Error
Messages
...............................
126
Disc Player Error Messages
......
125
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
195
Doors Indicator
...................................
11
Locking and Unlocking
............
80
Power Door Locks
...................
80
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles)
................................
253
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
157
Economy
.................................
146
Driving Guidelines
.....................
158
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
210
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
146
Emergencies on the Road
..........
221
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
231
Brake System Indicator
.....
58, 237 Changing a Flat Tire
...............
223
Charging System Indicator
........................
58, 235
Checking the Fuses
................
239
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
223
Hazard Warning Flashers
........
73
Jump Starting
..........................
231
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
........................
58, 235
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
58, 236
Overheated Engine
.................
233
Towing
....................................
244
Emergency Brake
........................
94
Emergency Flashers
....................
73
Emergency Towing
....................
244
Emissions Controls
....................
258
Emissions Testing
......................
261
Engine Adding Engine Coolant
...........
196
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
67
If it Won't Start
........................
229
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
58, 236
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
185
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
58, 235 Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
193
Overheating
............................
233
Specifications
..........................
250
Speed Limiter
..........................
163
Starting
...................................
160
Engine Coolant
..........................
196
Engine Number
.........................
249
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
142
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
258
Exhaust Fumes
............................
52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
16
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
105
Features
.....................................
103
Filters Dust and Pollen
.......................
210
Oil
...........................................
194
Flashers, Hazard Warning
...........
73
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
223
Floor Mats
.................................
209
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
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LOCK (Ignition Key Position)
......
79
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column
.......
79
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
143
Glove Box
...............................
100
Hatch
.......................................
81
Lockout Prevention
..................
81
Power Door
..............................
80
Tailgate
....................................
82
Low Coolant Level
......................
145
Lower Anchors
.............................
44
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
61
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
58, 235
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
251
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
151
M
Maintenance
..............................
183
Main Items and Sub Items
......
188
Minder
....................................
185
Minder Indicator
......................
59
Owner's Maintenance Checks
................................
190 Safety
......................................
184
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................
58, 236
Meters, Gauges
............................
64
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
142
Mirrors, Adjusting
........................
93
Modifications
.............................
150
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
150
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
162
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
142
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
248
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline
.................................
142
Odometer
.....................................
65
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
180
Off-Road Precautions
..................
180 Oil
Change, How to
......................
194
Change, When to
....................
185
Checking Engine
....................
145
Life, Engine
.............................
185
Pressure Indicator
.............
58, 235
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
...................................
193
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery
................................
258
ON (Ignition Key Position)
..........
79
Opening the Tailgate
....................
82
Outside Mirrors
...........................
93
Outside Temperature Indicator
....
68
Overhead Console
......................
101
Overheating, Engine
..................
233
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
190
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
142
P
Panel Brightness Control
.............
72
Park Gear Position
.....................
161
Parking
......................................
165
Parking Brake
..............................
94
IndexVI10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu

Sun Visor
...................................
100
Supplemental Restraint System
..............................
9, 22
Servicing
..................................
33
SRS Indicator
......................
30, 59
System Components
................
22
Synthetic Oil
..............................
194
T
Tachometer
..................................
64
Tailgate
........................................
82
Open Indicator
.........................
61
Opening the
.............................
82
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in
.....
206
Taking Care of the Unexpected
............................
221
Technical Descriptions DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
253
Emissions Control Systems
.....
258
Three Way Catalytic Converter
............................
260
Tire Labeling
...........................
255 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) －Required Federal
Explanation
......................
256
Temperature Gauge
.....................
67
Tensioners, Seat Belts
..................
20
Tether Anchorage Points
.............
48
Theft Protection, Radio
..............
132
Three Way Catalytic Converter
...............................
260
Tilt the Steering Wheel
................
74
Time, Setting the
........................
133
Tire Chains
................................
217
Tire, How to Change a Flat
........
223
Tire Information
.........................
255
Tire Labeling
..............................
255
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
...........................
169, 256
Tires
..........................................
212
Air Pressure
............................
213
Chains
.....................................
217
Checking Wear
.......................
214
Compact Spare
........................
222
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
253
Inflation
...................................
212
Inspection
...............................
214 Labeling
..................................
255
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
........................
62, 169
Maintenance
...........................
215
Pressure Monitoring System
...
169
Replacing
................................
215
Rotating
..................................
215
Snow
.......................................
217
Specifications
..........................
252
Tools, Tire Changing
.................
223
Towing A Trailer
..................................
174
Emergency Wrecker
...............
244
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
..............................
169
Indicator
............................
63, 170
Required Federal Explanation
.........................
256
Transmission Checking Fluid Level
..............
198
Fluid Selection
........................
198
Identification Number
.............
248
Shifting the Automatic
.............
161
Treadwear
..................................
253
Trip Meter
...................................
66
CONTINUED
Index
IX
INDEX
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