2003 HONDA ELEMENT oil

After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e. Check
the tires for damage and for proper
pressure. Driving of f -highway can be hard on a
vehicle. Bef ore you leave the
pavement, be sure all scheduled
maintenance and service has been
done, and that you have inspected
your vehicle. Pay special attention to
the condition of the tires, and use a
gauge to check the tire pressures. The f ollowing pages contain practical
tips on basic of f -highway operation.Of f -highway, the general rule is to
keep your speed low. Of course,
you’ll need enough speed to keep
moving forward. But at higher
speeds, you have less time to assess
conditions and make good decisions.
There’s also a greater chance of
sliding if you brake or turn too
quickly on wet soil, gravel, or ice. In
any situation, never go f aster than
conditions allow.
Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway. You may even dig
yourself into a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in second gear (2) will
help get you to a smooth start on
snow and ice.Generally, the best of f -pavement
braking technique is to gently
depress the brake pedal, then
increase pressure as more braking is
needed. Avoid hard braking. Keep in
mind that you will usually need more
time and distance to brake to a stop
on unpaved surf aces.
If you need to brake hard because of
an emergency, apply steady, even
pressure to the brake pedal. Do not
pump the brakes; let the anti-lock
braking system pump them f or you.
If you pump the brakes, the anti-lock
cannot work as ef f iciently, and your
stopping distance may be increased.
With ABS
Driving T ips
Check Out Your Vehicle
Cont rolling Speed
A ccelerat ing and Braking
Off-Highway Guidelines
Driving202

This section explains the importance
of keeping your vehicle well
maintained and why you should
f ollow basic maintenance saf ety
precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .208
.
Important Safety Precautions . 209
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 210
...
Required Maintenance Record . 217
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 219
..............................
Fluid Locations .220
......................................
Engine Oil .221
..................................
Adding Oil .221
....................
Recommended Oil .221
..............................
Synthetic Oil .222
....................................
Additives .222
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 223
.............................
Cooling System .225
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 225
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 227
....................
Windshield Washers .230
.......................
Transmission Fluid .231
..........
Automatic Transmission . 231
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .232
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid . 233
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 234
............................
Brake System .234
...........................
Clutch System .235
..............................
Power Steering .235
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .236 ....................................
Hood Latch .237
....................................
Spark Plugs .238
..............................
Replacement .238
............................
Specif ications .239
...........................................
Battery .240
.................................
Wiper Blades .242
..............
Air Conditioning System . 245
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 246
.......................................
Drive Belt .248
...............................................
Tires .249
......................................
Inf lation .249
Recommended Tire Pressures f or Normal ...........................
Driving .250
..................................
Inspection .251
..............................
Maintenance .251
.............................
Tire Rotation .252
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 253
......................
Wheels and Tires .254
..........................
Winter Driving .254
.............................
Snow Tires .254
............................
Tire Chains .255
.............................................
Lights .256
.....................
Headlight Aiming .258
........................
Replacing Bulbs .258
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .266
323
Maintenance
Maint enance207

Regularly maintaining your vehicle is
the best way to protect your
investment. Proper maintenance is
essential to your saf ety and the
saf ety of your passengers. It will also
reward you with more economical,
trouble-f ree driving, and help reduce
air pollution.Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
This section includes instructions f or
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be perf ormed by a Honda
technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Maint enance
Maintenance Saf ety
208
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.

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Maint enance212
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first.miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months 10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
20
32
30
4840
64 60
9680
128 100
160
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD)
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 90
144
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years 120
192
24 4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
:
: 211
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance213
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page252).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000
km (independent of time).
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C. Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
Do items in A, B. Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace transmission fluid (A/T), then
replace every 90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000mi/96,000km/5 yrs. Inspect idle speed. :
212
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 211
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance214
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 2 years
20
32
30
4840
64 80
128 100
160
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions,
otherwise use normal schedule
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
60
96 90
144
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Visually inspect the following items: Tie rod ends, steering gear, box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines, and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD)
Inspect idle speed
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years120
192
24 4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
:
: 246
211
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance215
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D, E
A
B
C
D
E
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 252).
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace air cleaner element every 15,000 mi/
24,000 km (independent of time) under dusty
conditions, otherwise use Normal Conditions
schedule.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A, E.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
5,000 mi/8,000 km
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
15,000 mi/24,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
35,000 mi/56,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
55,000 mi/88,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs 212Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance216
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
:
246
211Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A, E. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000mi/96,000km/5 yrs. Inspect idle speed.
95,000 mi/152,000 km
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
115,000 mi/184,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs
9yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)