2003 HONDA ELEMENT transmission

Start the engine.
Press on the brake pedal. Shif t the
lever through all the positions (P,
R, N, D, 2, 1)
ShifttoD,thentoN.Letthe
engine run f or three minutes, then
turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) so the steering
wheel does not lock. Make sure
the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets
are turned of f so you do not run
down the battery.If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours.
(when you stop f or f uel, etc.)
If you tow a Element with an
automatic transmission, the
transmission f luid must be changed
every two years or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km), whichever comes f irst.Ext ended T owing
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Driving199
Failure to f ollow the above instructions
exactly will result in severe automatic
transmission damage. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a f lat-bed truck or
trailer. The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing.Severe automatic transmission damage
will occur if the vehicle is shif ted f rom
reverse to neutral and then towed with
the drive wheels on the ground.

Avoid driving through deep water. If
you encounter water in your route (a
small stream or large puddle, f or
example), evaluate it carefully before
going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,
f lowing slowly, and has f irm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of
the depth or the ground, turn around
andfindanotherroute.Driving through deep water can also
damage your vehicle. The water can
get into the transmission and
dif f erential, diluting the lubricant
and causing an eventual failure. It
can also wash the grease out of the
wheel bearings.You should never use a jack to try
getting unstuck. A jack only works
on f irm, level ground. Also, your
vehicle could easily slip of f the jack
and hurt you or someone else. Avoid driving on sof t sand, deep mud,
or other surf aces where you could
get stuck. If you do happen to get
stuck because of inclement weather
or other conditions, choose a saf e
and appropriate course of action.
If You Encounter Water If You Get Stuck
Off-Highway Guidelines
Driving204

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

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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)