2003 HONDA ELEMENT Owners Manual

Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Put the light assembly back into
the body, bottom first. Push on the
top edge until it snaps into place.Open the hatch and the tailgate.
Remove the two mounting screws
with a Phillips-head screwdriver,
and remove the taillight assembly
f rom the body by pulling it back.
Determine which of the three
bulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal light or back-
up light.Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Put the socket back into the light
assembly and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
1.
4.
5.
2.3.
4.
6.
CONT INUED
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing Rear Bulbs
261

Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.Turn on the parking lights and
check that the new bulb is
working.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
When reinstalling the taillight
assembly, f irst place the two pins
in the holes in place. Tighten the
two mounting bolts.
Place a cloth and insert a small
f lat-tipped screwdriver between
the left edge of the lens and the
housing. The lens will come down.Put the lens back into the light
assembly, right side f irst. Push on
the lef t edge until it snaps into
place.
1.
2.
6.
7.
3.
4.
5.
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb
Lights
Maint enance262

Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Put the socket back into the light
assembly and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
Put the cover back onto the light
assembly. Push it on until it locks
in place.
Remove the socket f rom the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise. Open the hatch. Remove the light
assembly cover by pushing in on
the tabs on both sides and pulling
the cover down.
1.
2. 3.4.
5.
6.
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
Maint enance
Lights
263

Removethelensbycarefully
prying on the edge of the lens with
a f ingernail f ile or a small f lat-tip
screwdriver. Do not pry on the
edge of the housing around the
lens.
Although the ceiling light, cargo area
light, and spotlights come apart the
same way, they do not use the same
type of bulbs.
Ceiling light:Pry on the rear edge of the lens
near both sides.
Spotlights: Pry on the rear edge of the lens in
the middle.
Cargo area light: Pryonthefrontedgeof thelens
near both sides.
1.
Replacing Interior L ight Bulbs
Lights
Maint enance264
CEILING LIGHT
SPOTLIGHTS

Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.
Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs. Snap the lens back in place.
3. 2.
Lights
Maint enance265
CARGO AREA LIGHT

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Nonporous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter
(see page ).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry. To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals. Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield. Disconnect the battery.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(5-speed manual) or Park
(automatic). If possible, run the engine f or a
while periodically (pref erably once
amonth).
If you store your vehicle f or 12
months or longer, have your Honda
dealer perf orm the inspections called
f or in the 24 months maintenance
schedule (Normal Conditions) as
soon as you take it out of storage
(see page ). The replacements
called f or in the maintenance
schedule are not needed unless the
vehicle has actually reached that
time or mileage.
223
212
St oring Your Vehicle
Maint enance266

Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Honda helps to keep it ‘‘new’’
looking. This section gives you
informationonhowtocleanyour
vehicle and preserve its appearance:
the paint, brightwork, wheels, and
interior. Also included are several
things you can do to help prevent
corrosion..................................
Exterior Care .268
.....................................
Washing .268
.......................................
Waxing .269
....................
Aluminum Wheels .269
..........................
Paint Touch-up .270
..................................
Interior Care .271
..........................
Floor Covering .271
.........................................
Fabric .271
...........................................
Vinyl .271
...................................
Seat Belts .271
....................................
Windows .272
..........................
Air Fresheners .272
....................
Corrosion Protection .273
.................................
Body Repairs .274
Appearance Care
Appearance Care
267

Frequent washing helps preserve
your vehicle’s beauty. Dirt and grit
can scratch the paint, while tree sap
and bird droppings can permanently
ruin the f inish.
Wash your vehicle in a shady area,
not in direct sunlight. If the vehicle is
parked in the sun, move it into the
shade and let the exterior cool down
bef ore you start.When you have washed and rinsed
the whole exterior, dry it with a
chamois or sof t towel. Letting it
air-dry will cause dulling and water
spots.
As you dry the vehicle, inspect it f or
chips and scratches that could allow
corrosion to start. Repair them with
touch-up paint (see page ).
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with
cool water to remove loose dirt.
Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommendedinthisOwner’s
Manual. Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix
in a mild detergent, such as
dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially f or vehicle
washing.
Check the body f or road tar, tree
sap, etc. Remove these stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it
of f immediately so it does not
harm the f inish. Remember to re-
wax these areas, even if the rest of
the vehicle does not need waxing. Wash the vehicle using the water
and detergent solution and a sof t-
bristle brush, sponge, or sof t cloth.
Start at the top and work your way
down. Rinse f requently.
270
Exterior Care
Appearance Care
Washing
268
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and
plastic on your vehicle. The radio antenna on your vehicle does
not need to be removed when you use a
‘‘drive-through’’ vehicle wash. How-
ever, if you remove the antenna, make
sure to reinstall it and tighten it se-
curely using an appropriate tool.