2005 HONDA ELEMENT roof

Turn of f the engine, and set the
parkingbrake.Thenpulldownthe
lever, squeeze both sides of the pivot
while pushing up the red tab in the
lever, and pull the lever assembly
away from the ceiling.Push up the rear of the skylight.
Standing on the tailgate with the
hatch down, hold both sides of the
skylight and pull it toward you to
remove it f rom the vehicle roof .
To remove the skylight:
Skylight
84
Bef ore lif ting the skylight, make sure
the roof of the vehicle is dry. Rain or
remaining water af ter car-washing may
get into the f rame of the skylight. In
winter, remove the buildup of snow on
the roof . If you try to tilt up the skylight in
below-f reezing temperatures, or when
it is covered with snow or ice, you can
damage it.
The maximum weight on the tailgate is
440 lbs (200 kg).

Depending on where you drive, you
may experience reception problems.
Interf erence can be caused by any of
these conditions:Drivingonaneast/westroadwith
a mountain on the south side of
the road.
Driving on a single lane road
alongside dense trees taller than
50 ft. (15 m) to the south of you. Driving on the lower level of a
multi-tiered road. Driving on a road beside a vertical
wall, steep clif f , or hill to the south
of you. Driving in the tunnels.
Driving on the north side of a
large commercial truck on an
east/west road.
There may be other geographic
situations that could af f ect XM radio
reception. Cargo on a roof rack. If your XM Radio service has expired
or you purchased your vehicle f rom
a previous owner, you can listen to a
preview of the broadcasts available
on XM Satellite Radio. With the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY
(I) or ON (II) position, push the
PWR/VOL knob to turn on the audio
system and press the XM button. An
XM Radio preview will play.As required by the FCC:
Changes or modif ications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.Receiving Satellite Radio Service
Playing the XM Satellite Radio
104
TM

In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all passengers, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both
areonalabelonthedriver’s
doorjamb.If you carry large items that
prevent you f rom closing the
tailgate or the hatch, exhaust gas
can enter the passenger area. To
avoid the possibility of, f ollow the
instructions on page .
If you carry any items on a roof
rack,besurethetotalweightof
the rack and the items does not
exceed 165 lbs (75 kg). Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. If you use an accessory roof rack,
the roof rack weight limit may be
lower. Ref er to the inf ormation that
came with your roof rack.
Theseparationnetcanbeusedto
hold back sof t, lightweight items
stored in the cargo area. Heavy
items should be properly secured on
the f loor of the cargo area. The net
may not prevent heavy items f rom
being thrown f orward in a crash or a
sudden stop.
Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop. Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the driver’s ability to operate the
pedals or the seat. 47
Carrying Cargo
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
carbon
monoxide poisoning
Carrying Cargo in the Cargo A rea
or on a Roof Rack
Optional Separation Net
132

Because your vehicle rides higher
of f the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible. Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof . Do not modif y your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Your vehicle is equipped with a f our-
wheel drive (
4WD) system. When
the system senses a loss of front-
wheel traction, it automatically
transf ers some power to the rear
wheels. This gives you better
traction and mobility.
You still need to exercise the same
care when accelerating, steering, and
brakingthatyouwouldinatwo-
wheel drive vehicle.
Your vehicle has a higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.
Four-wheel Drive Models
See page f or additional guidelinesf or driving of f -highway. 159
Driving Guidelines
136

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Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s
load limit. This puts excess stress
on the engine, brakes, and many
other vehicle parts. The load limit
is shown on the tire inf ormation
label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km)
per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less than 10
miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over
90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Used primarily as a delivery
vehicle or taxi that is driven
mostly in stop-and-go traf f ic and/
or parked with the engine idling.
Operate your vehicle on
reasonable roads within the legal
speed limit.
Always use unleaded gasoline with
theproperoctanerating(seepage
).
Drive your vehicle regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
The maintenance schedule assumes
you will use your vehicle as normal
transportation for passengers and
their possessions. You should also
f ollow these recommendations:
Trailer towing, driving with a
loaded roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads.
Service your vehicle according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the maintenance schedules on the
f ollowing pages.
Follow the
maintenance schedule f or severe
conditions if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions. If you only
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the normal conditions
maintenance schedule.
Follow the
maintenance schedule f or severe
conditions.
122
OCCASIONALLY
Maintenance Schedule
Which Schedule to Follow
U.S. Owners Canadian Owners
Maint enance
163
NOTE:

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We recommend the use of Honda
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. U.S. Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability.
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the maintenance record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
126
126
175 177
188
179
Maintenance Schedule
Servicing Your Vehicle Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.Owner’s Maintenance Checks
164

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Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads. Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
Follow the severe maintenance
schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
T railer towing, driving with a loaded
roof rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions.
166
Canadian Owners
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
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10
16 50
8070
112
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
( (O
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40
64
20
32 60
9680
128
30
48
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
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Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3
years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000
km) or 2 years.
90
144 100
160 140
224
130
208
120
192
110
176
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
(Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
190)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components, driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system , fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Follow the maintenance
schedule for severe conditions. See dust and pollen filter on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty on page .
1:
2:
: 185
164
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

ÎÎ
...................
Radiator Overheating . 207
...............
Radio/CD Sound System . 94
...........................
Readiness Codes .230
.......................................
Rear Doors .70
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 182
............................
Rear Seat Access .75
..........................
Rear Seat, Folding .77
............................
Rear View Mirror .82
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 63
.
Rear Window Wiper and Washer . 61
...............
Reclining the Seat-Backs . 73
.......
Recommended Shif t Speeds . 140
.............................
Reminder Lights .53
...............
Removing the Rear Seats . 79
.......................
Remote Transmitter .67 Replacement Inf ormation
..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 185
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 171
..........................................
Fuses .212
................................
Light Bulbs .179
....................................
Schedule .165
...........................................
Tires .187
.............................
Wiper Blades .186
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .21
Reserve Tank, Engine ...............................
Coolant .126, 173
...............................
Restraint, Child .30
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 142
...........................
Reverse Lockout .144
......................................
Roof Rack .132
................................
Rotation, Tire .190
................................
Saf ety Belts .10, 20
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 236
.................................
Saf ety Features .9
.........................................
Airbags .11
.....................................
Seat Belts .10
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 48...............................
Saf ety Messages .ii
................................
Satellite Radio .100
...................................
Seat Belts .10, 20
...............
Additional Information . 20
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners .21
................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 15,20
................................
Maintenance .21
.....................
Reminder Light .20, 54
...................
System Components . 20
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 18
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 15
........................
Seats, Adjusting the .73
...............................
Serial Number .220
...........................
Service Intervals .165
...........................
Service Manual .237
...........
Service Station Procedure . 124
..........................
Setting the Clock .117
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 141
........................
Shif t Lock Release .144
....................................
Side Airbags .26
..........................
Cutoff Indicator .28
Side Marker Lights, Bulb ..............................
Replacement .181
...............................
Signaling Turns .62
............................................
Skylight .83
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 12
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18
........................
Protecting Children .30
Protecting Inf ants and Small .......................................
Children .35
...........
Protecting Larger Children . 44
.....................
Using Booster Seat .45
Index
R
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VI