2007 HONDA ELEMENT Oil

Fluid Locations
188
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
POWER
STEERING FLUID
(Red cap) ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange tab)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)

Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
certif ication 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 pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API certif ication seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Install the engine oil
f ill cap, and tighten it securely. Wait
a f ew minutes, and recheck the oil
level. Do not f ill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine. Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
189
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEALAmbient Temperature

Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect the engine or transmission
perf ormance and durability.Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the inf ormation
display. The oil and f ilter collect
contaminants that can damage your
engine if they are not removed
regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil, it
displays the API certif ication seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals shown on the maintenance
minder display.
1.
2.
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
190
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT

Remove the oil f ilter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks. Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work. Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter): Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Check the oil f ilter to make sure its
gasket did not stick to the engine
block. A stuck gasket could cause an
oil leak. 4.
3. 5.
6.
7.
8.9.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
191
OIL FILTER
4.4 US qt (4.2)
33 lbf·ft (44 N·m , 4.5 kgf·m)
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.

Put a new washer on the f iller bolt,
then reinstall the f iller bolt and
tighten it securely.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stif f er shif ting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle on level
ground. Remove the transmission
f iller bolt, and caref ully f eel inside
the bolt hole with your f inger. The
f luid level should be up to the edge
of the bolt hole. If it is not, add
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
(MTF) until it starts to run out of the
hole. If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment. If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality.
Have the transmission f lushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 by
your dealer as soon as it is
convenient.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer. 5.
6.
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
195
FILLER BOLT
Correct Level
WASHER

Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or other qualif ied technician.Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. Handle it by its steel base and
protect the glass f rom contact with
your skin or hard objects. If you
touch the glass, clean it with
denaturedalcoholandacleancloth.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs, two on each side. When
replacing a bulb, handle it by its base
and protect the glass from contact
with your skin or hard objects. If you
touch the glass, clean it with
denaturedalcoholandacleancloth.
Open the hood.
If you need to change the
headlight bulb on the driver’s side,
remove the f ront end of the air
intake duct by pulling it out.
1.
On SC model
On all models except SC
On all models except SC
Headlight A iming
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
198
AIR INTAKE DUCT
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.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.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
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. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
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.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic). If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
215

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .218
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .219
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .225
................................
Jump Starting .227
..............
If the Engine Overheats .229
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .231
..........
Charging System Indicator .231
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .232
...............
Brake System Indicator .233
..............................................
Fuses .234
..............................
Fuse Locations .237
......................
Emergency Towing .239
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
217