2010 HONDA ELEMENT recommended oil

Infant Seats.................................. 40
Tether Anchorage Point ...........48
Inflation, Proper Tire ..................271
Recommended Pressures .......272
Inside Mirror ............................... 93
Inspection, Tire .......................... 273
Installing a Child Seat ..................43
Instrument Panel ..........................57
Instrument Panel Brightness .......72
Instruments and Controls .............55
Interior Lights .............................. 95
Introduction ................................... i
iPod
®.......................................... 162
iPod®Error Messages ................172
J
Jacking up the Vehicle ...............283
Jack, Tire ................................... 283
Jump Starting ............................. 291
K
Keys ............................................. 75L
Label, Certification
.....................306
Lane Change, Signaling ...............71
Lap/Shoulder Belt .................14, 19
LATCH Anchorage System ..........44
Light Control Switch ....................95
Lights
Bulb Replacement ...................261
Indicator ................................... 57
Interior ..................................... 95
Parking .................................... 71
Turn Signal .............................. 71
Load Limit .................................. 208
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) ......79
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column .......79
Fuel Fill Door .......................... 199
Glove Box ............................... 100
Hatch ....................................... 81
Lockout Prevention ..................81
Power Door .............................. 80
Tailgate .................................... 82
Low Coolant Level ......................201
Lower Anchors ............................. 44Low Fuel Indicator
.......................61
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator ........................... 58, 295
Lubricant Specifications Chart ...309
Luggage, Storing (cargo) ...........207
M
Maintenance .............................. 241
Main Items and Sub Items ......246
Minder .................................... 243
Minder Indicator ......................59
Owner's Maintenance
Checks ................................ 248
Safety ...................................... 242
Schedule ................................. 249
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ................................ 58, 296
Manual Transmission .................217
Checking Fluid Level ..............257
Shifting ................................... 217
Manual Transmission Fluid .......257
Meters, Gauges ............................ 64
Methanol in Gasoline .................198
Mirrors, Adjusting ........................93
Index
VI

Protecting Children......................35
General Guidelines ..................35
Protecting Infants .....................40
Protecting Larger Children ......49
Protecting Small Children ........41
Using Child Seats with Tethers ................................. 48
Using LATCH .......................... 44
R
Radiator Overheating .................293
Radio/CD Sound System ...........109
Radio Theft Protection ...............188
Readiness Codes ........................319
Rear Differential Fluid ................258
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement ........................... 266
Rear Seat, Folding ........................88
Rearview Camera and Monitor .................................. 196
Rearview Mirror ........................... 93
Rear Window Defogger ................74
Rear Window Wiper and Washer ..................................... 70Reclining the Front Seats
.............87
Recommended Shift Speeds .......218
Refueling .................................... 199
Reminder Indicators .....................58
Remote Audio Controls ..............191
Remote Transmitter .....................77
Replacement Information
Dust and Pollen Filter .............269
Engine Oil and Filter ...............252
Fuses ...................................... 298
Light Bulbs ............................. 261
Schedule ................................. 249
Spark Plugs ............................. 308
Tires ....................................... 274
Wiper Blades .......................... 269
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash ........................................ 20
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles) ................................ 324
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant ............................ 201, 254
Restraint, Child ............................ 35
Reverse Gear Position ................220
Reverse Lockout ........................217
Rotation, Tire ............................. 274S
Safety Belts
.............................. 8, 18
Safety Defects, Reporting (U.S. only) ....................................... 324
Safety Features .............................. 7
Airbags ................................. 9, 22
Head Restraints ........................13
Seat Belts ........................ 8, 14, 18
Seats & Seat-Backs ..............11, 12
Safety Labels, Location of .............53
Safety Messages ..........................iii
Seat Adjustments .........................83
Seat Belts ................................. 8, 18
Additional Information .............18
Advice for Pregnant Women ....16
Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners ........................... 20
Cleaning .................................. 268
Lap/Shoulder Belt ..............14, 19
Maintenance ............................ 20
Reminder Indicator and Beeper ............................. 18, 58
System Components ................18
Use During Pregnancy .............16
Index
VIII

Fuel Economy Factors
The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:● Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
● Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic
● Cold engine operation (engines are
more efficient when warmed up)
● Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running
● Improperly inflated tires
Improving Fuel Economy
Vehicle MaintenanceA properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
information display (see Owner's
Maintenance Checks on page 248).
For example: ●
Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 251).
● Maintain proper tire inflation －
An underinflated tire increases ‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which reduces
fuel economy.
● Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle －It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.
● Keep your vehicle clean －In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel economy.
Drive Efficiently● Drive moderately －Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuelconsumption.
● Observe the speed limit －
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
● Always drive in the highest gearpossible －If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your fuel economy by up
shifting as early as possible.
● Avoid excessive idling －Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
CONTINUED
Fuel Economy
203
Before Driving
Table of Contents

Symbol Maintenance Main ItemsA ●
Replace engine oilꭧ1
B ●
Replace engine oilꭧ1and oil filter
● Inspect front and rear brakes
● Check parking brake adjustment
● Inspect these items:
● Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
● Suspension components
● Driveshaft boots
● Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
● All fluid levels and condition of fluids
● Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections＃
ꭧ1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page 248.
NOTE: ●
Independent of the maintenance message in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
● Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
● Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy. Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1 ●
Rotate tires
2 ●
Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
● Replace dust and pollen filter
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
● Inspect drive belt
3 ●
Replace transmission fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
and transfer temperatures. This requires transmission
and transfer fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the transmission and transfer fluid changed at
60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) (For A/T only).
4 ●
Replace spark plugs
● Inspect valve clearance
5 ●
Replace engine coolant
6 ●
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD model only)
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
249
Table of Contents

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour
in the oil slowly and carefully so you
do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification 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 preferred
5W-20 lubricant for your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle for
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certification Seal says‘‘
For Gasoline Engines. ’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container's label.
5W-20 oil is formulated for year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
fuel economy.ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
CONTINUED
Adding Engine Oil
251
Maintenance
Table of Contents

3. Remove the oil filter and let theremaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil filter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it before installing a
new oil filter. 4. Install a new oil filter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean off any dirt and
dust on the connecting surface of a
new oil filter.
5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m, 4.5 kgf·m)
6. Refill the engine with the recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.4 US qt (4.2 L)
7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.
8. Let the engine run for several minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks. 9. Turn off the engine and let it sit for
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful 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.
OIL FILTER
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
253
Maintenance
Table of Contents

Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane
number of 87 or higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.9 US gal (60 L)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page 251).
Oil change capacity (including filter):
4.4 US qt (4.2 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid)
(see page 256).Manual Transmission Fluid:
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
preferred, or an SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 motor oil as a temporary
replacement (see page 257).
Capacity (including differential):
2.0 US qt (1.9 L)
4WD models only
Rear Differential Fluid:
Honda Dual Pump Fluid II. Do not
use ATF. Capacity:
1.1 US qt (1.0 L)
Power Steering Fluid:
Honda Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of
power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page 260).Brake Fluid:
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page 258).
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
All models except SC
Front:
33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2)
Rear: 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm
2)
SC model
Front/Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm2)
Spare Tire Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
Service Information Summary