2011 HONDA ELEMENT engine

Adding Engine CoolantIf the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX
line. Inspect the cooling system for
leaks.Always use Honda Long-life Anti-
freeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent distilled
water. Never add straight antifreeze
or plain water.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum
engines. Continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
RESERVE TANK
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1. Make sure the engine and radiatorare cool.
2. Relieve any pressure in the cooling system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. 4. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pour the coolant slowly and
carefully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
5. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Windshield Washers
Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
Check the reservoir's fluid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
RADIATOR CAP
LEVEL GAUGE
CONTINUED
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
197
Maintenance
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Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze
can damage your vehicle's paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer fluid.Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator fan comes on, then shut
off the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) before
doing step 2.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
from the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way intothe transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between
the upper and lower marks.
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK
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5. If the level is below the lowermark, add fluid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission fluid).
Use only Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission fluid). Do not mix with
other transmission fluids.
Using transmission fluid other than
Honda ATF DW-1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting from the use of
transmission fluid other than Honda
ATF DW-1 is not covered by the Honda
new vehicle warranty.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way backinto the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the Maintenance Minder ™(see
page 185).
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer. Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
Independent of the Maintenance
Minder display, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT
3 as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
CONTINUED
Automatic Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid
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Maintenance
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The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.Power Steering Fluid
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The fluid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL.Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering fluid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
MAX
MIN
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
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Replacing a Front Parking/Turn
Signal Light Bulb1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the socket from theheadlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
3. Remove the bulb from the socket by pushing the bulb in and turning
it counterclockwise until it
unlocks. 4. Install the new bulb in the socket
by pushing the bulb in and turning
it clockwise until it locks.
5. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb
1. If you are changing the bulb on the
driver's side, start the engine, turn
the steering wheel all the way to
the left, and turn off the engine. If
you are changing the bulb on the
passenger's side, turn the steering
wheel to the right.
2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the three holding screws,
and remove the wheel arch
protector from the inner fender.
WHEEL ARCH PROTECTOR
SCREWS
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If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.●Fill the fuel tank.●Wash and dry the exterior
completely.●Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.●Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
●Block the rear wheels.●If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.●Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).●Disconnect the battery.●Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.●To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.
●Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from
a porous material such as cotton.
Non-porous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.●If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches full
operating temperature (the cooling
fans cycle on and off twice).
Preferably, do this once a month.
Vehicle Storage
219
Maintenance
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information 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 find instructions on
getting your vehicle towed.Compact Spare Tire
....................
222
Changing a Flat Tire
...................
223
If the Engine Won't Start
.............
229
Jump Starting
..............................
231
If the Engine Overheats
..............
233
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
.........
235
Charging System Indicator
.........
235
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
........
236
Brake System Indicator
...............
237
Fuses
..........................................
239
Fuse Locations
............................
242
Emergency Towing
.....................
244
Taking Care of the Unexpected
221
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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