2005 Honda Element Engine Oil Capacity
The 2005 Honda Element has an oil capacity of 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters). Click here to learn more.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The 2005 Honda Element has an engine oil capacity of 4.4 quarts (or 4.2 liters).
Honda
designed the 2005 Element to be perfect for young adventurers, offering the cargo space of a truck with the enclosed security of an SUV, plus the handling of a car. To keep your 2005 Honda Element in great shape, you’ll need to change its oil regularly.Knowing how to perform oil changes yourself can save time and money. But before you run out to the garage, there are a few things you need to know. Keep reading to learn how much and what type of engine oil your Element needs. And before we wrap up, we’ll even throw in a refresher on how to do a basic oil change.
2005 Honda Element engine oil capacity
Let’s get started with one of the most pressing questions! How much engine oil does your 2005 Honda Element need?
Both trim levels (the EX and
LX
) have an engine oil capacity of 4.4 quarts or 4.2 liters because they have the same drivetrain. If you’re reading the specs on your Element, just don’t confuse oil capacity with engine displacement, which is the volume the engine’s cylinders take up. The 2005 Element has a 2.4-liter engine displacement, but this number is not interchangeable with engine oil capacity.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat kind of oil does a 2005 Honda Element need?
Shopping for engine oil isn’t as simple as picking a bottle off the shelf. You’ll probably be pretty overwhelmed by the number of options!
Honda recommends using Honda Motor Oil since it’s a premium-grade product, but you can use another synthetic oil as long as it has the same formulation. Your Element needs 5W-20 oil for the best performance.
If you’re new to oil grades, they basically refer to the oil’s viscosity (or thickness). The “W” stands for winter, and the number 5 in front of it means that the oil has low viscosity at 0°F. The higher number, 20, shows that the oil is thin even at 212°F (an engine’s normal operating temperature).
When you use the right oil, your SUV runs better and is more fuel efficient. That’s because the oil performs well in cold temperatures and warm weather, which all translates to less engine wear and tear.
If the place where you’re shopping doesn’t have 5W-20, Honda says it’s okay to use 5W-30 in a pinch. Just be sure to switch back to 5W-20 at the next oil change.
How often to change the oil on a 2005 Honda Element
Now that we’ve covered oil type and amount, let’s talk about how often you should change your oil.
Honda recommends changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles when using synthetic oil. However, you may need a change sooner since your vehicle is older to ensure that the oil stays clean and works efficiently.
If using conventional oil instead of synthetic, you’ll definitely need to change your oil more frequently. Honda recommends every 3,500 to 5,000 miles.
Regardless, try to check the oil in your Element on a regular basis. For instance, check the oil once a month or every other time you fill up at the gas station. You can also pay attention to these signs that your SUV is due for an oil change:
- The oil level falls below the indicator on the dipstick.
- The oil on the dipstick looks dark brown or black instead of light brown.
- The oil feels gritty or sandy when you rub it between your fingers.
- You hear strange noises coming from the engine.
- You smell oil, smoke, or burning.
- You notice changes in how your Element drives.
How to change your oil and oil filter
Now that you’ve got the right type and amount of engine oil, you’re ready to change it! Get out a socket wrench, a funnel, and a drain pan. You’ll also need a replacement filter, a filter wrench, and a replacement washer. Rags are handy, too!
Turn on the Civic and let it run for a few minutes to heat the oil a bit. Then, switch off the engine and pop the hood. To change the oil, follow these steps:
- Unscrew the oil fill cap and set it aside (don’t lose it!)
- Slide under the engine and unscrew the oil drain bolt
- Set a drain pan underneath and drain all the old oil into it
- Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one
- Screw the old drain bolt back on with a new washer
- Tighten the drain bolt to 33 lb-ft
- Fill the engine with new 5W-20 oil and screw the oil fill cap back on
Turn the engine on and let it run for around 30 seconds to give the new oil filter a chance to absorb the new oil. Turn off the engine and check the dipstick again to see if you’ve added enough oil. If the oil level looks low, just top it off!
You’re almost done. Run the engine for a couple of minutes and check for leaks. Then, reset the oil light on your dash per the instructions in your owner’s manual.
The final step is cleanup. Instead of pouring out the dirty oil on the ground or tossing it in your trash, put it in a sealed container and take it to your local recycling center, where they can dispose of it properly.
MORE: How long does an oil change take?
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