2012 Honda Element Oil Change
Complete guide to 2012 Honda Element oil change. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Oil Change is one of the most common repairs for 2012 Honda Element. This repair involves replacing the damaged maintenance component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 30-45 min and requires easy skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement maintenance part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1:
Pull hood latch release, located on the base of the A-Pillar.
Pull up on the release lever between the hood and grille, it is located on the left.
Lift hood and engage the hood prop rod inside the provided notch hole on the edge of the hood.
Step 2:
Disconnect negative (-) battery terminal from the battery.
Place the now free negative (-) battery cable behind the battery itself so it cannot easily re-connect itself.
Step 3:
Remove the 4 10mm acorn nuts from the plastic engine cover plate. Set nuts aside for reassembly.
Remove the plastic coverplate and set aside.
Step 4:
Using the 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the 4 bolts holding down the coilpacks. You may need the 10mm wrench if your socket is not deep enough to contact the hex section of the stud.
Step 5:
Pull up on coilpack lightly, it should release easily from the spark plug below.
Using your thumb and forefinger, grasp the connector, pushing down the latch with your thumb.
Wiggle and pull the connector off of the coilpack, it will have some resistance.
If the connector does not release, try pushing connector in, then pushing the latch and pulling on the connector.
'''Note:''' Do not pull by the wires.
Step 6:
Remove all the coilpacks and set aside.
Using the 3/8" Ratchet with [product|IF145-150|Socket Wrench Extension, 3/8" Drive] and 5/8" Spark Plug socket, remove the 4 spark plugs from the spark plug wells. They should require some force but unscrew easily after the initial turns.
Step 7:
Remove new spark plugs from box. Apply anti-seize to the spark plug threads ONLY, carefully wipe off any excess that touches the ceramic insulator or the tip contact.
Now apply dielectric grease to the contact tip and the first 1/2" of the ceramic insulator.
Step 8:
Using the spark plug socket, put each spark plug into their hole and thread in hand tight.
Tighten all 4 plugs 1/2 turn past hand tight.
Step 9:
Reinstall the coilpack 3/4 of the way into the hole, then push on the electrical connector until it clicks.
Push the coilpack down the rest of the way into the spark plug well, you should feel a slight click as the coilpack connects to the contact of the spark plug
Repeat these same steps for the remaining 3 coilpacks.
Step 10:
Using the 10mm socket and 3/8" ratchet, install bolts on the #1 (from left) and #3 coilpack. They should be 1/4 turn past finger tight.
Install the studs on #2 and #4 coilpacks.
Reinstall coilpack cover, using the 4 acorn nuts removed previously.
Step 11:
Reinstall the negative (-) battery terminal, tightening with the 10mm wrench or 10mm ratchet.
Step 12:
Remove hood prop rod from the hood, flip down and connect it into its stay.
Shut hood lightly, then push down to engage the main latch.
Step 13:
Using the code written in your Service History booklet (the Pre-Delivery Inspection page should have it), key in the radio code using the preset buttons.
Don't forget to mark down that you serviced the spark plugs in the Service History booklet!
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $21-$45)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($35-$75)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your 2012 Honda Element instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5798 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2012 Honda Element generates 5800 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 2 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!
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