I noticed that all the new 2004 Acura's even TSX which has the same engine as the E are requiring 5 w30 oil now and on "My Element" owner link honda now mentions 5 w30 year round. Yesterday I went to the dealer for my first oil change and inquired about this and they said they don't know about it and they put in the 5 w20 anyway. Does anyone know what the dealer is going to do about this, Did honda actully change there mind about 5 w20

[quote:c9ecf2d6e0="ShaneS"]Does anyone know what the dealer is going to do about this, Did honda actully change there mind about 5 w20[/quote:c9ecf2d6e0]

They better send me a new oil cap if they do!

I also noticed that on the Honda Ownerlink (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/login.asp?page=/prod_home.asp) website it mentions that 5w-30 motor oil is recommended for the Element. However, the owner's manual states that 5W-20 oil should be used.

I was confused by the contradiction so I gave Honda customer service a call. I spoke with a person by the name of Scott who admitted that the Ownerlink website was wrong! He also confirmed that only 5W-20 oil should be used.

8) Ed

Has anyone found 5W-20 synthetic oil ?

I own both an E and a TSX. The E requires 5W-20 and the TSX 5W-30. I was at my Acura dealer recently and looked under the hood of an RSX and an MDX. The RSX oil cap said 5W-30 and the MDX said 5W-20.

Is it possible that Honda is suggesting 5W-30 for what are 'performance' vehicles and 5W-20 for what it believes will be more normal use?

[quote:d1b568f7cc="ElementalOne"]Has anyone found 5W-20 synthetic oil ?[/quote:d1b568f7cc]

Royal Purple comes in a 5W-20 and I just saw some Amsoil 5W-20 at a store today.

My dealer used 5w20 and is one of the biggest dealers around Chicago. So i don't think dealers will switch to 5w30. :roll:

Red Line synthetic oil..............it's not listed on their web site yet but auto parts stores that carry Red LIne can order it.

I saw fully synthetic Mobile1 5w20 at Walmart yesterday, $4.77 per quart.

Mobile1 Fully Synthetic means: 51% synthetic and 49% conventional. :roll:

Ams Oils and Red Line: 100% synthetic and 0% conventional. :D

Ya, I got my oil changed today and not only did they specifically use 5w 20 - they even charged me extra for it because it's "not standard". They knew to use 5w 20 because it says to do so right on the cap.

Anyway - I'd like to know what the deal is here for sure.

eMass,

Where did you takes the E to get the oil change?
It is should be standard oil at the Honda dealer!

5W20 or 5W30, what's really the big difference? Don't see how using 5W30 could hurt much, especially in hotter climates. Both of these are very light weight oils.

[quote:56d64327b4="boxonw"]eMass,

Where did you takes the E to get the oil change?
It is should be standard oil at the Honda dealer![/quote:56d64327b4]

I go to a local lube shop. They've been taking care of my cars for years and do a great job. I don't believe in going to the dealer since I hate making appointments and paying too much money. :D

[quote:fb09ff6e33="EforMe"]5W20 or 5W30, what's really the big difference? Don't see how using 5W30 could hurt much, especially in hotter climates. Both of these are very light weight oils.[/quote:fb09ff6e33]

Eforme,

Your'e right! there isn't much difference at all, 5W30 just a little thicker.

I just had my oil changed at the dealer (freebie) when my E hit 3800 miles. Service guy said that 5w30 oil would cause the E to have a slight shudder when running at idle. They changed oil with 5W20 Syntec blend.

8)