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Honda Element

4724 messages,  Last post on Jul 06, 2012 at 6:27 PM

You are in the Honda Element Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Element, Hatchback, SUV

Messages Page 341 of 473

#3397 of 4724 Engine Light/ Auto Shifter Locked(serv. bulletin) by parky

Aug 04, 2004 (4:56 am)

First, we love our element. The past weekend the engine light came on at 10K miles, and at the same time the shifter locked in place. The light coded a faulty ECM(main computer). It was replaced, and then another engine light code for Barametric pressure. That sensor was replaced.
The auto shifter lock was due to a throttle body service bulletin. You can pop the platic cover off the shifting housing and use your ignition key to engage your shifter temporarily.
Also, my wife crash tested our Element four weeks prior at about 35mph head on into a guardrail, so maybe this was a delayed reation to the crash for the ECM. She is fine!
By the way I am a rolling billboard for Honda on the weekends. I trailer a 2004 CRF250X dirtbike too! Great SUV, and best dirt bike I have owned in 26 years and 8 bikes later.
Hope some of this info helps!!

#3398 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 04, 2004 (6:23 am)

Tires are already bigger than the CR-V it is based on, so I'm not sure you could stretch it a lot further.
 
Taller springs would help, if any are made, because with an indy suspension that does raise the entire vehicle.
 
However - keep in mind you have an alloy block, that's not going to like dipping in a cold puddle when it's hot. You're just asking for trouble.
 
-juice

#3399 of 4724 Why are manual trannies so scarce? by boomerbubba

Aug 04, 2004 (7:47 am)

I am a newbie considering/browsing for a new or lightly used Element. I'm pretty much set on a manual transmission, AWD configuration.
 
What surprises me is that stick-shift models seem to be so rare in the marketplace. On a vehicle with such a big fun factor, I would expect to see more.
 
1. Do I just not know the secret handshake, or do people just not know how to drive anymore?
 
2. As a purchasing strategy, will dealers compete on a special-order purchase the same as they might when they are selling out of inventory? I am willing to be patient.

#3400 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 04, 2004 (7:54 am)

I think it's 93% now, the percentage of automatics out there. Even then most of the 7% of manuals are in sports cars.
 
You can sometimes get a better price if you order and wait, because the dealer isn't paying interest on that car for it to be in inventory.
 
-juice

#3402 of 4724 Re: Why are manual trannies so scarce? [boomerbubba] by hal9001

Aug 04, 2004 (9:56 am)

Replying to: boomerbubba (Aug 04, 2004 7:47 am)
It may have something to do with the fact that traffic has gotten so bad across the U.S. With the introduction of metered freeway on-ramps
I gave up on manual trannys in the late 80's. It's just too much of a hassle slogging through city traffic nowadays.

#3403 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 04, 2004 (10:02 am)

Also, automatics are sooooo much better today. Many have as many ratios and now they're managed by the ECU instead of being vacuum operated. Add manual controls and easier resale, and that's why manuals are rare.
 
-juice

#3404 of 4724 Re: Overall Great Vehicle, but............ [antique_number] by sebski21

Aug 04, 2004 (3:32 pm)

Replying to: antique_number (Jul 30, 2004 7:02 pm)
Being a Honda fan too I'm setisfied with me E at 4,500 miles. The average mileage at 25.5mpg. I also went from Isuzu (98 Rodeo manual) to E automatic (my wife's request). I agree with you about the road noise and I'm going to replace my good year tires once they wears up (I realize that will not help a lot but still). The doors sounds like a tin can but the lack of insulation is what this E is all about! And I think $2-4,000 more for V6 and extra will make this car for no-Y generation no more.
PS. I have noises coming from tailgate hinges (as explained by Honda service), anybody?

#3405 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 05, 2004 (6:18 am)

Acura is supposed to build an RDX on this platform, who knows, it might offer that V6. But it'll cost a bunch more.
 
Tires can help a lot, FWIW. My Forester dropped a few decibels when I went from Dueler A/T tires to a quiet touring tire.
 
-juice

#3406 of 4724 Re: Overall Great Vehicle, but............ [sebski21] by ztorin

Aug 05, 2004 (8:43 am)

Replying to: sebski21 (Aug 04, 2004 3:32 pm)
I have similar tailgate noises. Kind of a "tinny" sounding rattle or popping. Sounds kind of like if you drop a bolt onto a piece of sheet metal. Happens over most bumps and during turns. Driving me Crazy!! I can't locate it.

Messages Page 341 of 473

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