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Honda Element Maintenance and Repair

224 messages,  Last post on May 14, 2013 at 10:04 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Element, SUV

Messages Page 10 of 23

#90 of 224 2004 Honda Element Stalling Problem by willmd

Jul 21, 2007 (9:50 am)

My 2004 Honda Element with 44K miles has been fine until last week when it unexpectedly stalled while turning left on a very hot Florida afternoon. The clock display also went off. I shifted into park and restarted it easily. There was no warning, no engine or other noises. About an hour later, it happened again after making another left turn. The next morning there were no problems turning left, and no stalls now for two days. I think it is an electrical problem somehow associated with left turns. The Honda dealer found nothing wrong, and no error codes. Anyone have any ideas about diagnosing the problem?

#91 of 224 Cracked Windshield by colloquor

Jul 24, 2007 (8:36 pm)

I'm considering a 2008 Element, and am wondering if the cracked windshield anomaly with the Element is no longer a concern. I understand the problem was with the windshield mounting flange in the lower left-hand corner - perhaps improper finishing at the factory?

#92 of 224 Electric Brake Controller Problems by hotdwg

Sep 01, 2007 (6:20 am)

Have a 08 Element SC. Was installing a tekonska control unit on it. Only thing I did to violate the wiring I guess was to tap in at brake pedal switch for signal to control unit. I have used this control unit on 3 different vehicles. Tapped into lights in rear at taillights. Well, the check engine light came on, vsa light on, engine idle lopping from 2500 to 3000 rpm. Not much throttle response. Of course the Honda dealer is no help at all, duh, u have to bring it in, so we can plug it up. An idle relearn procedure is all they could suggest... Its in the manual they say. Wrong, but found it on net.. Did not help anyhow. Anyhow, just was wondering if anyone has ever had this happen, and what caused it. Besides me.
 
Thanks,
hotdwg

#93 of 224 Re: Honda Element Windshield Washer Pump Problems [cwalti] by mattrc15

Sep 10, 2007 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: cwalti (Nov 03, 2006 9:42 am)
Did you ever get an answer for the pump problem, my 03 E has the same problem, any suggestions? Thanks

#94 of 224 Air Conditioning Repairs by rlmnt

Sep 30, 2007 (7:00 pm)

After my '04 Element's A/C stopped working last week, the local Honda Dealer's service manager informed me that the A/C system was "full of metal" - indicating a complete internal breakdown. He could flush the system and replace the compressor but wouldn't recommend it because the metal pieces couldn't be totally eliminated and the system would fail within a year - probably sooner. So, his repair estimate? $3,500. He claims that only by replacing the entire system (all parts) could A/C capability be restored. This strikes me as 1) extreme and 2) expensive. Does anybody have any suggestions for me? Thanks!

#95 of 224 Re: Air Conditioning Repairs [rlmnt] by electricdesign

Oct 10, 2007 (7:04 am)

Replying to: rlmnt (Sep 30, 2007 7:00 pm)
That service manager is no help! I've worked on AC for many years, mostly american cars though. You have experienced a compressor failure and resultant system contamination, I have seen and repaired it many times. It is called "Black Death" on Fords. The system becomes full of tiny metal particles and black sludge, which is actually powdered metal. This all comes from the failure of the compressor, the compressor blows it through the system, and this stuff keeps circulating in the system, contaminating and destroying everything. the metal particles and sludge clogs the system. It is expensive to fix, but I think less than what you were quoted. It will require what it called a "Firewall Forward Replacement". The only thing that will remain original is the evaporator. It will require the removal and replacement of the compressor, condenser, all hoses, refrigerant control (which could be an orifice tube or expansion valve), reciever/dryer or accumulator (whichever applies), in other words, everything except for the evaporator must be replaced. The evaporator would need to be thoughly flushed. I would be concerned about WHY the failure occured. If the AC was properly serviced with the correct refrigerant and correct amount of correct oil, and not allowed to leak down with out being serviced, the compressor should last for many years. Does this happen in Hondas often, or is this a common problem? To help prevent this from happening again, there are "Inline Filters" that are available to install in different parts of the system, that will catch and filter the metal particles. They are not stock items, so the Dealer will not endorse them. Several different companies make them, and they come in different styles, the "Pancake Filter" being the most common. They are made for different applications, so that come with different types of ends and adaptors. They also come with generic hose ends, where you would simply cut the hose and splice and clamp the "pancake filter" into the hose. Several locations are possible, depending on the layout and how much room you have. The best location is in the discharge hose from the compressor, before the condenser. This location offers the most protection as it will catch any metal that comes out of the compressor before it has a chance to get into the condensor or the rest of the system. The next best location is in the hose between the condenser outlet and the refrigerant control, this will catch any metal before it has a chance to plug the refrigerant control, get into the evaporator and back to the compressor. The airflow through the radiator and condenser must be checked also. Be sure the fans are working correctly. Poor airflow overheats the condenser and causes high head pressure on the compressor, which can shorten it's life. When putting back together, be sure to insert the correct amount of the correct compressor oil, Evacuate the system to a deep vacuum for at least an hour, and charge with fresh refrigerant to the correct amount and pressures.
I would suggest you locate a reputable independant AC shop in your area and discuss the subject with him, and discuss this e-mail with him. He will be able to give you direct advice and quotations. I would suggest using NEW parts, not REBUILT or REMANUFACTURED parts. And of course, check prices around at several shops. Look for a shop that is busy and clean looking and gives a good warrenty.
Good Luck,
E.D. ISF

#96 of 224 Gear Shift Illumination by rvoight

Oct 31, 2007 (10:33 am)

The lighting for the gear shift failed; anything I need to know to change the light/bulb/diode???

#97 of 224 Shop Manual by rvoight

Oct 31, 2007 (10:35 am)

I have a fanatstic Bentley's Manual for my BMW.
Is there a similar publication out there for the Element??
(Chilton manuals aren't nearly as good as Bentley's).

#98 of 224 Re: evap emission by joel30

Nov 13, 2007 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: lezab (Jun 30, 2006 7:10 am)
can anyone please tell me what's wrong with this 03 element ex, the engine light came on about two days ago. The code is reading p0442 evap emission control system leak(small).

#99 of 224 Re: evap emission [joel30] by electricdesign

Nov 13, 2007 (8:19 pm)

Replying to: joel30 (Nov 13, 2007 5:30 pm)
Most likely cause is loose gas filler cap. Other than that, there could be a leak in one of the hoses in the fuel evap system. It would need to be checked by a mechanic, they would test it by putting some pressure in the system, or pull vaccum on the system, and see if it holds, If the pressure or vaccum leaks down, it confirms a leak. If it is a big leak, it may be easy to find by pressurizing the system with smoke and see where it leaks out, or you may be able to hear the leak. If the leak is small, if could be a lot harder to find. Hopefully, your problem will just be a loose gas cap, tighten it down and see if the check engine light clears after a few start ups.

Messages Page 10 of 23

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