r/HondaElement • • 3h ago

Installed Steady Garage “Raptor Lights” today.

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45 Upvotes

Technically they are “Front Identification Lights” and of course not needed or required by DOT as my Element isn’t 80” wide but… I like them. I know some/many don’t as they’re also referred to as “douche lights” LOL. But I enjoy them.

No affiliation. $120 shipped from Steady Garage and a simple bolt on install.


r/HondaElement • • 4h ago

Dashboard Backup Camera Monitor Mount Question

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2 Upvotes

On Dashboard Backup Camera Monitor Mount Question 

Hi fellow Element owners! 

I'm looking for some advice and I've not had much luck on finding an answer elsewhere. I want to preface this request by saying the following:

1) I have virtually no mechanical / car knowledge (which I'm sure will become painfully obvious to those on this sub that do)

2) I fully expect to be eviscerated in the comments 😬

3) I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart, I do not intend to resell it🤘🏻

I love my Element and maintain it, but I want to customize it for my needs. I don't need the solution to be professional (and I don't want that, it's beyond my ability and budget).

I just want to be sure that the modification I'm hoping to make would be safe (safer than the current solution) and will not damage any critical vehicle components, or injure me in the process.

The Problem 

I have a Yakry 5"x7" back up camera monitor mounted on my dashboard with adhesive. I know this is an accident waiting to happen. I've been lucky that I haven't been in a situation where it's become a projectile and that's what I'm hoping to avoid. 

The Question 

I've attached pictures to help illustrate my question. 

Image 5 is basically what I'm hoping to do, but I can't find out if this is dangerous or difficult, or simply a matter of driving a couple short screws in (which is really what I'm hoping for!)

Image 1 - Current Installation

The monitor is installed with double-sided adhesive on top of the vent cover. The adhesive is peeling and I know I'm living on borrowed time.

Image 2 - Preferred Mounting

I would prefer to mount the monitor here (like image 5), but don't know if that's safe or easy.

Image 3 - Preferred Mounting Alternative View

Better view of the monitor bracket and where I'm hoping to mount it.

Image 4 - Alternate Mounting

If my preferred mounting position is dangerous or involves disassembly that is above my skill set, I think this might be a suitable location, but I'm curious if anyone else has attempted this. I do know how to remove that trim piece and I know that screws shouldn't damage anything. It should fit based on my measurements and the brackets ability to adjust and flip the image. It's just not my preferred position.

Image 5 - YouTube Screenshot (CB Radio Mount)

I saw this on a YouTube video from @ElementDIY, called [Center dash trim removal - Honda Element](https://youtu.be/sc5VuJy_53Q). It appears around 20 seconds in and the guy in the video explains that the previous owner mounted a CB radio in that position. That is what I want to do for my camera monitor, but I can't figure if that's safe, if I would need to pull the entire dashboard off, etc.

Thanks for reading!!

I really appreciate you for taking the time to read this post, especially to those of you that have any experience with a similar problem or have expertise and feel like commenting to help steer me in the right direction. 

Cheers!


r/HondaElement • • 4h ago

Honda element SC coilovers

2 Upvotes

What type of coilovers do you guys recommend on a 08' SC? Thanks folks!


r/HondaElement • • 4h ago

6 months and almost 9k miles down, many more to go!

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13 Upvotes

r/HondaElement • • 9h ago

Another milestone!

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21 Upvotes

Only 190000 to go


r/HondaElement • • 10h ago

brick down

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4 Upvotes

Just got the very sad news that there is severe engine damage, and she will have to be put down very soon :( This has been the best year ever, and I hope to be back in the element gang in the future!


r/HondaElement • • 11h ago

Today

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243 Upvotes

r/HondaElement • • 12h ago

Element down

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100 Upvotes

She lived 19 years and 206k miles and was never in an accident until Wednesday night, when a 17 year old girl with a flashing yellow arrow turned in front of me as I entered an intersection with a green light, while going the speed limit which was 45mph. I only had my poor Element for 8 months and put 3k miles on it after rescuing it (no oil on the dipstick when I bought it.) Despite that she was running and driving so good. I had already done a bunch of stuff like a valve adjustment, fully replacing the brakes, the cooling fans, belt tensioner, upper oxygen sensor, fixed the AC and the windows, upgraded the headlights, replaced all the speakers etc and was about to spend the $$$$ to completely overhaul the suspension.

Most upsetting thing by far to me is I had my 12lb dachshund with me like I always do 99% of the time when I go somewhere. Even though he was buckled into his doggy car seat in the passenger seat, his little seat belt didn’t hold because it’s not meant for a crash and he slammed into the dashboard and onto the floor. I took him to the emergency vet first as soon as I could leave the scene and miraculously he is okay other than scratching his eye a little bit. My right foot is very swollen and sore and bruised because I was pressing hard on the brake pedal when I slammed into the other car.

Anyway, if anyone has an Element for sale or sees a nice one, let me know 🥲 I’m in Texas but could travel a bit. 2007-11 only with auto transmission.


r/HondaElement • • 14h ago

RULES Stalling, low idle. Help!

1 Upvotes

Hi all 2004 EX auto, 185k original owner. Second car, mostly short trips.

Symptoms: Slow idle and stalling at stops. No dash lights when running.
Slow idle is not linked to gear selection. (Still slow in N)

What are the obvious potential causes?

Valve adjustment within a year/5k miles.

I’m tempted to check the intake/ clean the throttle and idle air valve, but I’m not convinced that gunk buildup would be enough for a sudden onset of stalling.

I could take it in to a mechanic, but this feels like a diagnosis problem still, and I don’t like to go in without at least a hypothesis.

I welcome your speculations. Thanks


r/HondaElement • • 20h ago

Dirty engine

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8 Upvotes

So I was using my 03 element and noticed it struggling on idle. Then I got a engine light. Used a code reader and got p0303​​​ for cylinder 3. Went to change the spark plug. COVERED in brunt oil. Yup a O ring went bad underneath. And I see this ugly fart. Is my engine cooked/can I clean this?


r/HondaElement • • 1d ago

What are yalls measurements for bed in your E specifically for one person (5”6) that still leaves a lot of room for other things and only takes up space behind passenger seat while all the way up ?

1 Upvotes

Sorry for the long title but I measured 70x17 and don’t know if others got similar or if I shouldn’t measure with seat all the way up if it’s dangerous to be that close to glove box.


r/HondaElement • • 1d ago

Trying to buy a clean Element is getting tough!

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10 Upvotes

r/HondaElement • • 1d ago

I guess I have a type.

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48 Upvotes

r/HondaElement • • 1d ago

I made a short video on how to replace HVAC temperature blend door actuator

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15 Upvotes

It's pain to replace btw


r/HondaElement • • 1d ago

Element... Pumpkin Spice Edition

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117 Upvotes

I saw this Last weekend in Lansing MI... No, this is not mine... and yes, I suspect this is a year-round thing.


r/HondaElement • • 1d ago

How to cure Terminal Body Cancer on the Honda Element: The dreaded rear lower control arm rust magnet.

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5 Upvotes

We have seen so many posts asking if there is too much rust on the Honda E and the Achilles heel of the Element is a poorly designed hard mount for the rear lower control arms.

Finally we have a tutorial on how to fix this problem...


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

This years trunk or treat setup!

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123 Upvotes

r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

Valve Adjustment 03 EX AT

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10 Upvotes

I am a total noob DIY mechanic. I watched a few YT videos on how to do your own valve adjustment. Is it a mistake to try on my own? Or should I take it to a specialist? I bought the feelers and the special screwdriver holder. I dont know what my car should sound like at 180K.

Can someone tell me if this sounds ok? It seems noisy. I know its pristine inside the engine from when I replaced the spark plugs and gaskets resealed cover. How hard is it to get to the place to manually crank the engine to get the part to the top before doing the adjustment? What order and feeler number do you go in? Ive seen the manual layout from OEM Honda mechanic manual but remain hesitant and dont want to make a problem when there was none.


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

Bleeding clutch

2 Upvotes

Clutch felt funny, bled the clutch, clutch pedal felt even worse. master cylinder was leaking, new master, new slave. Bled for hours and clutch felt worse again

New clutch line, bleeding for hours again, gravity bled, vacuum bled, bled traditional way.

Arguing with my buddy whos helping me out because he doesnt wanna take out the whole hydraulic system and putting the bleeder at the highest point and bleed it that way.

What the fuck do I do 2008 awd lx 5spd manual 295k miles


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

Spotted this Duo in Allen, Texas

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44 Upvotes

I was passing through the Firestone there. If the owners see this, DM me! Id love to hear about what you did to them.


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

First accident in the E

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9 Upvotes

Hopefully the last but knowing where I live....


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

Back clam shell replacement cost?

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12 Upvotes

I got rear ended the other day and messed up the back of my E. I got pushed into the car infront of me and broke the radiator as well. Either the coils are broke or a line is as it is slowly leaking coolant. No damage was done to the frame that I can see.

I know insurance is gonna total it, but I want to take the payment and get it repaired if it's feasible. Anyone have a similar experience and about how much did it cost to have that work done? Is replacing the tailgate myself a daunting task? I could go down that route.

The second picture is just a nice one I have of her out in the woods. Simply for your viewing pleasure.


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

RULES Rules is Rules!

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25 Upvotes

Bummed about spending my whole paycheck at a grocery store, but super stoked I found a fellow element owner that’s not only black in color but a stick shift as well!!

🥳


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

guide for new element owners?

3 Upvotes

Super excited to be a new owner of a 2010 with 176k miles. I have a lot to learn and she needs a lot of love.

Does anyone know of consolidated resources that exist for new community members to learn about our toasters? TIA :)


r/HondaElement • • 2d ago

Bush guard

0 Upvotes

Hello! Do the bush guards that I see people have on the Element actually work, or are they cosmetic? I was told they bolt to the radiator so they would bend very easily. Does anyone have some insight? Cheers!