r/HondaElement

Image 1 — Question about the VCT Oil Control Solenoid.
Image 2 — Question about the VCT Oil Control Solenoid.

Question about the VCT Oil Control Solenoid.

I have a leak coming from the VCT Oil Control Solenoid. Since there is no check engine light or other issues, it was recommended to try and replace the gasket for that area first, before replacing the whole part.

My questions:

  • Can I spray brake cleaner on that whole area, even on the harness/plug, to clean it up. If not what should I use instead?

  • Do I need to drain the engine oil (or a bit of the oil) I know oil will leak out, I just don't know how much.

  • From the instructions I've found so far, it's just 1 10mm bolt holding it in. After removing that I should just be able to twist it out. Is there anything else I should know. (I've only ever done oil changes and one time I my rear brakes)

Any other tips/advice is welcome!

Thank you

u/PNPBOi — 8 hours ago

Tall and heavyset seat options

I picked up a 2011 LX and immediately love everything about it.... except the seat/seatbelt. I'm 6'6" and 350lbs (down from 375, but progress is slow)

Is there anything I can do to make the seatbelt a little longer and lower the seat like 2 inches? The wheel at maximum tilt is brushing my thighs and just doesn't feel the safest. If not, it certainly makes the need to lose weight faster more dire.

I found a seatbelt extender, but wasn't sure if there was a different option that's a little bit less embarrassing.

u/ChickenSaladSammy520 — 10 hours ago

Can someone help?

Hi guys!

I’m going to see this element to but I was wondering if someone can assist me during the process? It’s a 2007 for $6000 at 150k miles. What should I be looking for? I would love some advice if ever possible. I wanna learn from the mistake I made last time where I didn’t check the underside and it has insane rust.

u/Mycro_daug — 21 hours ago

Element from Wisconsin is it worth $4400? Should I buy?

These are pictures from under the car and the engine.
No rust on body and it only has 119k miles. Should I buy?

u/No-Banana4104 — 1 day ago

A pillar trim woes

I’m fairly new to element ownership. I was gifted a 2008 Honda element SC for college grad and I love it! However, these darn pilar trims have flown off on both sides! I replaced the driver side 2 weeks ago. I guess it’s on me for not following Murphy s law. Always replace both sides! Is this pretty common? I replaced the driver side 2 weeks ago.

u/kamochie — 1 day ago

Dreaded CV Axles replacement! Parts questions.

Hey everyone,

So it's unfortunately time to replace the front driver's side CV axle for our Element...the bad news is that is seems the supply is running out on OEM axles, including the SC version that can also be used for our EX model and are really expensive now (nearly $500!).

I've read so many bad things about aftermarket CV axles, they are just a crap shoot, it seems. That said, one aftermarket CV axle that caught my attention was (supposedly) from AISIN. Has anyone used this? They sell them on Amazon and ebay.

https://www.amazon.com/AISIN-AFTERMARKET-CVAH-00976-Driver-Assembly/dp/B0G1MLZS5R

https://www.ebay.com/itm/366121626572

I trust the AISIN name as they are a tier 1 supplier to many auto companies, but are these actually AISIN? Has anyone used these as a CV axles replacement?

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u/99hotdogs — 1 day ago

Spare tire on top experience for those who are considering it

On my last trip I decided to try out having my full size spare on the roof rack. I bought a Gobi tire mount clone, it is simple and easy to mount. It is Made for a padlock to secure which eased my worry of theft. I have a hitch mounted tire swing out but it is about a foot off of the rear and the rear sags when used. I bought Swift springs to solve that issue but did not have the time to install them before the trip to the Lost Coast. Pros: I loved having up and out of the way. Did not have to swing it out every time I wanted to open the. Cons: The only one that was readily apparent was the effect on handling. I was Leary of raising the center of gravity and there was a noticeable difference. Was not terrible but at highway speeds I was more careful. I did have to relocate other items on the roof rack to accommodate the spare which made Getting it down if I had a flat does not seem to be an issue. I would rather do that in the off chance that I did get a flat rather than use the swing out every time I needed to get in the back. When not camping I take it off (along with all the gear I don’t need daily driving) And then I rely on tire plugs and a mini compressor. I do plan on modifying the hitch carrier to be closer along with the updated springs installed before my next trip.

u/DapperPreference1458 — 2 days ago

For Sale: 2009 Honda Element EX Parts Car - Chicagoland

Just like the title says, up for sale is a 2009 Honda Element parts car. It has a clean title.

The car doesn’t have an interior, transmission, front CV axles, battery, exhaust, or a front bumper. It is very rusty underneath, so I wouldn’t advise anyone to actually drive it. This is a high-mileage car, but there are many good parts left.

The motor was running fine and I drove it to a dealership. That’s where the listing pictures were taken. Also, here is the inspection video - https://youtu.be/rgerW7OARz0

The motor was purchased from LKQ by the last owner, and I believe it has about 120,000 miles on it, but I haven’t verified that with LKQ. The LKQ order number that the last owner gave me is: 279351607.

I just put about $15,000 of work into the car. Some of the many new parts include:

A/C Condenser
A/C Compressor
Water Pump
Radiator
Tensioner
Alternator
Harmonic Balancer
All stocks
Sway bar links
Control arms with ball joints
Wheel bearings
Speed sensors
Rear knuckles

I’m transferring vanity plates that I just got for this car, so the buyer would have to be willing to agree to not putting through title transfer paperwork for about 60 days.

$2,500.

Thanks for looking!

u/LoadQuiet4984 — 1 day ago

External jerry can mount recommendations?

Howdy all!

I have a remote duty station in a corner of California where the gas is 7.30+ a gallon. Historically, I've kept a 2.5gal tank on the roof rack so that if the fuel light comes on I should be able to squeak back to Nevada where, historically at least, gas was more in the 3-4 dollar range.

(internal screaming here)

I'd like to improve my reserve capacity so I can actually putz around a little out here versus pretty much just making my 150+ mile grocery runs every other week or so. Does anyone have recommendations for external fuel storage?

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u/New--Tomorrows — 1 day ago

Locating leak

I’ve had this honda element ex for over 2 years now and want to sell it(what would you price it?). I have no knowledge at all about cars but need to locate the leak so potential buyers know. the leak is at the under the front of the engine and when I swiped the oil on my finger it looked like moter oil. It's a 2004 and automatic. It fails to accelerate quickly on the highway and uphill and shuts off when I stall in the first 7 minutes of driving. Thanks in advance sorry if these pictures suck

u/FreshPollution2345 — 2 days ago

Back on the road!

The two week saga is finally over! I drove to Las Vegas at the beginning of May for MagicCon and my birthday. When I went to leave my car sounded like a motorcycle, the catalytic converter had been cut out from the exhaust system, jokes on them my mechanic had wanted to replace it as the next big expense on her. I wasn’t about to drive the 9 hours back to New Mexico so insurance was called she was towed to a shop and I was put into a rental. I finally drove back this weekend to pick her and she runs fine. Any suggestions for cat shields?

Sorry for the multiple reposts and deletes I was trying to post from the mobile app and it wasn't playing nice

P.s Red Rock Canyon is an absolute gem, anyone visitng Vegas should definitely pay it a visit!

u/the_wires_dun_moved — 2 days ago

TPMS Woes

09 SC auto

A while back the TPMS turned on in the dash, after fixing more important things I figured I’d get it sorted out. Stopped by the discount tire, and paid for 4 TPMS sensors and a compact spare for just over 300. After install, the tech explained the there may be some TPMS lights on in the dash and that they would disappear as I drove and the car recognized the new sensors. ever since then, the low tire pressure light, not the big blocky TPMS lights, has been blinking. I returned and explained the situation, they reset the sensors and apparently certain Honda sensors need to be deflated to a low psi for a certain amount of time before the car can recognize them. But even after that the tire light is still blinking. I returned once again and the tech showed me the scan tool, apparently the tool couldn’t communicate with my car and they suggested I might need to visit the dealership and have my TPMS system re-flashed. Should I try another tire shop or try the dealership or maybe a Honda specialist? Thanks for reading!

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u/tyranitar777 — 2 days ago

DIY Oil & Filter Change

I'm pretty much done trying to hit 4.4 quarts out of a 5 gallon jug, when 4.4 puts me at bottom mark on dipstick. Just going to do full 5 quarts. (Checked oil next day within 5 minutes of half hour drive). '04, 222K on the clock. Bonus question - Most likely thing that is leaving slight drip on floor? VTEC Solenoid gasket?

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u/Cute-Oven3538 — 2 days ago

2005 Honda Element EX AWD 5 Speed - Keep or Sell?

I bought the car new in Feb. 2006. I handed it down to my Dad and sister to have as an extra car, and has been sitting in a garage since late 2019. Now they want to get rid of it to have the garage space.

It has 209K miles now. It has some rust (especially underneath) but looks pretty good overall. The clutch and starter were replaced within the last 20K miles. It runs decently and doesn't burn oil.

Since I live 90 miles away in a townhouse, if I take it back I will need to pay about $100 a month to keep it in a garage. The car would be nice to have in about 10 years, but it seems like a financial loser to pay to store it. It's not likely but remotely possible that it could be a collector car at some point. It's one of my favorite cars I've had, but I'm thinking it may be time to say goodbye.

Any thoughts on this?

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u/clydevanzant — 2 days ago