Honda Element. Manual — part 591

1. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 on HOW TO

USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain

control module (PCM). If it doesn't communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT
TROUBLESHOOTING ).

4. Check for DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ). If a DTC is present,

diagnose and repair the cause before continuing with this test.

5. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm with no load (in the N or P position) until the

radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.

6. Check the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).

7. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.

8. Free the service loop from the wire harness, then connect the timing light to the service loop.

Fig. 3: Connecting Timing Light To Service Loop
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

9. Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the cam chain case. Check the ignition timing under a no load

condition (headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner are turned off).

Ignition Tinning

M/T: 8° ± 2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in the Neutral

A/T: 8° ± 2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in the N or P position

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Ignition System - Element

Fig. 4: Identifying Aim Light Pointer On Cam Chain Case
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

10. If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the cam timing is OK,

update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software (see UPDATING THE ECM/PCM ), or
substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the
system works properly, and the ECM/PCM was substituted, replace the original ECM/PCM (see
ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ).

11. Disconnect the HDS and the timing light.

12. Secure the service loop to the wire harness with wire ties.

IGNITION COIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Remove the ignition coil cover (A), disconnect the ignition coil connectors (B), then remove the ignition

coils (C).

Fig. 5: Identifying Ignition Coil Cover And Ignition Coil Connectors With Torque Specifications

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Ignition System - Element

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Install the ignition coils in the reverse order of removal.

IGNITION COIL RELAY CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Check the No. 16(15 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box.

Is the fuse OK?

YES - Reinstall the fuse, then go to step 2.

NO - Replace the fuse. If the fuse continues to blow, locate and repair the short in the circuit between the
under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition coils.

2. Remove the ignition coil relay, and test it (see POWER RELAY TEST ).

Is the relay OK?

YES - Go to step 3.

NO - Replace the ignition coil relay.

3. Measure the voltage between ignition coil relay 4P socket terminal No. 2 and body ground, then terminal

No. 4 and body ground.

Fig. 6: Measuring Voltage Between Ignition Coil Relay 4P Socket Terminal No. 2 And 4 With Body
Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES - Go to step 4.

NO - Repair the open in the wire between under-dash fuse/relay box and ignition coil relay.

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Ignition System - Element

4. Check for continuity between ignition coil relay 4P socket terminal No. 1 and each ignition coil 3P

connector terminal No. 3.

Fig. 7: Checking Continuity Between Ignition Coil Relay 4P Socket Terminal No. 1 And Body
Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Go to step 5.

NO - Repair open in the wire between ignition coil relay 4P socket terminal No. 1 and each ignition coil
3P connector terminal No. 3.

5. Check for continuity between each ignition coil 3P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.

Fig. 8: Checking Continuity Between Ignition Coil 3P Connector Terminal No. 2 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Go to step 6.

NO - Repair open in the wire between ignition coil 3P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-08 ENGINE Ignition System - Element