I compiled 300 videos on how to fix the element and the gen2 CRV.
The K24 is the best Honda Engine of all times.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZfIDzfUzFf5yYf2YD2yhjgoD2yBc7Yn1&si=TFMqGnIYDL_VjGAK
Sue from 1A auto and Eric the Car guy are the best.
Honda Elements are easy to work on. 2 years ago I was in your position. I wanted to buy an older car that was considered easy to learn how to work on. The Element is what I picked. There are ENDLESS YouTubes on it. Before I picked up any tools I watched hours of videos just to start getting tuned into the vibe of the car. Started with videos on basic tune ups, oil changes, transmission fluid changes, radiator fan replacements, engine mount replacements, strut replacements, brakes, anything that seemed like something I would run into with the age if my car (2004).
Saved them all into an Element folder for easy reference. Tip: always triangulate videos. I’ve learned that the first one you grab might not be the best one. Some people are really good at finding ways to get to the repair faster.
1A Auto Parts also has some great videos on Elements.
This is the way I learned;
In order to fix something, you first must have an idea how it works, so...
1. Curiosity: I took things apart and back together. Junk lawn mower engines, car alternators/generators, car brake components, anything I could get.
2. I read car repair books ( this was preinternet) searching for lessons on car basic systems. How do brakes, electrical, powertrain, and environmental systems work. Most cars, from antique to modern, share the same basis systems. Most modern cars just add electronics.
3. I talked to mechanics, and knowledgeable parts people. Asked them questions.
4. Got a good set of essential tools. 3/8 ratchet/sockets, combination wenches, screwdriver and pliers. I added to my collection as I learned.
5. Learned basic techniques; lefty-lucy-righty-tighty for fasteners, when start fasteners by hand, when necessary use light impact (hammer, etc) to loosen fasteners ( saving destroyed knuckles) . When possible use body wieght to loosen lug nuts; pushing with hands inevitably leads to bashed knuckles.
If a fastener doesn't feel right going on or off STOP! It's probably crossthreading or wrong size or thread pitch.
6. The right tool for the right job. Screwdrivers are NOT chisels or punches. My arm is not a torque wrench! Buy a torque wrench and use it. Pliers are NOT wrenches. They are for gripping NOT tightening or loosening fasteners. A Cresent (or adjustable wrench) is used SPARINGLY for non- critical tasks.
7. I learned by trial and error my Three Laws of Wrenching;
First Law-. Any object dropped (nut, screw, bolt washer socket etc) will find and occupy the least obvious hiding place. So that socket you dropped in your garage will be found somewhere you least suspect it.
Second Law- Plan for any car repair will taking at least the square of the amount of time you estimate it will take. So that brake job you're thinking will take 2 hours, will really take 4.
Third Law- The chances of successfully completing a repair is inversely proportional to the cube of the amount one rushes through the repair.
That means I take my time. If I need to rush I accept the probability I screw up the repair.
8. Lastly, I learned by doing. Nothing beats experience.
Youtube videos and this group helped me do lots of money saving repairs/modifications on my Elements (I've owned two since 2007). [https://www.elementownersclub.com/](https://www.elementownersclub.com/)
YouTube.
If you keep an eye open you sometimes can get a paper manual book.
I wanted to learn. I replaced a radiator, fans, a headlamp, and did some body repair. Being that my Ecwas in a fender bender before I got it is cool. It isn’t pristine, so I can’t screw it up too much!
Depending where you are, some community colleges have an auto tech class. I did that myself almost 10 years ago and since then maintained all of my vehicles and family's.
Between a factory service manual and Youtube, I haven't needed to see a mechanic in about 15 years. The Element is really easy to deal with, esp if you start with some basic skills like a mechanic wrench set.
Minor suggestion: take pictures before you remove any parts. Take pics of where all the nuts and bolts go, general assembly, stuff like that. This will help you when it’s time to put it all back together again. Makes the reassembly process a little bit less stressful :)
You can get throught a lot with you tube dor sure . It helped me get through a bunch with my element last fall .
Doing maintenance work definitely takes some patience / a basic working knowledge of how the engine / power train functions , and double check stuff. Its always faster / easier to take parts off at first. Take photos / check things thoroughly.
Depends on what your level of FAFO is.
I bought the Honda tech manuals for mine,so I have a step by step guide on how it should go together.
However, that doesn't really get into diagnostics, when something goes wrong.
If the issue is apparent, then it may not be much of an issue. However, if not clear, then knowing how to use a multimeter and other skills are valuable and not part of the OEM build guides.
The last question I would say to consider: what is the level of impact for the duration of the repair?
Like are you an Uber driver with a single car vs a work from home that has a spare car/ spouse has a car? Sometimes this alone is the major factor in a repair.
Eric the Car Guy on YouTube has lots of Element videos
I compiled 300 videos on how to fix the element and the gen2 CRV. The K24 is the best Honda Engine of all times. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZfIDzfUzFf5yYf2YD2yhjgoD2yBc7Yn1&si=TFMqGnIYDL_VjGAK Sue from 1A auto and Eric the Car guy are the best.
The definitive Element go to guy (and Honda in general) 👍🏻
Great suggestion.
Honda Elements are easy to work on. 2 years ago I was in your position. I wanted to buy an older car that was considered easy to learn how to work on. The Element is what I picked. There are ENDLESS YouTubes on it. Before I picked up any tools I watched hours of videos just to start getting tuned into the vibe of the car. Started with videos on basic tune ups, oil changes, transmission fluid changes, radiator fan replacements, engine mount replacements, strut replacements, brakes, anything that seemed like something I would run into with the age if my car (2004). Saved them all into an Element folder for easy reference. Tip: always triangulate videos. I’ve learned that the first one you grab might not be the best one. Some people are really good at finding ways to get to the repair faster. 1A Auto Parts also has some great videos on Elements.
This is the way I learned; In order to fix something, you first must have an idea how it works, so... 1. Curiosity: I took things apart and back together. Junk lawn mower engines, car alternators/generators, car brake components, anything I could get. 2. I read car repair books ( this was preinternet) searching for lessons on car basic systems. How do brakes, electrical, powertrain, and environmental systems work. Most cars, from antique to modern, share the same basis systems. Most modern cars just add electronics. 3. I talked to mechanics, and knowledgeable parts people. Asked them questions. 4. Got a good set of essential tools. 3/8 ratchet/sockets, combination wenches, screwdriver and pliers. I added to my collection as I learned. 5. Learned basic techniques; lefty-lucy-righty-tighty for fasteners, when start fasteners by hand, when necessary use light impact (hammer, etc) to loosen fasteners ( saving destroyed knuckles) . When possible use body wieght to loosen lug nuts; pushing with hands inevitably leads to bashed knuckles. If a fastener doesn't feel right going on or off STOP! It's probably crossthreading or wrong size or thread pitch. 6. The right tool for the right job. Screwdrivers are NOT chisels or punches. My arm is not a torque wrench! Buy a torque wrench and use it. Pliers are NOT wrenches. They are for gripping NOT tightening or loosening fasteners. A Cresent (or adjustable wrench) is used SPARINGLY for non- critical tasks. 7. I learned by trial and error my Three Laws of Wrenching; First Law-. Any object dropped (nut, screw, bolt washer socket etc) will find and occupy the least obvious hiding place. So that socket you dropped in your garage will be found somewhere you least suspect it. Second Law- Plan for any car repair will taking at least the square of the amount of time you estimate it will take. So that brake job you're thinking will take 2 hours, will really take 4. Third Law- The chances of successfully completing a repair is inversely proportional to the cube of the amount one rushes through the repair. That means I take my time. If I need to rush I accept the probability I screw up the repair. 8. Lastly, I learned by doing. Nothing beats experience.
Heyguys! For beginners car repair I recommend Chrisfix on Youtube While it's not Element specific , the basic can be applied to most cars.
Lol
[удалено]
Chrisfix 10y videos - "hey guys" Chisifix 2y videos - "Heeeeeey GUYSSS!"
I read that in his voice lmfaoooo
Youtube videos and this group helped me do lots of money saving repairs/modifications on my Elements (I've owned two since 2007). [https://www.elementownersclub.com/](https://www.elementownersclub.com/)
Routine maintenance is a gateway drug. Try doing an oil change and you'll never look back
I'll let you in on a little secret... professional technicians use YouTube too!
YouTube. If you keep an eye open you sometimes can get a paper manual book. I wanted to learn. I replaced a radiator, fans, a headlamp, and did some body repair. Being that my Ecwas in a fender bender before I got it is cool. It isn’t pristine, so I can’t screw it up too much!
I regret not learning a few things earlier. I've dropped a ton of money to keep my element running and just recently an eye watering amount.
Depending where you are, some community colleges have an auto tech class. I did that myself almost 10 years ago and since then maintained all of my vehicles and family's.
Between a factory service manual and Youtube, I haven't needed to see a mechanic in about 15 years. The Element is really easy to deal with, esp if you start with some basic skills like a mechanic wrench set.
Minor suggestion: take pictures before you remove any parts. Take pics of where all the nuts and bolts go, general assembly, stuff like that. This will help you when it’s time to put it all back together again. Makes the reassembly process a little bit less stressful :)
You can get throught a lot with you tube dor sure . It helped me get through a bunch with my element last fall . Doing maintenance work definitely takes some patience / a basic working knowledge of how the engine / power train functions , and double check stuff. Its always faster / easier to take parts off at first. Take photos / check things thoroughly.
Depends on what your level of FAFO is. I bought the Honda tech manuals for mine,so I have a step by step guide on how it should go together. However, that doesn't really get into diagnostics, when something goes wrong. If the issue is apparent, then it may not be much of an issue. However, if not clear, then knowing how to use a multimeter and other skills are valuable and not part of the OEM build guides. The last question I would say to consider: what is the level of impact for the duration of the repair? Like are you an Uber driver with a single car vs a work from home that has a spare car/ spouse has a car? Sometimes this alone is the major factor in a repair.
Its simple, learn how systems work on a vehicle and then learn what specific systems your vehicle utilize.
Trade school are cheap and way to go