I found two things that made this much easier: 1. Use a hook and pick set from a hardware store to get the C clamp off. You can hook one end and pull it to get it loose, then use another hook from the bottom to yank the clamp off. You'll then have to search for in your door cavity, but it's very easy this way. 2. I couldn't get both bracket holes to line up properly on the inside at the same time with the cylinder reinstalled with the C clamp. Specifically the hole closer to the clamp was always stuck on the wrong side. I found it pretty easy to instead connect the door handle rod, then get the cylinder installed loosely into the bracket only and the clamp installed in the black handle assembly only (so that the cylinder isn't locked but the clamp is still in place). I then installed the bracket with the screws, but the outside black handle assembly not connected. With everything good to go except the black handle assembly hanging limp, it was then very easy to simply have one hand hold that handle assembly in place while your other hand forcefully pushes the cylinder into its receptacle. If you push it hard enough while it's properly aligned, it'll just push past the C clamp and lock into place. It's a little bit of a pain to get it aligned just right since it'll be loose, but I still think this will be much easier. Cheers.
Thank you!! Your DIY video saved me time and money trying to re- repair the damage from a locksmith’s previous attempt to fix the lock cylinder on my ‘04 Element✌🏼
Great information and really good photography. We need someone like you to make DVDs of proper door panel removal and lock removal on Hondas and other vehicles that require panel removal to access the lock cylinder. Ive been in the automotive locksmith business for 44 years and myself and others would pay a reasonable fee to have videos presented in this manner.
Thanks so much. It's 3am and I just gave up because I was scared to wake my neighbors up. When I get up I'll use that getting the c clip back on from the outside.
Thanks for posting. Just replaced both locks in mine. Man, those c-clamps are no joke. Otherwise a simple fix. Honda wanted $150 to replace a single lock.
A hack for removing the C-clip. Make a 6 inch loop from 5 to 6 strands of dental floss for strength. Feed the loop over one arm of the C-clip The floss loop will slide down the side of the clip to the bottom . Fish the other end of the loop out the bottom of the bracket so you are pulling straight down on the clip. Get a good grip on it with pliers or vice grips and pull. The clip should come off the slot and the cylinder will be free. The clip will likely drop to the bottom of the door so keep an eye on it.
Make sure you buy these to take the c clamps out: you will save yourself a lot of time. See around the 12 minute mark. www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPPBQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_K95EFCJNPAAB3SYMYW7R
Thank you for posting this video and giving me the guidance to change my lock cylinders on my 2004 Honda Element! Especially not having to pay nearly $300 to have Honda do it! Thanks, i really appreciate you! 💯👍🏼👌🏽🤙🏽
Very good info! Just bought a 2003 element and the key doesn’t open the locks! So I ordered mew keys just for the doors and i Too did not want the chip!! Thanks for the info!
You are a life saver just followed this and it works great! The only this I did different was reverse the steps putting it back together so I didnt push the cylinder back into the clamp until the bracket was lined up. Worked great! Thanks again!
i got the C clamp off on first try with a very small flathead, there is a slot at the bottom of the clamp dead-center but not much over 1/8 inch wide. Only way I could reassemble was to hold the bracket with new lock in place with one hand inside door, and push handle with c clamp installed from the outside of door - otherwise I was never able to get the bracket to sit on top of the flanges.
Thank you! My door locks went out for the second time in my 2003 E and at over 300$ per door at the dealer last time I wasn't going to pay someone else again. Did the passenger side first and it was a snap. 15-20 minutes. The driver side gave me all kinds of problems getting the assembly back in trying to get that darn bracket in the right place. It definitely wants to go where it shouldn't. Great job!
Glad I ran across your video! I used a dental pick to release C clip. .. put all back together and have been fighting the C clip 2 hrs trying to connect it... going to take it back apart and slide the C clip into the plastic like you did...Thanks again
For an even cheaper fix, my car came with an ignition key, and so I just bought the programmable dummy key for 7 or $8, so now I just use the dummy key to lock/unlock my door, and my ignition key to start the car
Instead of a screw driver on the plastic parts, use a nylon 'bone' tool. It is made of nylon and is slim, tapered, strong and won't scratch. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Now I can try my hand at it.
well, if you went slower on that inner handle, you wouldn't break it. it slides over to unhook the plastic tabs. also, you dont need to remove the inner bracket to the outer handle, if you had a hook pick and a $1 mirror. also, take that new lock to a locksmith. get it rekeyed to the original key. get a brand new key while you're at it too. old keys ruin locks.
You taught me a lot. Thank you.. Your right, that c-clip can be rough. I don't know how you did it with a screwdriver, to me that tool was too straight. I happened to have an old drum brake adjusting tool, boom, pulled forward. And while I was at it I replaced the actuator, which is the reason I realized my lock cylinders were screwed up, haha. (Driver door) Cause and effect eh?? Thanks again....
You guys all do the same thing you don't have to take the speaker apart the cable behind it is long enough for you to just pop the door panel off and then unplug the speaker...
Yep, you are correct! But People who only want to spend $20 instead of $200 are usually OK to deal with that. They just want to be able to get into their car....;)
Thank you for the post. My Honda Element is in Hawaii and I have a new door lock for it. I even changed the tumblers in it to match my master key (quite simple). But I have a question for you. When you disassembled the door and the lock, you had trouble with the "C clip", as you removed it inside the door. But when you reassembled the door, it appears that you installed the C clip BEFORE you installed the outside panel and bracket, putting them all together first. When disassembling the parts, would it not be easier to first unhook the control rod from the lock, then leave the C clip installed and remove the entire assembly out the door? If you installed it that way, why can't you remove it that way as well? Then you wouldn't have to mess with the C clip inside the door. Am I missing something?
If I remember right the C clip holds the new lock so it has to come out. Getting it to unhook is hard. pre-installing the clip and then just pressing the lock back in until you hear a click is the simplest way to get it done in my book.
I think this hook tool set for $7 on amazon would be really handy in getting those C clips out! The C clips have a little U at the bottom where this tool could hook in and pull out. Look at 12:20 on the video for a view of the bottom of the C clip. Try it and let me know if it worked for you! www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6943-Precision-Pick-4-Piece/dp/B000NPPBQK/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=hook+tool&qid=1602718846&sr=8-2
You forgot to mention when putting the door handle back together, you have to plug the window switches back in. Even tho this wasn't said, I hope nobody forgets this
Just bought the locks but they don't come with the retainer rings to keep them in the door, and I only have one I can reuse. Anyone know where to get more?
Please click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
I found two things that made this much easier:
1. Use a hook and pick set from a hardware store to get the C clamp off. You can hook one end and pull it to get it loose, then use another hook from the bottom to yank the clamp off. You'll then have to search for in your door cavity, but it's very easy this way.
2. I couldn't get both bracket holes to line up properly on the inside at the same time with the cylinder reinstalled with the C clamp. Specifically the hole closer to the clamp was always stuck on the wrong side. I found it pretty easy to instead connect the door handle rod, then get the cylinder installed loosely into the bracket only and the clamp installed in the black handle assembly only (so that the cylinder isn't locked but the clamp is still in place). I then installed the bracket with the screws, but the outside black handle assembly not connected. With everything good to go except the black handle assembly hanging limp, it was then very easy to simply have one hand hold that handle assembly in place while your other hand forcefully pushes the cylinder into its receptacle. If you push it hard enough while it's properly aligned, it'll just push past the C clamp and lock into place. It's a little bit of a pain to get it aligned just right since it'll be loose, but I still think this will be much easier.
Cheers.
Thanks for the tips and thanks for watching!
Thank you!! Your DIY video saved me time and money trying to re- repair the damage from a locksmith’s previous attempt to fix the lock cylinder on my ‘04 Element✌🏼
Sorry to hear, I hate when people mess up my car...that's why I have a rule that I only mess it up myself! ha
Took me just over an hour! Saves a bunch of money!
You were much faster than me, cheers!
Thanks to your efforts many people have had easier times, thanks!
First door was hardest, second door went faster, but really slower sinc eI was filming ;)
Great information and video for those who are willing to try.
Yep once you have it apart you gotta push through or you don't drive! haha!
This is incredibly helpful information that applies to my 2003 Honda Element.
Thanks man- Sharing is caring!
Great information and really good photography. We need someone like you to make DVDs of proper
door panel removal and lock removal on Hondas and other vehicles that require panel removal to
access the lock cylinder. Ive been in the automotive locksmith business for 44 years and myself and
others would pay a reasonable fee to have videos presented in this manner.
I've added a Venmo if you want to help out! Unfortunately the Honda got totaled with me in it.
Thanks so much. It's 3am and I just gave up because I was scared to wake my neighbors up. When I get up I'll use that getting the c clip back on from the outside.
Thanks for posting. Just replaced both locks in mine. Man, those c-clamps are no joke. Otherwise a simple fix. Honda wanted $150 to replace a single lock.
That Precision Pick and Hook Set will make the C clamp much easier. I wish I would have found that beforehand.
Thanks you. You're generous with your time and mechanical skills to help us out here. My 2006 has the same problem. I can-do now with your vid.
Glad to help!
A hack for removing the C-clip. Make a 6 inch loop from 5 to 6 strands of dental floss for strength. Feed the loop over one arm of the C-clip The floss loop will slide down the side of the clip to the bottom . Fish the other end of the loop out the bottom of the bracket so you are pulling straight down on the clip. Get a good grip on it with pliers or vice grips and pull. The clip should come off the slot and the cylinder will be free. The clip will likely drop to the bottom of the door so keep an eye on it.
Maybe you should have been a watch maker my friend. Great tip!
Thanks for the video.
My pleasure thanks for watching!
The clip was a total pain but at least the door panel removal was a breeze after watching this video.
Precision Pick and Hook Set is the key to that C clamp.
Thieves put a screwdriver through my key lock cylinder... your video will make replacing it much easier...I hope. Thanks in advance
Make sure you buy these to take the c clamps out: you will save yourself a lot of time. See around the 12 minute mark.
www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPPBQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_K95EFCJNPAAB3SYMYW7R
Thank you for posting this video and giving me the guidance to change my lock cylinders on my 2004 Honda Element! Especially not having to pay nearly $300 to have Honda do it! Thanks, i really appreciate you! 💯👍🏼👌🏽🤙🏽
No problem!
Just changed the cylinder in my Element following your vid. Thanks!
Sweeeeet
Very good info! Just bought a 2003 element and the key doesn’t open the locks! So I ordered mew keys just for the doors and i
Too did not want the chip!! Thanks for the info!
Glad I could help!
You are a life saver just followed this and it works great! The only this I did different was reverse the steps putting it back together so I didnt push the cylinder back into the clamp until the bracket was lined up. Worked great! Thanks again!
Glad it worked either way!
Great video..! Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for watching!
A great video. I've just ordered the same part on Amazon, will give a try on my 2004 Honda CRV. Thank you very much!
I hope it went well.
i got the C clamp off on first try with a very small flathead, there is a slot at the bottom of the clamp dead-center but not much over 1/8 inch wide. Only way I could reassemble was to hold the bracket with new lock in place with one hand inside door, and push handle with c clamp installed from the outside of door - otherwise I was never able to get the bracket to sit on top of the flanges.
10 ways to skin a cat eh? Hopefully you got though it it's been a year!
MUCH APPRECIATED.
Thanks for being easy to watch.
Thanks for the video! No joke about the C-clamps and getting the actuator lined up at the end... Took a lot longer than i wanted.
Precision Pick and Hook Set is the key to the C clamp. Hopefully you had that in your arsenal!
Thank you! My door locks went out for the second time in my 2003 E and at over 300$ per door at the dealer last time I wasn't going to pay someone else again. Did the passenger side first and it was a snap. 15-20 minutes. The driver side gave me all kinds of problems getting the assembly back in trying to get that darn bracket in the right place. It definitely wants to go where it shouldn't. Great job!
Glad to help!
Thanks great job.
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
Great video man THANK YOU!
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
I subscribed!
Bless you! Thank you so much
I didn't see this on the net and was like, I gotta do a video of this one.
Glad I ran across your video! I used a dental pick to release C clip. .. put all back together and have been fighting the C clip 2 hrs trying to connect it... going to take it back apart and slide the C clip into the plastic like you did...Thanks again
Dental pic= genius!
For an even cheaper fix, my car came with an ignition key, and so I just bought the programmable dummy key for 7 or $8, so now I just use the dummy key to lock/unlock my door, and my ignition key to start the car
That's a great hack!
Thank you. Great video
Thank you!
Instead of a screw driver on the plastic parts, use a nylon 'bone' tool. It is made of nylon and is slim, tapered, strong and won't scratch. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Now I can try my hand at it.
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
Thanks for the help!! I was able to change out my locks using this video. I save a lot of 💰💰
Awesome!
Thanks got it sweet the video helped alot
Excellent! Make sure you like and subscribe!
Just ordered the kit off Amazon should be here tomorrow but first I'm going to get that pick and hook set for that clip.
well, if you went slower on that inner handle, you wouldn't break it. it slides over to unhook the plastic tabs.
also, you dont need to remove the inner bracket to the outer handle, if you had a hook pick and a $1 mirror.
also, take that new lock to a locksmith. get it rekeyed to the original key. get a brand new key while you're at it too. old keys ruin locks.
Thanks for the tips and thanks for watching!
bangarang baby! tysm!
Your enthusiasm is contagious, thank you for watching!
You taught me a lot. Thank you.. Your right, that c-clip can be rough. I don't know how you did it with a screwdriver, to me that tool was too straight. I happened to have an old drum brake adjusting tool, boom, pulled forward. And while I was at it I replaced the actuator, which is the reason I realized my lock cylinders were screwed up, haha. (Driver door) Cause and effect eh?? Thanks again....
wow a lot going on there! Glad you got it done.
Removal of bracket is not needed. Will need quality pick tool set for C clip removal and angled needle nose pliers for reinstall
Thanks for watching!
Thanks!
My pleasure 😇
You guys all do the same thing you don't have to take the speaker apart the cable behind it is long enough for you to just pop the door panel off and then unplug the speaker...
Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!
Yeah but now you don’t have a matching key for your tailgate lock
Yep, you are correct! But People who only want to spend $20 instead of $200 are usually OK to deal with that. They just want to be able to get into their car....;)
in the case that we break the plastic parts where can we get a replacement 😅
Local junkyard! That's how I put back together my E.
Thank you for the post. My Honda Element is in Hawaii and I have a new door lock for it. I even changed the tumblers in it to match my master key (quite simple). But I have a question for you. When you disassembled the door and the lock, you had trouble with the "C clip", as you removed it inside the door. But when you reassembled the door, it appears that you installed the C clip BEFORE you installed the outside panel and bracket, putting them all together first. When disassembling the parts, would it not be easier to first unhook the control rod from the lock, then leave the C clip installed and remove the entire assembly out the door? If you installed it that way, why can't you remove it that way as well? Then you wouldn't have to mess with the C clip inside the door. Am I missing something?
If I remember right the C clip holds the new lock so it has to come out. Getting it to unhook is hard. pre-installing the clip and then just pressing the lock back in until you hear a click is the simplest way to get it done in my book.
Yeah, I don't understand why you can't take off the c clip off after you remove the whole assembly. Gonna find out this weekend!
What did u find out did your way work ?
Can u be able to use the key that comes with the new key cylinder to start the engine or not?
Yes, but you need the chip that goes inside of it from your other key. Chip sends a signal so it is able to start. Find the chip- drive the car!
Hi there I hope you are doing good , did you get both lock together with both keys .
Yes came with 2 keys
Thanks a lot, I did it with your help in a short time, God bless you
Awesome hope it went well!
Thanks for the video. Do you have an Amazon link to the keys/locks?
Try this a.co/d/0fyAD5NC
I think this hook tool set for $7 on amazon would be really handy in getting those C clips out! The C clips have a little U at the bottom where this tool could hook in and pull out. Look at 12:20 on the video for a view of the bottom of the C clip. Try it and let me know if it worked for you!
www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6943-Precision-Pick-4-Piece/dp/B000NPPBQK/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=hook+tool&qid=1602718846&sr=8-2
You forgot to mention when putting the door handle back together, you have to plug the window switches back in.
Even tho this wasn't said, I hope nobody forgets this
Where did you order the locks and keys?
Scott Thomas link is in description .
Just bought the locks but they don't come with the retainer rings to keep them in the door, and I only have one I can reuse. Anyone know where to get more?
OEM Honda parts
I'm not even gonna try 😅
haha Aw c'mon man don't be a quitter!
@@BBQandBolts lol its super complicated plus I have some thick ass gands
*hands
$12 bucks and some change on ebay
sweet. link?
damn i was just about to make this video! lol I got mine from ebay for $11.52 ebay.to/2nJh3bR