Congratulations on 300k! Thanks for the repair videos. I just hit 368K on a 2004 EX AWD, AT. Similar mechanical parts replacement as your story, but just a torque converter not the whole transmission.
Congrats on 300k! New subscriber / Element owner. Just wanted to say, finding your channel was like finding gold to me. Especially the junk yard vids, I love ‘em. Thanks for what you do.
I felt the same way when the Element first came out. Thought they were ugly as sin and who would want to drive a box around??? LoL! Now that I'm older (and like to think a little wiser) I think they are so cool and practical! My 19 year old son just bought a 2005 with 2000,000 miles on it for $4,900. The thing looks brand new inside and out. Hoping he gets another 1000,000 miles or more out of it. Really liked this video and you gained a new subscriber. Love the Maiden at the end! 🤘🤘
Good thing you are handy 😂 I have a 2003 as well and I have had it for 3 years and it has had few problems at all, plus it was given to me! I've been blessed 😊
Clint, you tell it like it is and matter of fact yet still entertaining for a video. Love it. I just keep fixing mine, 100% agree with the desire for a stronger aftermarket supply chain for their parts. Rock on. Love that shirt. Mechanic said the cam is badly worn, so bad it wasn't worth a valve adjustment, and said to fix the rocker panels and just run it. Mine was purchased in 2017 with 90k miles, and I maintain it with religious oil changes so I'm not sure why the cam is so badly worn, but the rocker panels are all being rewelded/replaced front-to-back both sides, so I'm hoping for a few more years out of it now. Thanks for your videos. They've helped me fix mine myself many times and keep it going and on the road.
My cam has some wear too. I was able to adjust it but I might look at replacing the cam one day. I suspect mine was oil starved at some point and I know it didn't get regular oil changes.
I was also in the vw community, I owned a 74 super beetle, and yes I also thought the elements were ugly , but as a handyman it fits my need’s perfectly. Going to the elements on the dragon last year opened my eyes to how loved they are.
@@clintsearcy3252 well if you make it in 2024 I am renting a 4 bedroom 3 bath cabin with pool table, fire pit, jacuzzi, and inviting all the element UA-camrs to come party one night , that includes you.
Congratulations on the 300k! I keep searching for elements on marketplace. I picked up a $900 2004 CR-V EX a while back to flip, but ended up really liking it, so I kept her.
Hi Clint! Found your page a few weeks back and have learned some much needed tips from you! You seem like a really cool dude! I love the Element! Great for transport and it was perfect to have during my time as a DJ. Currently, my 04 element (222k) is on a jack until I get a power wrench/drill like your Earthquake for this lower control arm. The inner bolt is impossible to get out manually. I enjoy your videos. Very informative with a great vibe. Keep em coming! Peace and love! ✌🏽
@@clintsearcy3252 Luckily, mine were not that bad to loosen either. However, I ran into a hiccup. I used the same separator you have. I guess i didn't center the bottom over the bolt stem, its old and was going bad anyway or both but when it popped the control arm out, some of the bolt broke off on the bottom and now the nut wont catch to zip it back in. Now I am trying to decide to either attempt to hammer the nut on just enough and maybe it will catch, or just replace the dang ball joint. smh
I agree you cant replicate the past, I have a 2003 AWD 148,000 runs like a champ. Like you say if you do regular mantainace they will to 30 or more years. Even if they do come back they will be totally different.
I have the same year element. I feel like cars like that where you did all those repairs and uneven colors etc are the cars that become like part of the family I love them
2006 LX plain as paper. No registered accidents but, big dent in driver's door. Its all black. The replacement door is silver. Doesn't look out of place. Silver on black
Hey I'm swapping my grey interior panels out for black as well! Just did the huge front dash piece last night, and let me tell ya that was a pain. I have the green trim pieces too, they go very nicely with the black. Putting my green door handles on the black door trim as I watch this video!
Hey Clint! I have a 2006 Element with 208,000 miles on it. It jerks at various times. Very sporadic. A mechanic replaced the V V T solenoid. It initially helped the first time and didn't have problems for about 10 months. Then it started jerking again. A different mechanic from a shop replaced the V V T solenoid again (the first mechanic was no longer available). It decreased the intensity and frequency of the issue but did not completely make the jerking stop, so he tried again by replacing the V V T solenoid again. It's still not fixed. The mechanic recommended I sell it. He said I also need front control arms and front brakes and the jerking issue will require looking into the engine. I'm not sold on that being the case. I'm wondering if it might be related to what someone mentioned in your comments section of your video about VVT issues (part 3)... he said he started to think he might have an electrical issue because of how intermittent the problem happens. He said he ordered a new connector because he was getting p2646 code.When he followed up about it, he said it fixed the problem. He said he installed the new pigtail and put almost 10k miles on his element since. Plenty of rainy days and even some road trips. Even did an 8 hour round trip to Chicago and back. I know nothing about cars, but I hate to get rid of my Element and was hoping to keep it working and fairly reliable to at least 300K. It is soooo practical. My dog loves it, and it's great for hauling stuff and doing animal rescue. I am willing to spend the money on the front control arms and front brakes. It needs new tires too. But I need to make sure I get this jerking issue fixed or I'll have to let it go :( I met a guy who does work on the side and am hoping he may be able to help with this at a reasonable price, but wanted to see what direction you think we should pursue. Do you think we should do the pigtail thing? I know that was alot of jabber-jawing. Sorry, but any feedback is GREATLY appreciated :)
Hello! Sorry to hear about your difficulties, I will try my best to help you solve your problem. What do you mean "jerks"? Is your engine light on? Does this happen if you get above 3000 rpms? Here is my best and also cheapest advice: 1) replace your pcv valve. 2) clean your throttle body air intake and sensors. 3) check/replace your air filter 4)make sure your components (wheels) along the path of your timing belt are not seized. 5) check/replace your spark plugs and inspect the terminals for any signs of problems and what kind 6) replace any/all hoses that look old and worn/rotted 7) if any remaining codes signal o2 sensors, replace those next, and if codes/jerking still persists look to clean or replace the catalytic converter. All of these procedures can be found on youtube. After that idk. Good luck!
Hello! Thank you @@peoplearestupid981 for offering to help me and providing so many suggestions! Yes, the engine light stays on (even after the VVT has been replaced 3 times). The issue occurs around 2.5 RPM or so. When I say it "jerks", I mean that it is "stuttering"... as if it isn't getting gas or is clogged up. Lately it has even lost power on the expressway where it starts to go down in speed as I try to press on the gas, but this only lasts for 3-4 seconds and then I can give it some gas and it drives fine again. When the stuttering first started to occur, it would only happen when I was pressing on the gas from a complete stop. However, over the past few months, it has been occurring when I am driving at a variety of speeds. The first VVT solenoid was replaced about a year and a half ago. It was fine for a few months. Then it did the jerking thing sometimes from a stop when I tried to accelerate. Another mechanic put in another VVT, but this did not help. He then replaced it again, and that didn't help either and the problem was noticeably worse. He told me he would have to go into the engine to try to figure it out and just suggested I sell it. I am willing to invest some money into fixing it. It only has 208,000 miles and I was hoping to get another 100,000 or so out of it. This car is so practical and meets alot of my needs. It's great for animal rescue and transporting so many things. I am not excited about buying another car that isn't as practical as this one. I have heard that some people have had success with replacing the pigtail connector. I have a friend who is coming over to replace my front brakes this Monday. He mentioned the spark plugs too. I'll give him all your information. I did have the catalytic converter replaced about 3 months ago. I was hoping that would help but it didn't. I'm hoping my friend can do all the things you suggested and can look at the pigtail connector and see if it is corroded. He is not a mechanic, but he said he can replace my brakes and my control arms, but I hate to spend much more on any other "big" things it needs when I haven't figured out the jerking/stuttering issue that keeps the engine light on... but I have to get those brakes replaced for sure...or I will end up being Toast in my Toaster. Thanks a Bow-Wow Bunch!!
Hi there, I'm sorry I took so long to reply. What you are describing sounds like "limp mode" to me. This is usually caused by a malfunction in the VTEC valve. Meaning the valve has failed, the valve has gunk in it causing it to malfunction or the wiring has become compromised (usually my water) and shorted. This can become confusing when the mechanic replaced the VTEC and the problem persists. "Well, I guess that wasn't it.. " The issue I have seen is that after market VTEC valves are remarkably inconsistent and the Element does NOT like that. While I usually go for cheap parts the VTEC is one where I will buy the Honda OEM part. If you brought me your car to look at I would start by replacing the wiring plug at the VTEC valve. Then I would replace the VTEC valve WITH AN OEM UNIT and do 2 oil changes 1000 apart.
Thank You@@clintsearcy3252 for your valuable suggestions! Is the wiring plug at the VTEC valve the same thing as the pigtail connector? Sorry for my lack of knowledge in this area. If it's the same thing, then I will be able to do this tomorrow because a pigtail connector that I ordered over the weekend arrived today. I will start with that and see if it helps. I may need to replace the VTEC valve with an OEM part as you suggested as well. Crossing my fingers. I bought a Honda OEM filter and plenty of Mobil Extended Performance oil. I'm looking into to the suggestions that @peoplearestupid981 mentioned as well. You guys have been very kind with sharing your experience and advice! Thanks Again!
Yes, That's the right plug. I put 4 or 5 vtec valves in my E before it stooped going into limp mode. each one was a little different in how stupid it acted but they all failed until I did a few oil changes to get the crud out of the system and put an OEM vtec back in it. @@animalgambill
I bought a 2004 in 2006 at a Honda dealer. It was a certified used. Same car five speed. It was the beige metallic with the all-wheel-drive the ex model. I hated every minute of that car it’s aerodynamically challenged barely got 20 miles of a gallon the clutch was wonky, the one thing called about the car the position you shifted and sat in it you felt like you were driving an 18 wheeler. You’re correct about the cult following now and if you notice a lot of very elderly people love these things because of getting in and out of them I kinda miss it now, but really not.
I used regular mobile 1 synthetic, but I change it every 3000 miles. That's excessive but I notice the oil getting cleaner every time I change it so it's cleaning out all the sludge from years of neglect.
There’s a big Honda Element meet up on the Dragon each year in May. I think Eric the Car Guy went this past year. Another useful mod you may want to do at some point is adding sound deadening material to the interior. Takes a minute, but it’s vastly improved the ride quality of my 2010.
Congratulations on 300k! Thanks for the repair videos. I just hit 368K on a 2004 EX AWD, AT. Similar mechanical parts replacement as your story, but just a torque converter not the whole transmission.
That is awesome!
Wow! I have a 2004 AWD 5 speed with 216K on her and LOVE it!
As a fellow Element owner, I always appreciate your videos! Congrats on 300k Clint!
Much appreciated!
Congrats on 300k! New subscriber / Element owner. Just wanted to say, finding your channel was like finding gold to me. Especially the junk yard vids, I love ‘em. Thanks for what you do.
Welcome aboard! I need to do some more junkyard trips!! I miss them.
I felt the same way when the Element first came out. Thought they were ugly as sin and who would want to drive a box around??? LoL! Now that I'm older (and like to think a little wiser) I think they are so cool and practical! My 19 year old son just bought a 2005 with 2000,000 miles on it for $4,900. The thing looks brand new inside and out. Hoping he gets another 1000,000 miles or more out of it. Really liked this video and you gained a new subscriber. Love the Maiden at the end! 🤘🤘
Glad to hear it!! Keep up with those oil changes and he can hit 300K easy.
Good thing you are handy 😂 I have a 2003 as well and I have had it for 3 years and it has had few problems at all, plus it was given to me! I've been blessed 😊
Thanks for sharing
I have 335,500 miles as of yesterday on my Element (2003 5 speed, 4WD).
Goals!
Clint, you tell it like it is and matter of fact yet still entertaining for a video. Love it. I just keep fixing mine, 100% agree with the desire for a stronger aftermarket supply chain for their parts. Rock on. Love that shirt. Mechanic said the cam is badly worn, so bad it wasn't worth a valve adjustment, and said to fix the rocker panels and just run it. Mine was purchased in 2017 with 90k miles, and I maintain it with religious oil changes so I'm not sure why the cam is so badly worn, but the rocker panels are all being rewelded/replaced front-to-back both sides, so I'm hoping for a few more years out of it now. Thanks for your videos. They've helped me fix mine myself many times and keep it going and on the road.
My cam has some wear too. I was able to adjust it but I might look at replacing the cam one day. I suspect mine was oil starved at some point and I know it didn't get regular oil changes.
You should come to Elements on the Dragon!
Hey Alex, see you at EOTD next year. Yes come on Clint and join us next year.
I'd like to!! Maybe 2024 will be my year.
I was also in the vw community, I owned a 74 super beetle, and yes I also thought the elements were ugly , but as a handyman it fits my need’s perfectly. Going to the elements on the dragon last year opened my eyes to how loved they are.
I have a 61, 65, 69 and two 83 GITs. I hope I can get to EOTD one of these days.
@@clintsearcy3252 well if you make it in 2024 I am renting a 4 bedroom 3 bath cabin with pool table, fire pit, jacuzzi, and inviting all the element UA-camrs to come party one night , that includes you.
Well done. Thanks for another great video. Congrats on the 300k mark.
Thank you very much!
Congratulations on the 300k! I keep searching for elements on marketplace. I picked up a $900 2004 CR-V EX a while back to flip, but ended up really liking it, so I kept her.
It's like a fungus. They sorta grow on ya.
Hi Clint! Found your page a few weeks back and have learned some much needed tips from you! You seem like a really cool dude! I love the Element! Great for transport and it was perfect to have during my time as a DJ. Currently, my 04 element (222k) is on a jack until I get a power wrench/drill like your Earthquake for this lower control arm. The inner bolt is impossible to get out manually. I enjoy your videos. Very informative with a great vibe. Keep em coming! Peace and love! ✌🏽
For some reason my bolts weren't all that tight.
@@clintsearcy3252 Luckily, mine were not that bad to loosen either. However, I ran into a hiccup. I used the same separator you have. I guess i didn't center the bottom over the bolt stem, its old and was going bad anyway or both but when it popped the control arm out, some of the bolt broke off on the bottom and now the nut wont catch to zip it back in. Now I am trying to decide to either attempt to hammer the nut on just enough and maybe it will catch, or just replace the dang ball joint. smh
I agree you cant replicate the past, I have a 2003 AWD 148,000 runs like a champ. Like you say if you do regular mantainace they will to 30 or more years. Even if they do come back they will be totally different.
I'm also not a fan of car payments so... there's that.
Great video! Keep it Rollin, cheaper to repair that ,then getting a new one ,new cars are way too expensive!
That's the plan!
Appreciate the videos on the element
Thanks!!
300k miles is just nothing for a Honda. Honda is built to last forever.
That's right! Nothing!!
I have the same year element. I feel like cars like that where you did all those repairs and uneven colors etc are the cars that become like part of the family I love them
Yea, I kinda like my patchwork paintjob at this point.
Dude f the patch paint job it’s an awesome car and your winning cause like you said no car payment. And that little car is a tank in disguise.
Congrats!!!
Thanks!
2006 LX plain as paper. No registered accidents but, big dent in driver's door. Its all black. The replacement door is silver. Doesn't look out of place. Silver on black
Sounds like a car I would drive!
Got mine with 200k, 5 speed, orange. Love this car for many reasons. Baby it too much, while my 5 speed civic takes a beating as a daily.
I don't baby my cars. And it shows. Id love to play around with a 5 speed Civic.
You are freaking awesome dude!! I’m never getting rid of my 2006. AWD. Beast in the snow!!! A
Wow, thanks! They do do great in the snow.
322,000 (today) on my 2010 Element. Runs just like it was new.
Oh yea!
Hey I'm swapping my grey interior panels out for black as well! Just did the huge front dash piece last night, and let me tell ya that was a pain. I have the green trim pieces too, they go very nicely with the black. Putting my green door handles on the black door trim as I watch this video!
I think it will look cool if I ever get it finished.
My 2004 just turned 230,000 and runs like a champ.
Fantastic!
Ohh so how much total estimated to put it to the standard you want? I love your Realism mixed with style and elegance
I'm going to guess that I've got about $6000 in the car at this point.
I love it bro. I have a crv 2004. Same engine.
Keep um rolling!
Amazing.
Danka!
I love my 2003 honda element
Me too!
Drove my 2005 EX to 398,000...🤘
My goal is now 400,000
i didnt know honda element community existed and was so big till i got my honda element.
It's kinda cool!
Alright, I'm subscribing
Thanks!!!
I got mine for $18.000, and i love it
Keep it rolling!
Hey Clint! I have a 2006 Element with 208,000 miles on it. It jerks at various times. Very sporadic. A mechanic replaced the V V T solenoid. It initially helped the first time and didn't have problems for about 10 months. Then it started jerking again. A different mechanic from a shop replaced the V V T solenoid again (the first mechanic was no longer available). It decreased the intensity and frequency of the issue but did not completely make the jerking stop, so he tried again by replacing the V V T solenoid again. It's still not fixed. The mechanic recommended I sell it. He said I also need front control arms and front brakes and the jerking issue will require looking into the engine. I'm not sold on that being the case. I'm wondering if it might be related to what someone mentioned in your comments section of your video about VVT issues (part 3)... he said he started to think he might have an electrical issue because of how intermittent the problem happens. He said he ordered a new connector because he was getting p2646 code.When he followed up about it, he said it fixed the problem. He said he installed the new pigtail and put almost 10k miles on his element since. Plenty of rainy days and even some road trips. Even did an 8 hour round trip to Chicago and back. I know nothing about cars, but I hate to get rid of my Element and was hoping to keep it working and fairly reliable to at least 300K. It is soooo practical. My dog loves it, and it's great for hauling stuff and doing animal rescue. I am willing to spend the money on the front control arms and front brakes. It needs new tires too. But I need to make sure I get this jerking issue fixed or I'll have to let it go :( I met a guy who does work on the side and am hoping he may be able to help with this at a reasonable price, but wanted to see what direction you think we should pursue. Do you think we should do the pigtail thing? I know that was alot of jabber-jawing. Sorry, but any feedback is GREATLY appreciated :)
Hello! Sorry to hear about your difficulties, I will try my best to help you solve your problem. What do you mean "jerks"? Is your engine light on? Does this happen if you get above 3000 rpms? Here is my best and also cheapest advice: 1) replace your pcv valve. 2) clean your throttle body air intake and sensors. 3) check/replace your air filter 4)make sure your components (wheels) along the path of your timing belt are not seized. 5) check/replace your spark plugs and inspect the terminals for any signs of problems and what kind 6) replace any/all hoses that look old and worn/rotted 7) if any remaining codes signal o2 sensors, replace those next, and if codes/jerking still persists look to clean or replace the catalytic converter. All of these procedures can be found on youtube. After that idk. Good luck!
Hello! Thank you @@peoplearestupid981 for offering to help me and providing so many suggestions! Yes, the engine light stays on (even after the VVT has been replaced 3 times). The issue occurs around 2.5 RPM or so. When I say it "jerks", I mean that it is "stuttering"... as if it isn't getting gas or is clogged up. Lately it has even lost power on the expressway where it starts to go down in speed as I try to press on the gas, but this only lasts for 3-4 seconds and then I can give it some gas and it drives fine again. When the stuttering first started to occur, it would only happen when I was pressing on the gas from a complete stop. However, over the past few months, it has been occurring when I am driving at a variety of speeds. The first VVT solenoid was replaced about a year and a half ago. It was fine for a few months. Then it did the jerking thing sometimes from a stop when I tried to accelerate. Another mechanic put in another VVT, but this did not help. He then replaced it again, and that didn't help either and the problem was noticeably worse. He told me he would have to go into the engine to try to figure it out and just suggested I sell it. I am willing to invest some money into fixing it. It only has 208,000 miles and I was hoping to get another 100,000 or so out of it. This car is so practical and meets alot of my needs. It's great for animal rescue and transporting so many things. I am not excited about buying another car that isn't as practical as this one. I have heard that some people have had success with replacing the pigtail connector. I have a friend who is coming over to replace my front brakes this Monday. He mentioned the spark plugs too. I'll give him all your information. I did have the catalytic converter replaced about 3 months ago. I was hoping that would help but it didn't. I'm hoping my friend can do all the things you suggested and can look at the pigtail connector and see if it is corroded. He is not a mechanic, but he said he can replace my brakes and my control arms, but I hate to spend much more on any other "big" things it needs when I haven't figured out the jerking/stuttering issue that keeps the engine light on... but I have to get those brakes replaced for sure...or I will end up being Toast in my Toaster. Thanks a Bow-Wow Bunch!!
Hi there, I'm sorry I took so long to reply. What you are describing sounds like "limp mode" to me. This is usually caused by a malfunction in the VTEC valve. Meaning the valve has failed, the valve has gunk in it causing it to malfunction or the wiring has become compromised (usually my water) and shorted. This can become confusing when the mechanic replaced the VTEC and the problem persists. "Well, I guess that wasn't it.. "
The issue I have seen is that after market VTEC valves are remarkably inconsistent and the Element does NOT like that. While I usually go for cheap parts the VTEC is one where I will buy the Honda OEM part. If you brought me your car to look at I would start by replacing the wiring plug at the VTEC valve. Then I would replace the VTEC valve WITH AN OEM UNIT and do 2 oil changes 1000 apart.
Thank You@@clintsearcy3252 for your valuable suggestions! Is the wiring plug at the VTEC valve the same thing as the pigtail connector? Sorry for my lack of knowledge in this area. If it's the same thing, then I will be able to do this tomorrow because a pigtail connector that I ordered over the weekend arrived today. I will start with that and see if it helps. I may need to replace the VTEC valve with an OEM part as you suggested as well. Crossing my fingers. I bought a Honda OEM filter and plenty of Mobil Extended Performance oil. I'm looking into to the suggestions that @peoplearestupid981 mentioned as well. You guys have been very kind with sharing your experience and advice! Thanks Again!
Yes, That's the right plug. I put 4 or 5 vtec valves in my E before it stooped going into limp mode. each one was a little different in how stupid it acted but they all failed until I did a few oil changes to get the crud out of the system and put an OEM vtec back in it. @@animalgambill
I bought a 2004 in 2006 at a Honda dealer. It was a certified used. Same car five speed. It was the beige metallic with the all-wheel-drive the ex model. I hated every minute of that car it’s aerodynamically challenged barely got 20 miles of a gallon the clutch was wonky, the one thing called about the car the position you shifted and sat in it you felt like you were driving an 18 wheeler. You’re correct about the cult following now and if you notice a lot of very elderly people love these things because of getting in and out of them I kinda miss it now, but really not.
You should grab you another one while they are selling really high!!
Im right behind you at 270k
Keep um rolling.
your front end links or front sway bar bushings might need replacing, i think thats what causing the clicking.
It was the driver side from strut. I finally put some new ones in.
Clint. Would you tell me which vw hatch lift struts give you the height? I’d like to do that too to mine
Check the description.
ua-cam.com/video/t8hvXaunlBo/v-deo.html
What kind of oil do you use at that mileage, high mileage full synthetic regular?
I used regular mobile 1 synthetic, but I change it every 3000 miles. That's excessive but I notice the oil getting cleaner every time I change it so it's cleaning out all the sludge from years of neglect.
Elements Rock!
and my other car is a BMW- not running 😥
My mother drives a BMW. Great cars if you can keep them running.
does it burn oil and how much? K24 are notorious for it
i have two K24W in my case and one drinks it for real at 117K miles on '16 CRV
It doesn't burn any oil. It does leak from the vtec sometimes.
@@clintsearcy3252 if your catalytic converter is one the way out that your first indication of burning oil issue
if perhaps passenger side door was slider like a minivan
Then it would be an Odyssey.
you're no oil painting either mate! hahahahaha
Are you sure? I've been told I look Picasso-ish.
Nice to close with some Maiden…
Up The Irons!!
There’s a big Honda Element meet up on the Dragon each year in May. I think Eric the Car Guy went this past year.
Another useful mod you may want to do at some point is adding sound deadening material to the interior. Takes a minute, but it’s vastly improved the ride quality of my 2010.
One of these days I hope to make it to The Dragon!
Whats it at now??
About 308,000
You gotta be careful if you keep that up - you may get another 200k out of it. It may outlive you!
I'll be happy with 400,000