Honda Element. Manual - part 142

To prevent the side curtain airbag from deploying and damaging the pillar trim, the overlap between the 
headliner and pillar trim must be less then 0.3 in. (8 mm). To check the overlap, do this: 

1. Install the headliner (A) and the pillar trims (B). 

Fig. 244: Identifying Headliner And Pillar Trims 

2. Using masking tape on the headliner, mark the upper edge of each pillar trim. 

Fig. 245: Marking Upper Edge Of Pillar Trim Using Masking Tape On Headliner 

3. Remove the pillar trim, and measure the headliner overlap. 

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If the overlap is less than 0.3 in. (8 mm), remove the tape, and install the pillar trim.  



If the overlap is more than 0.3 in. (8 mm), go to step 4. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 RESTRAINTS SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) - Element

  

Fig. 246: Measuring Headliner Overlap 

4. Carefully trim the headliner with a utility knife, reducing the overlap to less than 0.3 in. (8 mm). 

Fig. 247: Trimming Headliner With Utility Knife 

5. Remove the tape, and install the pillar trim.  

DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT 

REMOVAL 

1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery and wait at least 3 minutes before beginning work.  

2. Remove the access panel (A) from the steering wheel, then disconnect the driver's airbag 4P connector 

(B) from the cable reel. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 RESTRAINTS SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) - Element

  

Fig. 248: Identifying Access Panel And Driver's Airbag 4P Connector 

3. Using a TORX T30 bit, remove the two TORX bolts (A). 

Fig. 249: Removing Driver's Airbag Torx Bolts 

4. Remove the driver's airbag (B).  

INSTALLATION 

1. Place the driver's airbag (A) in the steering wheel, and secure it with new TORX bolts (B). 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 RESTRAINTS SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) - Element

  

Fig. 250: Identifying Driver's Airbag Torx Bolts 

2. Connect the cable reel 4P connector (A) to the driver's airbag 4P connector, then install the access panel 

(B) on the steering wheel. 

Fig. 251: Identifying Driver's Airbag 4P Connector And Access Panel 

3. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.  

4. After installing the airbag, confirm proper system operation: Turn the ignition switch ON (II); the SRS 

indicator should come on for about 6 seconds and then go off.  

FRONT PASSENGER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT 

REMOVAL 

1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and wait at least 3 minutes before beginning work.  

2. Remove the glove box (see GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).  

3. Disconnect the front passenger's airbag 4P connector (A) from the dashboard wire harness. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 RESTRAINTS SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) - Element