Honda Element. Manual - part 744

2007-08 ENGINE

Starting System - Element 

COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX 

Fig. 1: Identifying Starting System Component Location 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

  

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Symptom

Diagnostic procedure

Also check for

Engine does not start 
(does not crank)

1. Check for loose battery terminals or connections.  

2. Test the battery for a low charge (see BATTERY 

TEST ).  

3. Check the starter (see STARTER SYSTEM 

CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).  

4. Check the starter cut relay (see POWER RELAY 

TEST ).  

5. Check the transmission range switch (A/T) (see 

TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TEST ).  

6. Check the clutch interlock switch (M/T) (see 

CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH TEST ).  

7. Check the ignition switch or wire (see TEST ).  

Poor ground at G101 
(A/T) or G502 (M/T)

Engine cranks, but 
does not start

1. Check for PGM-FI DTCs (see GENERAL 

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).  

2. Check the fuel pressure (see FUEL PRESSURE 

TEST ).  

3. Check for a plugged or damaged fuel line (see FUEL 

LINE INSPECTION ).  

4. Check for a plugged fuel filter (see FUEL FILTER 

REPLACEMENT ).  

5. Check the throttle body (see THROTTLE BODY 

TEST ).  

6. Check for low engine compression (see ENGINE 

COMPRESSION INSPECTION ).  

7. Check for a damaged or broken cam chain.  

Fuel level in tank

Engine is hard to 
start

1. Check for PGM-FI DTCs (see GENERAL 

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).  

2. Check the fuel pressure (see FUEL PRESSURE 

TEST ).  

3. Check for a plugged or damaged fuel line (see FUEL 

LINE INSPECTION ).  

4. Check for a plugged fuel filter (see FUEL FILTER 

REPLACEMENT ).  

 

Engine cranks 
slowly

1. Check for loose battery terminals or connections.  

2. Test the battery for a low charge (see BATTERY 

TEST ).  

3. Check the starter for binding (see STARTER 

SYSTEM CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).  

4. Check for excessive drag in the engine.  

 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

  

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 

Fig. 2: Starting System Circuit Diagram 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

STARTER SYSTEM CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element

  

1. Hook up the following equipment: 



Ammeter, 0-400 A  



Voltmeter, 0-20 V (accurate within 0.1 V) 

Fig. 3: Connecting Ammeter And Voltmeter 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

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

USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).  

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the ECM/PCM. If it doesn't communicate, 

troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).  

5. Select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, then ALL INJECTORS OFF on the HDS.  

6. Set the parking brake, then with the shift lever in the N or P position (A/T) or the clutch pedal pressed 

(M/T), turn the ignition switch to START (III). 

Does the starter crank the engine normally?  

YES - The starting system is OK. Go to step 11. 

NO - Go to step 7. 

NOTE:



Air temperature must be between 59 and 100°F (15 and 38°C) during this 
procedure.  



After the inspection, you must reset the engine control module 
(ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM). Otherwise, the ECM/PCM will 
continue to stop the fuel injectors from operating.  



The battery must be in good condition and fully charged.  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Starting System - Element