2004 Honda Element/CRV Thermostat Replacement
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- čas přidán 9. 03. 2017
- This video is a complete guide to replacing the thermostat on your Honda Element or CRV with a K series engine. Space is limited and it can be difficult to access the part. Rust can also be a factor.
I cover how to handle both of these issues for a successful thermostat replacement on this engine. This information will also apply to other Honda vehicles with the K series engine.
Also, if you get a PO128 or P1486 code, you might need to perform this procedure to repair the problem.
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarguy.com
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/...
Tools
Astro Pneumatic Hose Clamp Tool: www.jbtoolsales.com/astro-pne...
Astro Pneumatic Work Light: www.jbtoolsales.com/astro-pne...
Body Clip Remover Kit: www.jbtoolsales.com/gearwrenc...
Spill Free Funnel: www.jbtoolsales.com/lisle-246...
Parts
Thermostat: www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine...
Honda Coolant (Blue): www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-...
Beck Arnley Coolant: www.amazon.com/BECKARNLEY-252...
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**Answers to your automotive questions found here: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I love all your Element videos, because I have one myself. This one was especially good, because of the camera angles and the lighting (keep up the good work Brian). It really allowed me to see everything you were doing in that dark place where the thermostat was.
One thing that I didn't see clearly is how you were able to rev the engine from under the hood. Last time I needed to it, also when changing coolant, I resorted to putting a brick on the gas pedal. :)
First, I want to start off to say that EricTheCarGuy channel is a Fantastic channel. Eric's works on his Honda Element, helps me a lot in understanding my 20 years old CRV Gen 2 and turning that understanding to practical know-hows.
About the Thermostat replacement, from my personal experience. I found that there are at least 2 more ways to do it faster or easier or lesser risky in getting striped thread insert at the thermostat housing attached to "block"/water pump/water passage.
1) Mix of access from bottom as shown by Eric and from front after taking out condenser fan/shroud together with the coolant expansion tank.
2) More dismantling works involving other obstructing parts, but easier in taking out thermostat or entire 2-part (upper and lower) thermostat housing. It involves taking out intake manifold unit and work from top only.
Dude I'm so glad we have the same car. I bought my element for 500 bucks and thanx to your videos and 1,000 in parts I have a perfectly running element thanx 2 you. Your the man Eric the car dude! Love my element!
Just bought one of those hose clamp tools, I no longer feel like i'm holding an unpinned grenade with some long nosed vice grips :)
I'm really enjoying the Fairmont Project series, but I originally found your channel because of your Honda expertise. So, it's nice to see more repair videos, especially Honda stuff. Thanks for doing what you do.
Happy to oblige. Thanks for the comment.
I'm about to do the thermostat on our '06 Odyssey today, as well as both hoses, timing belt, water pump, coolant flush, and many suspension and chassis swap-outs. found those handy clip pliers at Harbor Freight yesterday, and I was over the moon because they didn't seem to have any pincer pliers in stock.
Charles Putt good luck fella
Another good Video Eric. I have always enjoyed watching your videos. Admittedly, I've not had as much time to recently, but still enjoy watching them when I get the chance. Keep up the good work, Sir.
This video makes me appreciate my 1991 Civic Si. Metal thermostat housing: will last forever. Two bolts, and presto, the job's done. I never have to go through this dog-and-pony show that Eric just struggled through. My headlights are glass, too. 27 years since they came out of the factory, and they're not the least bit cloudy. I love this car! Modern Honda can suck my dipstick.
IDK why anyone dislikes your videos. Seriously.
Why do you have cool aid in your car eric?
those hose clamp tools work marvelously 😍 it prevents me from getting my fingers hurt from the clamp springing back and hitting your fingers when using pliers
Hey Eric, have you ever used a UView Airlift coolant refiller? They are great for bleeding the air pockets in the engine cooling system and for looking for leaks before adding coolant.
Eric. Your videos are long but so very informative and also entertaining. Your a real blessing and full of knowledge. Thank you.
being inexperienced in car repair,.I dont have the tools or skill to do this "simple"(?!)
car repair, but at least I understand what my mechanic has to do.
Watched this video and don't even have a Honda Element, just enjoy watching your videos no B.S. well done videos. Came here cause X wife has CRV and researching about her timing belt and water pump.
I recently acquired a really nice southern, rust free 2002 CR-V. Really nice car. Only 160,000 miles on it. One owner. Very solid vehicle. I've been going thru it, changing basic stuff out, fluid, filters, etc. Have come to the conclusion that compared to my old 1997 Corolla, it is much harder to work on. Matter of fact, I was thinking about changing the thermostat out on it, since it seemed to read a bit cool according to the gauge. But after watching this video, not sure if I'm going to attempt it. Might just sell the thing and go out and find another trailer park Corolla. At least the Corolla is easy to work on. Great video, tho. Thank u.
This is facts. I have an 03 crv and EVERYTHING is much harder to work on than my civic. Painfully hard at sometimes
Thank you! Im used to working on my classic, cant see a thing in these newer cars ! Nice to get a view b4 hand! I am the Mom! I used your videos before better than most!
Eric, those radiator hoses usually utilize an inner O ring to seal. If you put a little silicone paste on them they will go on and off much better. Nice video!
Watched a few other videos and this one is by far the most thorough, thanks!
I have learned many many things from Eric, Thank you so much..........but what do you do if those bolts don't want to come out? I'm thinking of changing my thermo before winter hits
Good thinking on the anti-seize. I use it all the time on anything that causes the sphincter factor taking it apart. I own vehicles for way too long, and it's likely I'll have to go back where I've been years later when things are twice as rusty. Other than the fact that it's messy, it helps.
I wish i lived near you totally love your tutorials so through and well explained not to mention humorous thanks
"Eric, you're doing it wrong!" LOL I enjoyed this video, great job. And yeah, those plastic pieces would definitely make me a little nervous.
Love the Vids you make the most simple things real entertaining keep up the great work...
Eric... watch all the time. We have the identical car. That being said, I live in South Florida so I always know whatever job you do will be twice as hard as mine because I don't have all that rust.... thank god.
Eric, Your videos are great and you explain everything really well, it helps a lot, Thanks so much. By the way, what kind of tires do you have on your Element?🌟👍
I recently replaced the thermostat on an EP3 Si ('03) with a K20 that was very similar to this. No hyperbole--it was the most frustrating thing I've ever experienced in 15+ years of maintaining my own cars. The Si had almost 17 years of Ohio rust on all three thermostat mounting bolts, so the heads stripped even with those special "rusted bolt" sockets. I ended up just busting up the plastic thermostat housing into several pieces to gain more bolt surface area to grip. Even the catharsis of breaking the old thermostat I had been fighting with for hours was tempered by how damn hard it was to get to.
Luckily I had the foresight to order new bolts from Honda (that cost way too much), so it only ate up most of my day.
Hey eric! I got a recommendation, try making your own penetrating fluid, 50/50 mix of atf and acetone, heard its as good if not better than the penetrating fluid you buy at the store, learned that trick from a older mechanic
I enjoy your videos. Even if I don't have the vehicle your working on. Although I do have a 04 Honda CRV and my father has an 06 Honda Element my sister has an 07 CRV and my niece has a 06 CRV. But I fully agree with you with putting anti seize on fasteners makes it so much easier if it ever has to come off again. Thanks for the videos.
7:47 Down the wrist around the elbow and to the arm pit, YOW !!. Great video Erick and Brian. Sure did learn a lot about the Element. TTFN... Angelo.
Yow Thanks Bro!! im nervous about those fasteners BUT you’re walk-thru gave me some confidence. salute
Hey Eric i first want to say i love your videos their my favorite diy car repair vids. So my question is will the 2003 civic si ep3 hatch throw a signal when the thermostat goes bad or is that in the newer years? Whats the name part number for your handy flexy hose clamy tool?
Another great learning experience Erwic!
Hello Eric: what mileage is recommended according to you replacing the thermostat on this Honda ? thank you
What's the best way to prevent the a/c black death? Is there a certain brand compressor that won't blow up?
We don't have basements in Texas
Yeah, and my mom died years ago. ;)
Mac& cheese is OK.
This was such an excellent detailed video !!! It also helped me out . Thanks and much appreciated for your time and excellence!!👍👍👍👍. What brand is that long handle Pliers you were using? Thank you
Hello Rick, I have a quick question for you. Do both fans need to come on when we follow your process?
I did this exact procedure last year on my '02 CR-V. Mine was a little different, I didn't have the plastic piece that went onto the thermostat housing. The radiator hose with clamp just went right onto the thermostat.
This must have been recorded some time ago, the fairmont still has it's old front wheels on it.
Good eye.
hi, do you know at what temp the fan should activate? Im running a bluetooth obd2 module and the fan isnt coming on when its at 85C. If I turn on the AC both fans come on. The other night I got home and you could hear what sounded like bubbling from somewhere in the engine bay, Im thinking that on an 09 civic its maybe time for a new thermostat and switch?
I'll have you know that I ate pasta while I watched this repair that you did wrong!
Kidding shade-tree here and always love little tips here and there while watching over the years.
Since k24 are timing chain, is that means you don't need to replace the water pump or when is the time you have to change the water pump?
Hi Eric i have a 2008 honda element sc how much rad fluid do I need to do a flush i am going to replace both hoses and the thermostat
Do you think I should replace my t stat? It’s original 2010 175k Camry LE. Coolant was changed once at around 100k miles. But nothing else was changed in the cooling system.
Eric! What apend if leak on base of termostate??? what we do? i got this problem now!
Eric is at his best working on a Honda.
I gotta get one of those hose clamp tools , I had a hell of a time replacing the heater control valve on my Chevy Express the other day
Sears has 'em.
Linked in the description.
EricTheCarGuy Thanks Big E, nothing like having the right tool for the job
Eric awesome video I just wish you do more videos on the Honda Element
Just in time! I'm replacing thermostat in my car tomorrow. Thanks :)
Maciej Kobus me too
Awesome. Good luck.
You were so right about those two bolts and clips. I ended up grinding the heads off. The clip rust melded to the threads :( Think I'm going to replace them with plastic bolts or something and hope that does the job.
Hey I just this to my 04 element but 3-5 mins in after starting the engine it bubble I had only pour 1 gallon tho and I did see some white smoke came out, the top radiator horde was extremely hot and kinda feel hard when I press on it to purge the bubble is that all normal
Man.. I spent an hour trying to find the slip joint bent pliers Eric was using. It looks like Matco PSJN11B but color is red. Mac makes similar P11HD-B. However, you can get PRO AMERICA 11" XL HEAVY DUTY #5051 for about $33 shipped, those look the same except color of the handles
Always learn great tips from Eric 😊
i was checking and replacing fuses and added a couple that were missing on my 2000 ford explorer and now no crank or start i checked all fuses and all are lighting up.
Really nice work Eric, learned a lot, thanks!
This is my top 3 car repair channel's.
#1. Chris Fix.
#2. Eric The Car Guy.
#3. A1Auto.
Also South Main Auto.
mark singer Chris fix, Eric The Car Guy, Scotty Kilmer and Ratchet and Wrenches
check out One Auto he has some great videos
stay away from skotty Killmore, he is a hack.
motoYam82 is quickly becoming one of my favorites as well. Ivan is pretty sharp, he's much more of an electrical guy than mechanical, though.
So if I’m having over heating issues but I’m not get any codes, would that point to a fan or electrical issues?
(I have a 2003 element).
EricTheCarGuy: What kind of penetrating oil do you us?
I turn the heater fan on to confirm proper heat coming out of the vents at a consistent temperature and to ensure the heating system indeed works after working on the cooling system, but probably more relevant with a full flush (including the core).
If im not mistaken, this is the same thermostat that my 2005 Civic Si EP3 uses. Also same layout. Bit of a pain to replace. Yes Hondas use blue coolant. Best thing is to use Honda coolant. Along with OEM thermostat and radiator cap.
Hey Eric I have an 2008 Element EX model is this the same procedure to change out my Thermostat?
That funnel is one of the best tool purchases I have ever made.
Tim Johnson I used a vacuum method last time. It was fun.
Hey man,.any advice on massive oil leak due to oil pressure switch on a 2003 element? Repair shop replaced it twice...still leaks. Thanks
So Im working on a 2002 CRV where the temperature doesn't come up to full operating temperature and everyone said the thermostat is stuck open. So I changed it and it's doing the same thing. Any other ideas? I also noticed the radiator cap was leaking and I also changed that.
sphincter factor five! By far the funniest thing i've ever heard you say. Thank you!
Lol i was sphincter factor six when i nearly got hit head on by another car today
Can the drain free funnel be used on vehicles with just a coolant tank and no radiator cap? Or is it not needed? And do you do the same process for bleeding on ones with tanks as you did here or does the tank actually help with bleeding?
If the system uses an expansion tank, I use the expansion tank like I use this funnel if that makes sense.
Eric who makes those sweet slip joint needle nose you used to take the hose clamp off? Mac?
will the thermostat through out a code for intake air leak if not working rite
Hey Eric what do you think about Evans coolant?and would you use it
Great videos Eric keep them coming.!
hi from Venezuela, I have my crv 2006 (110.000mi) but went i turn on the AC the engine start to vibrate but the rpm its fine (700-750) what could be the problem? (the engine mount are new) thx 4 the videos
Do you have to use hondabond on the o rings for the T stat / housing and even the water pump? Or leave it dry? For assembly.
Never do that. Let the gasket do the work.
EricTheCarGuy Thank you! Your an awesome person I’ve learned a lot from you. My 2005 accord 2.4 needs the housing and Thermostat replaced and I’m going to replace the water pump while I’m doing this as a precaution, ALL are OEM, HONDA parts. I noticed they all have O-rings for gaskets haven’t had much experience with these just wanted to make sure no sealer. For these.
Thank you again ETCG.
Great video Eric!!!! Not nearly as bad as replacing the starter witch I did over the weekend. Honda could have did a better design on some of the components but they are good cars. Thanks!!!!
can u please upload some videos about ECU(how to check etc...)
Also can someone tell me if the oem element Thermostat has some sore on brand or writing on it mines only have on the side PAA-GF4 just want to see it this is aftermarket or oem tnks
another great repair video, I do have a serious question. If that thermostat is such a pain to get to, and the car is 13 years old.. why not go ahead and change the hose as well?
sure would
Hey Eric cool video and great camera work...amazing!!! I have a 2002 Nissan Nv with 99,000 km on it here in Thailand. I just had the whole cooling system overhauled, all new hoses, radiator and it looked like they put some white sealant on the water pump? Do you think that maybe the guys just chucked the thermostat because it's such a hot climate here? Didn't see any charge for one on the bill. And do you have any idea if an NV has a timing chain or belt? I've always heard chain cause it's like a truck (actually more like a little El Camino!) Cool little car actually...ever heard of it? Thanks for your videos...really like them...stay warm and DIRTY!!!! ))))
Question why is the lower radiator hose connects to the thermostat and the upper hose is hot
I'm not sure if this will get answered but i have a 2003 honda crv and it looks like i have a small collent leak at the thermaste housing is this something that happens or might it be something else
i have a picture but cant share it
Can you show me how to change the shift solinoid on a Honda Element???
Do all K series engines have a plastic thermostat housing?
I take offense to the mom's basement comment. I got upgraded to the attic thank you very much. Big baller on the upper level homie.
Not sure if you guys cares but if you're bored like me atm you can watch all the latest series on Instaflixxer. Been watching with my gf for the last few weeks =)
@Theo Sergio yea, I've been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D
Hey i have a question i have a 04 element just replaced my radiator cause of leak on left side right of reservoir everything back together leaking in the same spot
Also i have heat
man i miss you posting regularly but thanks for the vid i feel like your apprentice
I still post every Friday. Are your notifications turned on?
EricTheCarGuy swear yeah man i have the little bell on and everything but i never see your vids show up anymore
I don't doubt you at all. YT has been doing things like this for a while now. Not much I can do really except say that I post every Friday on ETCG if nothing else. Sometimes I also post on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but always Fridays.
Eric need that tool for the plastic clips please send the link for the tool.... cheers mate
I like the spring clamp hose clamps much better than the stainless steel screw type. The automatic taking up of the grip is very nice not to have to retighten clamps over time.
This is like a Honda sitcom complete with laughter, pain, and an outcome that leads to another episode....
I don't have one of those nifty bench vices. So how can I pop that connector off? Everything else was a breeze but this! HELP!!!!!
You're lucky!!!
I had to do a thermostat once on a Renault Vel Satis. The bumper, headlight, radiator and ac condenser had to come off. After that I had to use a 5 foot prybar to pry the thermostat off. When it came off flying through the shop I got a coolant shower (and drink).
I swore never to do a thermostat on a Vel Satis ever again.
I usually put good silicone paste to that hose joint O ring there. That because they are always "rusted" together and in most cases pain in butt to disconnect each other.
Is this the same for a 2001 honda crv
My element overheats but doesn't throw a code? Could it be a bad radiator or fan?
refreshing video, Eric
Eric was there a thermostat gasket built in to the piece or does it not use one?
Built in. That was the 'o' ring.
Eric I have a new 'safe for work' curse word when things go wrong, 'BUMHATS!'
18:55 Eric is straight up savage. lol. I'm sure he gets tired of the keyboard mechanics though :)
Thank you eric for the video, you saving my sister law money great video
Hi Eric! What's sphincter factor 5????
If you have an aircompressor the air evac method is the best way to fill and not get air bubbles, also to check for leaks (if you loose vacuum)
So it may have been a good idea to mark the hose and the plastic connector before you removed it so you didnt have to wonder and fight the orientation for re-installment.