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You can reset the computer on your Honda Element right from your home garage, saving yourself a trip to the mechanic. The Honda Element is equipped with an onboard diagnostics (OBD) computer, which receives and stores trouble codes from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. When it receives one of these codes, it alerts you by illuminating a warning or service light on the instrument panel. Once you have had the problem looked at and fixed, you or your mechanic will need to reset the computer in order to shut off the lights and keep your vehicles computer functioning properly.

Instructions

1

Find a port under the dashboard on the drivers side of the vehicle that is the same size and shape as the connector on the OBD code scanner. Plug the scanner into the port.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position but dont start the engine. The vehicles power turns on the scanner. Let the scanner read the trouble codes.

3

Press the "reset" or similar command on the face of the scanner to reset the vehicles computer. Unplug the scanner and shut off the vehicle.

4

Wait 60 seconds then start the engine. Verify that the warning and service lights have shut off on the vehicles instrument panel.

The headlights on a car can become faded over time. You can easily replace the headlights on a Honda Accord with projector lights. Projector lights provide more visibility with a wide range of light showing, and are especially useful when driving at night. You install the projector lights in the same manner as the regular headlights.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Honda Accord. There is usually a button inside of the car. Push the button to release the hood. A latch is located in the middle of the hood underneath the edge. Push the latch and then lift up the hood. Make sure the hood is held up securely with the holder in the car, or by some other means, to ensure the hood does not fall when you are under it.

2

Use a 10 mm wrench to loosen the bolts on top of the bumper to remove it. Once the bumper is removed, put it to the side.

3

Disconnect the wires that are on the back of the headlights. Remove the bulbs from the inside of the lens assembly. Remove these by turning and pulling them out.

4

Loosen the bolts on the top and bottom of the lens assembly and remove it using a 10 mm wrench.

5

Insert the projector light in the same place you just took out the headlights, and screw it in using the same bolts you just removed. Connect the wires to the back of the projector light with the wires you just disconnected from the headlight, and then put the bulbs back into place.

6

Test the lights to make sure they work. If you are satisfied, place the bumper back on the car by putting it back into the same position, align the bolts and asten them using the 10 mm wrench.

You can find the code for your 2000 Honda CR-V right at home. The 2000 Honda CR-V comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics I computer (OBD-I) that retrieves and stores trouble codes sent to it from various sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. When the computer receives a code, it illuminates a service or warning light on the instrument panel. You can retrieve these codes with a small, computerized device called an OBD I code scanner, available at auto-parts stores or online.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port on the underside of the drivers-side dashboard near the steering column. Its the same size and shape as the end of the OBD-I code scanner.

2

Plug the scanner into this OBD port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position, but dont start the engine.

4

Wait for the scanner to turn itself on. Some code scanners have to be manually turned on, so you may have to find the "on/off" switch.

5

Select the command "Retrieve Codes" or something similar -- it varies by scanner brand -- and wait for the code scanner to carry out the command. Write the codes it retrieves down on a piece of paper.

6

Look up the codes in the scanners manual. Unplug the scanner from the port and have the vehicle serviced or repaired based on the diagnostic information obtained from the codes.

The purpose of the intake valves on 1996 Hondas is to push air through the engine. The fuel and air mixture inside the engine is altered if a valve is burnt; this might cause the car to overheat. The engine might suffer irreparable damage -- and require an overhaul -- if it stays too hot for too long.

Instructions

1

Drive the car around the block. Listen to the sound of the engine and note its operation. A burnt valve causes engine movement that might be felt inside the cab. Listen for any ticking sounds; these are indicative of a burnt valve.

2

Turn off the engine and open the hood. Inspect the the cars valves for burns or cracks. The valves are large metallic cylinders located on top of the engine.

3

Unplug the vacuum hose that runs into the intake manifold. This is the metallic piece around the valves. Plug the end of the hose into a vacuum gauge. Turn on the Honda and look at the gauge. If the needle bounces, the vehicle likely has a burnt valve.

The Honda CRF 150F is a lightweight motorcycle designed for off-road use. Its small, fast-running, four-stroke engine -- the recommended idle speed is 1,400 rpm -- generates a lot of heat. It requires quality oil and regular maintenance. Honda warns that using too little oil or the wrong oil is one of the most frequent causes of expensive engine repairs.

Types of engine oil

The CRF 150F engine takes SAE 10W40 motorcycle oil. Specifically, the company recommends using its own Pro Honda GN4 or HP4 four-stroke oil or an equivalent.

Look for an oil that conforms to the MA class JASO T 903 standard. The JASO T 903 standard is an index to help you choose a quality oil. Its easy to spot by the prominent "MA" on the label.

Do not use non-detergent, vegetable, or castor-based racing oils. Do not use oils that are labeled "energy conserving" with the API rating.

Synthetic oils are acceptable.

Engine oil capacity

The 2003 model of the 150F takes 1.1 quarts of oil if you are changing oil. If you are breaking down the bike, youll need 1.3 quarts.

Frequency of oil changes

Change the oil if your bike has been in storage for four months or longer. You should also change oil after every 20 to 30 hours of running time.

Other lubrication

To keep the drive chain lubricated, use Pro Honda Chain Lube or an equivalent, or SAE 80 or 90 gear oil.

Use Pro Honda Foam Filter Oil or an equivalent for the air cleaner.

Honda engines, like all engines, can be prone to problems. Some are common to a certain model or make, while others are simply isolated incidents. Engine recalls have been issued on certain models due to structural or performance errors in the past and the present.

Honda Civic Problems

The 2001 Honda Civic has had at least 23 engine complaints. Problems include engine failure, stalling, computer failure, cracked manifold and reports of it burning oil.

Honda Odyssey Problems

The 2007 Honda Odyssey has at least seven known engine problems. These problems include excessive noise, premature battery death, "pinging" noises, oil leaks and starting failures.

Honda Accord Problems

The 2008 Honda Accord has had at least 107 engine problems attributed to it. Problems include excessive oil consumption, grinding noises, bad gas mileage, loss of power, difficulties starting in cold weather and power loss during acceleration.

Hot weather can impede your 1984 Honda from starting properly if the coolant has not been monitored properly. Heat can also cause a battery to die out because the car will be running the air conditioning all the time. Your 1984 Honda could also cease to start if you have a clog in your fuel system. All of these can be diagnosed with minimal knowledge of your Accord. You dont have to be a mechanic to get your car running again.

Instructions

1

Put your key into the Accord and turn the ignition. Look to the dashboard to see if the control panel is lighting up. Make a not of the fuel levels and the battery level when your turn the ignition.

2

Fill the car with fuel if your gas gauge shows that the tank is empty.

3

Open the car hood and look at the connections to the battery. Reconnect the terminals if the battery terminals have come loose.

4

Use another car and a set of jumper wires to start the Accord. Connect the jumper wires to the battery according to the "+" and the "-" signs on the wires. Connect the other ends to the battery on the other car.

5

Start the other car and then try to start your Accord. Leave the Accord running and then turn it off after 15 minutes. Try to restart the car. If the Accord does not restart, replace the battery.

6

Turn the ignition and press the gas pedal all the way to the floorboard of the Accord. This will stop the throttle sensor from adding gas to the engine and clear your fuel plugs. Try to start the car with the fuel plugs cleared.

Alternators transform mechanical energy into electrical energy providing your cars battery and most of the electrical mechanism within your vehicle with a steady stream of power. If your Honda Civics alternator has failed, you need to replace it immediately because it will quickly drain your battery, eventually preventing you from being able to start your car. With some mechanical inclination and a little elbow grease just about anyone can remove and replace the alternator of a 2003 Honda Civic.

Instructions

1

Write down the anti-theft code for the radio and all of the frequencies that correspond to the radios preset buttons.

2

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then disconnect the positive cable. Raise the front end of the car on the jack stands.

3

Remove the front bumper by unscrewing the series of screws holding together located on its underside. Remove the right side headlight and remove the reserve tank from the bracket.

4

Remove the drive belt by relieving the tension and gently sliding the belt off. Remove the three bolts securing the alternator. Disconnect the alternator connector and the BLK wire. Remove the alternator.

5

Replace the alternator with a new one in the reverser order.

6

Connect the positive cable and then the negative cable to the battery. Input the anti-theft code into the radio and the frequencies corresponding to the radios preset buttons. Set the clock.

7

Porm the (ECM) idle learn procedure: turn off all electrical items are off (A/C, lights, radio, etc.); start the engine, put the car into neutral and hold it at 3000 RPM until the radiator fan comes on or the engine coolant temperature reaches 194 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 degrees Celsius; let the engine idle for five minutes.

A faulty fuel pump will cause an engine to stall, hesitate and perform poorly. Malfunctions with the actual fuel pump itself or its electrical components may lead to situations where the engine simply wont start. The Honda Civics fuel pump is controlled by several electrical fuses. Blown fuses are an additional cause of a fuel pump malfunction and engine failure. Troubleshooting the fuel pump on a Honda Civic involves proper fuel filter maintenance, listening for noises when attempting to start the engine and checking the electrical fuses.

Instructions

1

Attempt to start the vehicle. Listen for sounds of the engine attempting to crank. Open the hood of the vehicle and the oil cap. Crank the engine again and check for movement within the oil filler nozzle. Turn the cars ignition switch to the "on" position if there is movement within the oil filler nozzle. Make sure the check engine light comes on and off. Listen for a click relay sound when the check engine light turns off. Listen for a whining sound from the fuel pump.

2

Turn the Hondas ignition switch to the lock position prior to checking the fuse box. Turn off the headlights and any accessories that might be electrically powered. Check the electronic fuel injection main relay. Open the under-hood fuse box located on the drivers side, next to the brake fluid. Push on the two tabs located on each side of the boxs cover. Consult the diagram on the lid of the fuse box to determine which fuse controls the ignition system. Check all other fuses as a precaution.

3

Check each fuse in the under-hood box by performing a visual inspection of the inside wires. Use a screwdriver to remove each fuse as necessary. Take the fuse puller from the back of the under-hood fuse box puller and use it to pull each smaller fuse out of the box.

4

Locate the interior fuse box underneath the cars steering column. Use the fuse box puller to check all fuses in the interior fuse box. Look for blown wires inside each fuse. Replace blown fuses with a spare or a replacement. Locate spare fuses on the back of the under-hood fuse box cover. Replace fuses with a fuse of the same rating in order to ensure that a repeat blowout does not occur.

5

Take the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer to perform computerized tests on the fuel pump if the fuses are determined to be working properly. Change the fuel filter if comfortable prior to taking the car to an authorized dealer.

Replacing a headlamp on a Honda Civic is necessary if the lenses become foggy, cracked or damaged. Effective headlamps are crucial for highway safety not only to yourself but to other drivers. Replacement can be done at home and generally within less than 30 minutes. There are two different types of Honda Civic headlamps to choose from: an all-in-one headlamp that comes as a whole unit with light bulb included, and a halogen type for light bulb replacement only.

Instructions

1

Secure your car by pulling up the emergency brake. Do not work on a downward slope for added safety.

2

Open the hood of the car by releasing the hood latch located on the drivers side under the left side of the dash near the steering wheel. Secure the hood with the hood bar to prevent it from falling on you while you are working.

3

Identify the metal band that is holding your headlamp into position and loosen the screws with your Phillips screwdriver. Place the screws into a small cup to prevent losing them.

4

Remove the metal band and set to the side. Disconnect the light bulb plugs attached to the light bulbs within the headlamp.

5

Pull back the rubber covering on the headlamp and remove the headlamp from the car.

6

Reconnect the light bulb plugs to the new all-in-one headlamp and place into the open slot of your car. Reattach the rubber covering and the metal band. Reinsert the screws and turn on your lights to test them before closing the hood.

The 1998 Honda Passport did not come standard with electric windows, but some models included an optional feature. Models equipped with electric windows have a window switch attached to the door armrest. In time, this switch may fail, as do many electronic parts. When that happens, replace the window switch to restore your ability to raise and lower the windows.

Instructions

1

Turn the bolt or nut on the Passports negative battery cable counterclockwise to loosen it. Pull the cable from the battery to disconnect it.

2

Open the door. The drivers side door contains the master window switch, but there are also window switches on the other doors. The procedure to replace the switches is the same.

3

Cover the tip of a flathead screwdriver with masking tape. Insert the tip under the front edge of the window switch. Pry up to pop the front section of the window switch out of the door armrest. Move around the switchs perimeter, gently prying up to free the switch.

4

Pull the switch away from the door armrest. Examine the rear. Youll find an electrical plug attached to the back. Push the plugs tab to unlock it, and then unplug it from the switch. Set the old switch to the side.

5

Grab the new window switch. Plug the electrical plug into its rear. Set it into the door armrest mount.

6

Push the edges of the switch down firmly to secure it to the door panel armrest. Place the negative battery cable back onto the battery post and tighten its nut or bolt.

Excessive shaking during acceleration or when driving up hills can point to a broken front motor mount on the Honda Odyssey. The motor mount is located in the center of the engine compartment, between the lower part of the motor and radiator. Examine the mount from under the engine compartment. If the rubber is cracked, replace the motor mount before the vibrations cause any other parts on the Odyssey to fail.

Instructions

1

Drive both front wheels of the Odyssey onto ramps. Secure wheel chocks behind both rear wheels. (Alternatively, raise both front wheels with a jack and secure them on jack stands.) Open the hood of the Odyssey.

2

Place a jack under the oil pan, with a scrap of wood between the jack and the oil pan. Raise the jack slightly until the wood touches the pan.

3

Remove the four bolts below the front motor mount with a socket wrench. Remove the one nut above the front motor mount.

4

Raise the jack under the oil pan until the top motor mount bolt is free from the motor. Secure a jack stand or additional wood under the motor as a safety precaution.

5

Remove the motor mount by lifting and sliding sideways, up and out. Replace with a new front motor mount.

6

Replace the four bolts under the front motor mount and secure to finger tightness. Remove the jack stand from under the motor. Lower the jack slowly, allowing the upper motor mount bolt to slide into the front mount bracket. Remove the jack and wood.

7

Replace the upper motor mount bolt and tighten to 40 ft-lbs. (54 N-m). Tighten the four lower bolts to 28 ft-lbs. (38 N-m).

The Honda Civic was designed for economy and comfort. It has become one of the most reliable Japanese cars on the market. If you have issues with your Honda, you might think you need to take it to a mechanic rather than troubleshooting the problem yourself. If your temperature gauge is not working correctly, you can troubleshoot it right at home. This way you can tell your mechanic what you found or fix it yourself. Either way, youll save money.

Instructions

1

Start your Honda Civic and let it warm up for a few minutes.

2

Tap your finger on the temperature gauge and see if the needle moves up. Sometimes a temperature gauge will get stuck. If it keeps sticking, you should replace it.

3

Turn off the engine and then turn the key to the second position so that the dash controls are working but the engine is off. In this position, the temperature gauge will still work while the engine is not running.

4

Open the hood and find the cooling fan, located on the back of the radiator. Follow the wires that lead from the fan to the engine coolant sensor. Wiggle the wires attached to the sensor. It might help to disconnect the wires entirely and then reconnect them. Go and look at the temperature gauge to see if it has moved.

5

Check the coolant level. Look at the coolant filler tank, next to the radiator, and make sure the coolant is at the correct level. If the coolant in the system is low, it can cause the temperature gauge to malfunction. Fill the coolant filler tank and then check the temperature gauge again. If none of these troubleshooting tips resolved the issue, the temperature sensor will need to be replaced.

Resetting the SRS system in your 1998 Honda Civic is vital when the SRS light illuminates on your instrument panel. SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System. This refers to the Hondas airbag setup. When you see this light, you need to have a professional mechanic look at the Honda and do any necessary repairs. After repairs have been completed, the mechanic should reset the light for you. If not, you can reset the light yourself at home without the use of any special tools.

Instructions

1

Locate the fuse panel cover under the steering column. Open it by pulling down on the top of the fuse panel cover with your fingers.

2

Find a yellow electrical connector. Pull it out of the fuse panel. This is the SRS connector.

3

Bend a paperclip into a straight line. Touch one end of the paperclip to one terminal in the SRS connector and touch the other end of the paperclip to the other terminal. This will electrically jump the terminals and reset the SRS light.

4

Put the yellow connector back into the fuse box and close the panel.

The oxygen sensor on your Honda Civic is a little electronic device that measures the emissions in your cars exhaust and forwards the information to your Civics on-board computer. The computer then takes those measurements and adjusts the fuel-and-air mixture pumped into the combustion chambers of the engine so as to keep harmful emissions as low as possible. When an oxygen sensor breaks, the computer is unable to determine the proper mixture, so emissions will increase. This can be harmful to the environment and can prove expensive to repair.

Instructions

1

Lift your Civic off the ground using the jack. Because of the oxygen sensors locations on your exhaust manifold, youll need to be under the car to reach them. And because the Civic is so low to the ground, you will not be able to reach the sensors without raising the car.

2

Settle your Civic onto jackstands so that you can work under the car safely without only the jack serving to support the vehicle.

3

Locate your oxygen sensors by starting at the back of the exhaust system and working your way toward the front of the car. The Civic has two oxygen sensors, one located immediately before the catalytic converter and the other located farther up the exhaust manifold past the catalytic converter. They will look like fat golden or brass pegs with a large wire coming out of the tips.

4

Unplug the sensors wire from where it is plugged into the cars wiring harness. Take care not to damage the electrical socket, as doing so may keep your new sensor from working correctly.

5

Use your wrench or ratchet and socket to unscrew the oxygen sensor from the exhaust manifold.

6

Apply WD-40--or a similar lubricating substance--to the threads of the oxygen sensor to ensure a smooth installation.

7

Screw the new oxygen sensor into the exhaust manifold and tighten it down securely. Plug the new sensors wire back into the electrical socket mentioned in step 4.

8

Repeat steps 3 through 7 for the other oxygen sensor.

9

Raise your Civic off the jackstands, then lower it down to the ground.

Removing the alternator from the engine compartment in your 1997 Honda CR-V may be necessary if the alternator is bad or if you need to access another part of the engine sitting in front of it. The alternator is located on the right side of the engine and sits down low, near the crankshaft pulley. If you suspect there is a problem with the alternator, you can have it bench-tested at most auto parts stores once it is removed from the car.

Instructions

1

Remove the retaining bolt from the negative battery cable end where it meets the battery with a wrench. Remove the cable from the battery and isolate it from the battery terminals.

2

Locate the two electrical connectors on the rear of the alternator. Unplug the four-prong connector and set it aside. Remove the nut from the terminal on the back of the alternator then remove the battery wire from the terminal. Set the battery wire off to one side and thread the nut loosely onto the terminal for safekeeping.

3

Remove the lock nut on the upper mounting bolt at the front of the alternator with a socket and ratchet then slide the upper bolt out of the alternator.

4

Unscrew the lock nut on the lower mounting bolt with the socket and ratchet, push the alternator towards the engine and remove the belt from the pulley. Slide the lower mounting bolt out of the alternator and mounting bracket then lift the alternator out of the engine compartment.

In short, the bolt pattern for a 2005 Honda Accord is 5x114.3. This number is important to know if you are replacing the wheels or getting custom wheels for the vehicle.

Definition

A bolt pattern is the imaginary circle formed by the bolts that secure a wheel in place. It is measured by how many bolts the wheel has and how many millimeters the diameter of the circle is. You can also measure the diameter in inches.

Number

Five-bolt wheels fit the 2005 Honda Accord. Spaced evenly, they make a star pattern.

Diameter

The bolt pattern diameter on 2005 Honda Accords is 114.3 millimeters, or about 4.5 inches.