Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2005 Honda Element 2WD L4-2.4LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Data Link Connector: Testing and Inspection
DLC Circuit Troubleshooting
NOTE:
- If the ECM/PCM does not communicate with the HDS or I/M test equipment, do this troubleshooting procedure.
- Check that MIL circuit is normal, then do this troubleshooting.
1. Measure voltage between DLC terminal No.16 and body ground.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 2.
NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No.16 and the No.9 BACK UP (10 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
2. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.4 and No.16.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 3.
NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No.4 and body ground (G451).
3. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.5 and No.16.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 4.
NO - Repair open in the wire between the ECM/PCM (E3) and DLC terminal No.5.
4. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
5. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.5 and No.7.
Is there 8.5 V or more?
YES - Go to step 11.
NO - Go to step 6.
6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
7. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
8. Disconnect ECM/PCM connector E (31P).
9. Check for continuity between DLC terminal No.7 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES - Repair short to ground in the wire between DLC terminal No.7 and the ECM/PCM (E23). After repairing the wire, check for a DTC with the HDS, then go to the DTC Troubleshooting.
NO - Go to step 10.
10. Check for continuity between DLC terminal No.7 and ECM/PCM terminal E23.
Is there continuity?
YES - Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM, then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM.
NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No.7 and the ECM/PCM (E23). After repairing the wire, check for a DTC with the HDS, then go to the DTC Troubleshooting.
11. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
12. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
13. Disconnect ECM/PCM connector E (31P).
14. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
15. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.5 and No.7.
Is there 0 V?
YES - Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM, then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM.
NO - Repair short to power in the wire between DLC terminal No.7 and the ECM/PCM (E23). After repairing the wire, check for a DTC with the HDS, then go to the DTC Troubleshooting.
NOTE:
- If the ECM/PCM does not communicate with the HDS or I/M test equipment, do this troubleshooting procedure.
- Check that MIL circuit is normal, then do this troubleshooting.
1. Measure voltage between DLC terminal No.16 and body ground.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 2.
NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No.16 and the No.9 BACK UP (10 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
2. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.4 and No.16.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 3.
NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No.4 and body ground (G451).
3. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.5 and No.16.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 4.
NO - Repair open in the wire between the ECM/PCM (E3) and DLC terminal No.5.
4. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
5. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.5 and No.7.
Is there 8.5 V or more?
YES - Go to step 11.
NO - Go to step 6.
6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
7. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
8. Disconnect ECM/PCM connector E (31P).
9. Check for continuity between DLC terminal No.7 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES - Repair short to ground in the wire between DLC terminal No.7 and the ECM/PCM (E23). After repairing the wire, check for a DTC with the HDS, then go to the DTC Troubleshooting.
NO - Go to step 10.
10. Check for continuity between DLC terminal No.7 and ECM/PCM terminal E23.
Is there continuity?
YES - Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM, then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM.
NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No.7 and the ECM/PCM (E23). After repairing the wire, check for a DTC with the HDS, then go to the DTC Troubleshooting.
11. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
12. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
13. Disconnect ECM/PCM connector E (31P).
14. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
15. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No.5 and No.7.
Is there 0 V?
YES - Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM, then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM.
NO - Repair short to power in the wire between DLC terminal No.7 and the ECM/PCM (E23). After repairing the wire, check for a DTC with the HDS, then go to the DTC Troubleshooting.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.