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
Removal and Replacement
How to Remove the ECM/PCM for Testing
If the troubleshooting for a code requires voltage or resistance checks at the ECM/PCM connectors, remove the ECM/PCM and test it:
1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
3. Remove the passenger's dashboard under cover, the passenger's kick panel, and the glove box.
4. Cut the plastic cross brace in the glove box opening with diagonal cutters in the area shown, and discard it.
5. Remove the relays (A), then remove the bolts (B) and the glove box frame (C).
6. Remove the gray 20P ECM/PCM wire harness connector (A) from the ECM/PCM mounting bracket.
7. Disconnect the ECM/PCM connectors (B).
8. Remove the ECM/PCM mounting bolt (C) and the bracket.
9. Remove the nuts (D), then remove the ECM/PCM (E).
10. Install the ECM/PCM in the reverse order of removal.
11. Exit the SCS mode with the HDS.
12. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
NOTE: For 2005 model: DTC P0630 "VIN Not Programmed or Mismatch" will be stored because a VIN has not been programmed into the ECM/PCM, ignore it, and continue this procedure.
13. Input the VIN to the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
14. Rewrite the immobilizer code with the ECM/PCM replacement procedure in the HDS; it allows you to start the engine.
15. Reset the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
16. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure.
If the troubleshooting for a code requires voltage or resistance checks at the ECM/PCM connectors, remove the ECM/PCM and test it:
1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
3. Remove the passenger's dashboard under cover, the passenger's kick panel, and the glove box.
4. Cut the plastic cross brace in the glove box opening with diagonal cutters in the area shown, and discard it.
5. Remove the relays (A), then remove the bolts (B) and the glove box frame (C).
6. Remove the gray 20P ECM/PCM wire harness connector (A) from the ECM/PCM mounting bracket.
7. Disconnect the ECM/PCM connectors (B).
8. Remove the ECM/PCM mounting bolt (C) and the bracket.
9. Remove the nuts (D), then remove the ECM/PCM (E).
10. Install the ECM/PCM in the reverse order of removal.
11. Exit the SCS mode with the HDS.
12. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
NOTE: For 2005 model: DTC P0630 "VIN Not Programmed or Mismatch" will be stored because a VIN has not been programmed into the ECM/PCM, ignore it, and continue this procedure.
13. Input the VIN to the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
14. Rewrite the immobilizer code with the ECM/PCM replacement procedure in the HDS; it allows you to start the engine.
15. Reset the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
16. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.