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
Compression Check: Testing and Inspection
Engine Compression Inspection
NOTE: After this inspection, you must select Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (PCM) reset using the Honda PGM Tester or the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) otherwise the ECM/PCM continues to stop the fuel injectors.
1. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (cooling fan comes on).
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
3. Connect the Honda PGM Tester or the HDS to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
4. Select PGM-FI, select inspection, then select the ALL INJECTORS OFF function on the Honda PGM Tester or the HDS.
5. Remove the four ignition coils.
6. Remove the four spark plugs.
7. Attach the compression gauge to the spark plug hole.
8. Open the throttle fully, then crank the engine with the starter motor and measure the compression.
Compression Pressure: Above 930 kPa (9.5 kgf/cm2, 135 psi)
9. Measure the compression on the remaining cylinders.
Maximum variation: Within 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2, 28 psi)
10. If the compression is not within specifications, check the following items, then remeasure the compression.
- Damaged or worn valves and seats
- Damaged cylinder head gasket
- Damaged or worn piston rings
- Damaged or worn piston and cylinder bore
11. Select the ECM/PCM reset to cancel the ALL INJECTORS OFF function.
12. Perform the Crankshaft Position (CKP) pattern clear/ CKP pattern learn procedure.
13. Perform the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure.
NOTE: After this inspection, you must select Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (PCM) reset using the Honda PGM Tester or the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) otherwise the ECM/PCM continues to stop the fuel injectors.
1. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (cooling fan comes on).
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
3. Connect the Honda PGM Tester or the HDS to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
4. Select PGM-FI, select inspection, then select the ALL INJECTORS OFF function on the Honda PGM Tester or the HDS.
5. Remove the four ignition coils.
6. Remove the four spark plugs.
7. Attach the compression gauge to the spark plug hole.
8. Open the throttle fully, then crank the engine with the starter motor and measure the compression.
Compression Pressure: Above 930 kPa (9.5 kgf/cm2, 135 psi)
9. Measure the compression on the remaining cylinders.
Maximum variation: Within 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2, 28 psi)
10. If the compression is not within specifications, check the following items, then remeasure the compression.
- Damaged or worn valves and seats
- Damaged cylinder head gasket
- Damaged or worn piston rings
- Damaged or worn piston and cylinder bore
11. Select the ECM/PCM reset to cancel the ALL INJECTORS OFF function.
12. Perform the Crankshaft Position (CKP) pattern clear/ CKP pattern learn procedure.
13. Perform 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.