Dashboard: Removal & Installation Honda Element I

Driver's Pocket Removal/Installation

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 50

Scheme 51

1. Reach under the dashboard, and push on lock tabs (A) to release the cruise control main switch (B), then remove the switch and disconnect the connector (C).
2. Reach through the cruise control switch hole and push on lock tab (D) and remove the switch lid (E).
3. From under the dash, remove the screws (A, B) securing the driver's pocket (C).
4. While pulling out on the bottom edge of the dashboard (D), remove the pocket.
5. Install the pocket in the reverse order of removal, and make sure the switch connector is plugged in properly.

Driver's Vent Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. The passenger's vent is similar.

Scheme 52

1. Apply protective tape around the related parts to prevent damage. Carefully insert the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set next to the clips, and detach the clips by prying on the driver's vent (A). Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.
2. Pull out on the driver's vent, then remove it.
3. Install the driver's vent by pushing the clips into place securely.

Note. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 53

1. Pull out on the driver's outer dashboard trim (A) to release the clips and hooks (B) from the dashboard.
2. Install the dashboard trim in the reverse order of removal, and push the clip and hook portions into place securely.

Note. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 54

1. Pull out on the driver's inner dashboard trim (A) to release the clips and hooks (B) from the dashboard.
2. Install the dashboard trim in the reverse order of removal, and push the clip and hook portions into place securely.

Center Lower Cover Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 55

1. Remove the clips (A) and detach the clips (B) then remove the center rear cover (C).
2. Install the cover the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. Push the clips into place securely.

Shift Lever Trim Removal/Installation

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Do not pry the panel surface with a flat-tip screwdriver, to prevent damage. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 56

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Scheme 58

1. Remove these items: Center lower cover (see «CENTER LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S34190710932006022100000) ) Woofer, for some models (see «SUBWOOFER (EX AND '06 EX-P MODELS)»(ref-220638-S18287127902006022100000) )
2. M/T model: Remove the shift knob (A).
3. Using the handle end of a hammer (A), carefully insert the handle through the center lower cover opening, and push on the back side of the shift lever trim (B) to start to release the clips.
4. Pull out the shift lever trim (A) to release the remaining clips (B), hooks (C), and disconnect hazard warning switch connector (D).
5. Install the panel in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Make sure each connector is plugged in properly. Push the clip and hook portions into place securely.

Center Panel Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 59

Scheme 60

1. Remove these items: Center lower cover (see «CENTER LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S34190710932006022100000) ) Shift lever trim (see «CENTER LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S34190710932006022100000) )
2. Release the lower clips in the radio panel (A) by putting a hook-snapped tool into the notches (B) and pulling out carefully. Pull out on the radio panel to release the upper clips.
3. Pull on the center panel (A) to release the clips, then disconnect the heater control unit connector (B).
4. Install the panel in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Make sure the heater control unit connector is plugged in properly. Push the clips into place securely.

Glove Box Removal/Installation

Note. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 61

Scheme 62

1. While holding the glove box (A), remove the glove box stop (B) on each side.
2. Remove the bolts, then remove the glove box (A).
3. Install the glove box in the reverse order of removal.

Note. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 63

1. Remove the passenger's dashboard under cover (A). 1 Gently pull down the rear edge to release the clips. 2 Pull the cover away to release the pins (B) from the holders (C).
2. Install the cover in the reverse order of removal, and push the clip portions into place securely.

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 64

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Scheme 66

1. Open the passenger's door, and gently pull out on the front of the dashboard side lid (A) to release the hooks (B), then remove the lid.
2. Remove the dashboard upper panel (A). 1 Remove the screws (B). 2 Gently pull out on the panel to release the clips (C) and hook (D).
3. Remove the dashboard tray cover (A). 1 Remove the screws. 2 Gently pull out on the cover to release the hooks (B).
4. Install the cover and panel in the reverse order of removal, and push the clips and hooks into place securely.

Note. Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Scheme 67

1. Remove the glove box stop on each side, then lower the glove box (see step 1 ).
2. Remove the dashboard lower panel (A). 1 Remove the screws (B). 2 Gently pull out the panel to release the clips (C) and hooks (D).
3. Install the panel in the reverse order of removal, and push the clips into place securely.

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before performing repairs or service.

Note. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Have an assistant help you when removing and installing the dashboard. Take care not to scratch the dashboard, body, and other related parts. Put on gloves to protect your hands.

Scheme 68

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1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the preset buttons.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and wait at least 3 minutes before beginning work.
3. Remove these items: Driver's dashboard lower cover (see «DRIVER'S DASHBOARD LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S27644829882006022100000) ) Glove box (see «GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S26723889242006022100000) ) Passenger's dashboard under cover (see «GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S26723889242006022100000) ) Center lower cover (see «CENTER LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S34190710932006022100000) ) Passenger's vent (see «DRIVER'S VENT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S04818242732006022100000) ) A-pillar trim, both sides (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - DOOR AREAS»(ref-220595-S41722068182006022100000) ) Kick panel, passenger's side (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - DOOR AREAS»(ref-220595-S41722068182006022100000) ) Steering column (see «STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-220584-S00802215102006022000000) ) A/T model: Disconnect the A/T control cable (see «SHIFT LEVER REMOVAL»(ref-220581-S12329737862006022000000) ) M/T model: Disconnect shift cable (see «GEARSHIFT MECHANISM REPLACEMENT»(ref-220579-S24027061262006022000000) ) Woofer, for some models (see «SUBWOOFER (EX AND '06 EX-P MODELS)»(ref-220638-S18287127902006022100000) ) Driver's side
4. From under the dash, disconnect the tweeter harness connector (A) (on some models), driver's door wire harness connectors (B), brake switch connector (C), and clutch switch connectors (D) (on M/T model). Disconnect the engine compartment wire harness connectors (E) from the under-dash fuse/relay box (F). Middle portion
5. Disconnect the SRS control unit connector (A), floor wire harness connectors (B), and engine compartment wire harness connectors (C). Passenger's side
6. From under the dash, disconnect the passenger's door wire harness connectors (A), antenna lead (B), ECM/PCM connectors (C), engine wire harness connector (D), heater subharness connectors (E), and passenger's airbag connector (F). Disconnect the amplifier connectors (G), and release the wire harness protector (H) from the amplifier (I) (on some models).
7. Detach all of the harness and connector clips.
8. Remove the bolts (A, B, C) and nut (D), then lift up on the dashboard (E) to release it from the guide pins (F, G) on the body.
9. Carefully remove the dashboard through the front door opening.
10. Remove the center frame mounting bolts (H), then remove the center bracket (I) from the center frame (J).
11. Install the dashboard in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Make sure the dashboard fits onto the guide pins correctly. Apply liquid thread lock to the center frame mounting bolts before reinstallation. Reinstall the center bracket on the center frame, and slightly tighten the mounting bolts. Reinstall the dashboard on the body. After tightening both dashboard mounting bolts and nut, tighten the center bracket mounting bolts and center frame mounting bolts. Before tightening the bolts, make sure each wire harness is not pinched. Make sure the connectors are plugged in properly, and the antenna lead is connected properly. Reconnect the negative cable to battery. Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the audio presets. Reset the clock. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure (see «ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE»(ref-220572-S08440202922006022000000) ). Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see «RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT»(ref-220630-S35739607722006022100000) ).

Steering Hanger Beam Replacement

Note. Have an assistant help you when removing and installing the steering hanger beam. Take care not to scratch the dashboard. Put on gloves to protect your hands.

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1. Remove the dashboard (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD LOWER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S15624901712006022100000) ).
2. Remove these items from the dashboard: Driver's dashboard panel (see «DRIVER'S DASHBOARD PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220597-S15735185712006022100000) ) Gauge assembly (see «GAUGE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT»(ref-220622-S01752200552006022100000) ) Shift lever, A/T model (see «SHIFT LEVER REMOVAL»(ref-220581-S30035711752006022000000) ), M/T model (see «GEARSHIFT MECHANISM REPLACEMENT»(ref-220579-S24027061262006022000000) ) Audio unit (see «AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220638-S25973868202006022100000) ) Passenger's airbag (see «FRONT PASSENGER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(ref-220642-S39124415112006022100000) )
3. Remove the bolts (A) from the dashboard.
4. Detach the harness clips (B) securing the antenna lead (C) and hazard warning switch wire harness (D).
5. From the back of the dashboard, remove the screws (A).
6. Disconnect the accessory power socket connector (B), auxiliary jack connector (C), cruise control main switch connector (D).
7. With the help of an assistant, separate the dashboard and steering hanger beam.
8. Install the beam in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Make sure the dashboard wire harness is not pinched. Make sure the connectors are plugged in properly.