Intake Air System: Diagnosis Honda Element I

Throttle Body Test

Note. Do not adjust the throttle stop screw. It is preset at the factory. If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) has been reported on, check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).

1. With the engine off, check the throttle cable movement. The cable should move without binding or sticking. If the cable moves OK, go to step 2. If the cable binds or sticks, check it and its routing. If the cable is faulty, reroute it or replace it, then adjust it (see «RESONATOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220574-S23232301272006022000000) ). Go to step 2.
2. Move the throttle lever by hand to see if the throttle valve and/or shaft are too loose or too tight. If there is excessive play in the throttle valve shaft, or any binding in the throttle valve at the fully closed or fully opened position, replace the throttle body. If the throttle valve and shaft are OK, go to step 3.
3. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC).
4. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
5. Check the throttle position with the HDS. The reading should be about 0°(REL), 0 % (REL) or 0.5 V when the throttle is fully closed and about 80° (REL), 89 % (REL) or 4.5 V when the throttle is fully opened. If the throttle position is correct, the throttle body is OK. If the throttle position is not correct, replace the throttle body.

Throttle Position Sensor Signal Inspection

Note. This procedure checks the throttle position sensor in its fully closed position. In any other position, the throttle position sensor stores DTCs which are covered in other troubleshooting procedures. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS before doing this procedure. If any DTCs are indicated, troubleshoot them first, then do this procedure. Press the accelerator pedal several times to check its operation. If it does not operate properly, check the pedal, the throttle cable, and the throttle linkage individually. If you find a problem in one of them, replace the part(s) that caused the problem.

Scheme 234

1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
3. Make sure the accelerator pedal is not pressed, then check the TP SENSOR in the DATA LIST with the HDS. If it is below 0.5 V, the throttle position sensor is OK. If it is above 0.5 V, adjust the throttle cable (see «RESONATOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220574-S23232301272006022000000) ), then go to step 4.
4. Make sure the accelerator pedal is not pressed, then check the TP SENSOR in the DATA LIST with the HDS. If it is below 0.5 V, the throttle position sensor is OK. If it is above 0.5 V, update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see «ECM/PCM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING»(ref-220569-S23624043112006022000000) ), then go to step 5.
5. Make sure the accelerator pedal is not pressed, then check the TP SENSOR in the DATA LIST with the HDS. If it is below 0.5 V, the throttle position sensor is OK. If it is above 0.5 V, replace the throttle body (see step «THROTTLE BODY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220574-S07939558072006022000000) ), then go to 1

Intake Air Bypass Control Thermal Valve Test

Special Tools Required

Vacuum pump/gauge, 0-30 in.Hg, Snap-on YA4000A or equivalent, commercially available

Scheme 235

1. Start the engine, and let it idle. NOTE: The engine coolant temperature must be below 131°F (55°C).
2. Remove the vacuum hose (A) from the intake air duct, and connect a vacuum pump/gauge, 0-30 in.Hg, to the hose.
3. Raise and lower the engine speed, making sure the vacuum gauge reading changes as the engine speed changes. If the vacuum reading does not change, check for these problems: Misrouted, leaking, broken, or clogged intake air bypass control system vacuum lines. A cracked or damaged intake air bypass control thermal valve.
4. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
5. Raise and lower the engine speed, making sure the vacuum pump/gauge reading does not indicate any vacuum as the RPM changes. If there is a vacuum reading, check for these problems: Misrouted, leaking, broken, or clogged intake air bypass control system vacuum lines. A cracked or damaged intake air bypass control thermal valve.

Scheme 236

1. Remove the intake manifold cover (see step 3 on «REMOVAL»(ref-220566-S41055966322006022000000) ).
2. Disconnect the hoses (A).
3. Remove the intake air bypass control thermal valve (B).
4. Install the valve in the reverse order of removal. NOTE: Position the valve angle as shown.

Scheme 237

1. Remove the bolts (A) and the clamp (B).
2. Remove the air cleaner (C).
3. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 238

1. Remove the air cleaner bolts (A) and the air cleaner housing cover (B).
2. Remove the air cleaner element (C) from the air cleaner housing (D).
3. Check the air cleaner element for damage or clogging. If there is damage or clogging, replace the air cleaner element. NOTE: Do not use compressed air to clean the air cleaner element.
4. Clean and remove any debris from inside the air cleaner housing.
5. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 239

1. Remove the ground cable (A) and the bolts (B).
2. Remove the resonator (C).
3. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 240

1. Check cable free play at the throttle linkage. Cable free play (A) should be 10-12 mm (3/8-1/2 in.).
2. If the free play is not within spec (10-12 mm, 3/8-1/2 in.), loosen the locknut (B), turn the adjusting nut (C) until the deflection is as specified, then retighten the locknut.
3. With the cable properly adjusted, check the throttle valve to be sure it opens fully when you push the accelerator pedal to the floor. Also check the throttle valve to be sure it returns to the idle position whenever you release the accelerator pedal.

Scheme 241

Scheme 242

Scheme 243

1. Remove the intake manifold cover (see step 3 on page 9-3).
2. Fully open the throttle valve, then remove the throttle cable (A) from the throttle link (B).
3. Remove the cable housing (C) from the cable bracket (D).
4. Remove the throttle cable (A) from the accelerator pedal (B).
5. Install the cable in the reverse order of removal.
6. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
7. Hold the cable, removing all slack from it.
8. Set the cable on the bracket (A). Adjust the adjusting nut (B) so that its free play is 0 mm.
9. Position the adjusting nut on the other side of the bracket, then tighten the locknut (C).
10. Check the throttle cable free play (see «RESONATOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220574-S23232301272006022000000) ).
11. With the cable properly adjusted, check the throttle valve to be sure it opens fully when you push the accelerator pedal to the floor. Also check the throttle valve to be sure it returns to the idle position whenever you release the accelerator pedal.