This video is a complete guide to replacing the thermostat on your Honda Element or CRV with a K series engine. Space is limited and it can be difficult to access the part. Rust can also be a factor.
I cover how to handle both of these issues for a successful thermostat replacement on this engine. This information will also apply to other Honda vehicles with the K series engine.
Also, if you get a PO128 or P1486 code, you might need to perform this procedure to repair the problem.
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/67669-2004-honda-element-crv-thermostat-replacement
Tools
Astro Pneumatic Hose Clamp Tool: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/astro-pneumatic-9419-memory-flex-hose-clamp-pliers#oid=1002_1
Astro Pneumatic Work Light: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/astro-pneumatic-40sl-rechargeable-cob-led-slim-work-light-410-lumens#oid=1002_1
Body Clip Remover Kit: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/gearwrench-41850-3-piece-body-clip-set#oid=1002_1
Spill Free Funnel: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/lisle-24680-spill-free-funnel-set#oid=1002_1
Parts
Thermostat: https://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine/honda~thermostat~assy~19301-raa-a02.html
Honda Coolant (Blue): https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-Parts-OL999-9011-Coolant/dp/B0089LSFJ0
Beck Arnley Coolant: https://www.amazon.com/BECKARNLEY-252-1501-Extended-Premium-Antifreeze/dp/B00QXWGNT6/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1488222419&sr=1-2&keywords=beck+arnley+honda+coolant
Related Videos
Understanding and Testing Thermostats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGkSfPbGr3Y&t=3s
How To Bleed Air from a Cooling System: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUpXgAJ1gjU
How To Diagnose an Overheat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUzOTnsWImI
How To Solve a ‘No Heat’ Problem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACQusEZw90g&t=183s
Element 110K Service (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMplrMKIIoo
Element 110K Service (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gciwVamERn0
How To Adjust Valves on a Honda K Series Engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=959I0wF5NH8
Honda Element Cabin Air Filter Replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCgZrmWDpZ8
How To Change Power Steering Fluid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iev1xIr345Y&t=4s
How To Reset Honda Element Maintenance Light: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRMax93CjzA
How To Replace a Hood Cable Honda Element: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDF9g9BKYCM
Honda Element Front Lower Control Arm Replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaIvEN57Jg
Honda Element Fuel Door Repair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwPvnxbOUTQ
Finding and Repairing Rear End Noise Honda Element: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRYfxRym-Kw
Front Stabilizer Link Replacement Honda Element: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYosZGby0-I
TRex Grill Installation Honda Element: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bg0PGM3SrY
How To Install HID Headlights in a Honda Element: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB-KQIySb7w
Honda Element HID Fog Light Installation (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvOez4RCyn8
Honda Element HID Fog Light Installation (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rINkzWHgCTM
How To Install a Windshield the ‘Right’ Way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2eG1_1Ed3M
**Answers to your automotive questions found here: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
I’m having trouble getting the bolts out of the housing, they spin and aren’t stripped but won’t come out even a little! What do I do??
Hey i have a question i have a 04 element just replaced my radiator cause of leak on left side right of reservoir everything back together leaking in the same spot
Eric… watch all the time. We have the identical car. That being said, I live in South Florida so I always know whatever job you do will be twice as hard as mine because I don't have all that rust…. thank god.
Fuck! I used cheap green anti freeze soooo is that bad for my 06 crv????
Dude I'm so glad we have the same car. I bought my element for 500 bucks and thanx to your videos and 1,000 in parts I have a perfectly running element thanx 2 you. Your the man Eric the car dude! Love my element!
The wire Honda attached to the thermostat housing is connected to the alternator. It's the stupidest thing to connect it to because if you remove the lower radiator hose you can get to the bottom two bolts easy. If you removed the power steering pump you can see the back of the tab for the cable. It's better to just cut the thing and install a new one or just zip tie it back if you don't want to spend the money putting the original clip back in emergency situations.
6:31 my fears came true! What do I do if the bolts keep spinning?
Thanks for the helpful video! I love to do something in the car with my own hands. Hello from Russia!
I'm not sure if this will get answered but i have a 2003 honda crv and it looks like i have a small collent leak at the thermaste housing is this something that happens or might it be something else
Can you fix my car?
Yow Thanks Bro!! im nervous about those fasteners BUT you’re walk-thru gave me some confidence. salute
If you have an aircompressor the air evac method is the best way to fill and not get air bubbles, also to check for leaks (if you loose vacuum)
Also can someone tell me if the oem element Thermostat has some sore on brand or writing on it mines only have on the side PAA-GF4 just want to see it this is aftermarket or oem tnks
Hey I just this to my 04 element but 3-5 mins in after starting the engine it bubble I had only pour 1 gallon tho and I did see some white smoke came out, the top radiator horde was extremely hot and kinda feel hard when I press on it to purge the bubble is that all normal
Question why is the lower radiator hose connects to the thermostat and the upper hose is hot
It's a damn shame these front wheel drive manufactures don't take a page from Triumph Spitfire With the Fenders and hood being all one assembly and raising up so you can gain access to the motor…or Buick …where the thermostat is mount on the radiator!!!
I win!
I think I'll pay for this one.
Hi Eric i have a 2008 honda element sc how much rad fluid do I need to do a flush i am going to replace both hoses and the thermostat
Eric! What apend if leak on base of termostate??? what we do? i got this problem now!
There is no way to buy just the thermostat for this motors