Honda Element. Manual - part 173

Fig. 6: Identifying Data Link Connector 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

If the D indicator and the MIL come on at the same time, or if a driveability problem is suspected, do this: 

1. Connect the HDS to the DLC. (See the HDS user's manual for specific instructions.)  

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), select SCS mode, then observe the D indicator in the gauge control 

module. Codes 1 through 9 are indicated by individual short blinks. Codes 10 and above are indicated by 
a series of long and short blinks. One long blink equals 10 short blinks. Add the long and short blinks 
together to determine the code. 

Fig. 7: Data Link Connector - Blinking Pattern 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Record all fuel and emissions DTCs and A/T DTCs.  

4. If there is a fuel and emissions DTC, first check the fuel and emissions system as indicated by the DTC.  

5. Clear the DTC and data.  

6. Drive the vehicle for several minutes under the same conditions as those indicated by the freeze data, and 

then recheck for DTC. If the A/T DTC returns, go to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting. If the DTC 

NOTE:

If the HDS does not communicate with the PCM, troubleshoot the DLC 
circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element

  

does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the circuit. Make sure all pins and terminals in 
the circuit are tight.  

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT CIRCUITS AT THE PCM 

Special Tools Required  



Digital multimeter KS-AHM-32-003 (1) or a commercially available digital multimeter  



Backprobe set 07SAZ-001000A (2)  

1. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to a digital 

multimeter (C). 

Fig. 8: Connecting Backprobe Adapters To Stacking Patch Cords 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Using the wire insulation as a guide for the contoured tip of the backprobe adapter, gently slide the tip 

into the connector from the wire side until it touches the end of the wire terminal.  

3. If you cannot get to the wire side of the connector or the wire side is sealed (A), disconnect the connector 

and probe the terminals (B) from the terminal side. Do not force the probe into the connector. 

NOTE:

Do not puncture the insulation on a wire. Punctures can cause poor or 
intermittent electrical connections.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element

  

Fig. 9: Probing Terminals 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

CLEAR A/T DTCS PROCEDURE 

1. Connect the HDS to the DLC.  

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

3. Clear the DTC(s) on the HDS screen.  

PCM RESET PROCEDURE 

1. Connect the HDS to the DLC.  

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

3. Reset the PCM with the HDS.  

4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.  

5. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait for 30 seconds.  

6. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and disconnect the HDS from the DLC.  

7. Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).  

OBD STATUS 

The OBD Status shows the current system status of each DTC and all of the parameters. This function is used to 
see if the technician's repair was successfully finished. The results of diagnostic tests for the DTC are displayed 
as: 



PASSED: The on-board diagnosis is successfully finished.  



FAILED: The on-board diagnosis has finished but failed.  



NOT COMPLETED: The on-board diagnosis was running but is out of the enable conditions of the DTC. 

HOW TO END A TROUBLESHOOTING SESSION 

This procedure must be done after any troubleshooting. 

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.  

2. Connect the HDS to the DLC.  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element

  

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

4. Clear the DTC(s) on the HDS screen.  

5. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

6. Start the engine in the P or N position, and warm it up to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan 

comes on).  

7. To verify that the problem is repaired, test-drive the vehicle for several minutes at speeds over 31 mph 

(50 km/h) or in freeze data range.  

UPDATING THE PCM 

Special Tools Required  



Honda diagnostic system (HDS) tablet tester  



Honda interface module (HIM) and an iN workstation with HDS and CM update software  



HDS pocket tester  



GNA600 and an iN workstation with HDS and CM update software  

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), but do not start the engine.  

2. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard. 

NOTE:



Use this procedure when you need to update the PCM during 
troubleshooting procedures.  



Make sure the HDS/HIM has the latest software version.  



Before you update the PCM, make sure the battery in the vehicle is fully 
charged.  



Never turn the ignition switch OFF during the update. If there is a problem 
with the update, leave the ignition switch ON.  



To prevent PCM damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, 
audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, door locks, etc.) during the 
update.  



To ensure the latest program is installed, do a PCM update whenever the 
PCM is substituted or replaced.  



You cannot update a PCM with a program it already has. It will only accept 
a new program.  



If you need to diagnose the Honda interface module (HIM) because the 
HIM's red (# 3) lamp came on or was flashed during the update, leave the 
ignition switch in the ON (II) position when you disconnect the HIM from 
the data link connector (DLC). This will prevent PCM damage.  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element