The EASY solution to failing Honda Element door locks
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- An EASY solution to crappy Honda Element door locks failing constantly.
The Honda Element is a great car, with one major flaw. Their door locks are complete junk. After replacing the door lock tumblers multiple times, I finally got fed up and looked for another solution.
I could have kicked myself when for the investment of ~$100 and a half an hour of my time, I could have installed a keyless or remote entry. I actually would have saved money if I had done this the first time the door locks failed.
Here is my attempt at a DIY video for possibly the easiest car modification I've ever attempted, installing an OEM keyless entry in a 2003 Honda Element.
My post about swapping out my broken door locks for a remote entry system
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The exact part that I used in this video
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Lock ease or wd40...Spray a bit on your key and inside. Insert and remove key repeatedly, wiping it each time to clean the gunk off. Continue doing that and begin turn attempts (jiggle it a bit) until it turns. It takes 10-20 inserts and removals and gunk cleaning before it will turn. I did that fix about 6 years ago and no problems since. I have a 2003 with 280,000 and it's in great shape!
Super effing common problem. There really should be a recall on these locks.
Really annoying problem, even more annoying when people see me go through the tail end of the car & wonder why I’m not just unlocking my front doors like “normal people” do. Great video! Thanks for sharing!
Same!
I do this too...
Me now 😂
Got my first element. Was abused by the previous owner and I'm showing it some love. You vids are a big help bruv.
Thank for the video. I purchased a used 2003 with known door lock problems and I've been putting off the repair as I didn't want to remove the door panel. Now that I found out how easy it is to install a remote entry module I ordered one off your affiliate link.
Thank you! Now I can lock the driver's side of my 2005 Honda Element w/o having to enter through the passenger door. Your video is the only one that clearly showed the connector is on the left side.
I just purchased a 2004 Honda element. The driver door won’t lock from the outside OR the inside. Key won’t work, hitting the button on the door won’t work, and using the lock tab won’t work… I have to physically hood it down in the locked position with my right hand then pull the door handle until I hear it click to lock the door. But once I lock the door I can’t u lock it from the outside. I have to unlock the passenger door, reach across to the driver door lock and manually unlock it. I really wish I noticed that BEFORE I paid for it…idk how much it’s going to cost to fix the lock/actuator but this video is going to save me money when I install the remote access to it.
My 2004 didn’t come with a key fob(s), and yes my driver’s door appears to have a mind of its own.
Sometimes, if I plunge the key in and tilt the key while turning, it will joyfully unlock/unlock the door.
Most of the time, I just reach in from the passenger side and push the door lock with my cane (that is to lock it up). Then I unlock the passenger side with the key and push the unlock switch on the driver’s side using my cane.
Of course the person I purchased “Dimples” from, said the door locks weren’t working due to the previous owner’s children sticking “food” in the door locks. 🤪
Thank you buddy for taking your time to give us tips (solution) for unlocking your Element. I'm having the same problem on my 08 SC Element. I appreciate your help. I'll do the same thing you did. Happy New Years🎉
We already have the receiver in our element so we are going to buy the keys and see if they will program up too. Wish us luck.
I’ve had trouble on my 2003 Element locks for years! I’ve had it from new 18 years. I can’t use the driver side lock with the key, nor the passenger side but the back always works. At present I’m stranded in my drive because the ignition won’t turn! Damn locks! Fortunately it happened in my drive, after I came back from the store. I live in the country and now am watching videos to fix it, Lovely ain’t? Thanks for your vid! Now on to this lock adventure. DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Hey bud!! Same issues here. Won’t start up and won’t lock the doors .. any ideas?? Or a fix?? Thanks
Another element owner here with the lock issues. 2005 model. Thanks for the heads up.
Hey Viking! I spent most of the last year getting into my Element by opening the rear hatch and using a pole to flip the power lock. Mine had remote entry but I lost the remote years ago. Then one by one the door locks failed, until only the rear lock was left. Well that one finally failed last week! So I looked up a fix on RUclips and luckily found your video! Part came yesterday, I installed it today. Took about ten minutes. Since the car previously had remote start, all I had to do was remove the old unit from the clip and stick the new one in. Couldn't have been easier! Thank you for your help!
There is, however, one problem. The remotes are working to unlock the doors, but not to lock them. I have to lock them with the power lock button on the driver side door, then they can be unlocked with the remote. I'm thinking this is probably because the latch on my rear hatch is somewhat damaged, and even when it is closed and locked the car reads it as being open (hatch open light is always lit on the dash). I was actually afraid this might prevent me from programming the remotes, but it didn't. Anyway it's not that big of a deal since it is easy enough to lock the doors with the lock button on the car. I still plan to see if I can repair the latch on the hatch so that it reads as being shut, and see if that fixes the problem. If you have any other idea why only the unlock function is working, let me know! Thanks again!!!
I have the same problem
@@greestrujilloable power lock button on remote won't work unless all doors are closing properly, i later found out
154,000 miles on a 03 Element, replaced the driver side lock once and it died again this week, passenger side once and that's it. I love the Element, but the locks are crap!
Dude you're driving my car!! Same color & moonroof too
My passenger side is bad.I honestly thought someone jimmied it until I saw this.
I have an 2003 Element. Bought it about 4 years ago. I've replaced the door R&L locks once and the ignition cylinder once due to this problem. About to have replace the door locks again.
Exactly the same problem on the driver side of my Honda Element. The key doesn't turn. The dealer wanted hundreds to fix it, so I bought a remote lock opener instead (and left the broken driver side lock inoperable.) I have no idea how I managed to get the dip switches working, but I did. Several months ago, my window lift suddenly broke, so I replace that (which was not too difficult.) The only problem is that when I put the door back together, the remote lock doesn't work. So, I'm watching this to see how the remote is supposed to be installed, and hopefully I can get it working again. (2003 Element -- my wife hates it.)
Yes 💯 that would be me! No problem from passenger side so I reach across with a yard stick and push the lock up or push on the unlock button! Frustrating right?
Sounds totally convenient! LOL
Still better than my buddy's car whose locks failed so he just tied some fishing line to the lock. To unlock the car, you just fished (pun intended) the line out of the door seal and pulled up...
i know this is a few years old but A graphite spray called Lock Ease should loosen up your stuck tumblers... spray it on the key and in the lock, insert, twist, twist back, remove, repeat about 30 times and eventually it should come free and start working right what happenes with car locks is for whatever reason the lubrication eventually dissapates and then it gets harder and harder to turn your locks until they end up like your locks
I bought this thing that put under the hood of my Element. It gets really loud if the doors are locked. But the cool thing is this little small remote thinga-mabob. If i push one button it locks the doors and maked the honda jonichirp. And amazingly when i push the second button, the doors unlock! Yup !😊😊 ii never use a key
2003 EX? Both of mine have morphodite power ports, quasi cigarette lighter parts where they don't belong. No guidance from Honda, but later years magically fixed.
Just bought my friend's well-loved '03 Element, and thankfully, she already had remote-entry installed. Will probably replace the tumblers at some point though, as we only have one key, so two birds, one stone...
had a 2005 with 200,000 miles. Door lock was one of the reasons we sold it. That and the ever-noisier piston slap. Have a 2003 now and locks are okay so far at 150,000.
Yeah I just got mine on the first of this month and that was the problem from the start.
Thanks for the tip. Picked up a recent Element and will eliminate key lock issue. 2004 model!!
My 2003 Element occasionally has this problem. I sprayed WD40 into the lock and it seemed to help. But keys still wear out so I'm dreading having to eventually replace not only door locks but ignition lock.
Yep. 2004. Make sure that your door switch is functional if you’re having trouble with the keyless entry. I knew that I had a problem with the switch but it took me a couple years to realize that it was the reason the keyless entry I bought didn’t work. Duh.
I 've had to take apart the tumblers and remove fouled wafers from the driver door and ignition in my 03 elment.. kind of a pain, but free and my key works.
Been dealing with this for a while. Both sides. Keyless doesn’t work because of the driver door lock is not working rite. I have to push and pull manually on the knob to lock and unlock. Because all locks revolve around the driver lock, the key fob wants to work but won’t because the lock has to be done manually.
Same and it won't even do it with the driver door button
Apparent this is a very common problem on the element. There are several complaint to the vehicle safety and recall site about this problem.
Yes my 2007 has the same problem. I also have had to change the starter motor 3-4 times
Yes I’m in the same situation I’m hopping to try this to see if it helps thank you for the info
Just picked up an 03 EX. Has the remote lock/unlock. There is another problem....sometimes it doesn't lock or unlock. My search brought me here, in the hope to learn how to fix that(or the door lock itself)....but alas.....
Thanks I’ll try it tomorrow morning cuz I’m tire of opening the passenger door to get in
2004 Element,
The door lock on the driver side is failing for me as well. Other problems were the starter at 30,000 miles, Ignition start lock at 50,000, Ignition switch at 60,000, the catalytic converter connection to the muffler front pipe 60,000 and at 62,000 the bend just before the catalytic converter has a hole in it. The bolts to replace the cat where they attach to the exhaust manifold are rusting away and won;t loosen without breaking. That's next on the fix list.
My 2005 locks work great but just got my remote entry stuff in the mail today. Won't use the keys except for the hatch now.
Happened to me today! Been thinking of getting remote keys, so this might be my solution
I have an 04 Element with 243,000 adventure miles. My driver door lock failed in 2014. Soon after that the ignition tumblers seized up also. A year later its the rear latch. I've lost one of my og key fobs and am still using the og keys. I've never replaced the tumblers in any of the latches. Current issue is the rear latching mechanisms are no longer holding the gate closed securely. This creates a break in the battery current, leaving Element dead.
I don’t have an element but my Honda Fit did the same thing. I’m going to try the keyless entry too
ABSOLUTELY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO..
CRV too! Have the same problem.
if you end up replacing door or ignition locks, make sure you also get a new key cut because a worn key will destroy your new lock wafers
There should be a recAllllll!!! having problems right now!!!
That is literally the problem I had that spurred this change. I came out of the gym, unlocked the door and it wouldn't give the key back. Mine luckily came out intact with some brute force, pulling straight back. But I was not a happy camper.
I JUST REPLACED MY DRIVER SIDE ACTUATOR IT SEEMED EASY BUT THIS IS MY FIRST DOOR ACTUATOR LOL MINE IS 2003 HONDA ELEMENT EX
Rear hatch lock not working. not the first time...tried my usual sweet talk, coaxing, swearing. No luck. Tried a lock lubricant...no luck. I'll be exploring the keyless entry option...thanks!
I have mine doing same on both doors. Same like you, change passengers ones and twice driver side. I will do same your doing.
It really saved me a lot of headaches putting that in.
Strange how there is a specific video for the specific issue I am having with my specific car
My locks suck! Lol. Thank you 🙏
I have a 2007 Honda element I’m having the same problem I figured other people were having the same thing happening with the element
Took 5 minutes the other day just to get into my Element. Bought the module and fob. Well..... it is not pairing. Put a new battery in the fob. It IS actuation, but the driver’s look seems jacked up. It isn’t letting the other two locks unlock.
is your great, great, great, grandfather uncle sam?
Same exact 2007 Honda Element model I got, same problem aswell
Honda not having key fobs with remote unlock was pretty dumb. I bought a 2011 Element five months ago & haven't used the key to open the doors once.
Sadly I’m having this issue my driver door will no longer open now and well I don’t know what todo but I wanted to buy this not knowing if it will fix my issue or if I’d be able to install it
I love my 2008 Element and it has auto locks, but now they are not opening all they time and the key doesn't work...do you by chance know what I need to do to fix. It looks like the battery on the fob is fine, it still lights up.
I love my 08 Element but damn, I have 3 different sets of keys... I've changed the ignition once and the driver door lock once but now none of the door locks work! Even the tailgate lock is kaput. I'm gonna order that fob system and see how that goes!
I’ve changed my ignition too ! This door hasn’t worked since I bought the car off somewhere last year .i think I’ve got 6 different keys for the thing now
Mine does the same thing and my fob never works, even with new batteries. Must need a new keyless system. At this point I just leave it unlocked. Thank you!
I have an 03 element. so far the driver side lock has been replaced twice, passenger side once, ignition twice. Great car, garbage locks.
Same problem here Honda Element 2010 constantly having problems to get the key inside the lock. Now the key won't even go in not even just a little. Very annoying and Honda should have done something to correct this issue.
Yup, same problem. I'm the idiot who opens the passenger side and clambers across to the drivers side to get in!
Had same problem with my 2005 Honda Civic. Key driver's side, trunk, and ingintion switch quit working. Seems like if you use any lube on them thing's get even worse. I have 245,000 on my Civic so can't complain.
Mine is broken too, hopefully this works:) I have a 2007 Honda Element.
Prayers being lifted
My 2003 element just started having this issue a couple of months ago. I already have remote entry which is helpful but not when I have to park the car for long periods of time and have to disengage the battery. I have to get into the car to pop the hood to reengage the battery.
getting ready to rekey the driver's door four the 3rd time,. I bought my own replacement tumbler kit.
My door does the same thing. I'm tired of walking around reaching over to the other side
Hate the fricken lock! so inconvenient!
The same problem with my Honda Civic 2010. Thank you!
Thank you so much for helping me I was about to freak out
Sometimes the rear door lock opens with the rest, other times it doesn't. Once it's stuck, it wants to stay that way.
Same issue with my locks on my 2003. Drivers side works thankfully but passenger side can’t be opened with a key from the outside. Tried to install fob as you instructed but the locks jam still
Both doors on mine... Hatch is ok. Mine doesn't have a remote lock so i have to replace the locks. First year they weren't standard.
That’s the fixed I used for awhile now fob will lock but will not unlock thanks
Just bought a 2003 n the driver door has this issue from the outside only. Is there an easy way?
My door won’t lock or unlock with keyless entry. And sometimes I have to put my key in the door 5+ times (sometimes it works on the first go) to unlock/lock manually… it might be because the door does not shut 100% completely
Ditto and Ignition Ket as well.
2006 element 183k, never had an issue with any of my locks
The driver side lock on my ‘04 Element broke twice in two years.
Just happened to me today!!! So upset because I love this car
Have no idea what you did to the green plugs
What was the remote key fob did you used? Would love to get one? My Honda element has that same problem
I've own 2 elements now and this 08 just started locking me out putting me to go through passenger side. Never had this problem before. What is that little gadgets name so I can put in my element.
They are 08E60-SCV-100 Honda Keyless Entry Units
Link --> www.madmadviking.com/M/doorlocks
Already replaced this and the driver side won’t work! On to replace the door lock actuator. I could get the other locks to work with the remote but not the driver’s side!!!! So frustrating!
just bought an element, need to replace front locks already
Love my Element, hate those door locks. I'm having the same issue, thankfully i have the remote entrance, but i cannot let the car warm up idling, as it immediately locks me out when i close the door while running. =(
Yes and now my key won’t work in my ignition. I have to get to work in the am
I'm having the same problem!
Locked out as I watch this
I just purchased a used 2003 Element with 150,000 miles on it. The ignition switch and driver door lock is the only thing not working.
After 20 years I've finally run into the door and ignition lock issues.
Where do you get that key fob at Do you go to the dealer
@mad mad Viking
Thank you mad mad Viking for this post and a place to comment.
I tried the WD-40 and jiggle routine and around time number 14 it moved!
But I waited and did the 14 More recommended and it never moved again. Does anyone know if I can just switch the driver Key lock mechanism with the passenger door? Sounds like a lot of work just to keep the keys the same but…
I already have the wireless locking fob and it works just great.
Unless someone’s already done it, I may do that class action lawsuit against Honda to force a recall.
I tried the product ‘lock wrench’ - no change
The problem I had was that I forgot my keys inside of the car... Believe me, It took decades for the "locksmith" to arrive (I'm not sure if that's the word for the person who helps in this situation, sorry for my english).
Do you know any way to open the car in this case?
Same dam problem! Thanks for the video!
Stuck in door, car is locked. Can't get in car, only have 1 key, now stuck in door.
97 Integra...same issue. Drives me crazy🤬🤬🤬
Got car broken into yesterday since I just leave the door open , because otherwise would have to crawl through trunk
Yep :( Mine just stopped working. The dealership quoted me $800 to fix both passenger and driver side locks =O
Yeah my driver side door key stopped working I just ordered a key Bob online wasn't too much less than twenty bucks and I didn't have to do anything but two little turn off turn on turn off turn on routine done no more headaches
My girlfriend’s 2003 is having this problem. The driver’s side is done, the passenger side is more stout apparently.
Thanks for a solution. I just want to confirm, you didn’t change the locks on the door at all, just added a remote trigger?
I didn't have to change the tumblers on mine. The remote entry works just fine. Now I've heard of them seizing up in a way that they won't. I am guessing that if they still operate via the interior buttons, the remote entry should work for you.
Mad Mad Viking thanks! Good to know.
None work. Had both sets of keys, locked my dog in the car while it was running (hot day) and lucky enough I was able to poke something through the back window and hit the unlock button.