2003 Honda Element Gauge Cluster Repair

[@jwpowell158]

This was perfect. My gauge lights haven't worked for the better part of a decade. Recently, it stopped starting because of weak voltage to my fuel pump relay--it would click click click click but didn't start. I resoldered all the pins, and now everything works (I did have to replace a few gauge bulbs). Thanks!

[@SteveAZ711]

SUPER! These are great vehicles and usually don't ask for anything. Mine is doing great now as well. Thanks!

[@insonh21]

i had the same problem and i will check the soldier joints (BIG HELP, THANKS) another problem i had with the cluster harness was the lights going out and i'd have to hit the top of the dash to get them to come back on. i found out that in 2003 element gage clusters the big harness connector droops down (not much, but enough to cause the lights to flicker or go out), people have suggested putting a wedge under the connector to hold it up but it eventually falls out and you have to replace the wedge...............my solution take a long thin tie wrap and put in under the connector when you plug it in then loop it over the top screw hole bracket and pull it so it brings the connector up and no wedge needed this doesn't interfere with screwing it back in but make sure the tie wrap end is positioned in back where its holding up the connector................no more lights flickering...............BUT! dont pull the tie wrap too tight because the bouncing around on bad roads might cause the solder on the pins to loosen if it's too tight which is why i dont have any cluster lights now again, thanks for the video

[@SteveAZ711]

Thanks for the tip! I tried the wedge for a while and it worked for a while as well. The permanent solution was my solder work. It is not an easy job so be careful and patient.

[@insonh21]

@@SteveAZ711 😆 i have tremors in my hands, it's like trying to eat peas off a butterknife in a rowboat on rough seas i might have to have my grandson do the soldiering 🤣😂🤣😂

[@SaltyKayak]

I bought my first Element (2003) 3 weeks ago and am working my way through many repairs. On my dash gauge cluster, I have no 'running' lights. I have the typical check engine, seat belt, etc lights but none of the 9 instrument lights come on and I have tested and put all new ones in. When you finished your soldering, does all of your lights come on?

[@SteveAZ711]

I am missing some back lighting on the left side but it does not bother me as there seems to be enough light from the working bulbs. I did not bother,as yet, to get to checking the bulbs. Everything else is normal I do not have any clicking noises

[@markrigoglioso]

Thank you for all that work and explanation. My Element's battery is drawing 140 ma when off and the cluster lights plus heater control lights went out. Not sure if the lights are blown or just some pins on the board are cracked and a short somewhere. I've read that the lights might mot be blown, rather a control component or chip is shorted so I get both symptoms.

[@SteveAZ711]

The battery is always going to draw something. The computers need to be running constantly. Even on a low power mode. Have your battery tested or tested yourself? Make sure it's good anything. 5 years old can be subject to going bad. Then if you're able to Monitor the voltage drop start removing Fuses one at a time until that voltage drop goes away. You may ultimately find that a critter has chewed a wire somewhere. This is gonna take some time so I hope you have some time to spend with it.

[@JCnordic2983]

Use a interior fork tool

[@SteveAZ711]

Thanks! Definitely more control and worth a try. Mine are fixed. Maybe someone else will try a plastic pry tool.

[@Jonas3pc]

Fix my cluster for a fee?

[@SteveAZ711]

Sorry I do not do that. I recommend a good computer electronics shop. They can do the solder work and replace any burned out bulbs. It is right up there alley. I would remove the part and take it to them. The video shows you the way. Then show them the solder connections in question. They may even find a few more. Like I said...this is what they know how to do. It doesn't matter if it is automotive in my opinion. I hope this helps you fix that annoying issue. Thanks!