Honda Element Upper Tailgate Latch Removal Process

Just a quick video to show you how to remove the upper tailgate latch on the Honda Element.
Here are the OEM part numbers:
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2003-2006
Tailgate Lock: 74801-SCV-A01
Actuator Assembly: 74896-S05-003
2007-2011
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Tailgate Lock: 74801-SCV-A31
Actuator: 74896-S05-003
Hope that helps!

[@OrenArieli]

My dashboard light for the rear latch stays lit, despite how firmly the rear is closed. This is likely the cause of parasitic battery drain, even though the dome light switch is off. Would replacing the latch assembly be the solution?

[@autolatch]

I haven’t had to troubleshoot this one on my Element. Maybe try the lower tailgate latches next. They both have 2 pin electrical connectors in them that can go bad and leave the circuit open.

[@jerryborjon]

Why did you remove it? Mine stopped automatically opening/closing with the fob and I’m wondering if there’s a way to fix it or if my only option is to replace it

[@autolatch]

If your fob stopped unlocking the latch the actuator probably burned out. It's the yellow piece that sits on top of the latch. The part number for the actuator is 74896-S05-003. It is expensive from Honda but if you have access to a junkyard you can get one from a Pilot (or Element).

[@jerryborjon]

@@autolatch - Thanks!

[@Skaursgaurd]

How do you get the little blue plastic bit back in after you pop it out? Only part left for me lol

[@autolatch]

It is slotted on one side where you can slide that back on the the orange clip. You can probably also zip tie it to one of the pieces of metal.

[@Skaursgaurd]

@@autolatch My mistake, I was referring to the like tiny bit where the bicycle cable comes out. Its like a tiny blue nozzle with a cable coming out. I saw you pop it out with ease, had the same results, but now I am baffled at how to press it back into the teeth that hold it.

[@autolatch]

@@Skaursgaurd I guess it is hard to describe how to get it back in. You mount the metal piece first (twist it in) and then press the blue clip back into the mounting spot. If you have any nearby junkyards you could possibly find an Element to see how it is mounted. The Pilot and MDX latches are similar.

[@Skaursgaurd]

@@autolatch Gotcha. I may take some thin pliers to see if I can get the leverage I need. But I appreciate the insight. Thank you!