How to Drain, Fill and Bleed Coolant/Anti-Freeze on a Honda Element

[@BigDog50001]

*Parts and Tools* Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Genuine Honda Type 2 Coolant/Anti-Freeze: amzn.to/3utKj7q Aftermarket Asian Coolant (Blue): amzn.to/3o1fW5U Coolant Drain Pan CP21023: amzn.to/3vNvfle Lisle Spill Free Funnel 24680: amzn.to/3vHNAjE Needle Nose Pliers (Similar to ones I used): amzn.to/3uHuBpr Astro 40SL Work Light: amzn.to/2R6xSQh GearWrench 1/4" Socket Set: amzn.to/3ttBTvp Mechanic Gloves: amzn.to/3utVE7v The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).

[@greenpea9412]

I honestly can't believe the timming of this one. I grabbed two gallons today to do my sons Civic with him tomorrow. I bought that yellow kit after watching you do this before and I was going to watch it again as a refresher. You loaded this about an hour before I sat down to look you back up. Perfect timming...lol

[@BigDog50001]

Nice!

[@Viejochingon]

I just picked up a 08' element. I'm now following your page, you speak clearly and demonstrate all work with no issues. I feel comfortable working on it thanks again.

[@Akira-nw4jl]

most people don't realize that cars that are designed with a low front hood have a high tendency to trap air inside the cooling system. I did not realize this for many years in my 2004 Celica that would constantly turn on the fans to a high mode. apparently the trapped air would be at the water temp sensor so it would signal a very high temperature even if the rest were cooler. your method using the no spill funnel raises the filling area higher above the entire engine which is greatly needed in most cars today. thanks for the advice.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@MrFingerson]

Did the coolant and the rear diff. This afternoon. You saved my fam a couple hundred bucks!

[@92sportster26]

Thats a sweet funnel kit, the plug to remove it when done filling is genius. (and squeezing the hose too)

[@BigDog50001]

It has worked well for me!

[@halo-halo2.088]

Lol i just bought one gallon and drained it already. Good thing amazon will deliver the other gallon overnight 🤦‍♂️ Thank you so much!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@landshass2849]

That spill-free funnel kit is a must-have, especially when you're draining a minivan like a sienna that have a rear heater with no shut off valves.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@sbrave]

Was not aware to use blue coolant for my 2007 CRV! Hasn't been changed since I bought it and I almost did it today, Thx. I probably would've used green Prestone

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

These funnels are great. Have had 1 for years. I have the vacuum refill kit. It works nice for no air bubbles when u replace anti freeze. Squeeze the old hose worked great! Maybe next time shake it twice! Hahaha! Great video Dave!

[@BigDog50001]

lol, thanks Mike!

[@stuntdriver2147]

Have watched a few of these vids for different model cars - I'll have to say yours is best I've seen on KZbin - great tips n tricks. Have done drain n fills for years but, now am going to Amazon to get one of these funnel kits - must have for the dryer.

[@DragNetJoe]

That funnel is awesome but I think you might be wrong on a couple things. I don't think both fans come on at the same time if the AC is off (they don't on my CRV). Second, I would definitely turn the fan on at least to low because with the blower all the way off I don't know if the heater actually does anything. It appears the entire HVAC is off with the fan at zero.

[@Carnius797]

You’re my favorite Honda mechanic. You’ve helped me so much and saved me so much money.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@connectingdots3574]

I love the video. Cheers. You should study the origins of coffee and its effects on the pineal gland, in particular.

[@surelywoo]

Great video! Thanks for all the little tips you included.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@GHE2005]

Ur show is so organized. 👍🏽 I watch ur channel when I need to do anything on my 05 Honda Element. Thx u! 🙏🏽

[@bosun120]

Thank you for the very detailed explanations in your video. Most DIY videos just tell you what to do, not WHY or the reasoning behind them. :thumbsup:

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@HMaxTube11]

Cleaning up the engine afterwards topped off the video…even in the desert I was surprised someone as detail-oriented as you had let that much dirt accumulate. 👍

[@BigDog50001]

Not one of my vehicles, but thank you for the comment!

[@garza7676]

Great video , changing out radiator fan / coolant flush on my element this week .

[@landshass2849]

I drain my Honda coolant and a very clean pan used only for coolant. Because I only buy one gallon from the dealer, and I reuse part of the old coolant to top off. I'm not a cheap person, but I hate to buy 2 containers and one of them stays for months if not years unsealed in my garage. Thanks for the video.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@JorgeRaigoza-jg5cv]

Thank you for this video big dog, it helped me a lot you are not the best but you are the unique greeting

[@SalOchoa-p9c]

Thank you for taking your time to make the video Mr. Very Helpful 👍🏼

[@briant5992]

Great how to video , thanks!

[@pavanmari7453]

Very nice and detailed. I am gonna try this on my 09’ civic. Big Dog, Scotty Kilmer and MrRangerZr1 are my fav auto video channels. You 3 guys should get together and make a video on car stuff 😄

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Too many personalities trying to be on camera at the same time never works out.

[@wilbertortiz9469]

Thanks a lot for your very helpful and well explained video!!!!! I’m replacing both radiator hoses in my 2004 Honda car-v. Greetings from phoenix Arizona!!!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Dave another informative Honda video. Even though it’s an element it definitely applies to the two Honda vehicles I own and maintain. Hope all is well. And I would hope that the owner gets that engine compartment detailed. I personally don’t like dirty engine bays. I work neat and clean. Just my learned habit. Thanks Dave 😊🇺🇸Artie

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment Artie!

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Great I have an 04 Element 😃👍 keep them coming

[@BigDog50001]

I'll do my best lol!

[@dabay408]

always learning a lot from your videos, good stuff man. very informative.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate that!

[@ErickRaffai]

Great video! Love the step by step method! Thanks

[@BigDog50001]

I'm glad somebody does lol, thanks for watching!

[@MIKEYSREVIEWS]

Is that Eric The Car Guys fleet car. LOL. Great video I always learn something new.

[@BigDog50001]

Maybe lol!

[@Nscalemike56]

Another great video from KZbin University! Back in the day. When a radiator flush was done...hoses were changed at the same time. Not anymore?

[@sunilraj7692]

Great video. My only comment is you may want to check the drain plug O-ring. Changed the coolant on my daughters euro cl9 2007 and l didn't remove the drain plug. Tightened it up filled up and a tiny drip from the plug! Had to drain again and replace the O-ring then all good!

[@BigDog50001]

Not a bad idea, that stuff can happen!

[@vandiyplant921]

Can you use a opened bottle of Honda coolant? Does it go bad when opened like brake fluid? Have a gallon that has been closed but opened over a year ago for top off

[@Mattman-ix8tt]

Very detailed 👌 👍 awesome job thank you for the informative video!

[@gibranmarcam123]

Thank you so much for the info

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@BigDog50001]

*I misspoke in the video (it happens!), although many aftermarket long life coolants provide protection for 100,000 miles, genuine Honda coolant is rated for 60,000 miles.

[@greenpea9412]

60....... didn't realize that. Time to get more blue stuff.

[@j0lla127]

You sound like Bill Burr lol... Great content.

[@MrKylerpulley]

That was incredibly helpful thank you!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@RudyWarman]

Nice video, best one I've seen. My coolant started bubbling as soon as I put it in. Neither of my fans came on either, but the temp sat 1/4 of the way up and didn't budge. Left it for over 30mins.. any advice?

[@majicdude88]

That fan you think isn’t working, isn’t actually supposed to come on unless you have the AC on. That’s the condenser fan. It’s not supposed to turn on with the Radiator fan. They work separately.

[@maxwolf6285]

I have a 09 SC Element. That same fan is shorted out and not working and it blew my 30Amp AC fuse. I also need to change my coolant ! Thank you so much for this. Did you make a vid on changing that fan :) your a real pro !

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

If your condenser fan isn't working, then your radiator fan won't operate properly. The radiator fan is supposed to come on automatically during two conditions, and one of them requires the condenser fan to work properly, because it's part of the circuit for the radiator fan (they're wired in series, when the ECU wants to turn them on low speed).

[@broccolihart1]

Thank you for this !

[@gabrielshehan]

super helpful! Thanks!

[@GarySherck]

Excellent 🎉

[@michellesharp6620]

Coffee: check! I'm trying to find my drain plug and put the new one on by myself (single mom struggles).

[@Kmssvx111]

Hi, Plz help ⚠️ I was doing little maintenance on moms 2016 crv 2.4 Decided to clean throttle body since it never was done 100k now. As I was getting to it I notice intake tube was sliced almost in half. So I order new intake tube from Honda dealer. After taking throttle body off and cleaning both side. Installed new tube, new air filter. Cleaned mass sensor. Now it gives me check engine light on P0171. Before we never had any problems or check engine light on. I think car adjusted to that and now thinks it’s some wrong. I think what can it be. throttle body needs to be rest since I did take off the engine . Has electrical module Or fuel air ration not working It drives fine , only when I get close to stop in D or P it has little rough idle. Sounds like it’s about to cut off but it runs Help

[@dkimphoto]

You the man

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@canuckfixit7722]

Thanks for posting a repair video for the Honda Element. Curious about the two fans. Do they always work in tandem or should one work at a minimum then the second one starts up when more cooling power is needed or is one dedicated for the A/C? I'm used to working on domestic vehicles with just ONE fan that does it all. Thanks.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

On a Honda Element, the condenser fan for the AC is part of the electrical circuit for the radiator fan (this is counter-intuitive, and seldom mentioned). If your condenser fan motor breaks, the radiator fan won't come on automatically. The radiator fan is supposed to come on at two temperature ranges... the 'low' range is about 204°-208°, and the 'high' range is about 220° (I don't know what the exact temperatures are, so that's an estimate). When the temperature is in the 'low' range, the power to the radiator fan is routed through the condenser fan, in series to the radiator fan. I think this makes both fans spin at approximately half speed. When the temperature is in the 'high' range, I think both fans are powered directly, in parallel and probably spin at full speed. I don't have an exact understanding of the details, but this is basically how it works. An easy way to check both fans, is to turn the heater fan switch on the dash to on. Both radiator fan and condenser fan should switch on. As I said earlier, if your condenser fan doesn't work, then your radiator fan won't be operating correctly and your Element might overheat.

[@holycow3355]

Watched probably 10, 20 coolant change videos, this is the best. Questions : Is radiator drain plug completely removed, if not, whats the reason ? Should the drain plug on the engine block removed as well ?

[@BigDog50001]

You can remove the radiator drain plug completely on most vehicles if you want to, which can sometimes speed up draining but can make more of a mess. As far as engine block drain plugs, many Hondas do not have a drain on the engine block (or Honda does not call for it to be removed during normal coolant service). For vehicles that do, they can be removed and reinstalled with thread sealant in many cases. What I showed in this video is the exact procedure outlined in Honda Service Info for this vehicle. I will typically do this procedure twice (after heat up/cool down) if I feel the need to service the remaining half gallon (or so) of coolant.

[@acendero]

Could you show us how to fix the fan that is not turning on by it self?

[@BigDog50001]

I'll see what I can do!

[@acendero]

@@BigDog50001 thank you for taking the time to read my comment sir.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

There's more than one thing it could be. You need your radiator fan switch to be operating correctly, but you also need your condenser fan to be operating correctly, in order for the radiator fan to come on, for it's 'low' speed setting (at about 204°-208°). For the low speed setting, the radiator fan is wired in series with the condenser fan -- if the condenser fan is broken, the radiator fan won't come on either. You can check your condenser fan easily by simply turning on the heater fan switch. Both fans should be spinning.

[@Discovery123.]

I do my coolant change every year. Coolant is cheap and easy to change.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@Asto508]

Every year? This is not engine oil, it doesn’t need new one every year.

[@crieverytim]

@@Asto508 every year??? Oil needs changed more than that!

[@Asto508]

@@crieverytim No, it doesn't if you don't drive excessive distances.

[@austinl3625]

Are you supposed to fill the reservoir while the coolant is at operating temp or when it’s cool? Wouldn’t filling it to the max while cold cause it to rise well above the max line once the engine is warmed up?

[@BigDog50001]

I have not seen that cause any issues, there is a lot of room in most of these Honda coolant reservoirs. It's more important to make sure it's at the max level after servicing the cooling system.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

The owner's manual says fill the reservoir to half way between the MIN and MAX marks. Makes sense, I guess.

[@vics945]

Ty Big Dee!

[@michalp2362]

Great video, thanks. I just got a new to me 08 element with green coolant in it. I wanna get rid of it and fill it with the genuine Honda coolant. Do you think I should do couple of drain and fills with distilled water? I was planing on doing water twice followed by 2 drain and fills with blue coolant. What do you think?

[@BigDog50001]

I'll not a fan of putting anything in there except coolant unless there are extenuating circumstances. In cases like that, I just do 2 drain and fills with a warm up and cool down in between.

[@dmcadik]

Mine smokes when it overheats. The radiator fan also only comes on when I connect it to the battery with alligator clips

[@kiran-wh9wg]

Should u switch on the air con or just the blower on full hot ?

[@BigDog50001]

The A/C should be off, dial is set to hot. Blower should also be off.

[@ericbosell7911]

Thanks!

[@apaches04soccer]

Hopefully someone can help me. (2003 E) On the reservoir cap, the top portion that connects the little hose (nipple) I notice on mine in can rotate left and right, I notice on this one it looks pretty stiff (no play) is it suppose to be stiff or have play? thanks

[@maddiewalker7203]

What if I changed the part and did not use anitfreeze and used water instead and my car would not crank up dose that mean I’m fucked because I let the car sit for a day how would I go about that someone help me please

[@mikekemsley1531]

I was of the understanding that the 2nd fan was for the A/C condenser.

[@hempwick8203]

What is the website you used to find the service manual? It looks awesome. Thanks!

[@BigDog50001]

I use a couple different places for service info, have to pay for it and it costs me quite a bit each year. I was probably getting the service info directly from the Honda service info website on this video.

[@crieverytim]

I opened the radiator cap when scalding hot but i had an old towel over it. Didn't have time to wait for it to cool. Came up like a geyser!! Still got some mist on me, which probably isnt great for the skin. I had to open it again and top off with water and again didnt have time...w the towel, i was able to crack it a little... after ten seconds, pulled the cap but w/ no geyser.

[@andreyv1]

Is it worth paying the dealer $120 for a coolant flush on a Honda CRV with 90k miles? or would a drain and fill be enough? I don't have history of previous coolant changes being done

[@BigDog50001]

That is up to you on whether it is worth it. If it were my vehicle I would probably do the procedure I showed in this video once and then decide if I needed to do it a second time. Doing it a second time would get most of remaining coolant out but it would need a full warm up and cool down done first before a second service could be done. Of course If the coolant appears to be in very bad shape then I would have to reassess the issue.

[@maxilian1000]

How long did it take for fan to come on?

[@BigDog50001]

Usually 10-12 minutes or so but it can take longer. Sometimes have to bring engine up to 2,500-3,000 RPMs and hold it there for a few minutes to help it get to temperature.

[@maxilian1000]

@@BigDog50001 thanks, I really enjoy watching your videos, you keep things simple(explain everything).

[@ric21122]

I thought the passenger side fan only comes on when the AC is on. That’s how my 2004 works.

[@rodrigopineros6016]

Colombian Coffee!!!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@greenpea9412]

Hey no kidding. Try that Black Rifle coffee. Kind of expensive and that stinks but man it is darn good.

[@holycow3355]

Seeing youtubers using gloves lately, what brand are they ?

[@BigDog50001]

I've used gloves for years, used automotive fluids seeping into your skin is not good. I've used different brands, currently using Vulcan brand gloves. I like them so far, they don't tear as easy as some there yet they aren't too thick so you still have good feel.

[@angryranger4552]

The other fan only turns on when ac is on.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

No, that's not correct on a Honda Element. The condenser fan for the AC is wired in series with the radiator fan during 'low' speed operation (fans spinning at low speed, not vehicle speed). In other words, both fans come on. The ECU runs the fans at low speed when the coolant temp is about 204°-208°. The radiator fan runs at full speed when the coolant is about 220°.

[@willpage79]

Basically this is a radiator flush not a complete engine block coolant flush

[@nadeembutt3158]

Hello bro how are you

[@BigDog50001]

Great, thanks! 👍

[@BigDog50001]

Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Want a free Big Dog50001 sticker? Send an email to [e-mail] requesting a sticker. Sorry, no international addresses or automotive questions.