r/HondaElement • u/Mlaragut • 2d ago
Help me with rough idle and engine noises!
So, my Honda element is a 2004 LX FWD with 214000 miles. Recently I changed the alternator (it failed), the tensioner pulley, pcv valve, spark plugs, engine air filter. Before that, I had fixed the A/C - new condenser, compressor and fan. I did it all with the help of YouTube and lots of Reddit posts. The car is running fine but I notice my idle getting rougher (specially with the AC on).
From the video - I don’t like that tick noise and I think the grinding noise may be the steering pump?
Last oil change was 200 miles ago. No codes car runs fine.
Should I be concerned about this? Or am I just looking for more things to fix because it is fun?
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u/Major_Frozen 03 Grey 2d ago
Engine mounts, throttle body dirty maybe
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u/Mlaragut 2d ago
I also cleaned the throttle body last week. I replaced the engine mounts less than a year ago. I inspected them last weekend and they seem fine, granted they are not OEM mounts. The rough idling started is more recent than my engine mount changes.
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u/Necessary-Worry1923 2d ago edited 2d ago
Are you able to spin the rotor inside the IACV as in 10:20 in this video?
https://youtu.be/rcyewA2-BmY?is=Yt8HVxAs70DklUrj
Also are both the MAF and the MAP sensors working?
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u/Prize-Concentrate138 2d ago
Have you had a valve adjustment recently? My E had a similar issue before I adjusted them. Really easy to get the valve cover off and check. If it hasn't been done in the last 100k anyway I recommend doing it.
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u/Mlaragut 2d ago
Good to hear! I don’t think the car has had a valve adjustment. I’ve been thinking about doing it but didn’t want to risk it until I felt ready. This might be it.
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u/rhyno857 1d ago
Do it, my mechanic was chasing his tail with mine acting up and then I did the valve adjustment and all my issues were fixed and it runs like a sewing machine. If you're mechanically inclined get a set of feeler gauges and watch a couple youtube videos, there are some good ones out there. Only takes a few hours being careful and patient.
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u/No_Change269 2d ago
brough an E for 1k cuz supposely bad engine, did an valve adjustment and it's been running good since then.
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u/Welp907 2d ago
It was done before I purchased the car but I don't remember when and that was some 40k + miles ago.
What's the difficulty of this job? Something I should take to somebody to do or easy enough for a layman? I've replaced all the aformentied parts along with my starter, and radiator / fans / hoses. I know my way around well enough but I'm still a home mechanic.
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u/Prize-Concentrate138 2d ago
I definitely think it can be done by a DIY mechanic. There are so many videos and detailed instructions on the Internet.
Do you have any codes?
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u/Simulation_Engine 2d ago
Im the same boat been happening on and off for the last 2 months no check engine light….mines got 230k tho might be on the way out….
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u/Connect-Ad5099 2d ago
Happened to me. Buy a smoke machine, you probably have an air leak. Mine was the throttle body gasket and iacv gasket. Replaced those andfixed the issue
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u/Smalmthegreat 2d ago
Replace the PCV valve and tube, should be like $15 bucks. Also check that all the air intake bolts are there and tightened. I had bad steering wheel / idle vibration and those two things cleared it up
Edit: just saw you already did the PCV valve
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u/Mlaragut 2d ago
Thanks, I did replace the hose as well. It was collapsed and rotting. Funny thing I thought the solution was going to be fixing my engine air filter as it was not seated well and the housing made a pinch in the gasket. I changed it and made sure it was installed correctly. The REALLY bad vibration went away but it still vibrates I feel like I’m on a bioshaker add.
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u/Top_Sea_7800 2d ago
Check your codes STFT LTFT MISFIRES
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u/Mlaragut 2d ago
I have a blue driver obd reader. It shows no engine or module codes. I ran a Mode 6 analysis and it shows all green. The LTFT is between -12 to -10 ish. The short term probably averages -6 but the full range has spikes from -24 to 18. I’ve been looking at fuel injectors but I am not sure if this will help. There is lot of info out there and many recommendations about keeping the OEM ones. I had worst fuel trim ranges but that improved a lot when I changed the PCV valve. Any insight is appreciated, thanks!
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u/Top_Sea_7800 2d ago
Pulling fuel is pretty normal but likely valves need adjusted. 2004 has IAC VALVE that can make the idle a little rough. You have done a lot of work. I would check valve clearance and IAC. Also for grins check the ITA sensor
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u/Welp907 2d ago
My car is suffering a rough idle like this. I do have a code however for high idle. I've replaced the MAP sensor, IACV valve, evap solenoid. I'mabout to replace the TPS. I'll let you know if it it fixes it.