Experiencing electrical problems in your Honda Element after working with the OBD2 port? You’re not alone. Many DIYers and even seasoned mechanics can sometimes encounter unexpected issues when diagnosing their vehicles. In my case, while trying to read transmission codes on my 2008 Honda Element due to a blinking “D” indicator, a simple mistake led to a cascade of electrical accessory failures. This article details my experience, the symptoms I encountered, and offers potential troubleshooting steps if you find yourself in a similar situation, especially concerning the Honda Element Obd2 Pinouts and potential short circuits.
The initial problem was the blinking “D” light on my dashboard, signaling a potential transmission issue. Following advice from Honda Element forums, I intended to use the paper clip method to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes by jumping pins on the OBD2 port. Guidance online suggested connecting pins 4 and 9.
However, in a moment of misjudgment while working in a somewhat awkward position, I mistakenly jumpered pins 5 and 16. Looking at a standard OBD2 pinout diagram, I realized my error: I had connected pin 16, which provides +12V battery power, directly to pin 5, the signal ground. Essentially, I created a short circuit.
Honda Element OBD2 port correct pinout for diagnostic jumper wire connection, highlighting pins 4 (ground) and 9 (SCS).
Correcting my mistake and properly jumpering pins 4 and 9 did allow me to retrieve the transmission code (code 26, indicating a 3rd clutch oil pressure switch issue). However, upon starting the vehicle, a new set of problems emerged. Several electrical accessories were no longer functioning.
Symptoms of Electrical Issues Post-OBD2 Short
After the accidental short circuit, I observed the following:
Working Accessories:
- External lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals, backup lights)
- Rear hatch dome light
- 12V accessory socket in the passenger dash
- Power windows
- Power mirrors
Non-Working Accessories:
- Radio
- Dome light (only works with key in the ON position, not with doors opening)
- Power door locks exhibiting strange behavior:
- Key ON: Unlock button works, but the lock button does not.
- Key ON: Manually pushing down the lock knob on the driver’s door locks all doors.
- Key OFF: Lock buttons are unresponsive, and manually pushing the lock knob only affects the driver’s door.
- Remote key fob: Completely non-functional.
- Cruise control on/off button (located by the driver’s left knee) does not illuminate.
- OBD2 port itself appears dead: my scanner no longer powers on when connected, and there’s no voltage at pin 16 (12V power).
These symptoms were strikingly similar to those described in an older forum post about a 2004 Honda Element with radio power loss after an unknown event. Unfortunately, that thread lacked a definitive solution.
Troubleshooting Steps and Seeking Solutions
My primary suspicion is a blown fuse, despite not yet locating one. Shorting the 12V power supply to ground in the OBD2 port likely caused an overload somewhere in the electrical system.
Next steps for troubleshooting:
- Thorough Fuse Box Inspection: Re-examine all fuse boxes (under-dash and under-hood) more meticulously. It’s possible a fuse blew in a less obvious location or that I missed it during the initial check.
- Wiring Diagram Consultation: Obtaining a wiring diagram specific to the 2008 Honda Element’s electrical system, particularly the circuits related to the non-functioning accessories and the OBD2 port power supply, is crucial. This would help pinpoint potential fuse locations or damaged components.
- Component Damage Assessment: While hoping for a simple fuse issue, there’s a possibility that the short circuit may have damaged a component, such as a relay or a control module related to the affected systems.
If you have experienced a similar issue with your Honda Element after a possible OBD2 port mishap, or if you have insights into specific fuses or circuits to investigate, your guidance would be greatly appreciated. Understanding the specific fuse locations or common points of failure related to the OBD2 port and accessory power in a Honda Element would be immensely helpful in resolving this electrical puzzle.
