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Mr_D · 07-26-2011, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunnpe

I tow a 2004 Element, it has a manual trans so there are no issues with the tranny. It is an ideal toad for my use. Love it, Love it.

The '04 with both manual and auto was towable, the change came in 2005.
As I understand it the bean counters balked at paying warranty claims when people ruined the trans while towing. (not following the correct shifting sequence on the auto trans).

Mr_D · 07-27-2011, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42

I thought I heard that Honda was eliminating the Element from it's line soon anyway-----

Mr-D I was unaware that Honda had placed towing information in some manuals for untowable models. Sorry that happened. I went through great pains when we bought our CR-V to get information in writting and review the manual before purchase. Still some techs would warn me about towing the thing---and I would go talk to service managers about it etc;

I have kept an a log of every mile I have towed and have places to check that I have followed the correct proceedure for towing, hours and speed---just in case. Not that they wouuld roll over a play dead but when you are in a situation as described every piece of information helps.

The '05 Ody manual has no "Recreational Towing" instructions in it. I called Honda in Sept. '04 and got the info direct, plus they sent it to me on Honda letterhead addressed directly to me. It stated that the '05 Ody was towable four down and gave the exact same instructions as the CR-V. So we ordered one going by that info. That's why they ended up paying me $$. The CA AG's office sent me a letter that came one day too late stating that they were ready to go to binding arbitration, but I had already sent a letter accepting Honda's offer of about $2,200

njs42 · 07-27-2011, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

The '05 Ody manual has no "Recreational Towing" instructions in it. I called Honda in Sept. '04 and got the info direct, plus they sent it to me on Honda letterhead addressed directly to me. It stated that the '05 Ody was towable four down and gave the exact same instructions as the CR-V. So we ordered one going by that info. That's why they ended up paying me $$. The CA AG's office sent me a letter that came one day too late stating that they were ready to go to binding arbitration, but I had already sent a letter accepting Honda's offer of about $2,200

In essence they paid for your tow dolly-----oh well small victories. I have often wondered if an automatic trans can be made towable why don't they just make them all that way???? It would seem to be a good strategy----but then so would having a universal plug in to charge your cell phone???? Not gonna happen.

Good for you for sticking in the fight---some people just give up---

Cat320 · 07-27-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Not according to any of the towing guides I've seen. The only Honda's now approved are the CR-V and Fit. Check the MH Towing Guide like I did. I tried to access the FMCA guide but all I get is a misconfiguration error.

You are correct...I was thinking Fit and typed Element....some wires got crossed between my head and my fingers!

EDALLSAILS · 07-28-2011, 04:50 PM

From REMCO. 2003 - 2011 Honda Element

Engine: ALL
Drivetrain: 2WD/4WD
Transmission: Manual & Automatic

Application Notes

Towable as is. No formal testing. No known problems. Follow procedures under emergency towing.

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JPMaly · 07-28-2011, 09:15 PM

I tow an 04 Element. 5000 miles and no problems to report. I wanted an Element to haul the band equipment and as a toad. Took about 3 months to find a low (40000) mileage one. Yeah, I read the Remco page, but I could not find their transmission waranty page. One would think if they made a statement like that they would back it up.

EDALLSAILS · 07-29-2011, 07:18 AM

Bottom line is, if you want to tow be careful. If you have a doubt you have a choice.
1. don't tow it. 2. Buy a pump from Remco and retro fit the vehicle. We've towed an Element now for over 40 thousand miles. NO problem to date. We had a special key at Honda that doesn't allow the element to be started, but, allows the switch to be turned on and then back to the off but NOT locked position. Wired charging line to the element to keep battery charged. Be sure everything is turned off, radio, Cruise control switch in off position, air conditioner and blower off. Using a blue Ox tow bar, Brake Buddy braking system.