Hello,
So I’m not sure if only one problem is leading to multiple symptoms, or if I’ve got all sorts of problems. Lol

this is an automatic 2004 AWD Element

When freeway driving the car will drive normally until randomly deciding to be limited to about 2800 rpm’s and loses most power. Giving it gas will only make the engine flutter, and it feels similar to a limp mode.
I’ll have to pull over and restart the car to get it to reset to normal.
no check engine lights or warnings illuminated.

it’s been doing this for quite some time and has always started right back up after resetting.

An obd scan and forum research led me to the Vetec oil solenoid. I replaced it with a new one and things seemed better for a few days. The car was more responsive, that’s what I mainly noticed.

However Yesterday, it was starting to do it again while I was driving through the mountains, and I was noticing that the water temperature was creeping up, so I pulled over at an autozone to check it out.
coolant was a tiny bit low so I added more.
Went to start it, now it won’t start at all. The starter turns, and the engine almost sounds like it’ll start, but won’t. Sometimes you’ll even get a little exhaust pop.

I tried for hours to figure out what was wrong, but eventually had to get the element towed home.

Maybe fuel delivery?
i tried my best to try and check that, checked the relays, no difference.

Any ideas?

 

OEm solenoid?
how low was the coolant ?

 

7,500 mile oil change intervals for its whole life?

 

I didn’t buy a Honda brand OEM solenoid, just whatever aftermarket one they sell in autozone.

The coolant was maybe half a quart low.
The level was about an inch or two below the minimum line.

 

i really don’t know, we’ve purchased it used. We’ve driven it a few thousand in town miles over the last year, but that’s it.

 

Aftermarket VTEC solenoids are complete garbage. OEM from Honda is the only way to go on this part.

Look down the oil fill cap. Is it dark and full of sludge in there? Pretty typical to see CR-Vs and Elements run on extended oil change intervals. Bad news for the fine mesh screens and fine oil passages that make up the VTC and VTEC systems. Also hard on the timing chain.

Coolant reservoir is one indicator of coolant fill level. Did you also pull the radiator cap and see if the radiator was full?

 

this and find out where the coolant is going.