:evil:
Ok, so I put a nice car air freshener around the shift knob, and it took the paint off the console where the freshener hit. I have used car air fresheners for many years, and this is the first time this happened.
I made a call to my dealer, as this car is only 3 weeks old, and he is off today. I will speak to him about replacement and let you all know what happens. Did anyone else experience this problem? I know that suction cup issue was a previous post, perhaps this is a similar issue---
Still lovin the car, just disappointed in the fact that this happened. Hopefully, I can resolve this with the dealer.

Happened to me too!

:roll: Ed

Mr Ed-what did you do---anything? Even though it is a small area, I am so very sad...and in case the dealer gives me any grief, any suggestions out there as to how to "repair" this? Thanks! :oops:

How peculiar.

I have yet to take any action. It may not be worth the trouble. However, let me know if you decide to have your dealer warranty the item.

8) Ed

:roll:
I will let you know what he says today. I am just upset cause it is new...and the marks are not greatly noticable, however, I KNOW IT IS THERE. It only took the paint off where it touched...i assume for a few weeks. I am pushing this, I think...and most of all...BE WARNED all other Element owners!

be sure to mention that you think it might a be a warranty issue. and if your service manager also drives an E, you might have good luck like i did (i'm the suction cup poster).

let us know what happens, and thanx for the heads up.

:shock:
I spoke to my dealer who said that he had never heard of this happening..of course, I told him that other Element owners have had "suction cup" problems, and also one other air freshener problem, and he suggested that the easiest thing is to just bring the car up to the service folks and show it to them. I am going to push the warranty thing---I did purchase the extended, which may/may not cover this issue---but geeze...an air freshener. I just wish that I knew beforehand. I know that I will NEVER stick a rubber suction cup--thanks to you all---

Anyhow, still :oops: but hoping to be :D tonight as they have longer hours today. Perhaps I will slip out of work early and get a jump on things.
I will post when I get some sort of answer.

I actually recall reading on an air freshener package that you should avoid letting it touch anything. It would supposedly discolor carpet, etc.

What the heck do those things have in them, anyway?

:D :D :D :D
Good news regarding the air freshener incident. I snuck out of work today a bit early :roll: and headed up to the dealer...meeting with the service manager. He had never heard of this type of situation before, but was great. (I mentioned this site, and he is familiar with it.) The bottom line is, they are going to replace the damaged areas, at no cost to me. He was so concerned that he asked that I meet with the Honda Rep when he comes back to the dealer--in the next few weeks. He wanted to show him what happened as it is really pretty difficult to describe it without seeing it. He is hoping, and was going to look up if the two damaged areas are two sep parts. The console itself, or the plastic part around the entire radio, shift, etc has about a 1.5 inchs spot. This is where the freshener hung and hit the console. The circular area, directly around the shift has two areas where the sides of the air freshener hit that. I fortunately kept the offending item...they have to order the replacement parts, but I can be patient!
Phil--I had never read about the warnings--but I am surprised that something would be that strong inside of a car.

Bottom line---hopefully others will avoid having to deal with this...and I will hate to have to give up "Lula" for even a day as she is repaired. Be warned---air fresheners are acid to the paint!

Hurray!

I'm so glad that they'll fix it for you. My service manager here was terrific about the suction cup issue as well.

I've always had good experiences with the dealer service people (knock on wood), so i think sometimes they get a bad rap.

(I don't mean to second guess people who have had horrible experiences, just that my own are usually so positive.)

My Service Manager had to be positive, they kept on gouging my car for 7 straight weeks :shock:

Does anyone here like to go to your dealers for 7 straight weeks!!!

i forgot about your horrible misadventure with the dealer. that is a nightmare at best. hope all is okay now and you can avoid them for a long time!

On the back of a MEDO air freshener pack, it says
" For Best Results: Slit opening in bag. Pull out string and hang the air freshener. Freshener should hang freely to avoid straining of surrounding area. :arrow: Do not lean on plastic, furniture or painted surface of any kind." Sounds like you got one over on the Dealership. They shouldn't replace it. It's good you'll get a new one. :lol:

:shock:
Thank you for the very accurate quote from the air freshener package. I did not know that they came with instructions, however, I did slit the top, and kept the entire freshener in the little bag, as always. (Otherwise, you lose the smell in a short amount of time) I guess somewhere along my life, I did read the instructions. But....if you read my post...not only did the part that was exposed cause damage....the part STILL IN THE BAG caused it, too...In my many years of driving, I have never, ever had an air freshener do this on a car interior surface. I did not try to get one over on the dealer, however, I do think (and he agreed) that it was something Honda should know about---given the suction cup incident, and the air freshener incident. I believe it is some flaw in the paint or surface that needs to be addressed. Normal wear and tear is one thing...but geeze.
This is just my humble opinion. Anyone else have any thoughts?
:?

an air freshener and a suction cup should not cause damage according to me and supported by my service manager.

in general, i don't use air freshener because the overpowering smell gives me a headache. now i know, it's not just the smell, but perhaps the chemicals as well.

live and learn...

:wink:
I agree with your thoughts that suction cups and air fresheners should NEVER cause damage. And, as you said, LaJollaElement, my service manager agrees with you and the dealer you are working with, too.

I guess I have generally found this site so very useful, with wonderful postings and wonderful people who offer such nice advice. I felt a bit defensive with the post that sounded :? accusatory as if I would try to put one over on the dealer. I simply LOVE this car, and feel strongly that if there is some sort of sensitivity in the paint or finish, Honda should know about it. The bottom line is that if the dealer refused, I would simply live with it and learn from my mistake. I am thankful that they were as supportive as they were. Says alot for the dealership I worked with.

My dealer is more than willing to take care of this matter, and as I mentioned, wants the Honda Rep to see it. So he is concerned, too.

Most of all, and I will end my small ranting, is that I mostly wanted other Element owners to be sure not to make the same mistake as I.

I will keep you all posted when I speak to Honda in the next few weeks.

I'm sorry to hear that an E owner got the bad side of an air freshener, but I'm not really surprised that the product did that much damage. Perfumes can be very strong and reactive with all kinds of surfaces.

Synthetic perfumes and chemicals are, as I am sure I've stated before, not my friend. I get headachey so easily from fumes, fabric dyes and glues, chemical cleaners, etc. Ditto even with the 'good' smelling stuff if it's not pretty natural. I have to be careful with everything I use as far as household products, soap, lotion, etc.

A suggestion for nice scent in your car: get some bulk dried lavender buds (or any kind of natural potpourri you like), and tie some in the foot of an old pair of pantyhose. Or a ziplock bag that you have pierced several times with a fork. Then put it under your driver's seat. Voila. Scent without nastiness.

:D
Thanks for the tip. My dealer is going to replace the part around the shift, and they will paint the small area on the lower part of the console. The lesson was surely one that I regret...and will use lavendar under the seat or another type of air freshener...
Anyone else notice how dog gone sensitive the paint is on the console? A nail can easily scratch the surface.
But...all this being said, i still love this car...faults and all.

With Honda marketing the E as a versatile outdoorsey, cargo hauling, easy cleanout vehicle, it is curious that the plastic interior is so vulenerable. Certainly doesn't mesh with their hype. You can almost hose out the floor, but can't even put a suction cup on the dash???? What's with that?

[quote:97a3a25cec="E-Rich"]With Honda marketing the E as a versatile outdoorsey, cargo hauling, easy cleanout vehicle, it is curious that the plastic interior is so vulenerable. Certainly doesn't mesh with their hype. You can almost hose out the floor, but can't even put a suction cup on the dash???? What's with that?[/quote:97a3a25cec]

OK, make that "vulnerable". :oops:

:o Since I started this post, I will let you all know that latest update. My dealer called and I am meeting with the Honda rep on Monday to show him the damage caused by the air freshener, still in the bag. My thought is that with the Honda name, I am surprised that it was damaged like this. I have also noted that the paint around the console knobs scratch so very easily--even a fingernail makes a mark. The dealer is replacing the damaged area around the shift knob...and painting (to my satisfaction mind you) the area on the bottom of the console and I will ask if they can fix the nail scratches- I will post after I meet with Honda and give you their feedback. I am also wondering if anyone out there knows of a "sealant" or something I can put on the paint area that scratches easily. Perhaps it is just a defect on my E....but overwhelmingly, and overall, I do love this car-faults and all. For sure.

I have a 5spd E (relevant, just give me a sec). I bought a three pack of pine tree type air fresheners at the local auto store. I proceeded to place the elastic band around the base of the rubber shift boot and let the tree hang off there. It doesn't move around more than a bit from left to right, and its in a nice location for its odoriferous eminations.

Well, I looked down last weekend and noticed the paint on the plastic console was melted, or missing, or dissolved where the stupid pine tree went left to right around turns, and especially under where it sat at rest!

WARNING, be careful with these things.

UGH. If anyone is curious, i can post a pic later this week.

Jessee

Jesse...heck yeah, show us a pic. I'm curious to see this.

I'd love to see a pic. Thanks for sharing so my E can avoid the same fate!

pic please!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Holy toxic paint-stripping fumes, Batman! Gotta see a picture of that.

Those green pine trees make me think of my Dad's 1972 Nova ( which he bought new at the time ) Crazy green trees for a crazy green car.

JDM air spencers > all us air freshners
thats why i ordered 2 cases of them for the Element for over 100 bux :evil:

Straight from Japan Land....

how long will that last u

I'll definatly take a pic at the highest resolution possible, I only have a 3 megapixel camera. I'll get it posted on Saturday. I"m definately moving to some other type of air freshener. My car always smells like wood fire from the camping I do, its kinda funny, but you recognize it immediately.

Jessee

This happened to my friend mary. She got a pine tree freshener, put it on her shifter which is on the floor and it destroyed the paint on the piece under. The trim is ruined and has to be replaced/repainted.

No trees in my car lol.

how long will that last u

The refills last about a month
the cases last about a year lol

Hi all... just read this thread.. will take a pic of what it did to my '03 "Y"... post tomorrow.....NASTY!!

THe same thing happened to my car...I took it back to the dealer and he replaced one of the two areas (the most noticable) under warranty. This was early in the Element process (03) so I am not sure if they would still do it for you. Also, not sure if they corrected this, but the area around the dials are sensitive to even finger nails. Honda needs to address the paint sensitivity.

These are Pics of the damage caused by the Arometrics air freshener I mentioned in another post. Be careful it will strip paint...

Hey Vegas,

What's causing the damage the adhesive or the airfreshener goo running down the side of the radio?

Thx, Phil

Thanks for the tip, vegasbaby!

Man, that really sucks! Fortunately the trim piece only costs $10.80 (plus S&H, I'm sure) at www.hondaautomotiveparts.com (http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Element&catcgry2=2003&catcgry3=5DR+EX+2WD&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=INSTRUMENT+PANEL+GARNISH+%28DRIVER+SIDE%2 9) . Item no. 8 in the photo below - installation is a snap, literally!

LEGO

Yes, thanks for the tip. I got one of those air fresheners as a free bonus with a bottle of Eagle One Wax as you Dry. Never put it in the E. Thanks to you, I won't.

Also, everyone, remember that bug repellent will melt your exterior plastic panels. Another member posted his experience with that (got it on his hand, then touched his panel -- permanent handprint).

Basically, chemicals are to the Element as water is to the Wicked Witch of the West.

.

Not only do you have to replace that little trim piece, but now your Element smells of feet. Try natural air fresheners. A hunk of pine bough or a few sprigs of parsley under the seat every few weeks is nice and doesn't make you high. That's what the cookies are for!

I tried a sprig of rosemary once...You gotta like the smell of rosemary before you do this though.

mmmmm cookies

I hung one of the standard pine tree air fresheners from my shift boot. It melted all the paint off of the lower trim piece (part 7) while rocking left to right around turns.

I meant to post pics a few months back, but never did. Stick to hanging them from the mirror.

That wasn't new car scent was it?

My friend has a Ravvie, and he has a new car scent one of those... well he opened the back door to the Rav-4, and I was overwhelmed by it. I sniffed a couple of times, looked at some buddies and said, "What is that?" My Ravvie owning friend claimed "New Car Scent man... great ain't it?"

::sniff sniff::

Me: "No... that's not it."

::sniff sniff::

Me (to another friend): "Dude come here and smell this..."

::double sniff sniff::

Me: "Ahhh... I know what that is..."

::puzzled look from Ravvie owner::

Me: "Urinal Cake... it might be labeled New Car, but that it distinctly Urinal Cake."

To which 5 others agreed... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hey Vegas,

What's causing the damage the adhesive or the airfreshener goo running down the side of the radio?

Thx, Phil

Yeah its the Goo. Its an alcohol based liquid not an oil. So it somehow leaked, as I went to wipe it off came the paint. Valvoline is handling it lets see what they do.

Thanks for the tip, vegasbaby!

Man, that really sucks! Fortunately the trim piece only costs $10.80 (plus S&H, I'm sure) at www.hondaautomotiveparts.com (http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Element&catcgry2=2003&catcgry3=5DR+EX+2WD&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=INSTRUMENT+PANEL+GARNISH+%28DRIVER+SIDE%2 9) . Item no. 8 in the photo below - installation is a snap, literally!

LEGO

Is it really a snap to take off? I haven't really tried. I imagined having to take the whole dash apart. Any help would save me a few bucks. Thanks.

I have an air freshener that's shaped like a hockey puck, and you peel the top off (its filled with a gel like substance).

It fits perfectly in the center console REAR cup holder that is nearly impossible for anyone to reach for a cup anyways.

Thats my usual choice but they didn't have my usual scent. So I went with the fancy A/C thingee. My Luck.

I also put my air freshner deals in the little tin in the back seat cup holder, they usually come in about a million scents. Check them out at walmart.

Wow, the same thing happened to my daughter's stereo remote! The stuff burned a whole right through it!

VERY good to know. I almost got one of the Aerometric thingies the day after buying my new car. I stuck with the cheap gel in a tin thing instead. I like the natural idea. Some Hazelnut coffee in a sachet would smell wonderful. I keep my little tin in the overhead console. It is mesh-like on the bottom so the scent comes through.
Manda

I'm glad I could open some eyes.

My radio surround trim was damaged also only it was a bit more severe and intentional.:twisted: I had previously mounted my sub woofer remote control to the right side of the trim piece using zip ties that were looped thru drilled holes and into the backside of the remote so the mounting would be hidden and the remote would only appear to be stuck to the surface of the trim. I also had to hide the wire leading from the remote thru the trim by drilling a 1/2" hole and the remote would cover this once mounted. I later switched to a Kenwood 10" powered sub with a different wired remote. This remote sits horizontal and not vertical like the previous one. So I needed to do something about the trim piece with a now useless remote control mounted to it. So instead of taking the easy path of just buying another $10 replacement I figured I'd repair/modify the original. I used a small bit of fiberglass Bondo to fill the holes and then sanded it smooth. I then sprayed it with a few light passes of rubberized undercoating spray that I had leftover from the custom sub replacement enclosure project. It gives a nice black rubbery textured finish that's a close match to the other black textured surfaces of the stock interior plastic. I also like the darker look of how it breaks up the silver on the console and frames the indash monitor. Just another option to consider if you want to try a little side project similar to this or in any other color or finish and you could always order a replacement part to have on hand incase you change your mind.


http://img130.echo.cx/img130/9242/blacktrim1nq.jpg

http://img130.echo.cx/img130/9578/blacktrim23gb.jpg

Here you can also see where I mounted the new sub remote onto the small grey trim piece to the right of the steering wheel.

I have never been in a car that require a masking fragrance of any kind. why would a car stink enough in the first place to require "over-powering" it with another smell?

just curious, have always wondered

why would a car stink enough in the first place to require "over-powering" it with another smell?

http://img63.echo.cx/img63/4397/vcporkandbeans7k9ty.jpg

'nuff said

http://img63.echo.cx/img63/4397/vcporkandbeans7k9ty.jpg

'nuff said

That is too funny!

Just wondering... Do any of these air fresheners have a warning on the back of them? ( For example , "This could melt your car, make sure it doesn't touch anything") If not, you should write to the company, send pictures of the damage and ask them to pay for the replacement parts.

I always keep my air fresheners in the top hatch holder thingie above my head, but now as I'm sitting at work, reading these posts, I'm wondering if it's burning a hole through the mesh plastic as I type this!

Hey,

I saw this somewhere as an inexpensive air freshener for the home but don't see why it can't be used in the car too.

Use a small lemon, lime, orange or other citrus type fruit. Take a bunch of plastic push pins and stick them all over the fruit. Place the fruit anywhere needed, voila!

An added plus, the fruit won't melt the E's plastic interior!

Thx, Phil
ps Remember you're using the SCENT (that's what the push pins are for) of the fruit NOT the JUICE to remove or mask odors so don't squeeze it.

Lemon juice will melt some types of plastic. It also causes styrofoam to disintegrate on contact. Try squeezing some lemon juice into a stryro- cup and watch what happens.

Be careful with lemon juice.

My opinion is that most "air freshener" products for the car look worst than their actual smell. Nothing screams tacky like a blue crystal dolphin eminating "Sea Mist" from the rear view mirror or a hypno fan that spins "Autumn Apple" from the AC vents. Personally I usually keep a small travel size bottle of Febreze tucked away in the glove box. If things get funky I just grab the bottle and give a few quick sprays and it usually keeps things smelling like the scent of, well, "normal" and not Carolina Campfire, Cocoa Butter, Morning Dew, Tapioca, Herbal Garden or Fish Fry Fantasies. I know Frebreze even makes an Auto formula just for car interiors.
But the regular crap works just fine.

FWIW:
Try "Air Therapy" original orange non-aerosol spray (Mia Rose Products 800.292.6339;www.miarose.com.) It's available at Trader Joe's' (probably other places too.) Every once in a while a single spray will freshen up the joint, but the label does warns NOT to spray over plastic surfaces.

I also use it on the boat when it's been closed up for a while.

Empire: Couldn't agree with you more.

I can't stand having furry dice, bouncy boggle heads, or other "fresh-smelly' things hanging, sitting or attached to any visible place in my car. I call it tackification.

Like the Febreeze Idea.

Got my check yesterday from Valvoline! They sent me the amount of the highest estimate I got. Pretty cool, now I can go any which way. Is this panel hard to take out oneself? I can't seem to figure out where the clamp is. Any help to save me labor charge?

Lemon juice will melt some types of plastic. It also causes styrofoam to disintegrate on contact. Try squeezing some lemon juice into a stryro- cup and watch what happens.

Be careful with lemon juice.

Put a piece of roast beef in a glass of Coke or some other soda. It will dissolve before you :shock: :-o

Got my check yesterday from Valvoline! They sent me the amount of the highest estimate I got. Pretty cool, now I can go any which way. Is this panel hard to take out oneself? I can't seem to figure out where the clamp is. Any help to save me labor charge?

Labor charge?? I am going to laugh at you if you take that single piece in to get it replaced! ;-)

What do you mean by "clamp?" There is a clip in each of the 4 corners of that "U" shaped garnish around the radio. Just use a scre driver wrapped in a shop towel and pry it from one of the bottom 2 corners, then work your way around. If you bend over slightly you can see where there is a small void in each corner for an edge to help pop that piece out.

Thats what I'm talking about. It should pop right out right?

Definitely do this yourself and keep the money. Not sure if you are replacing the whole center console (looks like a tiny bit got onto the main surround though most is on the radio trim) But I think it is easiest and causes the least damage to remove the entire center console to get the radio trim out. Pull the center console off with your fingers only. You can usually get a grip below the gear shifter near the sub. The whole console is clipped on with nice metal clips that don't break when you remove them. You'll have to pull firmly but it's not near as bad as trying to pull door panels, etc. Once you loosen the center console, disconnect the heater controls, (green connector with a very obvious release button) then disconnect the 4way flasher. You can push out the radio trim from the back (same metal clips). If you are replacing both pieces this is a good time to see how everything goes together so it goes smoothly replacing your new shiny pieces.

You may be able to pop off the center console and pop the radio trim without removing the connectors but again, because you don't know what the back of it looks like, it'll be hard to find the clips.

If you don't want to yank the entire center console, there are two slots under the radio trim that you can get some leverage on (you'll have to use some kind of tool) the slots are right about where the goo rolled down below the radio trim.

I think I'd replace the radio trim and pocket the rest of the cash. Buy some side steps or something more noticable than that little spot of goop that will be left.... Of course it may look way worse in person.

Hope this helps

I tried the 2 slots underneath and the trim doesn't budge. I guess the whole panel might have to come out. Can I replace the part without having to take it apart agian? Meaning if I get the trim off and put the console back in, can I just pop the new trim part in?

I got it! That was easy! I just saved myself valuble time and money, thanks to you guys. That was real easy...

I got it! That was easy! I just saved myself valuble time and money, thanks to you guys. That was real easy...

So which way did you do it?

No, removing the entire console is not worth it. That U shaped piece is tight, yes, but it will come out. Just be careful as you can put some small dent in the plastic, but it will come out. MANY people on here have doe this often.

If you remove the entire console, it would still be tight to remove the U shaped piece.

I removed the entire console, it pops right off. The radio trim piece has 4 tabs that lock into place from behind. Just unlock those and it comes right off. I don't think you can do it otherwise without really yanking it off and breaking the tabsa and console. I'm referring to peice #7 as the console and #8 as the radio trim piece. Easy Money...

I removed the entire console, it pops right off. The radio trim piece has 4 tabs that lock into place from behind. Just unlock those and it comes right off. I don't think you can do it otherwise without really yanking it off and breaking the tabsa and console. I'm referring to peice #7 as the console and #8 as the radio trim piece. Easy Money...

Not to be mean but you are wrong (lack of a better word), because I and others have done it numerous times. It is just very tight. The tabs have more forgiveness that you think.

See here, as I did this for my mount:
http://www.gbxdirect.com/store/satellite_radio_mount_kit.php?make=Honda&model=Element

See the pic, and the attached directions.

No offense taken. I just didn't want to force them out and with my luck bust the whole damn thing. But either way, it was way easy to take the console off as well. Plus it just pops right back in. No more damage, now if I can install that CAI we've been talking about, thats a whole other thread.

Not to be mean but you are wrong (lack of a better word), because I and others have done it numerous times. It is just very tight. The tabs have more forgiveness that you think.

See here, as I did this for my mount:
http://www.gbxdirect.com/store/satellite_radio_mount_kit.php?make=Honda&model=Element

See the pic, and the attached directions.

I wish I had that set-up for my Roady. It looks so much nicer than mine.

Not to be mean but you are wrong (lack of a better word), because I and others have done it numerous times. It is just very tight. The tabs have more forgiveness that you think.

See here, as I did this for my mount:
http://www.gbxdirect.com/store/satellite_radio_mount_kit.php?make=Honda&model=Element

See the pic, and the attached directions.


Do you have pics of your mount? I'm gonna have to move my Roady up and this is the only way to go. Nobody else make a mount for the Element.

Be careful about getting any Lysol products on the dash area, near the radio controls and the A/C and heater control knobs.

Lysol leaves permanent white spots on some plastics; I know it does on the E.

I was instructed to clean my dash with Alcohol to mount a "phone-mount" and It made a huge, circular shaped paint mark.

Got my check yesterday from Valvoline! They sent me the amount of the highest estimate I got.
*snip*Bro, how much did you get?>:-]>

Ok, so I hate things hanging from my rearview mirror. I dont like how it rocks back and forth and (this is just my opinion of course) it looks a little girly to me (you know how they have beads and fairies and trinkets hanging down - hey, my wife does it so I can talk about it).

Well I had an extra Berry-scented Dansk air freshener (the ones that look like leaves, not like trees) laying around and thought I'd throw it in the E. I didn't want to hang it from the rearview, so I just hung it from my automatic shifter. Seemed to work great.

Wrong.

The oils in the air freshener completely ate away my paint on my silver-ish trim around my shifter (not the big area with the Hazard button, but the trim around that that continues up to the dashboard). The paint bubbled up and cracked right off, leaving an un-primered black plastic behind.

I had this airfreshener in my car for about two weeks, so be careful out there. Don't hang your air freshener from your shifter.

And has anyone had to buy that piece of trim from Majestic and might know the price off the top of their head?

that has happened to a few people about the air "fresheners" eating away the plastic and the paint.

The part is around $40 from Majestic.

I use the round plastic air fresheners, that clip to your vent.:)

that has happened to a few people about the air "fresheners" eating away the plastic and the paint.

The part is around $40 from Majestic.

Eh, not a bad price. Thanks for the info.

I use the round plastic air fresheners, that clip to your vent.:)

I use those sometimes, but they never seem to last long at all...

so far ours still has a hint of new car smell left after 3 months or so. I hope it stays for a little longer, then we will have to start getting those stupid air fresheners that tend to give me headaches.

I use those sometimes, but they never seem to last long at all...

If I ever want a nice smell in my E I just roll down the windows and get the nice smell of salt air from the ocean breeze. :) Actually it always smells like that since I live so close to the beach.

Do not like air "fresheners" at all... :twisted:

If I ever want a nice smell in my E I just roll down the windows and get the nice smell of salt air from the ocean breeze. :) Actually it always smells like that since I live so close to the beach.

Do not like air "fresheners" at all... :twisted:

Must be nice.....:twisted: I live near a lake that smells like dead fish in the summer.

Must be nice.....:twisted: I live near a lake that smells like dead fish in the summer.

mmmm the smell of dead fish in the morning. lol

mmmm the smell of dead fish in the morning. lol

Nothing else like it....to appreciate it you must experience it first hand....;-)

Yeah, honestly I despise them overall. I never really use them and sort of threw this one in the E on a whim.

They always smell like they are covering up something, like bathroom freshener.

Poop and Lillacs still smells like poop.

...Poop and Lillacs still smells like poop.

:shock: Gee, I am behind the times. I didn't know that they came in this scent.


Maybe at a pet store?

Definitely a fan of the vent clip air fresheners.... Speaking of nice smells and interior care, what do you guys do about the dirt that gets trapped under the sides of the floor (where the mats dip down) and what do you use to clean your interior trim and protect it (armor all?)

Nothing else like it....to appreciate it you must experience it first hand....;-)
I get the wonderous smell of low tide each summer morning. just as bad as dead fish. lol

Definitely a fan of the vent clip air fresheners.... Speaking of nice smells and interior care, what do you guys do about the dirt that gets trapped under the sides of the floor (where the mats dip down) and what do you use to clean your interior trim and protect it (armor all?)
NO!!! Do NOT use ArmorAll... You will slip and kill yourself, plus it will cause the plastic/rubber to attract dirt and dust.

I have used wet rags to wipe the floor down. As for the dirt that gets trapped under the side sills, I have removed the sills and vacuumed it out once it is dry.

NO!!! Do NOT use ArmorAll... You will slip and kill yourself, plus it will cause the plastic/rubber to attract dirt and dust.
LMFAO!!!! I think I have posted on here about that before but I will do it again... We have our cars detailed about every month or so and the first time the detailer cleaned the E he did that to the floor... The dirt and the dust were not problems - it was the indoor icerink it created. The floor was so slick that you had to sit your butt on the seat before you put your feet in because your feet would slide and you would fall on your :shock:. It took months of washing with soap and water to get the stuff off.

I hang my air freshener from the passenger seat belt buckle. It hangs down between the seat and the cup holder. Haven't had any problems with it. Oh, and I use the Yankee Candle ones. Love them!!!

I haven't had the need yet for air freshener. Going on 2 years now and all I have to do is park the car in the sun. The heat causes the new car smell to be released. Today it is 70 out. Am sitting here right now contemplating going out and doing a little work cleaning up the winter clutter. Am sure it will smell pretty nice in there about now.

Definitely a fan of the vent clip air fresheners.... Speaking of nice smells and interior care, what do you guys do about the dirt that gets trapped under the sides of the floor (where the mats dip down) and what do you use to clean your interior trim and protect it (armor all?)

Can't visualize where you art talking of regarding the dirt. I bought a DeWalt portable Tank Vac that I use out on my E. It uses the standard 18v batteries that most of their tools use. It comes with a few of the attachments and I can get into most places and vaccum out the grit, sand, dirt... that accumulates. There are some places like the slots for the front seat tracks, and around the hand brake, in the cup holders... where some stuff does accumulate.

As for cleaning up. Just use mild soap and water. With the material that my seats are covered with, I can wipe down the seats, the dash, door panels, the floor... all with a damp rag. I have the EX where all the seats are covered with the Water Resistant cleanable seats. I think the LX and DX were covered with it front only. Sometimes, I use Windex Wipes for the interior windows, dash, door panels, armrest.... I keep a package of them in the car for quick cleanups. I used a few the other day removing greasy finger prints from the dashboard, wiping out the cubbies...

Yeah, I just use a moist microfiber towel for the dash and anything else plastic. I used 303 Aerospace on the interior door panels yesterday and that looks pretty good too, but I wouldn't use it on the floors.

so far ours still has a hint of new car smell left after 3 months or so. I hope it stays for a little longer, then we will have to start getting those stupid air fresheners that tend to give me headaches.

There's a reason those vile things give you a headache! Ninety-five percent of the chemicals used in fragrances are petroleum-based synthetic compounds. Most fragrance chemicals are not tested for safety. The tests that have been conducted are those relating to skin sensitivities. Very little testing has been done on the respiratory effects of fragrance materials even though most are volatile organic compounds and respiratory exposure is significant.
You might want to consider getting a bunch of fesh rosemary or lavender to tuck under the seat if you really feel a need for a freshener. No irritants, won't peel the finish off you E, won't cause adverse reactions in your own body and smells wonderful.

Tess

I'm a fan of self-destructive sniffing so I use those coconut flavored trees.
I hang them in the back from those little flip-out grocery bag hooks.
:-P

But for those who are looking for a kinder, gentler aromatic experience, you may want to just stash a fabric softener sheet under the seat.
They come in a variety of pleasing stinks and car rental places use them all the time.
:-D

Under the seat it is for me too. Hate looking at some freshening device or tree and seems to keep the smell from being so overpowering. Now if they could only ge the new car smell to actually smell like a new car.

You might want to consider getting a bunch of fesh rosemary or lavender to tuck under the seat if you really feel a need for a freshener. No irritants, won't peel the finish off you E, won't cause adverse reactions in your own body and smells wonderful.

I am a guy so the Lavendar and Rosemary might not be so appealing but the basic idea is great. If there is something you like that is natural like that, put that somewhere in your car. Go camping and get a chunk of some burned wood from a fire. Throw a chunk of Mesquite or Hickory on your grill and burn it good and smokey. Put that somewhere in the car with a few small branches from a pine tree. Make your E smell nice and woodsy. At Target, not long ago, in the "One Spot Shop" (Dollar Goods), I found some little containers. They have a transparent lid on them and a magnet on the back. The sides are perforated. You could fill one of those with some herbs or some spices Or maybe some REAL COCONUT and maybe the pods from some vanilla beans...., possiblities may be endless, and put that somewhere where it will stick to metal. Like the screen in the overhead compartment on the EX for example. Or, put some velcro on it and stick it anywhere out of sight.

Oh, here is an idea. Take a chunk off of an old UNSMOKED cigar. I love the smell of unburned tobacco. Especially pipe and cigar. Cigarrette tobacco isn't so great. Or, take a chunk of good Cedar and put that somewhere in your car. Go to your tobacconist and get some good WOODEN cigar boxes. I have some from Arturo Fuente Cannones and Flore Fina 8-5-8s. They seem to be made of cedar. I love the smell of them. I don't know if they would work as well as an air freshener but I keep little odds and ends in them at home. The stuff I keep in them takes on that wonderful cedar smell. It may be worth a try. I think I have seen at the hardware store, or closet store, (Container Store) or places where they have little blocks of cedar that you put into your drawers or closets to keep moths away and help freshen the air. Something like that might work. Especially as the car gets warm. Since my last post, I did go out and clean up the car a little. After being in the sun in the 70+ degree heat, I could still smell that smell like when the car was new. As the temps rise, stuff in the car releases their sents. The mats, the plastics, the seats.... It would seem logical that if you had some chunks of pine or cedar or other stuff (herbs and spices) they too would emit some of their natural scents. Go to Home Depot, We all know how E lovers love Home Depot. Go to the Lumber department and get some scraps of 2x4s or something. Hack off a few chunks from that and put it in your E.

More here:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14433&highlight=air+freshener

I've tried cedar chips. They don't seem to retain the fragrance very long.

I found an orange plastic salamander with suction cups on his feet. He smells like a peach and he matches my E. I stuck him on my rear (window, that is) Not bad for a buck. :)

I am a guy so the Lavendar and Rosemary might not be so appealing but the basic idea is great. If there is something you like that is natural like that, put that somewhere in your car.
Believe me - try the Rosemary, The name may sound foo-foo, but the herb is very un-feminine. The scent is somewhat evergreen and astringent. Very fresh and crisp. Much cleaner a scent than you'd get from vanilla, that's for sure!:grin:
I do love the scent of sawdust, but durn, can't get it to last.

Tess

If I ever want a nice smell in my E I just roll down the windows and get the nice smell of salt air from the ocean breeze.

I'm with you on that one.

As far as I'm concerned, the best "freshener" is just to take off moonroof, pop out the side windows, roll down the "main" windows, and drive around on a nice day. :cool:

(And I don't even live near an ocean.)

- Jeff

Ahhhhh....ocean breezes....dead fish....how 'bout a susi air freshner?

http://www.mcphee.com/pixlarge/11339.jpg

The following are suitable for carnivores only...

http://www.mcphee.com/pixlarge/11065.jpg

I'm a card carring member of P.E.T.A. (People Eating Tasty Animals), but I don't think this is a good idea....

http://www.mcphee.com/pixlarge/11076.jpg

http://www.mcphee.com/pixlarge/11585.jpg

My poor dog would go nuts.....maybe I'llget one for the next trip to the vet!

I could use the meat bath mat (http://www.mcphee.com/items/11242.html)as a trunk mat!

Will

i secured mine to those child seat anchors. i think that's what they are at least. it's way in the back in the roof and i just tie it up there and it stays out of my way and still keeps the car smelling like all the garbage i throw in it.

I hung one of the standard pine tree air fresheners from my shift boot. It melted all the paint off of the lower trim piece (part 7) while rocking left to right around turns.

I meant to post pics a few months back, but never did. Stick to hanging them from the mirror.

did the same thing this morning. i had a yellow vanilla smelling tree, hung it from the shift knob. today i lifted it up and the trim piece it rested on turned yellow. tried to wipe it off with no luck. i took my nails to it and the paint from the panel came right off. looks horrible now. looks like it time to order the piece.

does anybody know if the honda 07' orange kit will work on an 03 EX ?

did the same thing this morning. i had a yellow vanilla smelling tree, hung it from the shift knob. today i lifted it up and the trim piece it rested on turned yellow. tried to wipe it off with no luck. i took my nails to it and the paint from the panel came right off. looks horrible now. looks like it time to order the piece.

does anybody know if the honda 07' orange kit will work on an 03 EX ?

This is crazy! I have a peach flavored orange "tree" freshener that I also hung from my shifter (having not seen this thread yet) and a few days later I saw a spot on the trim. I used my nail to scrape it off thinking it was a bit of shmutz I got on there from eating in the car and the paint scraped off the trim!! I suspected it was the air freshener, but couldn't imagine that it would actually do that so I figured maybe I biffed it with something that caused the initial scrape. Now I know!

A link to that trim part would be great. <edit> never mind, I found it.

Not to add insult to injury but those hanging airfresheners DO have a warning to have it hanging freely and that it may cause stains...

same thing happened to mine. i put an air freshener and dangled it from my shifter and two weeks later it stripped the paint.

Personally, I believe most solvent / petroleum derived air-freshners are a significant hazard to people and property alike. A few drops of cooking vanilla extract on a damp rag will not only mask the funk of spilled fast-food grease for hours (yeah, like you've never dropped a Big Mack in your lap while driving! ) :roll: , an ounce or two in a bucket of soapy cleanup water afterwards will complete deoderize almost anything (organic) that might've spilled into your vehicle without frying sinuses or lung tissue.

Best regards;
Goodyear

PS: Old paint contractor trick. Makes your car smell like a bakery too!

Personally, I believe most solvent / petroleum derived air-freshners are a significant hazard to people and property alike. A few drops of cooking vanilla extract on a damp rag will not only mask the funk of spilled fast-food grease for hours (yeah, like you've never dropped a Big Mack in your lap while driving! ) :roll: , an ounce or two in a bucket of soapy cleanup water afterwards will complete deoderize almost anything (organic) that might've spilled into your vehicle without frying sinuses or lung tissue.

Best regards;
Goodyear

PS: Old paint contractor trick. Makes your car smell like a bakery too!

:cry: Yes, add me to this list of unfortunates who have hung an air freshener tree to the shift column- it does make you think that if "ocean breeze" can strip paint imagine what it can do to your lungs!!! Thanks for all the tips/info about how to fix this!

Hi,
I have a 2005 Element and the paint is chipping near the shifter and a bit by the radio (see arrows in pics). I took it in for what I assumed would be warranty service and they are claiming it was caused by a 'caustic material.' I have only taken this to a professional car wash and disagree, why would there only be spots and the entire thing not be chipping if it were the spray they used! Anyone have anything similar? Thank you!

I have seen it many times. This is normally caused by some type of liquid air freshener. If the finish was only coming off one panel i could possibly see a defect in the finish. But since your picture clearly shows the finsh coming off two different panels some type of incompatable chemical had to have come in contact with that area.

Interesting. Thank you. Do you suggest I take it back to the professional car wash for remediation? If Im stuck fixing this myself what do you think it would cost to replace these panels?

Interesting. Thank you. Do you suggest I take it back to the professional car wash for remediation? If Im stuck fixing this myself what do you think it would cost to replace these panels?


Proving they did it might be tough. But you can give it a shot. The panels are easy to replace.

You can get them Here (https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2433&hp_series_model=ELEMENT&hp_series_year=2005&hp_series_door_ext_grade=5DR+EX+ABS%3BSD+AIR+BAG&hp_series_transmission=4AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KA&hp_system=G&hp_component=B++3710) fairly cheap.

You will need #7 for $26.11 and #9 for $10.41

Interesting. Thank you. Do you suggest I take it back to the professional car wash for remediation? If Im stuck fixing this myself what do you think it would cost to replace these panels?
About 50 to 60 bucks. http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ELEMENT&catcgry2=2005&catcgry3=5DR+EX+4WD%3BABS%3BSD+A%2FB&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=INSTRUMENT+PANEL+GARNISH+%28DRIVER+SIDE%2 9

I agree with Lizzurd. It looks like whatever it was pooled and ran down at the bottom and corners. Good luck.;-)

I made the mistake of hanging a Sponge Bob air Freshener from the shifter many years ago...
It ate the finish where it touched the panel. Luckily, it had a fairly long string, so it didn't come off on the face of the panel, but just over the side...

oops....

Proving they did it might be tough. But you can give it a shot. The panels are easy to replace.

You can get them Here (https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2433&hp_series_model=ELEMENT&hp_series_year=2005&hp_series_door_ext_grade=5DR+EX+ABS%3BSD+AIR+BAG&hp_series_transmission=4AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KA&hp_system=G&hp_component=B++3710) fairly cheap.

You will need #7 for $26.11 and #9 for $10.41

Thx, should I get the two #17's also ??

Thx, should I get the two #17's also ??


You won't need them. They will come with the panel.

thank you all again. One last question, the color says 'Ex Dark Metal' - does that match what my photo shows? ThX!

Looks like damage from Sonic Tots :)

Mine have a couple of scratches, I'm sending them to the painter to have them matched to the exterior paint, hopefully will be a lot tougher than the OEM finish.

what will painting cost you? maaco??

what will painting cost you? maaco??

I have a buddy who works at a body shop. I buy the paint and they shoot for me, can't beat that (but OEM Honda paint is really expensive). Got my 07 grille painted for $30, rear wind deflector $75.

Take a look at the pictures and let this also be a warning. I put thoes little smelly trees in my car and this happened after it was in the 80's for about 4 days. What do I do? is this covered under warranty?

Fortunately you can easily replace the trim. My gfs Accord got damaged by one of the air fresheners with liquid in it.
I warned her about it, plus the damn things make me sick.

I don't think warranty will cover that man.

But you'll be able to replace it!

I guess that's why they say on the package to never let the air freshener touch plastic surfaces, etc....

Now keep in mind that I am a hysterical alarmist. I don't think I would want to be breathing the fumes of something that so quickly and effieciently eats plastic.

I was wondering how that happened. When I got my E it had the exact same look right below the shifter. It bothered me so I replaced those 2 pieces of trim. Keep the fesheners hanging on the mirror and not on the plastics I guess.

80's--holy cow, would it have eaten right through the car if it had been 120 inside like it has been around here!:confused::shock:

That sucks Hockey.:mad: Thanks for bringing it to everyone's attention. I just put air freshner in mine- but I got a can (no liquids)that sits in the tray.

Use this as an opportunity to take off the trim, sand the flaking area, and then paint it a nice color with Krylon Fusion. Cheap, and it'll look better than before.

Use this as an opportunity to take off the trim, sand the flaking area, and then paint it a nice color with Krylon Fusion. Cheap, and it'll look better than before.


How well does it hold up? how do I need to prep the rest of it?

How well does it hold up? how do I need to prep the rest of it?

It holds up really well. The key is to not hit it with anything for about a week, but after that it's as touch as the real plastic. Krylon says to clean it first with an ammonia based cleaner, but just make sure there isn't anything on it. I've painted the vent and meter surrounds, the center console (around the stereo), the covers over the window buttons on the doors, my engine cover, and my grille. It holds up really well. :)

Let us know if you have any more questions.

It holds up really well. The key is to not hit it with anything for about a week, but after that it's as touch as the real plastic. Krylon says to clean it first with an ammonia based cleaner, but just make sure there isn't anything on it. I've painted the vent and meter surrounds, the center console (around the stereo), the covers over the window buttons on the doors, my engine cover, and my grille. It holds up really well. :)

Let us know if you have any more questions.


Could you post a few pictures?

Yea, this isnt the first time this has happened, and everytime the pictures look the same (terrible disentigration of the plastic).

Thats why I use the ones that look like a hockey pucks and fit in a spare cup holder :)

PS search on "krylon fusion" and you will find a LOT of people who have done this to interior panels

Five threads on this topic now merged.

How well does it hold up? how do I need to prep the rest of it?
Please see existing threads on that topic.

Could you post a few pictures?

Yup, I can do that. I'll post some up later this afternoon.

Ok, so I decided to post em up even though the light wasn't great to show the color. See them here.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48259

I was reading this thread a while ago and yesterday I get in my car and find the same thing happened to me. But it was from my GPS stand/holder thingy. I had it on the top of that plastic piece and I guess the rubber from the GPS stand melted from the sun. ARG!! Anyone around the 585 Rochester area good at spray painting things? It always turns out looking like **** when I do it. Soooo help?!!? :confused:

and PS- Anyone that will paint it with the kylon black for me. I will make you some home made vodka riggies from a good old italian. Obviously that means home made sauce sooo i hope that food motivates :-P for the Italians it does anyways hehe

Oh bummer. I have never used one of those, now I know I never will.

-g

and PS- Anyone that will paint it with the kylon black for me. I will make you some home made vodka riggies from a good old italian. Obviously that means home made sauce sooo i hope that food motivates :-P for the Italians it does anyways hehe

Soooo true! Haha! If I still lived up that way I'd do it

When I bought my E in May, my dash looked like Hockey's with the paint missing from that same area. I wondered what the hell happened to it, but now I have a pretty good guess. I'll have to try the spraypaint thing. I've been thinking of painting all the trim tangerine anyway. I'll post pics when I actually find the time to do it!

Bought a Renuzit air freshener a while back (the kind with the oil and the wick that stays moist) and the thing finally stopped smelling good so I decided to replace it today. When I pulled it away, it was wet under neath so I wiped it up with a finger... which also took up my dash paint. The wetness trailed down my dash and I wiped it up with a paper towel but it was too late and now I have a nice white streak down the right side of the trim piece by my radio and a paintless spot about the size of a half dollar on the trim piece by where you insert a cd.

I've taken pictures and have the culprit freshener in a walmart bag (which it was also eating it last time I checked). I will be contacting customer service tomorrow in hopes of reimbursement for damages. Not sure if I will be getting anything out of them or not but I'm EXTREMELY particular about my Element and the interior (aside from the cracked driver's seat) is near mint. Now, it's ruined. Sure, the replacement part can't be anymore than $50, but I'm not about to pay it because of a faulty piece of merchandise.

What scares me the most is I'M BREATHING THIS!!! No more air fresheners for me.

Also... Will a trim piece off a newer Element (2007+) fit my 2003?

That's kind of a common occurance with those types of air fresheners.I've read that a few people have actually had their damaged dashes replaced,but the ones I read about were caused by those Eagle One Aerometric air fresheners.Good Luck with Renuzit,hopefully they will replace your damaged dash piece.

There have been several threads on this subject.

This (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3069&highlight=air+freshener) is only one of Many.

A new thread on the subject every so often may help others.

I wish for some way to inform Every new owner of an Element!

Dom

There have been several threads on this subject.

This (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3069&highlight=air+freshener) is only one of Many.

A new thread on the subject every so often may help others.

I wish for some way to inform Every new owner of an Element!

Dom


Threads merged....Thanks Dom.

Plus, as you hinted - you don't really want to be breathing that stuff. Lots of research indicates it is bad for you in house or car - can trigger all kinds of health issues and allergic reaction. We put one in our family room and it made both our dogs sick (constant drooling, loss of appetitie, lethargic). Nasty stuff.

Just got off the phone with a rep from Dial Corp (Renuzit).
Many questions were asked about how the product was used, etc. I was asked for some kind of serial number on a sticker that was located on the back of the bottle. To my amazement, the liquid inside had ate the sticker off and when I informed the girl of this, she burst into laughter. :D

In 24-48 hours I'm supposed to be contacted by a "product specialist". I guess from there I'll move up the chain of power until I either get what I want or get told to deal with it. Wish me luck.

Attached is a photo of the damage... Part is on the lower vent piece and the rest seems to be on the trim ring for the radio. I'm guessing that I'll need both pieces replaced if this is not one piece.

Not only do they do this to your car but they are poisoness to you when exposed to the sunlight and heat builds up in your car. Just an FYI

The only other thing that I've seen eat paint that fast is Aircraft Remover. I, for one, know NOT to breathe that stuff... But seriously, an air freshener you put in your car?

I remember reading an article in one of my science journals I used to get. As for some of the newer products coming out I have no clue. This was most likely published 3-4 years ago and if I can find it I will post it. I know they give me a significant headache.

Update:

Received a call from the Renuzit Product Specialist...
What I was asked to do was to get 2 repair estimates. In the next 5-7 business days they will be sending me a damage claim form as well as a prepaid UPS label. I'm supposed to send them the faulty product, pictures, and the two repair estimates. Hopefully after that I'll be receiving a check for damages. We'll see what happens.

So did anyone throughout the 15 pages of posts actually say something that solves the problem of the air freshners and the paint issue? It seems as though everyone goes off on a tangent about something else. Here's what I'd like to know:

Is there a paint code, or some sort of Honda Factory Paint that I can use to paint over the damage caused by a the tree air freshners?! Or do I have to replace the whole dash kit?

So did anyone throughout the 15 pages of posts actually say something that solves the problem of the air freshners and the paint issue? It seems as though everyone goes off on a tangent about something else. Here's what I'd like to know:

Is there a paint code, or some sort of Honda Factory Paint that I can use to paint over the damage caused by a the tree air freshners?! Or do I have to replace the whole dash kit?

As for solving the problem,it's simple don't use those types of air fresheners,or have any type of air freshener come in contact with any plastic pieces.:) Paint code...I doubt it,the interior pieces are not factory painted,they are color dyed plastic.Pianting those damaged pieces is certainly an option,as many members have done just that.If you want your dash to look factory,then you will just need to replace those pieces.They can be easily found and cheaply replaced.:cool:

So did anyone throughout the 15 pages of posts actually say something that solves the problem of the air freshners and the paint issue?

I think it goes without saying... Don't be Smelly!!!

*Just kidding JayRPH!! :P

I think it goes without saying... Don't be Smelly!!!

*Just kidding JayRPH!! :P

I'll remember that next time I see you at another STL meet. I'll make sure you savor the aroma. LOL

Update:

I have currently visited 2 body shops, both of which refuse to work on interiors and have referred me to the Honda dealership.

I had a service tech look at my Element today and quote me a price on the damages.
$856.76 :-o
It was believed by him, as well as another technician there that the "liquid" may have leaked behind the dash and gotten onto my cd player. They insisted on checking it out and the guy said that even without replacing it, they insist on taking it apart and making sure that nothing is damaged because of it and the price will be about the same.

We'll see what happens, but I've got a bad feeling this will end up in court. :-(

Update:

I have currently visited 2 body shops, both of which refuse to work on interiors and have referred me to the Honda dealership.

I had a service tech look at my Element today and quote me a price on the damages.
$856.76 :-o
It was believed by him, as well as another technician there that the "liquid" may have leaked behind the dash and gotten onto my cd player. They insisted on checking it out and the guy said that even without replacing it, they insist on taking it apart and making sure that nothing is damaged because of it and the price will be about the same.

We'll see what happens, but I've got a bad feeling this will end up in court. :-(

That's ridiculous,I find it highly unlikely that your headunit/cd player was damaged by that.:rolleyes: That price is laughable.:lol: You can actually order both of those pieces for a whopping $51.00 from the Majestic Honda website.Also they can be replaced in about ten minutes.:)

Yeah i've had the console apart in less than 15 minutes to replace a light that had burned out on my a/c panel. It's really simple.

I told the guy that I'd probably be doing it myself and since "I" was not paying for it that I didn't care what the price was that he shot me. I didn't expect to own the company! LOL

I called the guy back who quoted me and had him fax me over a quote minus the radio and he still included 2 hours labor @ $95.00 per hr and it still brought my total to about $260ish. I guess that one will have to do. I'll most likely be taking the dash apart tomorrow though to make sure the liquid did not get on my cd player before I make my decision to send them this quote.

Yeah i've had the console apart in less than 15 minutes to replace a light that had burned out on my a/c panel. It's really simple.

I told the guy that I'd probably be doing it myself and since "I" was not paying for it that I didn't care what the price was that he shot me. I didn't expect to own the company! LOL

I called the guy back who quoted me and had him fax me over a quote minus the radio and he still included 2 hours labor @ $95.00 per hr and it still brought my total to about $260ish. I guess that one will have to do. I'll most likely be taking the dash apart tomorrow though to make sure the liquid did not get on my cd player before I make my decision to send them this quote.

Gotcha! Sounds like a good plan.:) Keep us posted.

Yeah i've had the console apart in less than 15 minutes to replace a light that had burned out on my a/c panel. It's really simple.

I told the guy that I'd probably be doing it myself and since "I" was not paying for it that I didn't care what the price was that he shot me. I didn't expect to own the company! LOL

I called the guy back who quoted me and had him fax me over a quote minus the radio and he still included 2 hours labor @ $95.00 per hr and it still brought my total to about $260ish. I guess that one will have to do. I'll most likely be taking the dash apart tomorrow though to make sure the liquid did not get on my cd player before I make my decision to send them this quote.

Hell just go with the big quote. They (the air freshener company) don't know the radio is ok. Just go to another honda dealership and have them look at it too. Then just hint around at what if the radio got damaged. Then when you send the 2 big estimates tell them the radio works but the CD player won't accept CD's because the oil got inside and damaged parts. ;)

Hell just go with the big quote. They (the air freshener company) don't know the radio is ok. Just go to another honda dealership and have them look at it too. Then just hint around at what if the radio got damaged. Then when you send the 2 big estimates tell them the radio works but the CD player won't accept CD's because the oil got inside and damaged parts. ;)

That might not work out so good,since he was told to actually send the damaged parts to them.:confused:

That might not work out so good,since he was told to actually send the damaged parts to them.:confused:

Nah he was told to send the faulty product (i.e. the air poisoner).

Nah he was told to send the faulty product (i.e. the air poisoner).

Yep,you're correct.My bad.:D

I bought an '05 AWD EX recently with about 48K miles on it, and it had a little peeling just under the shifter (auto). Not a big deal, but I hung an air freshener from the shifter to cover it up a little bit for now, and the spot keeps getting larger as if there's a chemical reaction from the air freshener. Anybody notice this or have this problem? Anything I can do to repair it? The affected area now is about 3" wide. Thx.

Yes it is caused by the air freshener. The chemicals in those things have been known to have an adverse reaction to the plastic in the Elements. You can either remove the part and refinish it or check out a place like Majestic Honda, they have an online parts catalog so you can order a replacement part. Drew:)

Yes it is caused by the air freshener. The chemicals in those things have been known to have an adverse reaction to the plastic in the Elements. You can either remove the part and refinish it or check out a place like Majestic Honda, they have an online parts catalog so you can order a replacement part. Drew:)

Yep, just found all the threads on it. Oh well, $55 later it will be fixed in a few days. The funny thing is, I saw the damage before I bought the car, and figured something happened to it with the previous owner, no big deal. A few days later I put the air freshener on, and it doubled in size. Great minds think alike. :D

Hey guys, noticed while detailing that the paint is coming off the center console. It's so thin that it looks like one of those scratch-off tickets. Anyone else had this problem, I will post some pic tomorrow.

yup.....passengers that cross & uncross there legs have rubbed a small streak onto my shifter console corner........ doesn't bug me though.....:)

Yeah, there's some missing from mine as well, on the driver's side of the shifter boot. I think the previous owner had something hanging from it - possibly an air freshener (which would cause the missing paint).

Hi Guys,
Carefull with Purell in your car, a single drop will bleach stain your dashboard and other plastic parts of the interior.
I accidentaly got some purell over my central dash cover and now there are several bleach stains.

Do you guys think there is a way to fix or just make it look better?

I wanted to see how much a new cover would cost, but I can't figure out the part number or how it's called.

Suggestions?

See pictures!

Thanks

Hm, are you sure that's hand sanitizer there? :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

In all seriousness, I would wager you would have to buy new pieces altogether. Try Simple Green though, I suppose. It's a pretty good degreaser. Just get the spray bottle, spray a bit on a shop cloth and apply with elbow grease.

Bummer, Skuba, but hopefully your report will help others. Air fresheners have been known to cause this problem, but this is the first I'd heard of hand sanitizer doing it.

The replacement parts are pretty cheap, at any rate. Or this could be the time to paint those panels a different color!

Purell eh? lol

Ooooooo... not good. Hand sanitizers contain a fair amount of ethyl alcohol. The alcohol has etched the finish, and no amount of cleaning product is going to fix it. It is similar to the damage that can be caused by those air-freshener-hanger-thingies.

Here is a link to a parts page showing the various fiddly bits. Prices aren't bad, either:

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ELEMENT&catcgry2=2003&catcgry3=5DR+EX+ABS&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=INSTRUMENT+PANEL+GARNISH+%28DRIVER+SIDE%2 9

Just take the center off and paint them with a can of krylon. Sand down the finish and do several thin coats. It'll cost like $6 and if it doesn't work... well you would have to buy new parts anyway.

Rub the rest down with hand sanitizer 'till it matches. :D

Thanks guys. When this happened I tried to scrub it off but it only made it worse by bleaching a wider area (see right of the shifter).
I did consider taking it all off and putting in a bowl with bleach to see what happens.

But I liked the idea of trying to spray paint it. Do you know which color to use so it closer matches the other parts?

Thanks

It's your E. Paint it whatever color you like.

Or pop off a trim ring and take it in to match.

You could go to an auto paint store and they might be able to mix up a spray to match the rest.

I say, since it's the center, Paint it somthing to stand out. Like, oh i dunno...

Try using a product called "back to black" it works really well, although I have not had to clean up purel.

I with the "replace it or paint it" cult.

I purchased my '04 Element used and the previous owner must have hung an air frsherner from the gear shift selector because the trim under it looks like someone used paint stripper on it.

I don't even notice it anymore unless someone points it out and I'll either paint all the trim inside to match the NBP exterior, or I'll simply replace that lone trim piece *cough* at Honda staff discount *cough* :D

Hey Guys,
just thought I would give an update.
I did try to paint with a spray can and looked terrible.
So I just went ahead and placed an order with Sacucci Honda.
1 x PANEL ASSY., CENTER *NH486L* () = $27.32
1 x GARNISH ASSY., SHIFT LEVER *NH486L* () = $10.89

Installing was easy. Just had to pop out the panels, then unscrew the heater/ac controls, as well as the vents, and the emergency light, and put them on the new panels.

After that, just pop the new panels back.

Easy!

did you have to replace this piece?

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/catimgs/14scv01_xin07.png

I need to paint/replace mine, but I don't want to spend $113 to replace it and I can' t find a paint that'll match the SOP.

LMNent, where did you get that color? was it an off the shelf can, or is it standard automotive paint?

I don't think it's $113.
My pieces are bigger and cost less than $40, total.
Not sure what piece is that on the picture. Looks like that is part of the center panel.

It's a DuPont color. Just get the color code off the door and go to the automotive paint store. You'll need clear coat as well. My friend got it but he said its getting hard to find.

Pictures of my panel replacement.

Did you try to set the one on the left on fire?

No, i tried painting with regular plastic spray can and the paint wouldn't stick well.

ok
so i painted the trims on my cluster and air vents.. when it comes to the center(radio, gear shift)...... i spray it... the paint wrinkles in certain spots.. i sand it clean it.. spray again still wrinkles but seems to spread...
im using an acrylic paint mat black..
what do i do???


contaminated plastic?


Pix of said wrinkles?

Anyone else had this problem, the paint off the plastic surrounding my stereo, AC, vents, etc is chipping or coming off with the lightest touch. WTF?!?!

Anyone else had this problem, the paint off the plastic surrounding my stereo, AC, vents, etc is chipping or coming off with the lightest touch. WTF?!?!

How about some pix. They arent painted, I thought they were made from dyed plastic.

Did you purchase your E new or used? The reason I ask is that, if its used, maybe the former owner painted it.

as mentioned, there shouldnt be any paint at all as everything is molded in color.

It should look similar to this:
http://i54.tinypic.com/33wr6zk.jpg

The panels around the radio and shifter are painted silver. A few people have had issues in the past with the paint coming off due to the use of liquid air fresheners.

If it is the silver panels in question they are painted.


(Threads Merged).

The panels around the radio and shifter are painted silver. A few people have had issues in the past with the paint coming off due to the use of liquid air fresheners.

If it is the silver panels in question they are painted.


(Threads Merged).

WOW, you learn something new everyday!!
I should have known better, I have a JDM shift lever garnish.
Its silver on the front and black on the back. I just looked at
it to make sure. Silly me!!

I left my E at an airport recently, and came back to some paint being cracked by the gearshift. Can anyone suggest where to buy some from? Will it be available locally?

just touchups would be difficult. it could be done if you found the exact color. or had napa or other shop custom mix a spray for you.

other then that I believe the color is alabaster silver? and you might be able to get a close match in duplicolor or use any krylon fusion or the sorts.

another route is to replace the piece all together. either with a good condition used or a new one.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ELEMENT&catcgry2=2006&catcgry3=5DR+LX+%282WD+ABS%29&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=INSTRUMENT+PANEL+GARNISH+%28DRIVER+SIDE%2 9 #9 and #7 here should be the replacements if its in your budget.

Do you use a liquid air freshener by chance?

There is
a dedicated thread here for the same issue you are having.

Thanks for the suggestions.
It was an air freshener. For whatever reason, i decided to hang it from the gear shift, instead of the mirror. Then it sat in an airport parking lot in humid Michigan weather. Doh.

Lesson learned though !

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ELEMENT&catcgry2=2006&catcgry3=5DR+LX+%282WD+ABS%29&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=CENTER+PANEL+%28GRAY+METAL%29

It was an air freshener. For whatever reason, i decided to hang it from the gear shift, instead of the mirror. Then it sat in an airport parking lot in humid Michigan weather. Doh.

Lesson learned though !

Yeah, as you found out those air fresheners can damage interior plastics in no time. I've seen quite a few interiors messed up by them. Was it one of those Little Trees air fresheners?

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ELEMENT&catcgry2=2006&catcgry3=5DR+LX+%282WD+ABS%29&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=CENTER+PANEL+%28GRAY+METAL%29

This is part of the accessory dash trim kit.

The replacement parts for the factory parts are listed here:

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ELEMENT&catcgry2=2006&catcgry3=5DR+LX+%282WD+ABS%29&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=INSTRUMENT+PANEL+GARNISH+%28DRIVER+SIDE%2 9

I was wondering how that happened. When I got my E it had the exact same look right below the shifter. It bothered me so I replaced those 2 pieces of trim. Keep the fesheners hanging on the mirror and not on the plastics I guess.

Are there any instructions on removing the parts and replacing them? I have an 09 Element SC with the Navi option and the trim is Piano Black.

Not to be mean but you are wrong (lack of a better word), because I and others have done it numerous times. It is just very tight. The tabs have more forgiveness that you think.

See here, as I did this for my mount:
http://www.gbxdirect.com/store/satellite_radio_mount_kit.php?make=Honda&model=Element

See the pic, and the attached directions.

I couldnt see the directions. Would really like to see how to remove the center U shape piece and the plastic piece that surrounds the shifter.

I see this thread is a little old but same problem on my 2011. I was cleaning the shifter area with a damp rag the other day and the paint came right off! I have only had this car for less than 2 months. I bought it used with only 7k miles on it. No little trees on it at all either. I can't believe how easy that silver colored trim rubs right off. Condsidering buying a part to replace along with some seat trim. (The seat trim by the center console has a broken clip on it and now gaps along the seat. I have no idea how that happened but it is bugging me too.) ~ So if anyone knows how to take it apart the shifter trim, let me know.

> how to take apart the shifter trim

See: http://www.handa-accessories.com/element/elementsecurity.pdf

Note how those expansion clips in the subwoofer cover work:
1) Press center post into clip
2) Remove clip
3) Push center post back so it protrudes from top of clip
4) Reinstall clip
5) Press center post flush again

PDF above posted in this thread (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69471), returned by thread-title search (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/search.php) for keyword "shifter."

This just happened to mine wish I saw this posting earlier. I too hung
The air freshened around the shifter. The paint on the plastic just
Peeled away. I complained to the dealer as I just bought it used a few
Weeks ago, I just paid for the part ($40) and the dealer replaced!

The paint coming off mine is by the shifter across from the P. It is only an inch long now but I don't want it to get worse. The diagram to take it apart shows how to take off the cover. I think I am going to ask the dealer about this since I don't want to do more damage than what is already there.

So after posting the picture this morning, I took my car to the Honda dealer. They said they would totally replace the shifter surround since my car is still under warrenty and has so few miles on it. They said any lotion, alchol or handsanitizer would take the finish off the plastic and to be careful with it. Glad I don't have to try to get the subwoofer off to do this. And hope they get it apart without damaging the other parts.