Honda Element instrument cluster removal

[Jersey mike]

My daughter drives the Element. Last night the lights went out on the cluster.

After some research it’s a semi common issue, remove the cluster and either wedge in some tape or cardboard at the electrical connections or send it out for proper repair.

Probably sending it out for repair.

Question is, can the truck be started and run to warm up (NOT driven) while the cluster is out or will that cause computer issues?

Temps are dipping (turn around is about 10 days) and everything is plastic, I’m concerned can cause some cracking when reinstalling the cluster and trim so I’d like to warm the truck before the reinstall. Don’t have a heated garage or a space heater to use.

Thanks

[John Schmidt]

Drape an electric blanket over the dash and lay another regular one on top just like when you're in bed. Run a cord out to it and plug in well ahead of when you're going to reinstall the cluster. I imagine a twin size would be more appropriate.

[Jersey mike]

Drape an electric blanket over the dash and lay another regular one on top just like when you're in bed. Run a cord out to it and plug in well ahead of when you're going to reinstall the cluster. I imagine a twin size would be more appropriate.

Excellent idea thank you. I don’t have an electric blanket but do have quite a few heating pads, that should do the trick.

[John Schmidt]

I had to use that approach back in the early 60's when stationed at Loring AFB in northern Maine. Temps in the -35 to -40 were not unusual, 100" of snow was considered a light winter.