automatic transmission HONDA ELEMENT 2009 1.G User Guide

Second (2)－This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshift to first gear when
you come to a stop.
Use second gear:●For more power when climbing.●To increase engine braking when
going down steep hills.●For starting out on a slippery
surface or in deep snow.●To help reduce wheel spin.●When driving downhill with a
trailer. First (1)
－This position locks the
transmission in first gear. By
upshifting and downshifting through
1, 2, D3, and D, you can operate the
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch pedal.
Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. If this occurs,
you may feel the engine cut in and
out. This is caused by a limiter in the
engine's computer controls. The
engine will run normally when you
reduce the rpm below the red zone. Shift Lock Release
This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release button
does not work.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
CONTINUED
Automatic Transmission
221
Driving
2009 Element

3. Put a cloth on the edge of the shiftlock release slot cover next to the
shift lever. Using a flat-tip
screwdriver, carefully pry on the
edge of the cover to remove it.
4. Insert the key in the shift lockrelease slot.
5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on the
shift lever and move the shift lever
out of Park to neutral. 6. Remove the key from the shift lock
release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the right side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the
engine.
If you need to use the shift lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
COVER
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
Automatic Transmission222
2009 Element

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly, or your
vehicle may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.Parking Tips
●Make sure the windows are
closed.●Turn off the lights.●Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them with
you.●Lock the doors and the hatch with
the key.●Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
●If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in first gear.●If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in reverse
gear.●Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking
223
Driving
2009 Element

Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:●The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.●The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.●All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages232and233).●The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.●All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
●Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page271),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.Driving Safely With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
below.
Towing Speeds and GearsDrive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the D position
when towing a trailer on level roads.
D3 is the proper shift lever position
to use when towing a trailer in hilly
terrain. (See
‘‘
Driving on Hills
’’on the
next page for additional gear
information.)
Towing a Trailer236
2009 Element

Making Turns and BrakingMake turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.Driving on HillsWhen climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the road
to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently while going up a hill, shift
to D3.If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in place
by pressing on the accelerator, as
this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shift down to second
gear. Do not
‘‘ride ’’the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.
Handling Crosswinds and BuffetingCrosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Backing UpAlways drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing
up. Grip the
bottom
of the steering
wheel, then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left,
and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
ParkingFollow all normal precautions when
parking, including firmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer's tires.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page303.
Towing a Trailer
237
Driving
2009 Element

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page325for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.Maintenance Safety
.....................
242
Maintenance Minder
..................
243
Fluid Locations
...........................
250
Adding Engine Oil
......................
251
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
.......................................
252
Engine Coolant
...........................
254
Windshield Washers
...................
255
Transmission Fluid
.....................
256
Automatic Transmission Fluid
...................................
256
Manual Transmission Fluid
....
257
Rear Differential Fluid
.................
258
Brake and Clutch Fluid
...............
258
Power Steering Fluid
..................
260
Cleaning the Body Panels
...........
260
Lights
..........................................
261
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
268
Floor Mats
..................................
268
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
269
Wiper Blades
..............................
269
Wheels
........................................
271
Tires
...........................................
271
Checking the Battery
..................
277 Vehicle Storage
...........................
278
Maintenance
241
Maintenance
2009 Element

However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect. Maintenance may be done by
any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service facility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out your
Honda Service History or Canadian
Maintenance Log. Check your
warranty booklet for more
information.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are
‘‘certified’’to EPA
standards.
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with ＃will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the information
display.
Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.
●Engine oil level －Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
201.●Engine coolant level －Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page201.●Automatic transmission －Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
256.●Brakes －Check the fluid level
monthly. See page258.●Tires －Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
271.●Lights －Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page261.
Maintenance Minder248
2009 Element

ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange tab)
POWER
STEERING FLUID
(Red cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAPBRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
transmission only)
(Gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
Fluid Locations250
2009 Element

On Canadian models:
The low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page61).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze
can damage your vehicle's paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer fluid. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator fan comes on, then shut
off the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) before
doing step 2.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
from the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way intothe transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between
the upper and lower marks.
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK
Windshield Washers, Transmission Fluid256
2009 Element

5. If the level is below the lowermark, add fluid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Genuine
ATF-Z1 (automatic transmission
fluid).
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do not
mix with other transmission fluids.
Using transmission fluid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting from the use of
transmission fluid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Honda new vehicle warranty.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way backinto the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the maintenance minder (see page
243).
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer. Manual Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle on level
ground. Remove the transmission
filler bolt, and carefully feel inside
the bolt hole with your finger. The
fluid level should be up to the edge
of the bolt hole. If it is not, add
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
(MTF) until it starts to run out of the
hole.WASHER FILLER BOLT
Correct Level
CONTINUED
Transmission Fluid
257
Maintenance
2009 Element