2007 Honda Element SC, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

ATF Level Check

NOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.
  1. Park the vehicle on the level ground.
  2. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on), and turn the engine off. Do not allow the engine to warm up more than two cycles of the cooling fan.
    NOTE: Check the ATF level within 60-90 seconds after turning the engine off. Higher ATF level may be indicated if the radiator fan comes on twice or more.
  3. Remove the ATF dipstick (yellow loop) (A) from the transmission, and wipe it with a clean cloth.
    Fig 1: Identifying ATF Dipstick Location
    G06266909Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Insert the ATF dipstick back into the transmission.
  5. Remove the ATF dipstick (A), and check the ATF level. It should be between the upper mark (B) and the lower mark (C).
    Fig 2: Identifying ATF Dipstick Level
    G06266910Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. If the ATF level is below the lower mark, check for fluid leaks at the transmission, and the ATF cooler hoses and lines. If a problem is found, fix it before filling the transmission with ATF.
    NOTE: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is below the lower mark, one or more of these symptoms may occur:
    • Transmission damage will result.
    • Vehicle does not move in any gear.
    • Vehicle accelerates poorly, and flares when starting off in D and R.
    • Vibration when the engine is idling.
  7. If the level is above the upper mark, drain the ATF to proper level (see step 3 on ATF REPLACEMENT ).
    NOTE: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is above the upper mark, the vehicle may creep forward in N, or have problems shifting.
  8. If necessary, fill the transmission with ATF through the dipstick hole to bring the fluid level between the upper mark and the lower mark of the ATF dipstick. Do not fill the fluid above the upper mark. Always use Honda ATF-Z1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality.
  9. Insert the ATF dipstick (A) into the transmission with the handle pointing toward the breather pipe (B).
Fig 3: Identifying ATF Dipstick And Breather Pipe
G06266911Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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