Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2010 Honda Element 4WD L4-2.4LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Transmission Position Sensor/Switch: Service and Repair
Transmission Range Switch Replacement
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift, or apply the parking brake, block the rear wheels, and raise the front of the vehicle. Make sure it is securely supported.
2. Shift to N.
3. Remove the transmission range switch cover (A).
4. Disconnect the transmission range switch connector (A).
5. Remove the transmission range switch (B).
6. Make sure the selector control shaft is in the N position. If necessary, move the shift lever from P to N.
NOTE: Do not use the selector control shaft to adjust the shift position. If the selector control shaft tips are squeezed together it will cause a faulty signal or position due to play between the selector control shaft and the transmission range switch.
7. Set a new transmission range switch (A) to the N position. Align the cutouts (B) on the rotary-frame with the neutral positioning cutouts (C) on the transmission range switch. Then put a 2 mm (0.08 in) feeler gauge blade (D) in the cutouts to hold the transmission range switch in the N position.
NOTE: Be sure to use a 2 mm (0.08 in) feeler gauge blade or equivalent to hold the transmission range switch in N.
8. Install the transmission range switch (A) gently on the selector control shaft (B) while holding it in the N position with the 2 mm (0.08 in) blade (C).
9. Tighten the bolts (A) on the transmission range switch while you continue to hold the N position. Do not move the transmission range switch when tightening the bolts. Remove the feeler gauge.
10. Check the connector for corrosion, dirt, or oil, and clean or repair if necessary, then connect the transmission range switch connector securely.
11. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Move the shift lever through all positions, and check that the transmission range switch matches with the A/T gear position indicator.
12. Check that the engine will start with the shift lever in P and N, and will not start in any other shift lever position.
13. Check that the back-up lights come on when the shift lever is in R.
14. Allow the all four wheels (4WD) or the front wheels (2WD) to rotate freely, then start the engine, and check the shift lever operation.
15. Install the transmission range switch cover (A).
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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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