12-11-2008, 08:01 AM

#1

ApriliaGuy
EOC Rank: Iron
2004 4WD EXS AT
Nighthawk Black Pearl (NBP)

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Auto Trans Fluid & Filter Replacement DIY instructions

Ok, contained here are the full instructions on changing the fluid in an Elements
automatic transmission.
Way back when in this thread (which has some good info not covered here) I said I would do
this....so here it is....I hope it helps!
This first section answers some FAQs and gives some background to the fluid and replacement
procedures, the second covers tools and materials, the third & fourth involves the trans fluid,
and the fifth filter replacement.
General Info & Details:
how do I check the fluid level? Check the level with the fluid hot. Not just "drive around the
block warm," you want to drive at least 5-10miles/15 minutes or so. The vehicle should be
parked in a level spot. With the motor still running, slowly run the gear selector up and down
thru all the gear positions. Return it it park and shut the motor off. Pull the dipstick immediatly,
wipe it off and reinsert it. Pull it out and look at the level. It should be near the top of the range.
Check the fluid for "condition" also....you want it to be a nice bright red color and not smell
burnt. When reinstalling the dipstick be sure to position the handle facing towards the breather
pipe next to the dipstick hole.
when should the fluid be changed? According to my owners manual, every 120k miles or so. I
think it may have been reduced to 90k on some newer model. It is rather vague about changing
it based on condition. Either way, this is not often enough IMHO. I suggest every 60k, or even
sooner if you tow often or the vehicle gets used hard. Ive been doing mine about every 20k
miles since it reached 30k.
If your fluid looks dirty, isnt a nice red/dark red color, or smells burnt, it needs to be changed.
When the fluid is drained, about 60% of it stays in the trans/torque converter. More frequent
changes ensure there is plenty of good fluid in yourtransmission.
what about flushing the transmission? Be careful, the term often means that a power flush is

performed and may include chemicals not normally found in Honda trans fluid. Honda says do
not do this. I agree, and so do many others.
If by flushing you/they mean draining the fluid, refilling, operating the car a bit, and then
repeating the drain & fill process several times, then it is a perfectly acceptable way of replacing
the fluid.
where is the filter? The dealer says it doesnt have one? It has an inline filter located low and
just in front of the radiator. Honda says replacement is only necessary if the transmission is
rebuilt or replaced. I like to replace it every other fluid change, but Im sure every 60k miles is
plenty.
what kind of fluid do I need? Can I use synthetic? Honda recommends replacement with Honda
ATF-Z1 only. I personally dont recommend anything else, but some claim good results (or bad
results!) with aftermarket fluids. Use the search feature and your best judgments and please
dont clog this DIY thread up with fluid, Amsoil, etc discussion.
The official Honda specified fluid capacities are:
4wd - 3.3 quarts at change, and holds 7.6qt overall
2wd - 3.4qt at change, and holds 7.2qt overall
what about drain plug torque specifications? The drain plug is M18x1.5 pitch and should be
torqued to 36lb-ft (49N-m). It uses a special crush washer.
I overheated the trans and now the fluid smells bad, what should I do? Change it. Do a full
flush, drain & fill and repeat 3 times. It may save it, or at least prolong replacement.
What about a transmission cooler? The Element has one built into the radiator. It should be
flushed (or replaced) whenever the trans is replaced or rebuilt to avoid contaminating the new
trans. An auxilary tran cooler is a good idea for anyone that does serious towing. Do a search
and/or check the towing section of the EOC for more information. Most install "inline," much like
the filter.
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Last edited by ApriliaGuy; 12-11-2008 at 08:41 PM.

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12-11-2008,
08:02 AM

ApriliaG
uy
EOC

#2
Before Getting Your Hands Dirty

Disclamers:
I have an 04, and things may vary slightly for 5speed auto models, but not

Rank: Iron
2004 4WD
EXS AT
Nighthawk
Black Pearl
(NBP)

much. Im not a professional, nor do I play one on TV.I didnt even stay in a
Holiday Inn Expess last night. This is just my experience with changing the fluid
& filter in my Element. If it doesnt work out well for you woops, I tried. Dont
complain to me if your car blows up. Be sure to work safely with jacks, ramps,
and tools. Wear eye protection, sun block, and if necessary, use proper birth
control.
Tools & Materials:
Tools: You wont need anything fancy.

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Ramps are not required for fluid replacement; instead it is recommended that
the fluid be drained from a level vehicle. They would however be very handy for
replacing the filter. I like to slide around under the car on an old piece of
cardboard.

Note cardboard for sliding easily on gravel & concrete.

Report this image

Cars are heavy, try not to let it fall on you.

3/8 drive ratchet wrench. Used for removing the drain plug.
A drain pan. Check with your local recycling place/auto parts store, the may
allow mixing with engine oil, or they might not.
Funnel. A nice long one or an extension tube too so you can refill w/o making a
mess.

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Sorry, the crush washer is shown here.

For filter replacement youll need a flat blade screw driver, 10mm wrench,
and pliers.

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A big hammer.just because.

If youd like to be all official, youll need a torque wrench for tightening the drain
plug.
Materials:
Crush Washer: youll need 1, they ensure a proper seal when reinstalling the
plug. Spend the $1 and keep your life simple.
Fluid: Honda ATF-Z1 - get 4 quarts, because youll use about 3.5qts for a simple
drain & fill. Get 11-12qts if youre "flushing." (drain & refill X3 = 10.5qt approx)

Filter: optional of course, but relatively inexpensive, just a pain in the butt to
access.
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Oh yeah.youll need some shop rags too.

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Last edited by ApriliaGuy; 12-11-2008 at 08:43 PM.

12-11-2008,
08:03 AM

ApriliaG
uy
EOC
Rank: Iron

#3
Spaceholder

Trans Fluid Change. (Drain & Fill)

2004 4WD
EXS AT
Nighthawk
Black Pearl
(NBP)

Do this with a nice warm transmission, but be careful not to get burned. It
doesnt need to be hot, 5-10 minutes of driving should do it.
You can/should do this w/ the vehicle flat on the ground.
There is a plug w/ a 3/8 square in it located on the bottom right (pass side) or
the trans.
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(shown w/ plastic skirt removed)

It is slightly hidden behind that plastic skirt. You dont need to remove the skirt,
the rachet will just rub on it a bit. Make sure there isnt any junk to keep the
ratchet handle from fully inserting in the plug recess. It will be tight. If you need
to, use an extension pipe or give the end of the handle a smack with a hammer.
Be sure everything fits nicely togetherdont strip out the square hole in the
plug.

Report this image

see how it still works with the skirt in place?

Slide the pan under the plug after youve loosened it but before you remove it.
Remove the plug and let the fluid drain. I start the engine for a minute or so,
which gets another -3/4 quart or so to pump out of the trans.

Report this image

Clean off the magnetic end of the plug. Dont be surprised to see some metallic
sludge on the magnet, it is very common.
Reinstall the plug with a new crush washer and torque to 36lb-ft/49N-m. When
using a new crush washer you can actually feel the washer "squish" and the plug
will be plenty tight.
Refill with fresh fluid thru the dipstick hole. A long funnel helps a lot.

Report this image

Dump in 3 quarts, and then go easy and add just -1/3 quart more. Run the
motor and slowly shift the trans selector thru all of the gear settings and back to
park.
Shut the motor off and check the level. Dont be surprised if it just barely
registers on the dipstick. If it isnt registering at all add another quart. It
doesnt take much to make it move up the dipstick. I always end up replacing
with 3.75 (or so) quarts total, but go slow so you dont overdo it. Once it is
registering on the dipstick near the safe level take the car for a ride. Make it at
least 10 minutes or so.
The fluid needs to be checked when it is hot. Park it someplace level and
immediately check the level again. You may need to repeat this several times,
adding just a bit of fluid each time so you dont overfill it.
If you overfill, don't panic...you can loosen the plug and let some dribble out,
just be carefull when you retighten.
When youre done, replace the dipstick with handle pointed toward
breather pipe next to the dipstick hole. (I don't know why, but Honda says
so. :wink:)

Clean up your tools and have a beer for me!

Last edited by ramblerdan; 10-04-2010 at 08:51 PM.

12-11-2008,
08:04 AM

ApriliaGu
y
EOC
Rank: Iron
2004 4WD EXS
AT
Nighthawk
Black Pearl
(NBP)

#4
Trans Fluid Change. (Drain & Fill)

Trans Fluid Flush (3X Drain & Fill)

If your fluid is really old, or youd just like to replace all you fluid, follow the
above drain and fill, but repeat 2 more times. (3 drains & 3 fills)
After you do the first drain, replace the plug, but you can just make it snug and
reuse the original crush washer.
Refill with 3-1/2 quarts (you dont need to be exact) of fluid. Replace dipstick,
run the gear selector slowly thru all the positions, and drive a short distance
(around the block is fine). Return home and repeat these drain & fill
procedures.

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2004
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You should drain and refill three times. You'll be adding more than 10qts total to
a transmission that holds a bit more than 7, so it should be pretty clean. You
can do 4 or 5 times if you've got the fluid and the desire.
After the last drain would be the right time to replace the filter and install a new
crush washer.
Follow the instruction above for getting the final fill level just right.
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"It ain't easy bein' cheesy"
Last edited by ramblerdan; 10-04-2010 at 08:51 PM.

12-11-2008,
08:04 AM

ApriliaG
uy
EOC
Rank: Iron
2004 4WD
EXS AT
Nighthawk
Black Pearl
(NBP)

#5
Trans Fluid Flush (Drain & Fill X3)

Filter Replacement
It helps if the car is on ramps when changeing the filter, but you want it level for
draining the trans. I recomend doing the filter first for a simple drain & fill, or
afterwards if you are doing a Drain & Fill X3 "flush."
The filter is a bit of a pain to access. It is just below the radiator and hidden
behind the front bumper/frame area. It is a simple inline filter, held in place by a

clamp with a single M6 screw.

It is probably best to remove the lower bumper skirt....
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...but I get away with loosening it and the lower portion of the front bumper. Pull
out about 8 plastic bumper clips and remove the two hex head screws (M6 w/ a
10mm tool size) on the lower front corners. I jam a small wood 2x4 block (about
6 long) between the frame and the plastic to keep the bumper skirt pulled away
so my fat fingers & tools fit in there better.
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Report this image

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The red circle indicated the screw that clamps the filter tight, the blue circle is a
squeeze (hose) clamp.
Remove the screw. (10mm tool size) A ratcheting box end wrench is best, but
you can do it in less than 20 minutes with a regular wrench.
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Report this image

Note: this view is from under the car looking forward, the head of the screw is
on the opposite side.
Then wiggle the clamp off the filter and pull the filter and hoses down.
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Report this image

This view is from front of vehicle, under bumper looking towards motor
Give the clamps a squeeze w/ some wide pliers and slide the hose clamps back
about an inch or 2 from the filter. Pull out the filter and replace with the new
one, and slide the hose clamps back in place. Note the direction of the filter. It
will only go back in the clamp if you face it in the proper direction.

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Report this image

Report this image

After getting the filter up in place, and the clamp cover oriented properly, you
get to enjoy getting the screw started in the hole and tightened down.
Replace the plastic skirt and stuff you removed/moved. You only lose a small
amount of fluid when replacing the filter.
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Last edited by ramblerdan; 10-04-2010 at 08:52 PM.

12-11-2008, 08:05 AM

#6

ApriliaGuy

Filter Replacement

EOC Rank: Iron

2004 4WD EXS AT
Nighthawk Black Pearl
(NBP)

See.....easy.... ain't it!? :)

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Last edited by ramblerdan; 10-04-2010 at 08:52 PM.

Join Date: May 2004

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12-11-2008, 08:06 AM

ApriliaGuy
EOC Rank: Iron
2004 4WD EXS AT
Nighthawk Black Pearl
(NBP)

Join Date: May 2004

Location: Lehigh Valley
PeeYaay !
Posts: 3,645

#7

The following post repeated here by request of OP. Moderator

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonflydreams

i know Aprilia Guy added a disclaimer to his very awesome and
thorough essay on changing the A/T fluid - but he should go back
(if possible) and add a couple things in his disclaimer for those who
have the newer (2009+) 5 speed A/T and who may not make it
here to the 9th page of this thread to read these changes for the
newer Elements:
1) my 2009 Service Manual says the drain procedure for the 5
speed 4WD only removes 2.6 qts of the total 7.6 qts (2.7 qts of
total 7.2 qts for 5 speed 2WD), not the 3.3 qts that you get from
the old 4 speed A/T (my 2009 Owners Manual neglects to
give any trans fluid capacity)... so those with 2009+ Elements
should NOT add 3.3 qts after a drain (if you only drained 2.6 qts
and didn't measure it) as you'll damage your trans if you don't
check the level before driving off (the fluid will foam up in the
torque converter)... and since you're draining about 10% less fluid
from the new 5 speed A/T than the old 4 speed A/T you may want
to do it more often... i'm doing a simple trans drain-and-fill every
oil change (5,000 miles), but i live in the mountains and tow a
trailer occasionally and i'm absolutely anal about my A/T ---> e.g. i
have a trans temperature gauge with two toggled sending units
(one as the fluid comes out of the trans and one after the stock
cooler) and i'm in the process of adding a trans pressure gauge (if i
can find out what the approx. line pressure is in the cooler line)
with two toggled sending units (one as the fluid comes out of trans
and one right before it goes back in the trans) and then after i get
the pressure gauge installed i'm adding an extra trans cooler (with
an in-line thermostat/bypass) mounted in front of the A/C
condenser with another temp sending unit to measure its
performance - as i said, ANAL)... i know some may think a drainand-fill every 5,000 miles is overkill but i read one of the posters
here who is an Acura mechanic who does it with an oil change
every 2,000 miles (nowthat's overkill)...

2) checking the A/T fluid level in the 5 speeds is also

apparently different now (at least according to my Owners Manual
and 2009 Service Manual): after letting it warm up (either idling
until the fan comes on or a 10 minute drive) you simply put it in
Park (on a level surface of course), turn off the engine and WAIT
60 seconds but not longer than 90 seconds and then check the
dipstick... also my 2009 Service Manual and Owners Manual say
nothing about shifting it into each gear prior to checking dipstick although i'm sure that can't hurt...
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Last edited by ramblerdan; 10-04-2010 at 08:58 PM.

12-11-2008, 08:54 AM

#8

meuzick

Thanks

EOC Rank: Helium

2004 4WD EXS AT
Fiji Blue Pearl (FBP)

Another great post, you 'da man!

"Clean up your tools and have a beer for me!"
I'm more inclined to have a martini or some wine, if you don't
mind...

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12-11-2008, 09:35 AM

spdrcr5
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I think I should change the filter first, then replace the fluid, correct?
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#9

Thanks. Very well thought out and written. I have already added this
to the Maintenance section of the How To's. :)

12-11-2008, 09:39 AM

Brawsie
EOC Rank: Carbon
2007 *Former Element
owner
Tango Red Pearl (TRP)

#10

Great write-up AG.:)

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