Honda Element ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid Service (2003-2011)

Honda Element ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid Service (2003-2011). In this video I show how to service the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) on a Honda Element. Servicing the ATF fluid on your Honda Element is a good DIY project. How to change ATF on a Honda Element. I also show the transmission dipstick location and how to properly check the transmission fluid level on a Honda Element. The exact vehicle in this video is a 2003 Honda Element EX with a 2.4L 4 cylinder engine. 2003-2011 Elements should be similar but may have different ATF capacities. Enjoy!
*These Honda Element automatic transmissions have different service capacities depending on year. I always recommend checking ATF fluid level properly before and after servicing.* See below for specs.
2003-2006 Honda Element ATF Capacity (According to Honda Service Info):
4WD: 3.3 US quarts at change (vehicle in this video)
2WD: 3.4 US quarts at change
2007-2011 Honda Element ATF Capacity (According to Honda Service Info):
4WD: 2.6 US quarts at change
2WD: 2.7 US quarts at change
Other Honda Element videos:
Coolant Service: • How to Drain, Fill and...
Spark Plug Replacement: • Honda Element Spark Pl...
Cooling Fan Troubleshooting: • Honda Radiator/Cooling...
Oil Change: • Honda Element Oil Chan...
Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos!
/ bigdog50001
Buy Big Dog50001 T-Shirts, coffee mugs and other gear here!
bigdog50001aut...
/ bigdog50001
/ bigdog50001
The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com... (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).
Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you.
Parts and Tools
Genuine Honda ATF-DW1: amzn.to/3BcaLGV
Honda 18mm ATF Washer 90471-PX4-000: amzn.to/3sjWC6a
Drain Pan: amzn.to/3GwzJl8
Splash Pad for Drain Pan: amzn.to/3gqiIyC
Flo Tool Transmission Funnel 06064: amzn.to/3Gm1UmM
GearWrench Ratchets: amzn.to/3se1Qk8
GearWrench Flex Ratchets (Longer): amzn.to/3HtTX0e
GearWrench Extension Set: amzn.to/3LaEtQX
Locking Pliers: amzn.to/3B5s1NN
Astro 40SL Light: amzn.to/3Gt0ZAQ
Snap-On Digital Torque Wrenches: bit.ly/3gzVN2q
Want a free Big Dog50001 sticker? Send an email to [e-mail] requesting a sticker. Sorry, no international addresses or automotive questions.
Have something you would like to send to Big Dog50001?
Send it here:
Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel
P.O. Box 726
Cortaro, AZ 85652
2022 Epidemic Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of the Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. The Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video.
The Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel recommends safe practices when working with power tools, in on or around automobiles or other vehicles, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, automotive modules and systems, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of the Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not the Big Dog50001 Automotive Channel.

[@BigDog50001]

*Parts and Tools* Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Genuine Honda ATF-DW1: amzn.to/3BcaLGV Honda 18mm ATF Washer 90471-PX4-000: amzn.to/3sjWC6a Drain Pan: amzn.to/3GwzJl8 Splash Pad for Drain Pan: amzn.to/3gqiIyC Flo Tool Transmission Funnel 06064: amzn.to/3Gm1UmM GearWrench Ratchets: amzn.to/3se1Qk8 GearWrench Flex Ratchets (Longer): amzn.to/3HtTX0e GearWrench Extension Set: amzn.to/3LaEtQX Locking Pliers: amzn.to/3B5s1NN Astro 40SL Light: amzn.to/3Gt0ZAQ Snap-On Digital Torque Wrenches: bit.ly/3gzVN2q

[@BigDog50001]

**These Honda Element automatic transmissions have different service capacities depending on year. I always recommend checking ATF fluid level properly before and after servicing.** See below for specs. *2003-2006* Honda Element ATF Capacity (According to Honda Service Info): 4WD: 3.3 US quarts at change (vehicle in this video) 2WD: 3.4 US quarts at change *2007-2011* Honda Element ATF Capacity (According to Honda Service Info): 4WD: 2.6 US quarts at change 2WD: 2.7 US quarts at change

[@adrenalinemadness3340]

4WD 2007 is not 2.6 quarts, I did mine and mine is a Honda element 2007 AWD and I pulled 3.7 quarts on transmission fluid. I measured it as well. Best way to do it is measure how much you pulled out and put as much as you pulled out

[@ratagris21]

​@@adrenalinemadness3340he cover this at the midway point of the video.

[@MrKaystew]

I don't even have an Element, but just wanted to say thank you for these videos. They give me a lot of confidence to service my family's Hondas.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!

[@rvasic]

I replaced transmission fluid many times, but you can always learn something. I liked the tip about using extension while taking plug out. Thanks! 👍

[@BigDog50001]

Glad you got something out of it, thanks for the comment!

[@vinroc]

Thank you sir for the shared knowledge . Followed your directions to the letter and for someone not mechanically inclined with engines my Element is running better than ever and hopefully gained a bit more confidence in doing maintenance and repairs myself 🙏🏽

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@j0lla127]

Your tutorial videos are one of the BEST. Crystal CLEAR and PRECISE.

[@fredjaeger690]

I have been fixing my own cars for years, but I always check for a KZbin video to get pointers. Your video on changing the trans fluid on this element is properly done. You cover every detail. Thank you very much, and I am now a subscriber.

[@BigDog50001]

Other Honda Element videos: Coolant Service: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYarnJSNhtGDh9k Spark Plug Replacement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gImappKYjpmBf8k Cooling Fan Troubleshooting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ-1hayVZdCseZo Oil Change: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g17IYqd6iadnrJo Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info Buy Big Dog50001 T-Shirts, coffee mugs and other gear here! bigdog50001automotive.myspreadshop.com twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ Want a free Big Dog50001 sticker? Send an email to [e-mail] requesting a sticker. Sorry, no international addresses or automotive questions.

[@PurpaFur]

One of the best how-to vids out there. Thanks!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Dave thanks for sharing. Always can use a refresher course. I see Mike the disgruntled mechanic mentioned you and you inspired him to buy a a fixer upper Honda. Hope all is well 😊

[@BigDog50001]

Yes I saw that, tt is good to see Mike making videos again, thanks for the comment Artie!

[@geraldkneeland1498]

Thanks so much! I learned a lot! God bless your family for blessing so many 😊🙏

[@harrymathis4743]

Great video. I measured the fluid volume that drained out of my 2011 2WD Element to be 3.3 quarts. Glad you suggested measuring it.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@jimthecarguy]

Nice video Dave. I also only use the OEM fluids as you do. Nice video as usual.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks Jim, I appreciate you stopping by!

[@shaneshane9419]

Do you recommend changing out the transmission filter??

[@roysgti]

100% everytime

[@domokenji]

awesome.. just got a 2003 .. this ROCKS...!!!!!

[@sirsweetness8332]

Looking at purchasing an element and we are going to do this and Diff services.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@JohnKennedy-cj3jz]

Thanks very clear concise and informative. Thank you for your time, sir. God bless you.

[@skeeley64]

Big Dog makes the best videos! Very informative!

[@drdawg3]

excellent video, very organized, clean correct information, thanks Biggie, please keep those honda element videos coming

[@Andr1019_]

Hello everyone, I’ve hit my first delima! My daughter has a 2005 Honda CRV EX AWD that I am trying to complete a drain and fill on her transmission, and did a drain and almost exactly 3.3 quarts came out (I did measure so confident on amount). Dumped in exactly 3.3 quarts of DW1 back into the transmission. These numbers seem to be what I should have expected from my research on the make/model/year. started car and ran the trans thru all the gears to distribute fluid and let it warm to operating temperature. turned the car OFF and pulled the dipstick, wiped and checked the level…the fluid is not even touching the bottom of the dipstick :(. I will add that this car has zero leaks of any kind….it’s been a great car and has no shifting issues at this time. Here’s the funny thing….I can go out after it sits all night and check it cold and it is exactly even with the top of the XXXX marks on the dipstick. So everybody I talk to is saying car must be at operating temperature then shut car off and check level on level ground within 60 seconds and no more than 90 seconds, and when I do this the dipstick is completely dry but shows perfect after sitting all night and cold. Sooooo, do I need to add until full when it’s warm (which would be putting in much more than the recommended 3.3 quarts) or are late models different and need to be checked cold? It seems if I add more fluid when warm, that the level would be way over max when cold. I know Hondas are picky on fluid levels and don’t want to hurt her car. Thanks in advance for any help you can give to explain what I’m doing wrong!

[@ee0823]

Just became a subscriber. Thank you for sharing your video 🙏

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment and welcome!

[@johnwilson7845]

really great video! great script and great camera work thanks!

[@ericlyman6195]

Is there any reason why I can't use my air impact wrench to undo the transmission drain bolt assuming I can maneuver the wrench to fit?

[@mykelpriest8846]

Just now starting to fix my own cars! You help making this stuff real nice and easy!

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Very helpful... THANK YOU!

[@Whichwaydidtheygo]

Excellent how to. You covered everything and you have a good instructor personality. Why didn’t you change the filter. Is that on another vehicle?

[@wdhewson]

Gotta love the old Hondas that stay dry underneath !!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@brandonbirnbaum8994]

This is perfect, thanks 👍

[@kirkbrooks9447]

Cool deal, I just bought a '10 Element EX with 109K on the odo. I figure doing all of these services is a good idea.

[@fredjaeger690]

Don’t forget to change the transmission oil filter. You’ll have to takeoff the splashguard to do that.

[@djwak59]

Thanks for posting this. I have a 2003 Element purchased new and I’ve always had the dealer change trans fluid and flush it too. Is it that important to flush the system or just a change is ok ?? Thanks for posting this.

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

Thank you so very much!

[@GHE2005]

Excellent detail video. 👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I was wondering how the dipstick should be positioned. Also u said to use only Honda fluid. I recently saw another machanic recommend Idemitsu ATF type H Plus fluid transmission, what is ur thought on that? I'll hv to look through ur videos for leaking transmission and what that mean & where the problem could be? 🤔 Thx u again with awesome explanation.🙏🏽

[@tootightconcepts747]

Nice video but I didn’t see you change the transmission filter that’s located on the side of the engine looks like a old school fuel filter

[@rodbriggs8552]

I'm buying a 2004 Element with 85K miles today. When should the fluid get changed? How genius of Honda not to require a transmission filter. 🙂

[@miguelrodriguez2328]

Hey thanks for the video, I’ve been trying to find one that shows How to fix the a hose that’s leaking underneath connected to the transmission which I haven’t find one. Would it be possible for you to make one if you can, thanks in advance.

[@rodrigueze59]

How much oil would I need to put in back if I decided to replace the transmission filter as well?

[@pdennis]

Any videos on Honda Element Vtech bucking issues?

[@LCLj73]

Great video

[@GHE2005]

What happens if u don't put the dipstick back lined up the way u said? I'm just inquiring, thank again! 👍🏾

[@steveadkins9831]

Should the filter be changed also?

[@ItaSosa]

I have seen some of your videos and they have helped me incredibly, I have a question I wish you could help me, I have a 2007 Civic H, and I listen to water down the board, definitely that's not normal, can you help me with that, what's going on?

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for watching! Unfortunately not quite enough info for me to give direction.

[@ItaSosa]

@@BigDog50001 thank you so much

[@sebastianholmes5020]

Would you recommend heating the engine before doing this? Idle or drive for a little while?

[@jaimeruiz579]

Thanks friend

[@BigDog50001]

You bet , thanks for watching 👍!

[@jandacy4759]

Really appreciate your videos, they are always very informative with great detail making it easy for us DIYers to accomplish the task. Thank you! I was curious if you have any videos that cover the dreaded code P0420 Bank 1?

[@BigDog50001]

I plan to have a P0420 video in the future but as of right now I do not have any. Thanks for the comment!

[@rajbudhabhatti3449]

Thanks

[@EddieNYC02]

You forgot to change the external atf filter it’s recommended

[@danielbyrne5862]

What happens if you don't put the dip stick in right way

[@Charkatak]

For my 2010 Acura RL, the manual says 3 qt, however many users in forums say that it can be more than 3 qt. It is 3.2 or 3.4 qt for some. Could it be due to the fact that ATF is hot/warm and expands and because of that the quantity varies? What was the level after you changed fluid but before you warmed up the car to check ATF?

[@scottjune3554]

Thanks good video

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@Spacetrucker138]

my dip stick must have fell off the handle, may have slid down the hole. how fooked am I?

[@vincentcontrol]

Luv your video. I bought a 2008 Element LX AWD with 235k miles on it without knowing the history of the car. Now, I want to change the transmission fluid and the differential fluid but I'm afraid that will harm the car, what do you recommend? Thank you.

[@ILJtheFirst]

How can that damage the vehicle ? That's the 1st thing that should be done, because you don't know the history.

[@QuietStormAngel]

Does it matter if I use Walmart trans fluid ?? On a Honda Civic 2011

[@jacobgarvin3960]

I’ve heard that it’s important to replace the fluid three times, is this true?

[@BigDog50001]

That would be what Honda calls a "flush". I only do that in rare circumstances where the car is neglected (and even then I usually have the car driven for a bit in between the changes). One drain and fill (like this video shows) every 15k - 30k miles is what I normally recommend for regular maintenance.

[@jacobgarvin3960]

Thanks!

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Thanks I have an 04. Curious what battery is that? What are your thoughts on lift kits for the Element and a battery upgrade to a 24F? Thanks

[@BigDog50001]

The battery in this Element is a 51R from Interstate. 51R is pretty common for many 4 cylinder Hondas. I don't typically upgrade the battery on Hondas but nothing wrong with going to a 24F if there is room for it. I have not come across any of these Elements with lift kits. Thanks for the comment!

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

@@BigDog50001 thanks as always.

[@douglasberman840]

How many miles between changes on the Element? Thanks

[@BigDog50001]

For normal maintenance, 30,000 miles is the number I like to use.

[@scuba422123]

hey big dog mike sent me here....what is the difference between dw and z i think z is back compatible to dw

[@HallStevenson]

Honda replaced Z1 with DW1. You likely can't even buy Z1 anymore.

[@scuba422123]

@@HallStevenson ahhh ok thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Mike is great! Looks like Hall already answered your question!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

You will like the information Dave gives!

[@joshuadavis9492]

Harbor Freight vise grips the Birman brand are good made in Taiwan just like the Milwaukee Pittsburgh house brand of Harbor Freight sucks

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@MadManInMyVisions]

“Hellement.”