Honda Element. Manual - part 711

(due to engine braking). In this condition, the rear oil pump draws fluid through check valves B and C. Fluid 
discharged from the rear oil pump then flows through check valve E to the clutch piston. There, pressure is 
regulated by two orifices. The regulated hydraulic pressure at the clutch piston may force the plates and discs of 
the clutch together to form a connection. The engaged clutch passes driving force from the transfer assembly to 
the rear wheels, producing 4WD. 

Fig. 10: Fluid Flow Diagram - Reverse Deceleration (4WD) 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Thermal Switch Operation (2WD) 

During 4WD operation, pressure-regulated fluid is in contact with the clutch piston and the thermal switch. 

If the temperature of the fluid in the differential goes too high, the thermal switch pushes open the relief valve 
R. This causes the pressure in the clutch piston to drop, and 4WD mode is disengaged. 

Fig. 11: Fluid Flow Diagram - Thermal Switch Operation (2WD) 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Relief Valve Operation 

When the fluid pressure goes higher than the relief valve spring force, check valve R opens. Pressure applied at 
the clutch piston is held constant. This feature adds stability by preventing the rear wheel drive system from 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - Element

  

experiencing excessive torque. 

Fig. 12: Fluid Flow Diagram - Relief Valve Operation 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

DUAL PUMP SYSTEM FUNCTION TEST 

MANUAL TRANSMISSION 

Starting and accelerating in forward gears (4WD mode) 

1. Raise the vehicle so all four wheels are off the ground (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).  

2. Start the engine, and let it idle until the radiator fan comes on at least twice.  

3. With the engine at idle, shift into 1st gear, and release the clutch pedal.  

4. Firmly apply the parking brake to lock the rear wheels. 



If the engine stalls, the 4WD system is normal.  



If the engine continues running, there is a problem in the 4WD system. Check the differential fluid. 
If the differential fluid is normal, replace the torque control differential (TCD) case kit.  

Starting and accelerating in reverse gear (4WD mode) 

1. Raise the vehicle so all four wheels are off the ground (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).  

2. Start the engine, and let it idle until the radiator fan comes on at least twice.  

3. With the engine at idle, shift into reverse gear, and release the clutch pedal.  

4. Firmly apply the parking brake to lock the rear wheels. 



If the engine stalls, the 4WD system is normal.  



If the engine continues running, there is a problem in the 4WD system. Check the differential fluid. 

NOTE:

Do not test repeatedly or the fluid will overheat.

NOTE:

Do not test repeatedly or the fluid will overheat.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - Element

  

If the differential fluid is normal, replace the torque control differential (TCD) case kit. 

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 

Starting and accelerating in forward positions (4WD mode) 

1. Raise the vehicle so all four wheels are off the ground (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).  

2. Make a mark (A) on either No. 1 or No. 2 propeller shaft (B). 

Fig. 13: Identifying Mark On Either No. 1 Or No. 2 Propeller Shaft 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Start the engine, and let it idle until the radiator fan comes on at least twice.  

4. With the engine at idle, shift to the 1 position.  

5. Firmly apply the parking brake to lock the rear wheels, and measure the time it takes the propeller shaft to 

rotate 10 times. 



If the time is 10 seconds or more, the 4WD system is normal.  



If the time is less than 10 seconds, there is a problem in the 4WD system. Check the differential 
fluid. If the differential fluid is normal, replace the torque control differential (TCD) case kit.  

Starting and accelerating in the R position (4WD mode) 

1. Raise the vehicle so all four wheels are off the ground (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).  

2. Make a mark (A) on either No. 1 or No. 2 propeller shaft (B). 

NOTE:

Do not test repeatedly or the fluid will overheat.

NOTE:

Do not test repeatedly or the fluid will overheat.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - Element

  

Fig. 14: Identifying Mark On Either No. 1 Or No. 2 Propeller Shaft 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Start the engine, and let it idle until the radiator fan comes on at least twice.  

4. With the engine at idle, shift to the R position.  

5. Firmly apply the parking brake to lock the rear wheels, and measure the time it takes the propeller shaft to 

rotate 10 times. 



If the time is 10 seconds or more, the 4WD system is normal.  



If the time is less than 10 seconds, there is a problem in the 4WD system. Check the differential 
fluid. If the differential fluid is normal, replace the torque control differential (TCD) case kit.  

MANUAL TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 

Decelerating in forward gears (2WD mode) 

1. Block the front wheels (A), raise the left rear wheel, and support it with a safety stand (B) as shown. 

Fig. 15: Identifying Front Wheels And Safety Stand 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Hold the tire, and turn it counterclockwise continuously for more than one rotation. 



If the rotation of the wheel does not gradually feel heavy while rotating, the 2WD system when 
decelerating in a forward gear is normal. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - Element