Honda Element. Manual - part 184

Fig. 24: Powertrain Control Module - Functional Diagram 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Shift Control 

The PCM instantly determines which gears should be selected by various signals sent from sensors and 
switches, and it actuates shift solenoid valves A, B, C, D, and E to control shifting transmission gears. 

Also, a grade logic control system has been adopted to control shifting in the D position. The PCM compares 
actual driving conditions with memorized driving conditions, based on the input from the accelerator pedal 
position sensor, the engine coolant temperature sensor, the barometric pressure sensor, the brake pedal position 
switch signal, and the shift lever position signal, to control shifting while the vehicle is ascending or descending 
a slope. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element

  

Fig. 25: Powertrain Control Module - Functional Diagram 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Shift Solenoid Valve ON-OFF Operation 

The PCM turns shift solenoid valves A, B, C, D, and E ON and OFF to control transmission gear shifting. The 
combination of driving signals to shift solenoid valves A, B, C, D, and E are shown in the table. 

SHIFT SOLENOID VALVE ON-OFF OPERATION 

Position

Gear position

Shift solenoid valves

A

B

C

D

E

D

Shifting from 
N position

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

Stays in 1st

ON

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

Shifting gears 

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element

  

Grade Logic Control: Ascending Control 

When the PCM determines that the vehicle is climbing a hill in the D position, the system extends the 
engagement area of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears to prevent the transmission from frequently shifting between 2nd 
and 3rd gears, between 3rd and 4th gears, and between 4th and 5th gears, so the vehicle can run smooth and 
have more power when needed. 

Shift schedules stored in the PCM between 2nd and 3rd gears, between 3rd and 4th gears, and between 4th and 
5th gears, enable it to automatically select the most suitable gear according to the magnitude of a gradient.

between 1st 
and 2nd
Stays in 2nd

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF or ON

Shifting gears 
between 2nd 
and 3rd

OFF

ON

ON

ON

OFF or ON

Stays in 3rd

OFF

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF or ON

Shifting gears 
between 3rd 
and 4th

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF or ON

Stays in 4th

ON

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF or ON

Shifting gears 
between 4th 
and 5th

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

OFF or ON

Stays in 5th

ON

OFF

ON

ON

OFF or ON

2

2nd gear

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

1

1st gear

ON

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

R

Shifting from 
P and N 
position

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

Stays in 
reverse

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

Reverse inhibit

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

OFF

P

Park

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

N

Neutral

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element

  

Fig. 26: Grade Logic Control - Ascending Control Graph 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Grade Logic Control: Descending Control  

When the PCM determines that the vehicle is going down a hill in the D position, the shift-up speed from 4th to 
5th gear, from 3rd to 4th gear, and from 2nd to 3rd gear (when the throttle is closed) becomes faster than the set 
speed for flat road driving to widen the 4th gear, 3rd gear, and 2nd gear driving area. This, in combination with 
engine braking from the deceleration lock-up, achieves smooth driving when the vehicle is descending. There 
are three descending modes with different 4th gear driving areas, 3rd gear driving areas, and 2nd gear driving 
areas according to the magnitude of a gradient stored in the PCM. When the vehicle is in 5th gear or 4th gear, 
and you are decelerating when you are applying the brakes on a steep hill, the transmission will downshift to 
lower gear. When you accelerate, the transmission will then return to a higher gear. 

Fig. 27: Grade Logic Control - Descending Control Graph 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Clutch Pressure Control 

The PCM actuates A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A, B, and C to control the clutch pressure. When 
shifting between lower and higher gears, the clutch pressure regulated by A/T clutch pressure control solenoid 
valves A, B, and C engages and disengages the clutch smoothly.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission - Element