HONDA 2003 Element - Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 186)

The O/D OFF indicator also comes
on for a few seconds when you turn
the ignition switch to ON(II).
When overdrive is off, the
transmission selects only the first
three gears. Turn the O/D off to
provide engine braking when going
down a steep hill. You can also avoid
the transmission from cycling
between third and fourth gears in
stop-and-go driving.
To shift to Second,
press the release button on the side
of the shift lever. This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshift to first gear
when you come to a stop. Second
gives you more power when climbing,
and increased engine braking when
going down steep hills. Use second
gear when starting out on a slippery
surface or in deep snow. It will help
reduce wheelspin.
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
To shift from Second to
First, press the release button on the
side of the shift lever. With the lever
in this position, the transmission
locks in first gear. By upshifting and
downshifting through 1, 2, and D,
you can operate this transmission
much like a manual transmission
without a clutch pedal.
If you shift into First when the
vehicle speed is above 31 mph (50
km/h), the transmission shifts into
second gear first to avoid sudden
engine braking.
Automatic Transmission
Driving
Second (2)
Engine Speed Limiter First (1)
182
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