3rd Gear

Hydraulic pressure is applied to the 3rd clutch, then the 3rd clutch engages the mainshaft 3rd gear with the mainshaft.
The mainshaft 3rd gear drives the countershaft 3rd gear and the countershaft.
Power is transmitted to the final drive gear, which in turn drives the final driven gear, and the transfer drive gear (4WD model).
4WD model: The transfer drive gear drives the transfer drive gear (hypoid gear) and the transfer output shaft (hypoid gear).

NOTE: The illustration shows 4WD model; 2WD model does not have the transfer mechanism.

Fig 1: Identifying Automatic Transmission - Power Flow 3RD Gear

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.