Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid

Replace the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid in the A-518 (46RH) 4-speed automatic transmission, requiring transmission pan removal and valve body access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter clutch solenoid × 1 — Mopar 4617210 or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ATF+3 automatic transmission fluid — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated.
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front crossmember jacking point and support on jack stands at frame rails.
4. Verify vehicle is stable and secure before working underneath.
5. Position drain pan beneath transmission pan area.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Locate the transmission pan on the underside of the A-518 transmission. Using a 10mm socket, loosen all pan bolts approximately 2-3 turns but do not remove yet. There are 14 bolts securing the pan perimeter. Loosen bolts in a crosshatch pattern starting from the center outward to prevent warping the pan flange.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   With drain pan positioned directly under the transmission pan, carefully remove all but two bolts at opposite corners (front and rear). Gently pry one corner of the pan down with a flat-blade screwdriver to break the gasket seal and allow fluid to drain in a controlled manner. Once fluid flow slows significantly, remove the remaining two bolts and lower the pan completely. Expect approximately 5-6 quarts of ATF to drain.
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter (if replacing)
   If replacing the transmission filter, remove the three bolts securing the filter to the valve body using a 10mm socket. Carefully pull the filter straight down and away from the valve body pickup tube. Some residual fluid will drain from the filter. Set aside for disposal.
4. 4

   Clean transmission pan and inspect
   Thoroughly clean the inside of the transmission pan using shop rags and parts cleaner. Inspect for metal debris, shavings, or excessive clutch material. Small amounts of fine material on the magnet are normal. Clean the magnet thoroughly. Use a plastic or brass gasket scraper to remove all old gasket material from the pan mating surface. Do not use metal scrapers that could damage the sealing surface.
5. 5

   Locate TCC solenoid on valve body
   Looking up at the exposed valve body, identify the TCC solenoid assembly. It is mounted on the driver's side of the valve body near the front, identifiable by its cylindrical body and electrical connector with two wires (typically yellow and black). The solenoid is secured by a single bolt and held in place by a retaining bracket.
6. 6

   Disconnect TCC solenoid electrical connector
   Trace the wiring harness from the solenoid to its connector. Using needle-nose pliers if needed, carefully depress the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Note the routing of the wiring for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove TCC solenoid retaining bolt and bracket
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the TCC solenoid retaining bracket to the valve body. The bolt threads into the valve body casting. Remove the retaining bracket and set aside with the bolt.
8. 8

   Extract TCC solenoid from valve body
   Carefully grasp the TCC solenoid body and pull it straight out from the valve body bore. The solenoid has an O-ring seal on the shaft that will create slight resistance. Do not twist or rock the solenoid excessively to avoid damaging the valve body bore. Once removed, inspect the old solenoid O-ring for damage or wear.
9. 9

   Prepare and install new TCC solenoid
   Inspect the new TCC solenoid to ensure it matches the removed unit. Verify the O-ring is properly seated in the solenoid groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean ATF+3 transmission fluid. Insert the new solenoid into the valve body bore, pushing firmly until it seats completely. The solenoid should sit flush with the valve body mounting surface.
10. 10

    Install solenoid retaining bracket and bolt
    Position the retaining bracket over the TCC solenoid, aligning the bracket with the mounting hole in the valve body. Install the 10mm retaining bolt and tighten to 105 in-lbs. Verify the solenoid is properly captured by the bracket and cannot move.
11. 11

    Reconnect TCC solenoid electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the new TCC solenoid, pressing firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked. Route the wiring harness in its original path, ensuring it will not contact the transmission pan when reinstalled.
12. 12

    Install new transmission filter (if applicable)
    If a new filter is being installed, position the filter over the valve body pickup tube, aligning the filter mounting holes with the valve body. Install the three 10mm filter mounting bolts and tighten to 40 in-lbs in a crosshatch pattern to ensure even seating.
13. 13

    Install new transmission pan gasket
    Thoroughly clean the transmission case pan rail with parts cleaner to remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Position the new transmission pan gasket on the pan, aligning all bolt holes. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed; others may require a thin bead of RTV sealant on the pan flange to hold the gasket in place during installation. Do not use excessive sealant.
14. 14

    Reinstall transmission pan
    Carefully lift the transmission pan with gasket into position, aligning all bolt holes with the transmission case. Start all 14 pan bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a 10mm socket and torque wrench, tighten the pan bolts in a crosshatch pattern starting from the center and working outward. Tighten bolts to 165 in-lbs. Make a second pass in the same pattern to verify all bolts are properly torqued.
15. 15

    Refill transmission fluid
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Locate the transmission dipstick on the passenger side of the engine bay. Using a funnel, add 5 quarts of ATF+3 transmission fluid through the dipstick tube. Start the engine and allow it to idle. With the engine running and transmission in Park, check the fluid level on the dipstick (fluid should be in the Cold range). Add additional fluid in 1/2 quart increments as needed to bring the level to the Cold Full mark. Do not overfill.
16. 16

    Perform transmission fluid warm-up and final level check
    With the engine idling and parking brake engaged, shift the transmission through all gear ranges (P-R-N-D-2-1-D-N-R-P), pausing 3-4 seconds in each position. This fills all internal circuits with fluid. Return to Park and recheck fluid level. Add fluid as needed to maintain Cold Full level. Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes to bring transmission fluid to normal operating temperature (160-180°F). With the engine idling and transmission in Park on level ground, check the hot fluid level. The level should be between the Hot Add and Hot Full marks on the dipstick. Add fluid as necessary to bring level to Hot Full.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is detailed within the procedure steps as components are installed in sequence.
2. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked.
3. Verify transmission pan bolts are torqued to specification in a crosshatch pattern to prevent leaks.
4. Always check transmission fluid level both cold and after reaching operating temperature for accurate fill.

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from the pan gasket area.
• With the engine at idle in Park, verify smooth transmission operation when shifting through all gear ranges.
• Test drive the vehicle and verify proper torque converter lockup occurs during highway speed cruise (typically 45+ mph with light throttle).
• Monitor for proper TCC engagement by observing tachometer - RPM should drop approximately 200-300 RPM when lockup engages during steady-state cruise.
• Verify no transmission slipping, harsh shifts, or check engine light illumination related to TCC solenoid function.
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive with transmission at operating temperature.

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