Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid

This procedure removes and replaces the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid in a 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10. The solenoid is located inside the transmission valve body and requires pan removal and valve body access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter clutch solenoid × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve body gasket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan bolts (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven.
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points.
4. Place drain pan under transmission pan.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission pan drain plug
   Locate the drain plug at the rear corner of the transmission pan. Using the appropriate socket, loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow transmission fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. This may take 5-10 minutes.
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Locate the 13 transmission pan bolts around the perimeter of the pan. Starting from the rear and working toward the front, loosen each bolt in a crisscross pattern. Remove all bolts except the two front-most bolts. Loosen these two bolts but leave them engaged with 2-3 threads to support the pan weight.
3. 3

   Lower and remove transmission pan
   While supporting the pan with one hand, remove the final two bolts. Carefully lower the pan, being aware that residual fluid will drain when the pan is separated from the transmission case. Once clear, set the pan aside and allow any remaining fluid to drain from the transmission.
4. 4

   Clean pan and inspect filter
   Inspect the transmission pan for metal debris or clutch material, which may indicate internal transmission wear. Clean the pan thoroughly with solvent and shop rags. Inspect the transmission filter for damage or excessive debris. If filter replacement is needed, carefully remove it by pulling straight down.
5. 5

   Remove gasket material
   Using a plastic or brass gasket scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from the transmission pan mating surface and the transmission case mating surface. Do not use metal scrapers that could gouge the aluminum surfaces. Clean both surfaces with solvent and wipe dry.
6. 6

   Locate TCC solenoid
   With the pan removed, locate the torque converter clutch solenoid on the valve body. The TCC solenoid is typically mounted on the driver's side of the valve body assembly and has a wiring harness connector attached. Identify the solenoid before proceeding with removal.
7. 7

   Disconnect TCC solenoid connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the TCC solenoid. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the solenoid. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
8. 8

   Remove TCC solenoid mounting bolts
   Locate the 2 Torx bolts securing the TCC solenoid to the valve body. Using the appropriate Torx driver, remove both bolts. Keep these bolts in a clean location as they will be reused.
9. 9

   Remove TCC solenoid
   Carefully pull the TCC solenoid straight out from the valve body. The solenoid has a valve spool that extends into the valve body bore. Remove slowly and avoid tilting to prevent damage to internal components. Inspect the solenoid O-ring seal for damage.
10. 10

    Clean solenoid mounting area
    Inspect the valve body bore where the solenoid was installed. Wipe clean with a lint-free shop rag. Do not allow any debris to enter the valve body passages. If any contamination is present, clean carefully with solvent on a clean rag.
11. 11

    Install new TCC solenoid
    Remove the new TCC solenoid from packaging and verify the O-ring seal is properly seated. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean ATF+4 fluid. Carefully insert the solenoid straight into the valve body bore, ensuring the mounting holes align properly.
12. 12

    Install TCC solenoid mounting bolts
    Install the 2 Torx mounting bolts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Torque bolts to specification. If torque specification is not available, tighten snugly but do not overtighten as the valve body is aluminum and the bolts are steel.
    ⚠Over-tightening solenoid mounting bolts can strip aluminum valve body threads. Tighten with care.
13. 13

    Reconnect TCC solenoid connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new TCC solenoid until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the connector.
14. 14

    Install new transmission pan gasket
    Position the new transmission pan gasket onto the transmission case mating surface. Ensure all bolt holes align properly. Some gaskets are self-adhesive; others may require a small amount of gasket adhesive on the corners to hold in place during installation.
15. 15

    Install transmission pan
    Carefully lift the transmission pan into position, aligning it with the gasket and bolt holes. Install all 13 pan bolts finger-tight. Once all bolts are started, tighten in a spiral pattern from the center outward. Torque bolts to specification in the same pattern. If torque specification is not available, tighten evenly to approximately 120 in-lb.
16. 16

    Install drain plug
    Clean the drain plug threads and inspect the sealing washer. Replace washer if damaged. Install drain plug and torque to specification.
17. 17

    Refill transmission fluid
    Lower vehicle to the ground. Locate the transmission dipstick or fill plug. Using a transmission fluid pump or funnel, add approximately 5 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 fluid. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes. With the engine running and transmission in Park, check the fluid level and add as necessary to bring level to the COLD mark on the dipstick.
18. 18

    Perform transmission relearn procedure
    Some transmissions require a computer relearn after solenoid replacement. Start the engine and allow transmission to warm to operating temperature (10-15 minutes of idling or light driving). Cycle through all gear ranges with the vehicle stationary and brakes applied. Drive the vehicle through multiple shift cycles at various speeds to allow the transmission control module to adapt to the new solenoid.

Reassembly

1. Installation is the reverse of removal with the following notes:
2. Always use a new transmission pan gasket.
3. Tighten all fasteners in the specified sequence and to proper torque specifications.
4. Use only Mopar ATF+4 transmission fluid.
5. Allow transmission to warm fully before checking final fluid level.

Verification

• Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan or drain plug.
• Check transmission fluid level with engine running and transmission at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed.
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears.
• Verify torque converter lockup occurs smoothly during steady-state cruising (typically 45+ mph).
• Scan transmission control module for diagnostic trouble codes. Clear any codes that were present before repair and verify they do not return.
• Re-check fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.
• Inspect under vehicle for fluid leaks after test drive.

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