This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine and automatic transmission, requiring transmission removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flexplate bolts × 8 — Replace with new Honda OEM bolts
• Transmission gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification if reusable gasket is damaged
• Torque converter seal × 1 — Inspect and replace if leaking

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove engine splash shield and undercovers
5. Place drain pan under transmission and drain ATF completely from drain plug
6. Mark hood hinge positions and remove hood for clearance (recommended)
7. Install engine support fixture or connect hoist to engine lifting points to support engine weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheels and subframe components
   Remove both front wheels. Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Remove the front subframe mounting bolts and any bracing that will interfere with transmission removal. Support the subframe with a jack before removing final bolts, then lower it away from the vehicle.
2. 2

   Disconnect axle shafts
   Remove the axle shaft nuts (previously loosened). Using a pry bar, carefully separate both axle shafts from the transmission. Support the axle shafts with wire or mechanics wire to prevent damage to CV boots and joints. Plug the transmission openings with clean rags to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
3. 3

   Disconnect transmission electrical connections and shift cable
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from the transmission including the range switch, speed sensors, and solenoid connectors. Label each connector for reassembly. Disconnect the shift cable from the transmission lever and bracket. Remove any wiring harness brackets attached to the transmission.
4. 4

   Remove transmission cooler lines and breather
   Disconnect the ATF cooler lines from the transmission using a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding. Plug the lines and transmission ports to prevent contamination. Remove the transmission breather hose. Have a drain pan ready as residual fluid will drain from the lines.
5. 5

   Support and remove transmission mounting bolts
   Position a transmission jack under the transmission pan with a block of wood to distribute load. Secure the transmission to the jack with ratchet straps or safety chains. Remove the transmission mount bolts and the rear transmission mount crossmember. Remove the upper and lower transmission-to-engine bolts, leaving two upper bolts partially installed for stability.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Access and mark torque converter position
   Through the access hole in the bellhousing (or by rotating the engine), mark the relationship between the torque converter and flexplate using a paint pen for proper alignment during reassembly. This ensures the torque converter is reinstalled in the same position to maintain balance.
7. 7

   Remove torque converter bolts
   Through the bellhousing access hole, rotate the crankshaft using a socket on the crankshaft bolt to access each torque converter bolt. Remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. Note the bolt positions if they differ. Push the torque converter back into the transmission and verify it is fully seated before transmission removal.
   ⚠Ensure torque converter is pushed fully into the transmission and secured before lowering transmission, or it will fall out during removal.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove transmission from vehicle
   Remove the remaining transmission-to-engine bolts. Verify all electrical connections, cooler lines, and mounts are disconnected. Carefully slide the transmission straight back away from the engine using the transmission jack. Keep the transmission level to prevent the torque converter from sliding out. Once clear of the engine, lower the transmission and move it out from under the vehicle.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission is securely strapped to jack before separation. Have an assistant guide the transmission if possible.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lock crankshaft and remove flexplate
   Insert a flywheel holding tool or large screwdriver through the flexplate teeth to lock the crankshaft and prevent rotation. Remove all flexplate bolts in a star pattern working from outside to center. Note the bolt pattern and any alignment dowels. Remove the flexplate from the crankshaft flange. Inspect the crankshaft flange and rear main seal for damage or leaks.
   ℹ️Mark the flexplate orientation before removal if reinstalling the same flexplate, though replacement is recommended.
   Torque spec

   Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Clean and inspect mounting surfaces
    Thoroughly clean the crankshaft flange surface with brake cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Remove any old thread locker or debris from bolt holes using a thread chaser or tap. Inspect the crankshaft flange for cracks, wear, or damage. Inspect the rear main seal for leaks and replace if necessary. Check the new flexplate for damage and verify correct part number.
11. 11

    Install new flexplate
    Position the new flexplate on the crankshaft flange, ensuring any alignment dowels are properly seated. Install new flexplate bolts (do not reuse old bolts) hand-tight in a star pattern. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to bolt threads if specified by manufacturer. Torque flexplate bolts in three stages using a star pattern: first to 30 Nm, then to 60 Nm, and finally to the specified 85 Nm. Lock the crankshaft with the holding tool during torque application.
    ⚠Use new flexplate bolts only. Follow the star pattern tightening sequence precisely to prevent flexplate warping.
    Torque spec

    Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Prepare transmission for installation
    Verify the torque converter is fully seated in the transmission by measuring depth or checking that it rotates freely and is recessed into the bellhousing. Clean the transmission mating surface and install a new gasket if required. Apply a small amount of grease to the torque converter pilot hub. Verify all transmission mounts and brackets are in place.
13. 13

    Install transmission to engine
    Raise the transmission into position using the transmission jack, keeping it level and aligned with the engine. Carefully slide the transmission forward, ensuring the torque converter hub engages the flexplate center and the transmission aligns with the dowel pins. Do not force the transmission. Install the transmission-to-engine bolts and torque to specification in a star pattern. Install transmission mounts and torque mounting bolts to specifications.
    ⚠Transmission should slide into place with minimal effort. If resistance is felt, verify torque converter alignment and dowel pin engagement.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install torque converter bolts
    Align the marks made during disassembly between the torque converter and flexplate. Rotate the crankshaft to access the torque converter bolt holes through the bellhousing access opening. Install torque converter bolts and torque to 50 Nm following the specified sequence. Rotate the crankshaft multiple times to verify smooth operation and no binding.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect all components and refill transmission
    Reconnect axle shafts to the transmission, ensuring they are fully seated with new circlips. Reconnect all electrical connectors, shift cable, and cooler lines. Install the subframe and torque all bolts to specification. Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts. Remove engine support fixture. Fill transmission with 8 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF through the fill hole. Start engine and check fluid level with engine at operating temperature, cycling through all gear positions.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Double-check that both axle shafts are fully seated in the transmission with new retaining clips installed
4. Ensure transmission breather hose is properly routed and not kinked
5. Verify shift cable is properly adjusted after reconnection

Verification

• With engine running and at operating temperature, verify proper ATF level using the dipstick or fill plug method per Honda procedure
• Check for any ATF leaks around the transmission pan, cooler lines, axle seals, and torque converter area
• Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears with no slipping, vibration, or unusual noises
• Verify no check engine or transmission warning lights are illuminated
• Perform a final check of all fastener torques after test drive
• Check ATF level again after test drive and top off if necessary

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