Overdrive Solenoid

This procedure covers the replacement of the overdrive solenoid (linear solenoid) in the CVT transmission of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Overdrive/Linear Solenoid × 1 — 28260-5MG-003 or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
• Shop towels × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle has cooled for at least 30 minutes if recently driven
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove front engine under cover using 10mm socket
5. Locate transmission pan on passenger side of vehicle beneath transmission
6. Position drain pan beneath transmission drain plug

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Remove the transmission drain plug using a 12mm socket. Allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Once drained, install a new crush washer on the drain plug and reinstall the drain plug hand-tight, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the outside edges working inward. There are approximately 18-20 bolts securing the pan. Keep track of bolt locations as some may be different lengths.
3. 3

   Lower transmission pan
   Carefully lower the transmission pan. Additional fluid will drain out (approximately 1-2 quarts), so ensure drain pan is positioned correctly. Use shop rags to catch any remaining fluid. Remove the pan completely and set aside on clean work surface.
   ⚠Pan will be heavy with residual fluid. Support weight carefully to avoid spills.
4. 4

   Remove transmission filter/strainer
   Locate the internal filter/strainer assembly. Remove the mounting bolts securing it using a 10mm socket. Carefully lower the filter and set aside. This provides access to the solenoid body.
5. 5

   Disconnect solenoid electrical connector
   Locate the internal wiring harness connector for the solenoid body. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector. Do not pull on wires, only on the connector body.
   ⚠Connector tabs are fragile. Use controlled force to avoid breaking internal clips.
6. 6

   Remove solenoid body mounting bolts
   The solenoid body assembly is secured by multiple bolts. Using a 10mm socket, remove all mounting bolts securing the solenoid body to the valve body. Note bolt locations and lengths for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove solenoid body assembly
   Carefully pull the solenoid body assembly straight out from the valve body. There may be residual fluid, so have rags ready. Inspect the mating surface for any debris or damage. The individual overdrive solenoid may be replaceable from this assembly, or the entire body may need replacement depending on failure mode.
8. 8

   Install new solenoid assembly
   Clean the valve body mating surface with a lint-free cloth. Install the new or rebuilt solenoid body assembly, ensuring all passages align correctly. The assembly will only fit one way. Press firmly but evenly into position.
9. 9

   Install solenoid mounting bolts
   Install all solenoid body mounting bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a criss-cross pattern to specification. Do not over-torque as this can damage the aluminum valve body.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the internal wiring harness connector to the solenoid body. Ensure the connector clicks into place and the locking tab engages fully. Verify connection is secure with gentle pull test.
11. 11

    Reinstall transmission filter
    Reinstall the transmission filter/strainer assembly with mounting bolts. Ensure filter is seated properly before tightening bolts to specification.
12. 12

    Clean and prepare pan
    Remove old gasket material from transmission pan using plastic scraper. Clean pan thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Inspect pan for metal debris or damage. Clean magnet if equipped. Install new gasket on transmission pan.
    ℹ️Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum transmission pan as this can cause damage and leaks.
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission pan
    Position transmission pan with new gasket against transmission case. Install all pan bolts finger-tight. Torque all bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward to ensure even gasket compression.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the driver side of the transmission case. Remove fill plug. Using a fluid pump and funnel, add approximately 4 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF through the fill hole. Reinstall fill plug. Start engine and check fluid level per Honda procedure (engine running, transmission at operating temperature, cycling through gears).
    ⚠CVT fluid level must be checked with engine running at operating temperature. Overfilling or underfilling will cause transmission damage.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front engine under cover
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Check for leaks around transmission pan after initial startup
4. Road test vehicle and verify smooth operation through all gear ranges
5. Recheck fluid level after road test when transmission is at full operating temperature

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan or drain plug
• With engine running and transmission at operating temperature, cycle through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S-L)
• Verify smooth shifts and no delayed engagement
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner - there should be no solenoid-related codes
• Perform road test and verify normal CVT operation with smooth acceleration and no slipping
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct using Honda fluid level check procedure

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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