Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid

Replace the torque converter clutch solenoid in the CVT transmission to restore proper lockup function and eliminate shudder or slipping during cruising.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Transmission filter (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
• ATF transmission fluid × 4 — Honda DW-1

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
5. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove front wheels to access splash shields and subframe area
7. Remove front splash shield and lower engine covers using plastic trim tools

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan under transmission. Remove transmission drain plug using 17mm socket. Allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 3-4 quarts will drain from drain plug). Note fluid condition and any debris. Install new crush washer on drain plug and reinstall drain plug.
   Torque spec

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

   Support engine and transmission
   Install engine support fixture across engine bay or use engine hoist with load leveler. Secure to engine lift points. Place transmission jack under transmission pan with wood block to distribute load. Raise jack until it just contacts transmission but does not lift vehicle.
   ⚠️Engine and transmission must be fully supported before removing any mounting components.
3. 3

   Remove transmission mount and crossmember
   Disconnect electrical connector from transmission mount if equipped with active damping. Remove transmission mount through-bolts using 17mm socket. Remove transmission mount bracket bolts and remove mount assembly. Remove crossmember bolts and lower crossmember away from vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower transmission for access
   Carefully lower transmission jack approximately 4-6 inches. Monitor all electrical connectors, cooler lines, and shift cables to ensure they are not binding or under tension. This will provide access to the transmission pan area.
   ⚠Lower transmission slowly and check for any interference with cooler lines or wiring harnesses.
5. 5

   Remove transmission pan
   Working from underneath vehicle, remove all transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern using 10mm socket. Carefully lower pan and gasket. Have drain pan ready as additional fluid (3-4 quarts) will drain when pan is removed. Clean mating surface on transmission case thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags.
   ⚠Significant amount of fluid will spill when pan is removed. Position drain pan accordingly.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove internal transmission filter (if equipped)
   Locate internal transmission filter inside transmission case. Remove filter mounting screws using appropriate Allen key or 10mm socket. Carefully pull filter straight down and out of transmission. Clean filter mounting surface and inspect for debris or metal contamination.
7. 7

   Locate and access torque converter clutch solenoid
   With pan removed, locate the torque converter clutch solenoid on the valve body assembly. It is typically positioned near the front of the transmission. Disconnect the internal wiring connector by carefully pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Note routing of wiring harness for reinstallation.
   ⚠Internal connectors are fragile. Do not force or bend connector pins.
8. 8

   Remove torque converter clutch solenoid
   Remove solenoid mounting bolts using appropriate socket (typically 10mm). Carefully pull solenoid straight out from valve body. Note orientation and position of any O-rings or seals. Inspect valve body bore for debris or scoring. Clean mounting area with brake cleaner if needed.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new torque converter clutch solenoid
   Lubricate new solenoid O-rings with clean Honda DW-1 ATF. Carefully insert new solenoid into valve body bore, ensuring proper alignment and O-ring seating. Do not force. Install mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification. Reconnect internal wiring connector ensuring positive engagement with audible click.
   Torque spec

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

    Install transmission filter and pan
    Install new or cleaned transmission filter with new O-ring if applicable. Install new transmission pan gasket on pan (do not use sealant unless specified). Lift pan into position and install all bolts finger-tight. Torque pan bolts in criss-cross pattern starting from center and working outward.
    ℹ️Use criss-cross tightening pattern to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall transmission mount and crossmember
    Raise transmission jack to lift transmission back to normal position. Align transmission mount bracket and install bolts. Install crossmember and torque all mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect transmission mount electrical connector if equipped. Remove transmission jack and engine support fixture.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill transmission with ATF
    Using fluid pump or funnel with extension hose, add approximately 3.5 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF through transmission dipstick tube or fill port. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Shift through all gear positions, pausing 2 seconds in each. Return to Park. Check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature and add fluid as needed to bring to proper level on dipstick.
    ⚠Overfilling can cause fluid aeration and transmission damage. Add fluid gradually and check level frequently.
13. 13

    Reinstall undercarriage components
    Reinstall front splash shields and lower engine covers. Install front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification (108 Nm / 80 lb-ft). Lower vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect negative battery terminal. Install engine cover.

Reassembly

1. Verify all drain plugs are properly torqued with new crush washers installed
2. Ensure transmission pan bolts are torqued in proper criss-cross pattern to prevent leaks
3. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Confirm transmission mount and crossmember bolts are torqued to specification
5. Verify fluid level is correct with engine at operating temperature

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan or drain plug
• With engine running, cycle through all gear positions and verify smooth engagement
• Test drive vehicle and verify torque converter lockup occurs smoothly at cruising speed (typically 40-50 mph)
• Check for elimination of previous shudder or slipping symptoms during lockup
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner to verify no solenoid-related codes present
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor for leaks after 24 hours of normal driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle