Torque Converter

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Drive axle seals × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Crush washers for transmission drain plug × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels and engine under covers
5. Install engine support bar across engine bay to support engine weight
6. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan under transmission. Remove transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Remove transmission pan bolts in crisscross pattern, carefully lower pan, and drain remaining fluid. Remove and inspect transmission filter if equipped.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect transmission range sensor connector, output shaft speed sensor, and input shaft speed sensor. Label all connectors for reassembly. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission and plug openings to prevent contamination. Support cooler lines to prevent damage during transmission removal.
   ⚠Have rags ready as residual ATF will drain from cooler lines.
3. 3

   Remove axle shafts
   Remove cotter pins and axle nut retaining nuts from both sides. Use appropriate puller or pry bar to carefully separate both axle shafts from transmission. Support axle shafts with wire to prevent damage to CV boots and joints. Plug transmission openings with clean rags to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
4. 4

   Remove exhaust components and subframe
   Disconnect exhaust system at mid-pipe connection. Remove subframe mounting bolts and lower subframe to provide access to transmission bellhousing. May require removal of subframe completely depending on workspace requirements.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect shift cable and brackets
   Remove shift cable from transmission range selector. Remove shift cable bracket mounting bolts. Move shift cable assembly clear of transmission removal path.
6. 6

   Support and remove transmission mounts
   Position transmission jack under transmission and secure with safety chain. Remove rear transmission mount bolts, then remove side transmission mount bolts. Ensure engine support bar is properly supporting engine weight before removing all mounts.
   ⚠️Transmission must be securely supported on jack before removing mount bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove transmission bellhousing bolts
   Remove upper and lower transmission bellhousing bolts. Note bolt lengths and locations as they vary. On turbocharged models, verify starter motor has been removed or repositioned for access. Support transmission firmly on jack during this step.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Separate and lower transmission
   Carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine to disengage torque converter from flexplate. Ensure torque converter stays with transmission. Lower transmission on jack slowly, checking for any remaining connections. Remove transmission from under vehicle.
   ⚠Torque converter is not bolted to transmission and can fall out during removal causing injury.
9. 9

   Access and remove torque converter
   With transmission on work bench, remove torque converter bolts if still attached to flexplate. Pull torque converter straight out of transmission input shaft. Be prepared for additional ATF spillage. Inspect flexplate teeth for wear or damage while transmission is removed.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new torque converter
    Ensure new torque converter is correct part number for CVT or conventional automatic transmission as equipped. Apply small amount of fresh Honda DW-1 ATF to torque converter hub. Install torque converter into transmission, rotating while pushing until it fully seats with audible clicks. Verify converter is fully engaged by measuring depth from transmission bellhousing to converter mounting surface - should match specification.
    ⚠Torque converter must be fully seated in transmission pump or transmission damage will occur during installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Install new drive axle seals in transmission. Apply small amount of grease to seal lips. Raise transmission on jack and align with engine. Rotate torque converter as needed to align with flexplate. Push transmission forward until fully seated against engine block. Install bellhousing bolts and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Install torque converter to flexplate bolts
    Rotate crankshaft to access torque converter bolt holes through starter opening. Install torque converter bolts and tighten evenly in star pattern to specified torque. Verify all bolts are secure before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall mounts and reconnect components
    Install transmission mounts and tighten mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect shift cable and adjust as needed. Reinstall subframe and exhaust components. Reinstall axle shafts with new retaining nuts. Reconnect all electrical connectors and transmission cooler lines.
    Torque spec

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

    Install transmission pan and refill fluid
    Install new transmission pan gasket and reinstall pan with bolts tightened in crisscross pattern to specification. Install drain plug with new crush washer. Fill transmission with Honda DW-1 ATF through dipstick tube or fill port. Initial fill should be approximately 3 quarts, then add incrementally while checking level.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers and front wheels
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
4. Double-check all electrical connections, cooler lines, and fasteners are secure

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle. Check for any fluid leaks around transmission pan, cooler lines, and axle seals
• With engine at idle and parking brake engaged, shift through all gear positions, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and in Park position on level surface. Add fluid as needed to reach proper level
• Road test vehicle through all gear ranges, verifying smooth shifts with no slipping, shuddering, or abnormal noises
• Recheck fluid level after road test and top off if necessary. Final level should be within HOT range on dipstick
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster and scan for transmission-related diagnostic codes

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