Back to 2021 Honda Accord

2021 HONDA ACCORD

1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
3 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs413Labor566Torque3683Fluid6DTC936Battery0Maintenance0Recalls3
transmission

Transmission Speed Sensor - Input

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
8
Steps
14

This procedure replaces the input speed sensor on the CVT transmission of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, requiring access from underneath the vehicle.

Warnings

Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
The transmission may be hot if the vehicle was recently driven. Allow adequate cooling time before beginning work.
ℹ️Minor ATF fluid loss (approximately 2-4 oz) is normal when removing the input speed sensor. Have a drain pan ready.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Vehicle jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrench (5-20 Nm range)Essential
Drain pan
Shop towelsEssential
Wire brush or contact cleaner
Flashlight or work lightEssential

Parts

  • Input speed sensor (mainshaft speed sensor) × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • O-ring seal for sensor × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

  • Honda DW-1 ATF — 0.25 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
  4. Remove the front engine/transmission undercover if equipped
  5. Locate the input speed sensor on the passenger side of the transmission, near the bell housing area

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect battery negative terminal
    Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts and clear any stored fault codes. Wait at least 3 minutes before proceeding to allow the electrical system to discharge.
  2. 2
    Access the input speed sensor
    The input speed sensor is located on the passenger side of the CVT transmission case, approximately mid-height on the bell housing section. It will have a single electrical connector and is retained by a single 10mm bolt. Clean the area around the sensor with a wire brush or contact cleaner to prevent debris from entering the transmission.
  3. 3
    Disconnect sensor electrical connector
    Press the tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull it away from the sensor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If the connector is dirty, clean it with electrical contact cleaner.
  4. 4
    Position drain pan
    Place a small drain pan or shop towels directly beneath the sensor. Expect approximately 2-4 ounces of ATF to drain when the sensor is removed.
  5. 5
    Remove sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the input speed sensor to the transmission case. Keep the bolt clean and inspect it for damage.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove input speed sensor
    Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the transmission case. Do not twist or rock excessively to avoid damaging the transmission case bore. ATF will drain from the opening. Allow fluid to drain completely into the pan.
  7. 7
    Inspect and clean sensor bore
    Inspect the sensor bore in the transmission case for debris or metal particles. Wipe clean with a lint-free shop towel. Check the old sensor for metal shavings on the tip, which could indicate internal transmission wear. Inspect the old O-ring for damage or deformation.
  8. 8
    Prepare new sensor
    Remove the new input speed sensor from packaging. Verify it has a new O-ring installed. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean Honda DW-1 ATF. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants.
  9. 9
    Install new sensor
    Carefully insert the new sensor straight into the transmission case bore, ensuring the O-ring does not twist or roll. Push the sensor in until it seats fully against the transmission case. The sensor should sit flush with minimal effort.
  10. 10
    Install and torque mounting bolt
    Install the 10mm mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the new sensor until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
  12. 12
    Check ATF level
    Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. With the engine running and transmission in Park on level ground, check the ATF level using the dipstick or filler plug procedure per Honda specifications. Add Honda DW-1 ATF if necessary to bring level to the proper range. Typically, only a few ounces are needed to replace what was lost.
  13. 13
    Reinstall undercover and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the engine/transmission undercover if equipped. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
  14. 14
    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and verify there are no warning lights on the dashboard. Use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored speed sensor fault codes if necessary.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure electrical connector is fully seated and locked with an audible click
  2. Verify sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification to prevent leaks
  3. Check transmission fluid level and top off with Honda DW-1 ATF only
  4. Reinstall any undercovers or splash shields removed during access

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify no ATF leaks from the sensor area
  • Test drive the vehicle and confirm smooth transmission operation through all gears
  • Verify no check engine light or transmission warning lights are illuminated
  • Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no speed sensor related fault codes are present (P0715, P0717, etc.)
  • Confirm speedometer operates correctly and displays accurate speed
  • Recheck ATF level after test drive when transmission is at operating temperature

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