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
- Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Remove the front engine/transmission undercover if equipped
- Locate the input speed sensor on the passenger side of the transmission, near the bell housing area
Procedure
- 1Disconnect battery negative terminalDisconnect 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.
- 2Access the input speed sensorThe 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.
- 3Disconnect sensor electrical connectorPress 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.
- 4Position drain panPlace 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.
- 5Remove sensor mounting boltUsing 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 specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 6Remove input speed sensorCarefully 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.
- 7Inspect and clean sensor boreInspect 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.
- 8Prepare new sensorRemove 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.
- 9Install new sensorCarefully 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.
- 10Install and torque mounting boltInstall the 10mm mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect electrical connectorPush 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.
- 12Check ATF levelStart 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.
- 13Reinstall undercover and lower vehicleReinstall the engine/transmission undercover if equipped. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
- 14Reconnect battery and clear codesReconnect 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
- Ensure electrical connector is fully seated and locked with an audible click
- Verify sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification to prevent leaks
- Check transmission fluid level and top off with Honda DW-1 ATF only
- 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