Overdrive Solenoid

This procedure covers the replacement of the overdrive solenoid (linear solenoid) in the CVT transmission of a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, requiring transmission pan removal and partial fluid drain.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CVT Linear Solenoid (Overdrive/Shift Control) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• O-ring for solenoid (if not included with solenoid) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
3. Remove engine splash shield/undertray fasteners to access transmission pan
4. Allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature if recently driven
5. Locate transmission drain plug and pan on bottom of CVT housing
6. Have all new parts, gasket, and ATF fluid ready before starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan beneath transmission drain plug. Remove the drain plug using a 14mm socket and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 3-4 quarts will drain). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris that may indicate internal wear. Install new crush washer on drain plug.
   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 outer edges and working inward. There are approximately 18-20 bolts securing the pan. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission pan
   Carefully lower the transmission pan. Additional fluid (approximately 1 quart) will drain when pan is separated. Use a flat blade screwdriver to gently break the gasket seal if necessary, being careful not to damage the pan sealing surface. Remove and discard old gasket material from both pan and transmission case. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with degreaser and shop rags.
   ⚠Do not pry against the transmission case sealing surface as this will cause leaks. Pry only at designated pry points if present.
4. 4

   Locate overdrive solenoid
   With pan removed, locate the solenoid valve body on the bottom of the transmission. The overdrive/linear solenoid is typically mounted on the valve body and secured with 10mm bolts. Identify the electrical connector and carefully disconnect it by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Note the solenoid position and orientation for installation.
   ℹ️Take a photo of solenoid location and connector orientation before removal for reference during installation.
5. 5

   Remove solenoid mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the solenoid mounting bolts (typically 2-3 bolts depending on solenoid design). Keep bolts in a safe location. Gently wiggle the solenoid while pulling straight out to remove it from the valve body bore.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old solenoid and O-ring
   Extract the failed solenoid from the valve body. Remove and discard the O-ring seal from the solenoid bore. Inspect the bore for debris, scoring, or damage. Clean the bore with a clean lint-free rag. Do not use compressed air as it may force contaminants into fluid passages.
   ⚠Do not allow any debris or gasket material to fall into the open transmission case or valve body passages.
7. 7

   Install new solenoid
   Lubricate the new O-ring with clean Honda DW-1 ATF and install it on the new solenoid. Insert the solenoid straight into the valve body bore, ensuring proper alignment and orientation (match the position documented in step 4). Push firmly until fully seated against the valve body mounting surface.
   ⚠Ensure solenoid O-ring is not pinched or twisted during installation. Verify it seats properly in its groove.
8. 8

   Install solenoid mounting bolts
   Install the solenoid mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Tighten evenly in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are present. Reconnect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place and locks securely.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new pan gasket
   Position the new transmission pan gasket on the transmission case. Ensure all bolt holes align properly and gasket is seated in any locating pins or grooves. Clean the transmission pan thoroughly and ensure no old gasket material remains on the sealing surface.
   ℹ️Do not use gasket sealer or RTV unless specifically required by Honda service manual. The gasket provides adequate sealing when properly installed.
10. 10

    Install transmission pan
    Lift the transmission pan into position, aligning all bolt holes with the gasket. Start all pan bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
    ⚠Over-torquing pan bolts can distort the pan and cause leaks. Use a torque wrench and follow specified torque values.
    Torque spec

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

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case (accessible from underneath). Remove fill plug. Using a fluid pump or funnel with hose, add approximately 4 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF through the fill hole. Fluid level should reach the bottom of the fill plug hole. Reinstall fill plug finger-tight initially.
    ⚠Use only genuine Honda DW-1 ATF. Generic or incompatible fluid will damage the CVT transmission.
12. 12

    Check fluid level and test
    Lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and allow to idle for 1 minute. With engine running, move shift lever through all positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. With engine still running, raise vehicle and verify fluid level is at the fill plug hole (slight drip is normal). Add fluid if necessary. Tighten fill plug to specification. Reinstall engine splash shield.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield and undertray with all fasteners
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Double-check that all drain and fill plugs are tight
4. Verify no fluid leaks are present beneath vehicle after initial test drive

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Test drive vehicle through all shift ranges, confirming smooth operation without slipping, harsh shifts, or abnormal noises
• Check for leaks around transmission pan and drain plug after test drive
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct when at operating temperature (follow Honda procedure for hot level check if equipped)
• Use a scan tool to verify no transmission diagnostic trouble codes are present
• Monitor transmission operation over the next few days to ensure proper solenoid function

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