Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid

Replace the torque converter clutch solenoid valve located inside the transmission valve body to restore proper torque converter lockup operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter clutch solenoid valve × 1 — 28260-RW2-004 or equivalent OEM
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission fluid filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — For oil change during reassembly

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove engine under cover and splash shields
5. Place drain pan under transmission and drain transmission fluid via drain plug
6. Drain engine coolant from radiator if removing radiator for access
7. Remove air intake assembly for working clearance

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheels and disconnect drivetrain components
   Remove both front wheels. Remove the front axle nuts (unstake first). Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Separate both CV axles from the transmission and support them with wire to prevent damage to CV boots. Disconnect the shift cable from the transmission lever and bracket.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from the transmission including the input/output speed sensors, shift solenoids, and main transmission harness connector. Mark each connector for proper reassembly. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines using a flare nut wrench to avoid rounding fittings. Cap all open lines immediately to prevent contamination.
3. 3

   Support engine and remove transmission mounts
   Place a floor jack with wood block under the engine oil pan to support engine weight. Position transmission jack under transmission and secure with safety chain. Remove the rear transmission mount (upper mount) and bracket. Remove the front transmission mount and through-bolt.
   ⚠Engine and transmission must be properly supported before removing mounts to prevent damage or injury.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove starter and torque converter bolts
   Remove the starter motor by disconnecting electrical connections and removing mounting bolts. Access the torque converter-to-flywheel bolts through the starter opening. Rotate the crankshaft using a 19mm socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt to access all flywheel bolts (typically 8 bolts). Remove all flywheel bolts and keep for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Mark the flywheel and torque converter relationship before removal for proper alignment during installation.
   Torque spec

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove transmission-to-engine bolts
   Remove all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts. There are typically four upper bolts and three lower bolts. Note the location of different length bolts as they must be reinstalled in the correct positions. Support the transmission securely as you remove the final bolts.
   ⚠Transmission weighs approximately 120 lbs. Ensure transmission jack is properly positioned and secured before removing final bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lower and remove transmission
   Carefully lower the transmission jack while guiding the transmission away from the engine. The torque converter must stay with the transmission - use a strap or wire to secure it to prevent it from falling out. Once clear of the engine compartment, lower the transmission completely and move it to a clean workbench. Keep the transmission level to prevent fluid spillage.
7. 7

   Remove transmission pan and filter
   With transmission on workbench, remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern working from outside toward center to prevent warping the pan. Lower the pan carefully as residual fluid will be present (2-3 quarts). Remove the transmission filter by removing the mounting bolts. Inspect the pan for metal debris or clutch material indicating internal damage.
   ℹ️Excessive metal debris in the pan may indicate worn clutches or other internal damage that solenoid replacement will not fix.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove valve body assembly
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from the valve body solenoids. Remove the valve body mounting bolts in the sequence specified in the service manual (typically 14-16 bolts of varying lengths). Note the exact location of each bolt as they are different lengths. Carefully lower the valve body assembly and keep it level to prevent internal valve springs from dislodging.
   ⚠Valve body contains springs and check balls that can fall out if tilted. Keep assembly level and oriented correctly.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Replace torque converter clutch solenoid
   Locate the torque converter clutch solenoid valve on the valve body (typically identified by a blue or green connector). Remove the solenoid mounting bolts and carefully extract the solenoid with its O-rings. Inspect the bore for debris or damage. Install the new solenoid with new O-rings lightly lubricated with Honda DW-1 ATF. Ensure the solenoid seats fully and is properly aligned.
   ℹ️Do not reuse old O-rings. Ensure new O-rings are not twisted during installation to prevent fluid leaks.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall valve body assembly
    Clean the valve body mating surface on the transmission case with a plastic scraper and clean solvent. Install the valve body assembly ensuring all alignment pins are seated properly. Install valve body bolts finger-tight first, then torque in the specified sequence in a criss-cross pattern. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the solenoids.
    Torque spec

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

    Install new filter and transmission pan
    Install the new transmission filter and torque mounting bolts to specification. Clean the transmission pan thoroughly with solvent and dry completely. Install the new pan gasket on the pan (or transmission case depending on gasket design). Install the pan and torque bolts in a criss-cross pattern working from center outward to ensure even gasket compression.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Apply a thin coat of high-temp grease to the torque converter hub. Verify the torque converter is fully seated in the transmission (it should click into place at least twice as it engages the pump and input shaft). Raise the transmission into position using the transmission jack. Align the torque converter with the flywheel using your alignment marks. Install all transmission-to-engine bolts and torque to specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠️Torque converter MUST be fully seated before mating transmission to engine. An improperly seated converter will damage the transmission pump upon startup.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install torque converter to flywheel
    Rotate the crankshaft to access each flywheel bolt hole through the starter opening. Install all flywheel bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Torque the flywheel bolts to specification in a star pattern. If bolts are TTY (torque-to-yield) type, replace with new bolts and follow the specified torque plus angle procedure.
    ℹ️TTY bolts stretch during installation and must not be reused. Verify bolt type before installation.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect all components and refill transmission
    Reinstall the starter motor and torque mounting bolts. Reconnect all transmission electrical connectors, cooler lines, and shift cable. Install transmission mounts and torque all mounting bolts. Reinstall CV axles, ball joints, and front wheels. Install new crush washer on drain plug and torque to specification. Refill transmission with Honda DW-1 ATF (approximately 8 quarts total, but add fluid gradually and check level). Reconnect negative battery cable.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Start engine and allow to idle while cycling through all gear positions (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) pausing 5 seconds in each position
2. With engine at operating temperature and idling in Park on level ground, check transmission fluid level and adjust as needed
3. Road test vehicle through all gears and verify smooth shifting and proper torque converter lockup typically occurs between 25-45 mph in higher gears
4. Recheck transmission fluid level after road test when fluid is hot and make final adjustment

Verification

• Scan transmission control module for DTCs - all torque converter clutch codes should be cleared
• Monitor transmission fluid temperature using scan tool - should reach 160-180°F during normal operation
• Verify torque converter lockup engages smoothly without shudder or hesitation between 25-45 mph
• Check for transmission fluid leaks around pan gasket, drain plug, and cooler line connections
• Confirm shift quality is normal in all gear ranges with no delayed engagement or harsh shifts
• Verify proper transmission fluid level when hot and engine idling in Park position

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