This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo with automatic transmission, requiring transmission removal from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification for CVT transmission
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Drain plug washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
• Front subframe mounting bolts × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure away from battery post
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove both front wheels
5. Remove engine under covers and splash shields
6. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently operated
7. Clear workspace beneath vehicle and have transmission jack ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan beneath transmission. Remove the transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Remove the transmission pan bolts in a crossing pattern and carefully lower the pan to drain remaining fluid. Remove and inspect the pan gasket.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove drivetrain components
   Disconnect both front axle shafts from the transmission by removing the axle nuts and separating the ball joints. Use a pry bar to carefully separate the axles from the transmission output shafts. Support axles with wire to prevent CV joint damage. Remove the starter motor and support bracket.
   ⚠Do not allow axle shafts to hang unsupported as this will damage CV joints. Secure with mechanic's wire.
3. 3

   Disconnect transmission electrical and hydraulic connections
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from the transmission including the range switch, shift solenoids, and speed sensors. Label each connector for reinstallation. Disconnect transmission cooler lines and plug openings to prevent contamination. Remove the shift cable by releasing the lock tabs and sliding off the linkage.
   ℹ️Label all connectors with tape to ensure correct reconnection during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support engine and remove transmission mounts
   Position a jack with a block of wood under the engine oil pan to support the engine weight. Remove the upper transmission-to-engine mounting bolts that are accessible from above. From beneath, remove the transmission mount and crossmember assembly, followed by the rear transmission mount.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove front subframe (partial drop)
   Support the front subframe with a second jack. Remove the front subframe mounting bolts and lower the subframe approximately 2-3 inches to gain clearance for transmission removal. Do not completely remove the subframe unless additional clearance is needed.
   ⚠Ensure subframe is properly supported before loosening bolts. Subframe contains steering and suspension components.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Access torque converter bolts
   Remove the inspection cover from the bottom of the transmission bell housing to expose the torque converter and flexplate. Rotate the crankshaft using a socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt to access each torque converter bolt through the inspection opening. There are typically 8 bolts securing the torque converter to the flexplate.
   ℹ️Mark the relationship between torque converter and flexplate before removal to maintain balance during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove torque converter mounting bolts
   Using a holding tool or screwdriver to prevent rotation, remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts while rotating the crankshaft to access each bolt. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Once all bolts are removed, push the torque converter back toward the transmission to disengage from the flexplate.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove transmission from vehicle
   Position the transmission jack securely under the transmission. Remove the remaining transmission-to-engine mounting bolts. Carefully pull the transmission straight back away from the engine, ensuring the torque converter remains fully seated on the transmission input shaft. Once clear of the engine, lower the transmission on the jack and remove from under the vehicle.
   ⚠️Keep the transmission level as you withdraw it. If tilted forward, the torque converter may fall out causing injury and damage.
   ⚠The transmission weighs approximately 150 lbs. Ensure transmission jack is rated for this weight and properly positioned.
9. 9

   Remove torque converter from transmission
   With the transmission on a bench or stable surface, carefully pull the torque converter straight off the transmission input shaft. The converter may contain residual fluid, so have a drain pan ready. Inspect the torque converter hub for wear, damage, or metal debris. Check the transmission input shaft seal for damage or leaks.
   ⚠Torque converter will contain 2-3 quarts of fluid. Drain into appropriate container for disposal or inspection.
10. 10

    Install new torque converter
    Pre-fill the new torque converter with approximately 1 quart of Honda DW-1 ATF. Align the torque converter hub with the transmission input shaft and oil pump drive. Push the converter onto the shaft while rotating slightly until it fully seats with three distinct 'clicks' as it engages the pump drive, then the stator support, then the transmission input shaft. Measure the distance from the transmission mounting surface to the torque converter mounting lugs - should be approximately 19-21mm (3/4 to 7/8 inch) recessed, confirming full engagement.
    ⚠️The torque converter MUST be fully seated before transmission installation. An improperly seated converter will cause catastrophic transmission failure when bolts are tightened.
    ℹ️You should feel three distinct engagement points as the converter seats onto the pump, stator, and input shaft.
11. 11

    Install transmission to engine
    Apply a thin coat of high-temp grease to the torque converter hub. Position the transmission on the jack and raise into position. Ensure the torque converter remains fully seated as you align the transmission with the engine. Carefully push the transmission forward, ensuring the dowel pins engage properly. The transmission should mate flush with the engine without excessive force. Install and hand-tighten all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts, then torque in a crossing pattern.
    ⚠Do not use transmission mounting bolts to pull the transmission to the engine. If excessive force is needed, remove and check alignment.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install torque converter to flexplate
    Rotate the crankshaft to align the torque converter bolt holes with the flexplate holes (reference alignment marks made during disassembly). Install all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts hand-tight first. Using the holding tool to prevent rotation, tighten bolts evenly in a star pattern to specification while rotating the crankshaft to access each bolt.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall drivetrain components and mounts
    Reinstall the inspection cover. Install the transmission mounts and crossmember, torquing all fasteners to specification. Raise and secure the front subframe, installing mounting bolts to specification. Remove the engine support jack. Reinstall the starter motor. Reconnect the transmission cooler lines, shift cable, and all electrical connectors per labels created during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall axle shafts and fill transmission
    Install new circlips on the axle shafts if removed. Insert the axle shafts into the transmission until they click into place. Reinstall ball joints and axle nuts. Install a new transmission pan gasket and the transmission pan, torquing bolts in a crossing pattern. Install a new drain plug washer and the drain plug. Fill the transmission with Honda DW-1 ATF through the fill tube, using approximately 6-7 quarts initially.
    ℹ️Transmission will require additional fluid after initial fill and test drive. Final capacity is 8 quarts but some remains in cooler and lines.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Complete final assembly and fluid level check
    Reinstall all under covers and splash shields. Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower vehicle and reconnect battery. Start the engine and cycle through all gear positions, pausing in each for 3-5 seconds. Return to Park. With the engine at operating temperature and running, check the transmission fluid level and add as needed to bring to the proper level on the dipstick. Check for leaks around all connections, pan, and torque converter area.
    ⚠Engine must be running and at operating temperature for accurate fluid level check on Honda transmissions.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
2. Verify all torque specifications have been met, especially torque converter and flexplate bolts
3. Double-check that axle shafts are fully seated with new circlips installed
4. Confirm transmission pan is not leaking before final test drive
5. Verify shift cable is properly adjusted and all gears engage smoothly

Verification

• With engine running, verify smooth engagement in all gear positions (P, R, N, D, S, L)
• Test drive vehicle and confirm smooth shifts with no slipping, shuddering, or unusual noises
• After test drive, recheck transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and add if necessary
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around pan gasket, cooler lines, axle seals, and torque converter area
• Clear any diagnostic trouble codes and verify no new codes are present
• Verify torque converter lockup function operates properly during highway speed driving (typically 40+ mph)
• Confirm no vibration or unusual sounds from torque converter area during acceleration

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