transmission
Transmission Speed Sensor - Output
for 2021 Honda Civic 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
10
Replace the output speed sensor on the CVT transmission to restore proper speedometer operation and transmission shift control.
Warnings
⚠Allow transmission to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot ATF
ℹ️The output speed sensor is located on the transmission case near the right axle shaft area
⚠Some ATF will drain when the sensor is removed; have a drain pan ready
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Flathead screwdriver or trim tool
Clean shop towelsEssential
Drain pan (small)Essential
Safety glassesEssential
Parts
- Output speed sensor × 1 — 28820-5CK-013 or equivalent OEM
- O-ring for speed sensor × 1 — Usually included with sensor
Fluids
- Honda DW-1 ATF — 0.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
- Allow transmission to cool for at least 30 minutes if recently driven
- Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands if needed for access (some technicians can reach from wheel well)
- Remove right front wheel for better access to transmission sensor location
- Remove right front inner fender liner clips and peel back liner to expose transmission case
Procedure
- 1Locate the output speed sensorThe output speed sensor is mounted on the transmission case below and forward of the right axle shaft. It has a single electrical connector and is held by one 10mm bolt. Clean the area around the sensor with a shop towel to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
- 2Disconnect the electrical connectorPress the tab on the electrical connector and pull it straight off the output speed sensor. If the connector is difficult to remove, gently pry the locking tab with a small flathead screwdriver while pulling the connector.
- 3Position drain panPlace a small drain pan directly beneath the output speed sensor. Approximately 2-4 ounces of ATF will drain when the sensor is removed.
- 4Remove sensor mounting boltUsing a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the output speed sensor to the transmission case. Keep the bolt clean for reinstallation.
- 5Extract the old sensorCarefully pull the output speed sensor straight out of the transmission case. ATF will drain from the sensor bore. Allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the sensor or from the transmission case bore.
- 6Prepare new sensorInstall the new O-ring onto the new output speed sensor. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean Honda DW-1 ATF to ease installation and prevent damage to the seal.
- 7Install new sensorCarefully insert the new output speed sensor into the transmission case bore, ensuring the O-ring does not roll or pinch. Push the sensor fully into position until it seats against the transmission case.
- 8Secure sensor with mounting boltInstall the 10mm mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the sensor is fully seated before tightening.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorPush the electrical connector onto the output speed sensor until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked.
- 10Check and top off transmission fluidCheck the transmission fluid level through the dipstick (if equipped) or fill plug. Add Honda DW-1 ATF as needed to replace fluid lost during sensor removal. Typical loss is 0.25-0.5 quarts. On CVT models without dipstick, fluid level must be checked with engine running at operating temperature.
Reassembly
- Reinstall right front inner fender liner and secure all clips
- Reinstall right front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification (80 lb-ft)
- Lower vehicle to ground
Verification
- Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks around the output speed sensor
- Test drive vehicle and confirm speedometer operates correctly
- Verify no transmission-related warning lights or codes appear on instrument cluster
- Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
- Use a scan tool to verify the output speed sensor is providing signal to the ECM/PCM