transmission
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
6.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
13
This procedure replaces the torque converter clutch solenoid located inside the transmission valve body, requiring transmission pan removal and valve body access.
Warnings
⚠️Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠Transmission fluid will be hot if vehicle was recently operated. Allow minimum 2 hours cooling time.
⚠ATF is slippery and creates slip hazards. Clean spills immediately.
ℹ️Only use Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF. Other fluids will cause transmission damage and void warranty.
ℹ️Work in a clean environment. Contamination inside the transmission will cause valve body malfunction.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Flat-blade screwdriver
Transmission jack or supportEssential
Electrical connector pick set
Clean lint-free ragsEssential
Brake cleaner or parts cleanerEssential
Gasket scraper (plastic)Essential
Funnel with long spoutEssential
ATF pump or fill bottleEssential
Parts
- Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Valve body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission filter (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starts and clear fault codes
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
- Remove front skid plate or underbody panels for transmission access
- Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
- Position drain pan under transmission pan area
Procedure
- 1Drain transmission fluidLocate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using appropriate socket, slowly loosen drain plug and allow fluid to drain into collection pan. Once drained, remove and inspect crush washer. Clean drain plug threads with brake cleaner.Torque specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 2Remove transmission pan boltsRemove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the outer edges and working inward. Leave two bolts at opposite corners partially threaded to control pan removal. Carefully lower pan while remaining fluid drains. Remove final two bolts and lower pan completely. Inspect pan for metal debris or clutch material.Torque specPan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
- 3Remove transmission filterLocate transmission filter assembly inside pan area. Remove filter mounting bolts and carefully pull filter straight down to disengage from valve body. Inspect filter for debris. Clean filter mounting surface on valve body with lint-free rag and brake cleaner.
- 4Remove valve body coverIdentify valve body cover screws (typically 10-15 screws). Remove all cover screws in sequence, working from outer edges inward. Carefully separate cover from valve body, noting orientation. Inspect cover gasket and remove completely. Do not allow any gasket material to fall into valve body passages.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 5Locate and disconnect TCC solenoidInside the valve body, identify the torque converter clutch solenoid (typically labeled TCC or Lock-Up). Disconnect electrical connector by carefully releasing locking tab. Note wire routing and connector orientation for reinstallation.
- 6Remove TCC solenoidRemove solenoid mounting bolts using appropriate socket. Carefully extract solenoid from valve body, noting orientation and any alignment pins. Inspect solenoid bore for debris or damage. Clean mounting surface with brake cleaner and lint-free rag.⚠Do not drop solenoid or allow debris to enter valve body passages. Keep work area extremely clean.Torque specSensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 7Install new TCC solenoidVerify new solenoid matches old unit exactly. Install new solenoid into valve body, ensuring proper alignment with any guide pins or slots. Install and hand-tighten mounting bolts. Torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect electrical connector ensuring positive lock engagement.Torque specSensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 8Reinstall valve body coverInstall new valve body gasket onto cover, ensuring all passages align correctly. Position cover onto valve body in original orientation. Install all cover screws hand-tight first, then torque in criss-cross pattern from center outward to specification.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 9Install transmission filterInstall new transmission filter by aligning with valve body ports and pushing straight up until seated. Install filter mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify filter is fully seated with no gaps.
- 10Clean and prepare pan surfacesThoroughly clean transmission pan interior and remove all old gasket material from both pan and transmission housing mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and wipe with lint-free rags until completely clean and dry. Inspect pan magnet and clean if equipped.
- 11Install transmission panPosition new transmission pan gasket on pan or transmission housing per gasket design. Align pan with housing and install all bolts hand-tight. Torque pan bolts in criss-cross pattern from center outward to specification.Torque specPan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
- 12Install drain plug and fill transmissionInstall new crush washer on drain plug. Install and torque drain plug to specification. Locate transmission fill plug on side of transmission case. Remove fill plug and use ATF pump or funnel with long hose to add approximately 8 quarts of SP-IV-M ATF through fill hole. Reinstall fill plug temporarily.Torque specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 13Check fluid level and road testLower vehicle and reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and allow to idle. With engine at operating temperature and on level ground, shift through all gear positions, pausing 3 seconds in each. Return to Park. Check fluid level per manufacturer procedure (may require removal of fill plug with engine running). Add fluid as needed to bring to proper level. Road test vehicle through all gears and verify proper torque converter lock-up operation at highway speeds.
Reassembly
- Reinstall any underbody panels or skid plates removed during access
- Verify no tools or parts were left in engine bay or under vehicle
- Clean any spilled ATF from chassis and driveway
- Reset transmission adaptation values using scan tool if available
- Document fluid level check and road test results
Verification
- Check for transmission fluid leaks around pan, drain plug, and fill plug after initial start
- Verify smooth shifting through all gears with no harsh engagements
- Confirm torque converter lock-up engages smoothly at 40-50 mph under light throttle
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and verify TCC solenoid code has cleared
- Recheck fluid level after 50-100 miles of driving and top off if needed
- Monitor transmission temperature gauge for normal operating range