Shift Solenoid - Single

Replace a single shift solenoid in the automatic transmission by removing the transmission pan, valve body access cover, and disconnecting the faulty solenoid.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Shift solenoid (verify which solenoid by diagnostic code) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve body cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and allow transmission to cool completely if recently driven
2. Engage parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove front skid plate or undertray if equipped (multiple 10mm bolts)
5. Identify the specific solenoid to be replaced using diagnostic trouble codes
6. Position large drain pan beneath transmission pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Loosen the transmission drain plug using a 24mm socket. Allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan (approximately 4-5 quarts will drain). Remove drain plug and crush washer once flow stops. Inspect drain plug magnet for excessive metal debris.
   ⚠Fluid may still be warm. Wear gloves to protect hands from hot fluid.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   Remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern working from the outer edges toward the center. There are approximately 18-20 bolts around the perimeter. Once all bolts are removed, carefully lower the pan. Additional fluid will drain when pan is removed. Clean the pan thoroughly and inspect the magnet for metal debris.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter
   Remove the transmission filter by pulling it straight down from the valve body. Discard the old filter and O-ring seals. Clean the filter mounting surface on the valve body using lint-free towels.
4. 4

   Remove valve body cover
   Locate the valve body cover screws (typically 8-12 screws). Remove all cover screws in a systematic pattern. Carefully lift the valve body cover to expose the solenoid assembly. Note the position of any check balls or springs if present.
   ⚠Small check balls or springs may be present under the cover. Do not allow them to fall or become lost.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Locate and identify target solenoid
   Identify the specific shift solenoid to be replaced. Solenoids are typically labeled on the valve body (e.g., SSA, SSB, SSC, SSD). Cross-reference with diagnostic codes to ensure correct solenoid identification. Take a photo for reference before removal.
6. 6

   Disconnect solenoid electrical connector
   Carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the target solenoid. Use a small pick or flathead screwdriver to release the connector locking tab if necessary. Do not pull on wires; disconnect only at the connector body.
7. 7

   Remove solenoid mounting bolts
   Remove the solenoid mounting bolts (typically 1-2 bolts per solenoid). Keep track of bolt locations as they may be different lengths. Carefully lift the solenoid straight out from the valve body bore to prevent damage to the valve body surface.
   ⚠Solenoid O-rings may stick in valve body. Remove carefully to avoid damaging the bore.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new solenoid
   Inspect the valve body bore for any debris or damage. Lubricate new solenoid O-rings with clean ATF. Install the new solenoid into the valve body bore, ensuring proper alignment. Install and hand-tighten mounting bolts, then torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall valve body cover
   Verify all check balls and springs are in their correct positions (reference photo from step 4). Install new valve body cover gasket. Position the valve body cover and install all cover screws hand-tight. Torque cover screws in a criss-cross pattern to specification.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install transmission filter
    Install new O-ring seals on the replacement transmission filter. Lubricate O-rings with clean ATF. Push the filter straight up into the valve body until it seats fully with an audible click.
11. 11

    Clean and prepare pan mating surfaces
    Thoroughly clean the transmission pan mating surface and the transmission case mating surface using plastic scraper and parts cleaner. Remove all traces of old gasket material. Wipe surfaces clean with lint-free towels. Ensure surfaces are completely dry before gasket installation.
    ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum transmission case. Use only plastic scrapers to avoid damaging sealing surfaces.
12. 12

    Install transmission pan
    Position new transmission pan gasket on the pan. Carefully raise the pan into position, aligning all bolt holes. Install all pan bolts hand-tight. Torque pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern working from the center outward to specification.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install drain plug and refill transmission
    Install new crush washer on drain plug. Install and torque drain plug to specification. Locate transmission fill plug or dipstick tube. Add approximately 4.5-5 quarts of Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF through the fill location. Use a fluid pump if filling through dipstick tube.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Verify fluid level and check operation
    Start engine and allow to idle. Cycle through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S) pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Check fluid level with engine running and transmission at operating temperature (160-180°F). Add fluid as needed to bring to proper level on dipstick.
    ⚠Ensure parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked before cycling through gears with engine running.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate or undertray if equipped
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Clear diagnostic trouble codes using scan tool
4. Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges to verify proper shift solenoid operation

Verification

• Check for any transmission fluid leaks around pan and drain plug after test drive
• Verify all shift points occur smoothly without harsh engagement or slipping
• Confirm diagnostic trouble codes do not return after test drive
• Recheck transmission fluid level after vehicle reaches full operating temperature
• Verify no new vibrations or unusual noises from transmission during operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle