Replace a faulty shift solenoid in the automatic transmission by removing the transmission pan, disconnecting the valve body connector, and replacing the specific solenoid assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Shift solenoid (identify specific solenoid A, B, C, or D before ordering) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 46321-23010
• Transmission filter × 1 — 46321-23001 (recommended replacement)
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Use OBD-II scanner to identify which shift solenoid has failed (record fault codes)
3. Allow transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove front undertray/splash shield using 8mm and 10mm bolts
6. Place large drain pan beneath transmission pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using a 24mm socket, carefully loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow all fluid to drain completely (approximately 4-5 quarts will drain). Inspect drain plug for metal shavings or debris which may indicate internal transmission damage.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Once fluid drainage slows to a drip, remove all transmission pan bolts using a 10mm socket. Start from the corners and work toward the center in a criss-cross pattern. Be prepared for additional fluid to spill when breaking the pan seal. Carefully lower the pan, keeping it level to avoid spilling residual fluid.
   ⚠Approximately 1-2 quarts of residual fluid will remain in the pan. Lower slowly to prevent spillage.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Clean and inspect transmission pan
   Pour remaining fluid from pan into drain pan. Inspect the bottom of the transmission pan and magnet for metal shavings, clutch material, or excessive debris. Clean the pan thoroughly with brake cleaner and shop rags. Remove all old gasket material from the pan mating surface using a plastic scraper. Inspect pan for cracks or damage.
4. 4

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter mounted to the valve body. Remove the filter mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. Carefully pull the filter straight down to remove it from the valve body. Inspect the filter for excessive debris or contamination.
5. 5

   Locate and identify shift solenoid
   With the pan removed, locate the valve body electrical connector. The shift solenoids are mounted on the valve body and accessed from below. Identify the specific solenoid requiring replacement based on fault code diagnosis: Solenoid A (P0750), Solenoid B (P0755), Solenoid C (P0760), or Solenoid D (P0765). Note the position and orientation before removal.
   ⚠Take a photo of solenoid arrangement and electrical connector routing before disconnection to ensure proper reassembly.
6. 6

   Disconnect valve body electrical connector
   Locate the valve body wiring harness connector on the driver's side of the transmission. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the main electrical connector. Inspect connector pins for corrosion, bent pins, or fluid contamination. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary.
7. 7

   Remove faulty shift solenoid
   Remove the mounting bolt(s) securing the specific shift solenoid to the valve body using a 10mm socket. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the valve body. Inspect the solenoid bore in the valve body for debris or damage. Note the O-ring location and condition on the old solenoid.
   ⚠Do not allow debris to fall into the valve body passages during solenoid removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new shift solenoid
   Verify the new solenoid matches the old unit exactly. Lubricate the new O-rings with clean ATF. Carefully insert the new solenoid into the valve body, ensuring proper alignment. Install and hand-tighten the mounting bolt, then torque to specification. Ensure the solenoid is fully seated in the valve body.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect valve body electrical connector
   Reconnect the valve body electrical connector, ensuring it clicks firmly into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to confirm secure connection.
10. 10

    Install new transmission filter
    Install the new transmission filter onto the valve body, aligning the locating pins. Install filter mounting bolts and tighten securely. Ensure filter is properly seated against the valve body.
11. 11

    Clean transmission pan mating surface
    Thoroughly clean the transmission case mating surface where the pan seals using a plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Remove all traces of old gasket material. Wipe clean with shop rags and ensure surface is completely dry before gasket installation.
12. 12

    Install transmission pan with new gasket
    Position the new gasket on the transmission pan, aligning all bolt holes. Carefully lift the pan into position against the transmission case. Install all pan bolts hand-tight first. Following a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward, torque all bolts to specification in two passes: first to 6 Nm, then final torque to 12 Nm.
    ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts will warp the pan and cause leaks. Use torque wrench and follow criss-cross tightening sequence.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install drain plug and refill transmission
    Install a new crush washer on the drain plug. Install and torque the drain plug to specification. Lower vehicle to ground. Locate the transmission dipstick/fill tube on the driver's side of the engine bay. Using a funnel, add 4.5 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF through the dipstick tube. Start engine and allow to idle.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Check fluid level and cycle gears
    With engine at idle and transmission in Park, check fluid level on dipstick (should be in COLD range). With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Recheck fluid level and add as needed to bring to proper COLD level. Do not overfill.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front undertray/splash shield
2. Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to bring transmission to operating temperature
3. Recheck transmission fluid level with transmission at operating temperature (should be in HOT range on dipstick)
4. Use OBD-II scanner to clear transmission fault codes
5. Inspect under vehicle for any transmission fluid leaks after test drive

Verification

• Verify transmission shifts smoothly through all gears with no harsh engagement or slipping
• Confirm no transmission fault codes are present after test drive using OBD-II scanner
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct at operating temperature (in HOT range)
• Inspect transmission pan and drain plug for any signs of fluid leakage
• Confirm shift points occur at normal RPM ranges and transmission responds properly to throttle input

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