transmission
Shift Solenoids - All
for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
7.8 h
Tools
12
Steps
13
Replace all transmission shift solenoids in the A6GF1 automatic transmission, requiring transmission pan removal and valve body access.
Warnings
⚠️Ensure vehicle is completely cool before beginning work. ATF can retain heat and cause severe burns.
⚠Work in a well-ventilated area. ATF vapors and cleaning solvents can be harmful.
⚠Keep all transmission components absolutely clean. Even small particles can cause transmission failure.
ℹ️This procedure requires the transmission to remain in the vehicle. Removal is not necessary for shift solenoid replacement.
ℹ️Take photographs during disassembly to aid in correct reassembly of valve body components.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Large drain pan (12+ quart capacity)Essential
Gasket scraper (plastic or composite)Essential
Transmission fluid pump or funnel with hoseEssential
Clean lint-free ragsEssential
Parts cleaning solvent
Nitrile gloves
Wire brush
Magnet or magnetic pickup tool
Digital multimeter
Parts
- Shift solenoid valve A (SS-A) × 1 — 46340-3B600 or equivalent
- Shift solenoid valve B (SS-B) × 1 — 46340-3B610 or equivalent
- Shift solenoid valve C (SS-C) × 1 — 46340-3B620 or equivalent
- Shift solenoid valve D (SS-D) × 1 — 46340-3B630 or equivalent
- Pressure control solenoid × 1 — 46340-3B640 or equivalent
- Transmission oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Valve body cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 6 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow engine and transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
- Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting
- Raise vehicle securely on jack stands with sufficient clearance to work underneath
- Remove engine/transmission undershield panels for access
- Clean exterior of transmission pan and surrounding area to prevent contamination
Procedure
- 1Drain transmission fluidPosition large drain pan under transmission. Remove transmission drain plug from the bottom of the pan and allow all fluid to drain completely (approximately 10-15 minutes). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris indicating internal damage. Remove and replace drain plug crush washer with new part.Torque specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 2Remove transmission oil panRemove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from the outside edges toward the center. Carefully lower the pan, being aware that additional fluid will drain. Remove pan completely and pour remaining fluid into drain pan. Remove and discard old pan gasket. Inspect magnet in pan for excessive metal debris.⚠Up to 2 quarts of additional fluid may drain when pan is removed. Have drain pan positioned appropriately.Torque specPan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 3Clean pan and filter inspectionThoroughly clean transmission pan using parts cleaner and lint-free rags. Clean the magnet and inspect metal particles for size and type. Remove transmission filter screen for inspection. Clean filter if reusable or replace if damaged. Clean all gasket material from pan mating surface using plastic scraper.ℹ️Excessive metal debris may indicate internal transmission wear. Document findings before proceeding.
- 4Disconnect solenoid electrical connectorsLocate the transmission valve body visible with pan removed. Identify the solenoid harness connector(s) on the side of the valve body. Carefully disconnect all electrical connectors from the shift solenoids by releasing locking tabs. Note connector positions and wire routing for reassembly.⚠Do not pull on wires. Press release tabs and remove connectors straight out to avoid damage.
- 5Remove valve body coverLocate and remove all valve body cover screws. There are typically 15-20 screws holding the lower valve body cover. Keep screws organized as some may be different lengths. Carefully remove the cover and gasket, taking care not to allow any valve body components to fall out. Note the position of any check balls or springs visible.⚠️Valve body contains springs under tension and small check balls. Work over a clean drip pan to catch any falling components. Photograph before removing cover.Torque specCover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 6Remove old shift solenoidsIdentify all five shift solenoids (SS-A, SS-B, SS-C, SS-D, and pressure control solenoid). Each solenoid is held by one or two bolts. Remove mounting bolts and carefully extract each solenoid from the valve body. Keep solenoids organized and labeled by position. Inspect O-rings and mounting bores for damage.⚠Solenoids have O-ring seals that must be removed with the solenoid. Do not allow old O-ring material to fall into valve body passages.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 7Clean valve body and inspect passagesWith solenoids removed, carefully clean the valve body sealing surfaces and solenoid mounting bores using lint-free rags and parts cleaner. Inspect all fluid passages for blockages or debris. Do not disassemble the valve body further unless specific internal issues are identified. Ensure all passages are clear and dry before installation.ℹ️Do not use compressed air to clean valve body passages as this can lodge debris deeper into the transmission.
- 8Install new shift solenoidsVerify new solenoids match old units exactly by part number and connector type. Lubricate new solenoid O-rings lightly with clean ATF. Install each solenoid into its correct position in the valve body, ensuring proper seating. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Install solenoids in this order: SS-A, SS-B, SS-C, SS-D, then pressure control solenoid.⚠Installing solenoids in wrong positions will cause immediate transmission malfunction and potential damage. Verify each position before tightening.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 9Reinstall valve body coverInstall new valve body cover gasket. Verify all check balls and springs are in correct positions (reference photos taken during disassembly). Carefully position valve body cover and install all cover screws finger-tight. Tighten screws in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to specified torque.Torque specCover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect electrical connectorsReconnect all solenoid electrical connectors to their respective solenoids. Ensure each connector clicks into place and locking tabs are fully engaged. Route wiring harness to match original configuration, ensuring no wires are pinched or stressed.ℹ️Mismatched connectors will cause incorrect shift solenoid operation. Double-check each connection matches original configuration.
- 11Reinstall transmission panVerify transmission pan mating surface is completely clean and free of old gasket material. Install new pan gasket (do not use silicone sealant unless specified by manufacturer). Position pan and install all pan bolts finger-tight. Tighten bolts in criss-cross pattern from center outward to specified torque.⚠Over-tightening pan bolts can warp the pan or crack the transmission case. Use torque wrench and follow pattern.Torque specPan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 12Refill transmission fluidLocate transmission dipstick/fill tube. Using transmission fluid pump or funnel with long hose, add approximately 5 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF through fill tube. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Add additional fluid as needed, checking level on dipstick with engine running at operating temperature. Total capacity is approximately 6 quarts for this service.⚠Overfilling transmission can cause fluid aeration and damage. Add fluid in small increments and check level frequently.
- 13Perform shift solenoid relearn procedureWith engine at operating temperature and transmission fluid at correct level, perform the following: Shift through all gears (P-R-N-D) pausing 3 seconds in each position, repeat 3 times. Drive vehicle at varying speeds (20-40 mph) allowing transmission to shift through all gears. Perform several 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 upshifts and downshifts. This allows TCM to relearn shift solenoid characteristics.ℹ️Initial shifts may feel harsh or delayed. This is normal for the first 5-10 shift cycles as the TCM adapts to new solenoids.
Reassembly
- Reinstall all transmission undershield panels and secure fasteners
- Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove jack
- Reconnect negative battery terminal
- Clear any diagnostic trouble codes using scan tool if available
- Double-check for fluid leaks around transmission pan and drain plug after initial test drive
Verification
- Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan or drain plug with engine running
- Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and verify correct level on dipstick
- Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges without slipping or harsh engagement
- Verify no check engine light or transmission warning lights illuminated on dash
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - there should be no transmission-related codes stored
- Monitor transmission fluid temperature - should remain within normal range (180-200°F) during operation
- Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary