This procedure involves removing the transmission to access and replace the torque converter clutch solenoid, which controls the lockup function of the torque converter.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter clutch solenoid × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels and engine under covers
5. Install engine support bar across engine compartment or attach hoist to engine lift points
6. Place drain pan under transmission and remove drain plug to drain fluid
7. Allow transmission to drain completely for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission pan and filter
   After draining, remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the edges. Lower pan carefully as residual fluid will remain. Remove transmission filter by pulling straight down. Clean pan and magnet thoroughly, inspecting for excessive metal debris.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect the transmission range sensor, input/output speed sensors, and all solenoid connectors from the transmission. Remove transmission cooler lines using a line wrench to prevent rounding fittings. Cap or plug all openings immediately to prevent contamination. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket.
3. 3

   Remove front halfshafts
   Remove cotter pins and axle nuts from both front halfshafts. Use a pry bar to carefully separate halfshafts from transmission output flanges. Support halfshafts with wire or mechanically secure them to prevent hanging from CV joints. Plug transmission output openings with clean rags or suitable plugs to prevent fluid loss.
   ⚠Do not damage halfshaft seals during removal or transmission fluid will leak upon reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect engine-to-transmission connections
   Remove starter motor bolts and secure starter aside without disconnecting wiring. Remove lower bellhousing bolts accessible from underneath. Disconnect ground straps between engine and transmission. Remove flywheel inspection cover.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support and remove transmission mounts
   Position transmission jack securely under transmission oil pan with a block of wood to distribute load. Remove rear transmission mount bolts from crossmember. Remove transmission mount bracket bolts from transmission case. Slightly lower transmission jack to access upper mounting points.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission jack is properly centered and secured before removing mounts. Transmission can shift unexpectedly.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove remaining bellhousing bolts
   Support engine weight with support bar or hoist. Remove all remaining upper bellhousing bolts. Verify all electrical connections, cooler lines, and mounting bolts are disconnected. Mark torque converter to flexplate position with paint or marker for proper alignment on reinstallation.
7. 7

   Separate transmission from engine
   Carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine using transmission jack. Keep transmission level to prevent torque converter from sliding out. Once input shaft clears bellhousing, lower transmission slightly and roll away from vehicle. Immediately secure torque converter to transmission case using wire or strap to prevent it from falling during handling.
   ⚠Torque converter is not bolted to transmission and will fall out if transmission is tilted forward.
8. 8

   Remove valve body cover and access solenoid
   With transmission on stable work surface, locate valve body cover on bottom or side of transmission case. Remove all valve body cover bolts in a systematic pattern. Carefully remove cover and gasket. Locate torque converter clutch solenoid within the valve body assembly. Note routing of wiring harness.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Replace torque converter clutch solenoid
   Disconnect electrical connector from torque converter clutch solenoid. Remove solenoid mounting bolts and carefully extract solenoid from valve body. Compare old and new solenoids to verify correct replacement. Clean solenoid mounting surface thoroughly. Install new solenoid with new O-rings if provided. Reconnect electrical connector ensuring proper seating.
   ℹ️Some solenoids have directional flow - verify correct orientation before installation per service manual.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall valve body cover
    Install new valve body gasket on transmission case. Position valve body cover and install all bolts finger-tight. Torque bolts in criss-cross pattern to specification. Verify no wiring is pinched between cover and case.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Verify torque converter is fully seated in transmission (measure from bellhousing surface to converter mounting lugs - should be approximately 1/2 inch recessed). Apply small amount of high-temp grease to torque converter hub splines. Raise transmission into position, aligning torque converter with flexplate using marks made during disassembly. Slide transmission forward ensuring input shaft enters clutch disc smoothly. Install upper bellhousing bolts first, then lower bolts.
    ⚠If transmission does not mate smoothly with engine, do not force it. Remove and check torque converter seating and input shaft alignment.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install torque converter to flexplate
    Rotate engine or torque converter to align all bolt holes. Install torque converter to flexplate bolts through inspection cover opening. Use star pattern to tighten bolts incrementally. Follow manufacturer specifications for torque and TTY bolt replacement if applicable. Install flywheel inspection cover.
    ℹ️If flywheel bolts are torque-to-yield (TTY), they must be replaced with new bolts. Do not reuse TTY bolts.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall mounts and connections
    Install transmission mount bracket to transmission case and torque to specification. Install rear crossmember and transmission mount, torquing to specification. Remove transmission jack. Install starter motor and torque bolts. Reconnect all electrical connectors, shift cable, and ground straps. Install transmission cooler lines with new sealing washers if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall halfshafts and complete assembly
    Remove plugs from transmission output flanges. Install new circlips on halfshaft ends if equipped. Insert halfshafts into transmission, ensuring they fully seat with audible click. Install axle nuts finger-tight. Install new transmission filter if replacing. Clean transmission pan mating surface thoroughly. Install new pan gasket and transmission pan, torquing bolts in criss-cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill transmission and perform initial checks
    Install transmission drain plug with new crush washer. Remove engine support bar. Lower vehicle partially. Add approximately 5 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF through dipstick tube. Start engine and add remaining fluid while cycling through all gear positions with brake applied. Check fluid level with engine at operating temperature in Park on level ground. Add fluid as needed to bring to proper level. Check all connections for leaks.
    ⚠Do not overfill transmission. Overfilling can cause foaming, overheating, and transmission damage.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
2. Reinstall all engine under covers and splash shields
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Reset transmission adaptive learning through scan tool if available, or allow ECM to relearn through normal driving cycles

Verification

• Start engine and verify no warning lights on dashboard
• With engine at idle and brake applied, shift through all gear positions and verify smooth engagement with no harsh shifts or slipping
• Test drive vehicle and verify torque converter lockup occurs at appropriate speed (typically 40-50 mph in top gear)
• Monitor transmission temperature and verify it remains in normal operating range
• Check all connection points for fluid leaks after test drive
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct after vehicle reaches operating temperature
• Use scan tool to verify no transmission-related diagnostic trouble codes are present

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