This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine and automatic transmission, requiring transmission removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission fluid pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flexplate bolts (if reusing not recommended) × 6 — Use OEM one-time-use bolts
• Torque converter bolts (if reusing not recommended) × 6 — 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 terminal
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove engine under cover and splash shields
5. Install engine support fixture across engine bay to support engine weight
6. Mark driveline component positions with paint pen for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place large drain pan under transmission. Remove transmission pan bolts in a crisscross pattern, starting from one corner and working around to allow fluid to drain gradually. Once drained, remove pan completely and old gasket. Remove and discard transmission filter.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove front wheels and disconnect axles
   Remove both front wheels. Remove cotter pins and axle nuts from both sides. Disconnect lower ball joints and tie rod ends. Pull axle shafts from transmission and secure out of the way. Plug transmission openings to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including range sensor, speed sensors, and solenoid connectors. Label each for reinstallation. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using flare nut wrenches. Cap open lines to prevent contamination. Remove dipstick tube if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect electrical connections from starter motor. Remove starter mounting bolts and remove starter from bell housing. This provides access to flexplate and torque converter bolts.
5. 5

   Access and remove torque converter bolts
   Rotate crankshaft using breaker bar on crankshaft pulley bolt to access each torque converter bolt through starter opening. Remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. There are typically 6 bolts. Mark torque converter position relative to flexplate before removal.
   ⚠Rotate engine in normal direction of rotation only (clockwise from front). Do not force.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Support and disconnect transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission oil pan with wood block to distribute load. Secure transmission to jack with safety chain or strap. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts and lower crossmember. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove transmission-to-engine bolts
   Remove all bell housing bolts securing transmission to engine block. Note different bolt lengths and locations for reinstallation. Ensure transmission is securely supported on jack before removing final bolts.
8. 8

   Separate transmission from engine
   Carefully slide transmission straight back away from engine, ensuring torque converter remains engaged with transmission input shaft. Use slight rotation if needed but maintain alignment. Once clear of engine dowel pins, lower transmission on jack and move away from vehicle. Keep transmission level to prevent torque converter from sliding out.
   ⚠️Torque converter can fall during transmission separation. Keep transmission tilted slightly upward at front.
9. 9

   Remove old torque converter
   With transmission on bench or supported securely, carefully pull torque converter straight out from transmission. Note the depth of engagement for new converter installation. Drain remaining fluid from old converter into drain pan. Inspect flexplate for cracks, heat damage, or damaged ring gear teeth.
10. 10

    Install new torque converter
    Pre-fill new torque converter with approximately 1 quart of Kia SP-IV-M ATF. Install new torque converter into transmission by rotating and pushing until it fully engages all three stages: oil pump drive, turbine shaft, and stator support. You should feel three distinct clicks or drops as converter seats. Verify converter hub is recessed approximately 10-15mm from bell housing face.
    ⚠Torque converter MUST be fully seated before transmission installation. Improper seating will damage oil pump.
11. 11

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Apply thin coat of high-temp grease to torque converter hub. Position transmission on jack and raise into position. Align transmission with engine dowel pins and slide forward carefully. Ensure torque converter remains fully seated and does not bind. Rotate converter as needed to align with flexplate. Install all bell housing bolts and tighten evenly.
12. 12

    Install torque converter to flexplate
    Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate holes, matching reference marks made during disassembly. Install new torque converter bolts through starter opening. Rotate crankshaft to access each bolt. Tighten bolts evenly in star pattern to specification.
    ℹ️Torque converter bolts should be tightened evenly to prevent flexplate distortion.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect transmission components
    Install transmission crossmember and tighten mounting bolts to specification. Remove transmission jack. Reinstall starter motor. Reconnect all electrical connectors using labels as reference. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and tighten fittings. Reconnect shift cable and adjust as needed. Install dipstick tube if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall axle shafts and wheels
    Remove plugs from transmission axle openings. Install both axle shafts into transmission until fully seated with retaining clips engaged. Reconnect lower ball joints and tie rod ends. Install new axle nuts and tighten to specification. Install wheels and lower vehicle.
15. 15

    Install new filter and pan
    Install new transmission filter into valve body. Clean pan mating surface thoroughly. Install new pan gasket (do not use RTV unless specified). Position pan and install pan bolts. Tighten bolts in crisscross pattern to specification to ensure even gasket compression.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Fill transmission with fluid
    Remove transmission fill plug or use dipstick tube. Using fluid pump, add approximately 8-9 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF initially. Start engine and allow to idle. Shift through all gear ranges, pausing in each position. Check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to bring to proper level on dipstick or until fluid reaches fill hole.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in the order listed
2. Use new gaskets and one-time-use bolts where applicable
3. Ensure torque converter is fully seated before final transmission installation
4. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
5. Double-check transmission fluid level after test drive

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks at pan, cooler lines, or axle seals
• With engine at idle and brake applied, shift through all gear ranges and verify smooth engagement
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal transmission operation in all gears
• Check for unusual noises, vibrations, or slipping during acceleration
• Recheck transmission fluid level after vehicle reaches operating temperature
• Verify no warning lights illuminated on instrument cluster
• Inspect under vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive

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