Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid

Replace the torque converter clutch solenoid in the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission to restore proper lockup function and eliminate slipping or shuddering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter clutch solenoid × 1 — Use OEM ZF specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• O-rings for solenoid (if not included) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• ZF Lifeguard 8 transmission fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ZF Lifeguard 8 — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and engine is completely cool
2. Raise vehicle on lift or secure jack stands at proper lift points
3. Remove engine splash shields and undertray panels to access transmission
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge
5. Place large drain pan under transmission pan area
6. Have clean workspace prepared for valve body inspection and solenoid replacement

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to fully drain into collection pan (expect 6-8 quarts initially). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris that may indicate internal transmission damage. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   Remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, loosening each bolt gradually to prevent warping the pan. Keep track of bolt locations if different lengths are used. Carefully lower the pan, being prepared for residual fluid (1-2 quarts). Inspect pan for metal shavings or debris. Remove and discard old gasket material from both pan and transmission housing using plastic scrapers.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access valve body assembly
   With pan removed, locate the valve body assembly. Remove the transmission filter by pulling straight down (some residual fluid will drain). Identify all electrical connectors attached to the valve body and mechatronic unit. Take detailed photos of connector positions and wire routing. Carefully disconnect all electrical connectors by releasing locking tabs—do not pull on wires.
4. 4

   Remove valve body mounting bolts
   Identify all valve body mounting bolts (typically 15-20 bolts of varying lengths). Create a bolt map or use a cardboard template to track bolt positions. Remove bolts in a systematic pattern from outside to inside. Note that some bolts may have different lengths—keep them organized. Support the valve body with one hand as you remove the final bolts.
5. 5

   Lower and inspect valve body
   Carefully lower the valve body assembly, keeping it level to prevent internal components from shifting. Place valve body on clean workspace with shop towels. Inspect the valve body separator plate and gaskets for damage. Identify the torque converter clutch solenoid—it is typically located on the side of the valve body and marked with a specific connector type. Take reference photos before proceeding.
6. 6

   Remove torque converter clutch solenoid
   Locate the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid on the valve body. Remove the retaining bolt(s) securing the solenoid to the valve body. Carefully extract the solenoid by pulling straight out—it may have O-rings that create resistance. Inspect the solenoid bore for debris or damage. Check old solenoid O-rings for tears or compression damage.
   ⚠Do not allow any dirt or debris to enter the valve body bore. Cover openings with clean lint-free shop towels.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new torque converter clutch solenoid
   Lubricate new O-rings on replacement solenoid with clean ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid. Verify solenoid part number matches OEM specifications for 2017 Levante with ZF 8HP70 transmission. Carefully insert new solenoid into valve body bore, ensuring it seats fully and squarely. Install and torque retaining bolt(s) to specification. Verify solenoid connector orientation matches original position.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall valve body assembly
   Inspect and replace valve body gaskets and separator plate if damaged. Ensure all check balls and springs are in correct positions (refer to photos taken during disassembly). Carefully lift valve body into position, aligning all bolt holes. Hand-start all mounting bolts before tightening any. Tighten valve body bolts in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to ensure even gasket compression.
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connections
   Reconnect all valve body and mechatronic electrical connectors in the exact positions documented during disassembly. Ensure each connector clicks securely into place with locking tabs fully engaged. Verify no wires are pinched or rubbing against sharp edges. Reinstall transmission filter by pushing firmly until it seats completely.
10. 10

    Reinstall transmission pan
    Clean transmission pan thoroughly and ensure all old gasket material is removed from sealing surfaces. Install new gasket onto pan (some gaskets are adhesive-backed). Position pan carefully onto transmission housing, aligning all bolt holes. Hand-start all pan bolts. Tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern to proper torque specification to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install drain plug and refill transmission
    Install new crush washer on drain plug. Install and torque drain plug to specification. Locate transmission fill plug (typically on side of transmission housing). Remove fill plug. Using fluid transfer pump, add approximately 5 quarts of ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid through fill hole initially. Allow fluid to settle for 2-3 minutes before continuing.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Perform fluid level check and adjustment
    Reconnect battery negative terminal. Start engine and allow to idle. With engine running and transmission at operating temperature (160-180°F), shift through all gear positions, pausing 3 seconds in each. Return to Park. With engine still running, check fluid level at fill hole—fluid should just begin to drip out when at correct level. Add additional fluid as needed until proper level is achieved. Install and torque fill plug to specification.
    ⚠Transmission must be at operating temperature for accurate fluid level check. Use infrared thermometer on transmission pan to verify temperature.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all undertray panels and splash shields removed during access
2. Verify no tools or rags were left in engine bay or under vehicle
3. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Confirm drain plug and fill plug are properly torqued with new washers installed

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan, drain plug, or fill plug
• Allow vehicle to reach operating temperature and recheck fluid level with engine running
• Test drive vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifts and proper torque converter lockup (typically occurs above 45 mph in higher gears)
• Monitor for transmission warning lights or error codes using diagnostic scanner
• Check for abnormal noises, vibrations, or shuddering during acceleration and lockup engagement
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct after 50-100 miles of driving and adjust if necessary

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