Torque Converter

Complete replacement of the torque converter in a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, requiring transmission removal and separation from the engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter assembly (ZF 8HP70) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Torque converter hub seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Driveshaft center bearing bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ZF Lifeguard 8 — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 15 minutes for system capacitor discharge
3. Raise vehicle on lift to comfortable working height
4. Remove engine undertray and transmission heat shields
5. Place drain pan under transmission and drain fluid via drain plug
6. Mark driveshaft-to-differential flange orientation for reinstallation alignment
7. Support engine with overhead support fixture or hoist from above
8. Ensure transmission jack is rated for minimum 300 lbs capacity

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove exhaust system components
   Disconnect exhaust system from catalytic converters back to rear mufflers. Remove exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system away from transmission tunnel. For RWD models, complete removal of center and rear sections provides necessary clearance.
2. 2

   Disconnect driveshaft
   Remove driveshaft center bearing support bolts. Remove four bolts connecting driveshaft to transmission output flange. Mark orientation before removal. Carefully slide driveshaft rearward and remove from vehicle. Install transmission output seal protector or plug opening to prevent fluid leakage.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect transmission wiring harness connectors including range sensor, speed sensors, and solenoid pack connector. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using line wrench. Cap open lines immediately to prevent contamination. Remove any cable brackets or clips attached to transmission housing.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove transmission crossmember and mounts
   Support transmission with transmission jack positioned at center balance point. Remove transmission crossmember-to-chassis bolts. Remove transmission mount-to-transmission bolts. Carefully lower transmission slightly and remove crossmember from vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect starter motor electrical connections. Remove starter mounting bolts and extract starter motor from bellhousing. This provides access to lower bellhousing bolts and torque converter.
6. 6

   Access and remove torque converter bolts
   Rotate crankshaft using breaker bar on crankshaft bolt to access each torque converter-to-flexplate bolt through starter opening. Use flexplate holding tool to prevent rotation while removing bolts. Remove all torque converter bolts and ensure they are stored safely. Mark flexplate orientation relative to crankshaft.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove bellhousing-to-engine bolts
   Remove all bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. There are multiple bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter. Note bolt locations and lengths for proper reinstallation. Remove any remaining brackets or ground straps attached to bellhousing.
8. 8

   Separate and remove transmission
   With transmission jack supporting full weight, carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine. Ensure torque converter remains fully engaged with transmission and does not stay on flexplate. Once input shaft clears bellhousing, lower transmission and roll clear of vehicle. Immediately secure torque converter to transmission housing with retention strap.
   ⚠️Keep transmission level during removal to prevent torque converter from falling out. A falling torque converter can cause severe injury.
9. 9

   Remove old torque converter
   With transmission on bench, remove torque converter retention strap. Carefully pull torque converter straight out of transmission pump housing. Inspect pump bushing and seal for wear or damage. Clean transmission input shaft area and inspect for scoring or damage.
10. 10

    Install new torque converter
    Lubricate torque converter hub and pump seal with clean ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid. Insert new torque converter into transmission, rotating gently to engage pump drive. Push converter in while rotating until it engages with three distinct clicks or drops approximately 3/4 inch, indicating full engagement with pump, turbine shaft, and input shaft splines. Use dial indicator to verify engagement depth matches specification (converter should sit approximately 15-20mm below bellhousing mounting surface).
    ⚠Torque converter MUST engage all three coupling points. Insufficient engagement will destroy transmission on startup. Verify engagement depth with dial indicator.
11. 11

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Secure torque converter to transmission with retention strap. Position transmission on jack and carefully align with engine. Rotate torque converter to align with flexplate while guiding transmission forward. Ensure transmission mates flush with engine block before installing any bolts. Install all bellhousing bolts and tighten to specification in a cross pattern.
12. 12

    Install torque converter to flexplate
    Remove torque converter retention strap. Align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate. Install all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts finger tight. Using flexplate holding tool, tighten torque converter bolts evenly in a cross pattern to specification. Rotate crankshaft to access each bolt through starter opening.
    ⚠Tighten torque converter bolts in cross pattern to prevent flexplate distortion. Do not fully torque one bolt before starting others.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall starter and transmission mounts
    Reinstall starter motor and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect starter electrical connections. Raise transmission into position and install transmission mount bolts. Install crossmember and torque all mounting hardware to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect driveshaft and electrical connections
    Remove output seal protector and inspect seal condition. Align driveshaft to transmission output flange using reference marks made during disassembly. Install driveshaft bolts and center bearing support bolts. Reconnect all transmission electrical connectors including harness, sensors, and solenoids. Install sensor bolts to specification. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and ensure proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill transmission and perform initial checks
    Reinstall transmission pan with new gasket if removed. Install drain plug with new washer and torque to specification. Fill transmission with 10 quarts ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid through fill port. Install fill plug and torque to specification. Reconnect battery negative terminal. Start engine and allow to idle while cycling through all gear ranges. Check for leaks at all connection points.
    ⚠Always use new drain plug washer. Reused washers will leak.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Fill Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Pan Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Perform transmission adaptation and programming
    Connect Maserati diagnostic scan tool. Perform transmission control module adaptation procedure to relearn torque converter characteristics and shift points. Clear any fault codes generated during service. Perform TCM reset and initialization sequence per Maserati service procedures. Verify all transmission parameters are within specification.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall exhaust system and hangers, ensuring proper clearance throughout
2. Reinstall transmission heat shields and engine undertray
3. Torque all cover screws and access panels to specification
4. Lower vehicle and remove engine support fixture
5. Perform final fluid level check with transmission at operating temperature and in Park position

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from torque converter area
• Check for fluid leaks at all connection points, drain plug, and cooler lines
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth engagement in all gears with no slipping or shuddering
• Verify torque converter lockup occurs smoothly at appropriate speeds (typically 45+ mph in higher gears)
• Check transmission fluid temperature reaches normal operating range (80-100°C) without overheating
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and verify no transmission-related faults are present
• Verify proper driveshaft operation with no vibration or noise at all speeds
• Confirm transmission adaptation values are within normal parameters using scan tool

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