Torque Converter

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine, requiring transmission removal from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 35168-02020 or equivalent
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent
• Axle seals (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission fluid filter × 1 — 35330-02050 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from terminal
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Remove engine splash shield and under covers
7. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan under transmission pan. Remove the transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern and lower the pan carefully. Remove the internal filter. Clean the pan thoroughly and inspect for metal debris or clutch material.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect electrical and cooling connections
   Disconnect the transmission range sensor connector, speed sensor connectors, and solenoid harness connectors. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines from the transmission using a line wrench. Cap or plug all openings to prevent contamination. Mark each connection for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove axle shafts
   Remove the front axle hub nuts (32mm). Separate the tie rod ends and lower ball joints. Carefully pry or pull both axle shafts from the transmission, supporting them to prevent CV joint damage. Plug the transmission openings with clean rags to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠Do not damage the axle seals during removal. Replace seals if torn or damaged.
4. 4

   Support engine and remove transmission mounts
   Install an engine support bar across the engine bay or use a hoist to support the engine weight. Position a transmission jack under the transmission and secure it with a safety strap. Remove the left-side engine mount. Remove the rear transmission mount and crossmember. Remove the front transmission mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access torque converter bolts
   Remove the lower flywheel access cover. Rotate the crankshaft using a socket on the crankshaft bolt to access each torque converter bolt through the access window. There are 6 torque converter bolts evenly spaced around the flexplate. Remove all 6 bolts and retain them separately from other fasteners.
   ℹ️Mark the relationship between torque converter and flexplate before removal for proper balance during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect shift cable and remaining connections
   Disconnect the shift cable from the transmission lever and remove the cable bracket. Verify all electrical connectors, grounds, and fluid lines are disconnected. Remove the starter motor and set aside with wiring still attached.
7. 7

   Remove transmission
   Remove the remaining transmission bell housing bolts. Carefully slide the transmission away from the engine, ensuring it remains level on the transmission jack. The torque converter should remain with the transmission. Once clear of the engine, carefully lower the transmission from the vehicle.
   ⚠️Support the transmission weight at all times during removal. The unit is heavy and awkward to maneuver.
   ⚠Do not allow the torque converter to tilt forward during removal or it may disengage from the pump.
8. 8

   Remove torque converter
   With transmission on workbench, carefully pull the torque converter straight out from the transmission. The converter should slide out with moderate resistance. Inspect the transmission input shaft seals and pump for wear or damage. Clean the converter mounting area on the flexplate.
   ℹ️Measure torque converter engagement depth before removal. The converter should seat approximately 0.5-0.75 inches behind the bell housing face when properly installed.
9. 9

   Install new torque converter
   Pour approximately 1 quart of fresh Toyota WS ATF into the new torque converter. Align the torque converter hub with the transmission pump and push it in while rotating slightly. You should feel three distinct engagement points as the converter engages the pump, then the stator support, then the input shaft splines. Verify proper seating by measuring depth from bell housing face.
   ⚠️The torque converter MUST be fully seated or catastrophic transmission pump failure will occur upon installation. Verify all three engagement points are achieved.
10. 10

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Apply a light coating of high-temperature grease to the input shaft splines. Position the transmission on the jack and carefully align it with the engine. Ensure the torque converter remains fully seated while sliding the transmission forward. Install all bell housing bolts and tighten to specification. The transmission should mate to the engine without forcing.
    ⚠If the transmission does not slide into place easily, the torque converter may have fallen out of engagement. Remove and reseat the converter.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install torque converter bolts
    Align the torque converter with the flexplate using the alignment marks made during removal. Apply thread locker to the torque converter bolt threads. Install all 6 torque converter bolts hand tight, then tighten in a criss-cross pattern to specification. Rotate the crankshaft to access each bolt through the access window.
    ℹ️Tighten torque converter bolts evenly in multiple passes to prevent flexplate distortion.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall mounts and support components
    Install the starter motor. Reinstall the front transmission mount, rear transmission mount and crossmember, and left engine mount. Tighten all mounting bolts to specification. Remove the engine support bar or hoist. Reinstall the flywheel access cover.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect axles and suspension
    Install new axle seals if originals were damaged. Carefully insert both axle shafts into the transmission until they click into place. Reconnect lower ball joints and tie rod ends. Install new axle hub nuts and tighten to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors and transmission cooler lines using new O-rings.
    Torque spec

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

    Install pan and fill transmission
    Install new transmission filter. Clean the pan mating surface and install new gasket. Install the pan and tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern to specification. Install new drain plug washer and tighten drain plug. Fill transmission with approximately 4 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through the dipstick tube or fill port.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect shift cable and adjust as necessary
2. Reinstall engine splash shields and under covers
3. Reinstall front wheels and tighten lug nuts to specification
4. Lower vehicle to ground
5. Reconnect battery negative terminal

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from transmission or torque converter
• Check for fluid leaks around pan, cooler lines, and axle seals
• With engine running and brake applied, shift through all gear positions and verify smooth engagement
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and add fluid as needed to reach proper level
• Road test vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifts and proper torque converter lockup
• Recheck fluid level after road test and top off if necessary
• Verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present in transmission control module

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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