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2017 TOYOTA COROLLA

1.8L I4FWDCVTgas
3 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs405Labor589Torque3671Fluid6DTC938Battery1Maintenance0Recalls3
transmission

Transmission Speed Sensor - Output

for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
8
Steps
11

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the output speed sensor on the automatic transmission of a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Allow transmission to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot fluid and components.
Some transmission fluid will drain when the sensor is removed. Have a drain pan ready.
ℹ️The output speed sensor is located on the driver's side of the transmission case, accessible from underneath the vehicle.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (10-30 Nm range)Essential
Drain panEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Pry bar or flathead screwdriver
Shop towelsEssential
FunnelEssential

Parts

  • Transmission output speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • O-ring for speed sensor × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

  • Toyota WS ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
  4. Raise and support vehicle safely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
  5. Remove driver's side front wheel for improved access (optional but recommended)
  6. Locate the output speed sensor on the driver's side of the transmission, near the axle output

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect sensor electrical connector
    Locate the output speed sensor electrical connector. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight away from the sensor. Wiggle gently if needed but do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
  2. 2
    Position drain pan
    Place a drain pan directly beneath the output speed sensor location. Expect approximately 0.25-0.5 quarts of transmission fluid to drain when the sensor is removed.
  3. 3
    Remove sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the output speed sensor to the transmission case. Keep the bolt for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Extract speed sensor
    Carefully pull the speed sensor straight out from the transmission case. It may require a slight twisting motion or gentle prying with a flathead screwdriver if it is stuck. Allow fluid to drain into the pan. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the sensor bore.
  5. 5
    Clean sensor bore
    Using a clean shop towel, wipe the sensor mounting bore in the transmission case to remove any debris or old O-ring material. Ensure the sealing surface is clean and free of damage.
  6. 6
    Install new O-ring
    Install the new O-ring onto the replacement speed sensor. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean Toyota WS ATF to aid installation and prevent damage during insertion.
  7. 7
    Install new sensor
    Carefully insert the new output speed sensor into the transmission case bore, ensuring it is fully seated. The sensor should slide in smoothly without forcing. Align the mounting bolt hole.
    Do not force the sensor. If resistance is felt, remove and check for proper O-ring placement and bore cleanliness.
  8. 8
    Install and torque mounting bolt
    Install the sensor mounting bolt and tighten to the specified torque of 10.0 Nm (8.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this may crack the sensor housing.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector back onto the speed sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
  10. 10
    Add transmission fluid
    Remove the transmission dipstick or fill plug (depending on model year). Using a funnel, add approximately 0.5 quarts of Toyota WS ATF to replace the fluid lost during sensor removal. Check fluid level and add more if necessary to reach the proper level on the dipstick.
  11. 11
    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    If the wheel was removed, reinstall and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower the vehicle from jack stands and perform final lug nut torque check in a star pattern.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure electrical connector is fully locked onto the sensor
  2. Verify no fluid leaks are present around the sensor
  3. Transmission fluid level should be checked with engine at operating temperature after test drive

Verification

  • Start the engine and shift through all gear positions while at a complete stop
  • Check for fluid leaks around the output speed sensor installation area
  • Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth shifting and no check engine light
  • Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm no speed sensor-related trouble codes are present
  • Recheck transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and adjust as needed

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