How do I replace the transmission solenoid wiring harness?

Kia Models Forum Optima
1

I’ve got the pan off my 2013 Kia Optima and I’m trying to replace the solenoid wiring harness inside the transmission. I can’t seem to figure out how to get the harness out. Has anyone else done this before and have tips? Do I need to remove the valve body to access it? Any help would be awesome.

2

Yeah, you’ll probably have to remove the valve body. It’s not too bad, though—it’s pretty self-contained, so you won’t have springs and balls flying everywhere. Just take it slow.

3

Livia said:
Yeah, you’ll probably have to remove the valve body. It’s not too bad, though—it’s pretty self-contained, so you won’t have springs and balls flying everywhere. Just take it slow.

I second this. I’ve done a similar job on a Hyundai (same company as Kia). It’s definitely doable. Just make sure you’ve got all the tools ready.

4

Livia said:
Yeah, you’ll probably have to remove the valve body. It’s not too bad, though—it’s pretty self-contained, so you won’t have springs and balls flying everywhere. Just take it slow.

Thanks for confirming this! I’ve been avoiding pulling the valve body, but I guess there’s no way around it.

5

If you’ve got the pan off already, removing the valve body shouldn’t add much more time. Just be careful when disconnecting the harness plug—it might have a twist lock.

6

Cruise said:
If you’ve got the pan off already, removing the valve body shouldn’t add much more time. Just be careful when disconnecting the harness plug—it might have a twist lock.

Good point about the twist lock! I had trouble with that the first time I did a job like this. Watch a YouTube video if you’re unsure.

7

Here’s a tip: take pictures as you go. It’s easy to forget where everything goes when you’re putting it back together.

8

I found this TSB document really helpful when I worked on a similar issue. It gives a step-by-step guide: [link to TSB PDF]

9

gertrudshultz said:
I found this TSB document really helpful when I worked on a similar issue. It gives a step-by-step guide: [link to TSB PDF]

Thanks for sharing! That’s exactly what I needed to see.