Automatic transaxle — removal and installation
Warning: Gasoline is extremely flammable so take extra precautions when you work on any part of the fuel system. See Fuel system warnings in Fuel and exhaust systems.
Note: The TRANSAXLE COMPENSATION CODE and RESET MEMORY procedures (A/T initialization) must be performed when replacing the automatic transaxle assembly, engine assembly or ECM. The TRANSAXLE COMPENSATION CODE and RESET MEMORY can be performed only with the intelligent tester and should be done by a dealer service department or transmission repair shop.
Removal
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable (see Troubleshooting).
2. Remove the wipers and cowl (see Cowl cover and vent tray — removal and installation).
3. Remove the engine cover.
4. Remove the air filter housing (see Air filter housing — removal and installation).
5. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, thenraise and support the vehicle on a lift or jack stands. Remove the front wheels.
6. Remove the center, left and right vehicleundercovers.
7. Remove the starter (see Starter motor — removal and installation).
8. Drain the automatic transaxle fluid (see Tune-up and routine maintenance), then remove the drive axles (see Driveline).
9. Remove the four bolts and the exhaustpipe that runs under the engine (see illustration). Remove the exhaust gaskets.
i. 9 Remove the bolts at both collectors for the exhaust pipe and remote the pipe
10. Remove the cover from the bellhousing and mark the relationship of the torque converter to the drive plate (see illustration).
i. 10 Place a mark on the converter and driveplate for alignment during installation
11. Remove the drive plate-to-torque converter bolts. Turn the crankshaft for access to all six bolts. Turn the crankshaft in a clockwise direction only (as viewed from the front).
12. Slide back the clamps and disconnect the transaxle oil cooler hoses from the transaxle (see illustration).
i. 12 Remove the clamps and disconnect the transaxle oil cooler hoses from the transaxle
Note: Place a drain pan under the transaxle to catch any fluid while removing the transaxle oil cooler and hoses.
13. Remove the two bolts and remove the transaxle oil cooler assembly from the transaxle (leave the hoses connected).
i. 13 Remove the two bolts and detach the transaxle oil cooler (with the hoses connected)
14. Disconnect the transaxle connectors, harness routing clips/clamps, and disconnect the PCM connectors.
15. Disconnect the shift cable at the transaxle (see Camshaft Position (CMP) sensors — replacement).
16. Attach an engine support fixture to the lifting hook at the transaxle end of the engine. If no hook is provided, use a suitable bolt of the proper size and thread pitch to attach the support fixture chain to a hole at the end of the cylinder head.
Note: Engine support fixtures can be obtained at most equipment rental yards and some auto parts stores.
17. Remove the front subframe (see Subframe, front — removal and installation).
18. Support the transaxle with a jack — preferably a jack made for this purpose (available at most tool rental yards). Safety chains will help steady the transaxle on the jack.
19. Remove the nine engine-to-transaxle mounting bolts (see illustrations).
i. 19a Remove the two-top transaxle-to-engine bolts near the starter opening…
i. 19b… then remove the two-top transaxle-to-engine bolts on the opposite side from the starter.
i. 19c… then the four-lower transaxle-to-engine bolts …
i. 19d… and last, the engine-to-transaxle bolt on the back side of the engine block
Note: Different length bolts are used — be sure to note the location of each bolt so they can be returned to their original positions when the transaxle is installed.
20. Remove the two bolts attaching the front engine mount to the front crossmember.
21. Remove the four bolts attaching the front crossmember to the vehicle, and remove the crossmember.
22. On AWD models, remove the driveshaft (see Driveline).
23. Remove the transaxle mount through-bolt (see Powertrain mounds — check and replacement).
24. Move the transaxle away from the engine to disengage it from the engine block dowel pins. Make sure the torque converter is detached from the drive plate. Clamp a pair of locking pliers on the bellhousing case. The pliers will prevent the torque converter from falling out while you’re removing the transaxle.
25. Remove any remaining brackets or components from the transaxle that are to be reused on the new transaxle.
Installation
26. Installation is the reverse of removal noting the following:
- Tighten the transaxle fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
- Fill the transaxle fluid to the proper level (see Automatic transaxle fluid change).
- On AWD models, fill the transfer case with the proper type and amount of lubricant (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
- Adjust the shift cable (see Camshaft Position (CMP) sensors — replacement).
- The TRANSAXLE COMPENSATION CODE and RESET MEMORY procedures (A/T initialization) must be performed by a qualified technician or repair facility.
- Road test the vehicle and verify proper operation