Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect ground cable from battery and kickdown cable from throttle lever and brackets.
2. Disconnect electrical connector to oxygen sensor, remove sensor to prevent damage during exhaust system removal, then raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove nuts securing exhaust pipes to manifold, disconnect necessary hangers and remove exhaust system as an assembly. Replace self locking nuts and manifold gaskets during installation.
4. Disconnect shift selector rod, electrical connectors and speedometer cable, as equipped.
5. Remove bolts securing propeller shaft to transmission flange and the center bearing heat shield if equipped.

Fig. 3 Center bearing installation:

6. Remove bolts securing center bearing, pull assembly off centering pin, then secure propeller shaft aside. During installation, ensure that propeller shaft is properly centered, and preload center bearing .079 to .157 inch toward front of vehicle before tightening retaining bolts, Fig. 3.
7. Drain transmission, remove dipstick and filler tube assembly, disconnect oil cooler lines, then plug lines and open fittings.
8. Remove bolts securing flywheel dust shield and the dust shield.
9. If applicable, remove speed and reference mark transmitters as follows:
a. Remove heat shield and retaining bolt, as equipped.
b. Note installation position, then pull sensors from housing.

Fig. 4 Speed & reference transmitter installation:

c. During installation, ensure that speed transmitter with black plug (1) faces flywheel ring gear and that reference sensor (2) with gray identification ring (3) faces flywheel reference pin (4), Fig. 4. Ensure that transmitters and reference marks are clean and free from oil. If transmitters are not clean and properly positioned, engine will not start and operate properly.
10. On all models, remove bolts securing torque converter to flywheel.
11. Support transmission with suitable jack and remove bolts securing crossmember to underbody.
12. Lower transmission until engine rests on front crossmember, then remove bolts securing transmission to engine.
13. Separate transmission from engine ensuring that torque converter remains seated in transmission, then remove assembly from under vehicle.
14. Reverse procedure to install.