Removal and Replacement
Transmission Replacement (3.6L (LY7))Removal Procedure
1. Important: NEW torque converter bolts will be required each time the torque converter bolts are removed.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the thermostat housing to gain access to the upper transmission mounting bolts.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Drain the transmission fluid if disassembly of the transmission is necessary.
5. Remove the transmission manual shift shaft nut.
6. Disconnect the shift linkage from the transmission.
7. Place the transmission in neutral by rotating the transmission shift shaft clockwise 2 clicks.
8. Remove the exhaust system.
9. Disconnect the propeller shaft coupler (1) from the transmission flange.
10. Push the front propeller shaft toward the rear of the vehicle in order to release the propeller shaft coupler (1) from the transmission flange.
11. Secure the front propeller shaft (1) to the shift control lever (3) with a piece of mechanics wire (2).
12. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connector (1) from the transmission by rotating the locking latch (2) counterclockwise.
13. Disconnect the wiring harness clips from the transmission, and position the wiring harness aside.
14. Remove the starter motor to gain access to the torque converter bolts.
15. Mark the torque converter to flexplate/flywheel orientation to ensure proper realignment.
16. Remove the front air deflector.
17. Repeat the following steps for all 3 torque converter bolts:
1. Rotate the harmonic balancer center bolt clockwise ONLY, in order to align the torque converter bolt with the starter motor opening in the engine block.
2. Remove and discard the torque converter bolt. The bolt is self locking and is NOT reusable.
18. Place an oil drain pan under the transmission fluid cooler pipes.
19. Remove the bolt securing the transmission fluid cooler pipes brace to the engine.
20. Disconnect the fluid cooler pipes from the transmission.
21. Plug the open outlet ports to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
22. Position a suitable transmission jack under the transmission.
23. Remove the transmission mount.
24. Remove the 3 lower transmission mounting bolts (1-2).
25. Support the engine with a suitable jack. Loosen the two rear cradle bolts approximately one inch. Lower the engine and transmission just enough to gain access to the remaining 3 upper transmission mounting bolts.
26. Disconnect the engine wiring harness retaining clips (1) from the transmission mounting bolts.
27. Remove the 3 upper transmission mounting bolts (2-3).
28. Pull the transmission free from the engine dowels (1).
29. Important: Ensure clearance is maintained between the transmission and the following:
^ The catalytic converters
^ The wiring harnesses
^ The cooler pipes
^ The propeller shaft
Carefully lower the transmission from the vehicle.
30. Flush the transmission oil cooler.
31. If the transmission is being replaced, remove the drive flange and install it on the replacement unit.
Installation Procedure
1. Important: Ensure clearance is maintained between the transmission and the following:
^ The catalytic converters
^ The wiring harnesses
^ The cooler pipes
^ The propeller shaft
Using the transmission jack, carefully raise the transmission to the vehicle.
2. Align the engine dowels (1) with the transmission.
3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Install the 3 lower transmission mounting bolts (1-2).
^ Tighten the transmission mounting bolts (2) to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
^ Tighten the transmission mounting bolt (1) to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
4. Lower the engine and transmission only enough to gain access to the remaining 3 upper transmission mounting bolts.
5. Install the 3 upper transmission mounting bolts (2-3).
Tighten the transmission mounting bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
6. Raise the engine and tighten the rear cradle bolts.
Tighten the rear cradle mounting bolts to 191 Nm (141 ft. lbs.).
7. Connect the engine wiring harness retaining clips (1) to the transmission mounting bolts.
8. Install the transmission mount.
9. Remove transmission jack from under the transmission.
10. Important: Replace the O-rings if cracked, cut, or distorted.
Lubricate the O-rings with automatic transmission fluid.
11. Install the O-rings onto the cooler pipes prior to inserting the cooler pipes into the transmission.
12. Insert the transmission fluid cooler pipes into the transmission.
13. Install the bolt securing the transmission fluid cooler pipe retainer to the transmission.
Tighten the bolt to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
14. Install the bolt securing the transmission fluid cooler pipes brace to the engine.
Tighten the bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
15. Align the torque converter to flexplate/flywheel orientation marks made during the removal procedure.
16. Important: Torque converter bolts are self locking and must be replaced with NEW torque converter bolts every time the bolts are removed.
Repeat the following steps for all 3 torque converter bolts:
1. Rotate the harmonic balancer center bolt clockwise ONLY, in order to align the torque converter bolt holes in the flexplate/flywheel with the starter motor opening in the engine block.
2. To aid in alignment of the torque converter to the flexplate/flywheel. Install all 3 NEW torque converter bolts before fully tightening.
Tighten the torque converter bolts to 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).
17. Install the starter motor.
18. Install the front air deflector.
19. Connect the wiring harness clips to the transmission.
20. Connect the transmission wiring harness connector (1) to the transmission by rotating the locking latch (2) clockwise.
21. Remove the mechanics wire (2) securing front propeller shaft (1) to the shift control lever (3).
22. Install the propeller shaft coupler (1) to the transmission flange.
23. Place the transmission in the park position by rotating the shift shaft fully counter clockwise.
24. Connect the shift linkage to the transmission.
25. Install the transmission manual shift shaft nut.
Tighten the transmission manual shift shaft nut to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).
26. Install the exhaust system.
27. Check the transmission fluid level (fill if necessary).
28. Adjust the shift control linkage.
29. Lower the vehicle.
30. Install the thermostat housing.
31. Connect the negative battery cable.
32. The transmission control module must be programmed with the proper software/calibrations. Refer to Transmission Control Module Programming Procedure. Programming and Relearning
Transmission Final Test and Inspection
Complete the following procedure after the transmission is installed in the vehicle:
1. With the ignition OFF or disconnected, crank the engine several times. Listen for any unusual noises or evidence that any parts are binding.
2. Start the engine and listen for abnormal conditions.
3. While the engine continues to idle raise and support the vehicle.
4. Inspect for fluid leaks while the engine is idling.
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Perform a final inspection for the proper fluid level.
7. Road test the vehicle.