Removal and Replacement

OVERVIEW
Transaxle removal does NOT require engine removal.
See Cooling System to drain engine cooling system and remove coolant return extension (3.0 liter engine only).
The transaxle and torque converter must be removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque converter drive plate, pump bushing or oil seal may be damaged. The drive plate will not support a load; therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should be allowed to rest on the drive plate during removal.


REMOVAL
1. Disconnect negative battery cable.

Fig. 37:

2. Remove air cleaner duct. Disconnect transaxle shift linkage at manual valve lever (Fig. 37).

Fig. 38:

Fig. 39:

3. Squeeze grommet clips and remove cable at transaxle bracket (Figs. 38 and 39).
4. Remove 16-way engine harness connector from dipstick tube bracket. Remove dipstick tube bracket nut at cylinder head. Remove dipstick tube.
5. Remove transaxle cooler lines.
6. Remove connector at transaxle solenoid pack.

Fig. 40:

Fig. 41:

7. Remove input and output speed sensor wiring connectors (Figs. 41 and 42).
8. Disconnect electrical connector at transmission range sensor.
9. Remove upper bellhousing upper bolts.
10. Remove heater tube mounting bolt.
11. Remove vehicle speed sensor wiring at sensor.
12. Remove one rear engine mount bolt from top.
13. Remove rear engine mount shield screw.

Fig. 42:

14. Install engine support fixture and support engine (Fig. 42).
15. Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels. Refer to Steering and Suspension to remove wheel hub nuts and both drive shafts.

CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be disconnected from the exhaust manifold anytime the engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.

16. Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.

Fig. 43:

17. Remove torque converter dust shield to gain access to torque converter bolts (Fig. 43).

Fig. 44:

18. Rotate engine clockwise to gain access to torque converter bolts (Fig. 44). Remove torque converter mounting bolts.

Fig. 45:

19. Remove front engine mount insulator and bracket (Fig. 45).
20. Remove rear engine mount shield.
21. Remove rear engine mount bracket bolts and bracket.

Fig. 46:

22. Remove starter bolts and set starter aside. Do not allow the starter to hang from battery cable (Fig. 46).

Fig. 47:

23. Position transmission jack securely under transaxle (Fig. 47).
24. Remove left fender splash shield.
25. With transmission jack in position, remove the left transmission mount.
26. Lower transaxle to access the crankshaft position sensor, remove crankshaft position sensor from bell housing.

CAUTION: Remove the crankshaft position sensor from the bell housing before transmission removal or installation.

27. Remove lower bellhousing bolts.
28. Carefully lower the transaxle assembly from vehicle.


INSTALLATION
1. For installation of transaxle, reverse the above procedure.
2. Check and/or adjust gearshift cable.

See TSB 21-010-06 4/14/2006

3. Refill transaxle with MOPAR ATF Plus 4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602.