Removal and Installation

NOTE: Transaxle removal does NOT require engine removal.

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 plate during removal.

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove air cleaner and hoses.
(3) Disconnect throttle linkage and shift linkage from transaxle.
(4) Unplug torque converter clutch connector, located near the dipstick. Unplug the gear position switch.
(5) Remove transaxle dipstick tube.
(6) Remove the transaxle cooler lines and plug.

Fig. 12:

(7) Install engine support fixture (Fig. 12).
(8) Remove bell housing upper bolts.
(9) Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels.

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.

(10) Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
(11) Remove torque converter dust cover. Mark torque converter and drive plate with chalk, for reassembly. Rotate engine clockwise and remove torque converter mounting bolts.
(12) Remove engine mount bracket from front crossmember.
(13) Remove front mount insulator through-bolt and bellhousing bolts.

Fig. 13:

(14) Position transaxle jack (Fig. 13).
(15) Remove rear engine mount shield.
(16) Remove rear engine mount bracket bolts and bracket.
(17) Remove left engine mount thru-bolt.
(18) Remove left engine mount from transaxle.
(19) Remove starter. Remove lower bell housing bolts.
(20) Carefully work transaxle and torque converter assembly rearward off engine block dowels and disengage converter hub from end of crankshaft. Attach a small C clamp to edge of bell housing. This will hold torque converter in place during transaxle removal. Lower transaxle and remove assembly from under the vehicle.
(21) To remove torque converter assembly, remove C-clamp from edge of bellhousing and slide converter out of transaxle.

INSTALLATION
(1) When installing transaxle, reverse the above procedure.
(2) If torque converter was removed from transaxle be sure to align pump inner gear pilot flats with torque converter impeller hub flats.
(3) Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
(4) Refill transaxle with Mopar ATF+3 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-Type 7176).