Manual Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

NOTE: On models with coded audio anti-theft systems, refer to Technician Safety Information for code procedures. On models with air bag system, disarm airbag system as outlined under Technician Safety Information.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove transmission shift lever as follows:
a. Pry out rear side of cup holder, then remove cup holder and shift lever knob.
b. Pry out upper rear console panel, then remove upper console panel screws and panel.
c. Remove shift lever bolts, then the shift lever.
3. Raise and support vehicle, then drain transmission oil into suitable container.
4. Remove undercover.
5. Remove oxygen sensor cover nuts, then the cover and sensor.
6. Remove exhaust front pipe and pipe support bracket, Fig. 8.

Fig. 8 Transmission Replacement:

7. Disconnect exhaust center pipe from two rings and remove. To prevent tail pipe interference with rear bumper, front side of tail pipe is suspended from stabilizer bar.
8. Remove heat insulator, then the crossmember brace.
9. Remove propeller shaft as follows:
a. Place reference marks on differential companion flange and flexible coupling, then remove companion flange bolts. Bolts in propeller shaft companion flange should not be removed.
b. Separate flexible coupling from differential side. If coupling can not easily be separated by hand, insert suitable screwdriver into bolt hole of coupling, Fig. 9, and pry coupling out. Do not bring screwdriver blade in direct contact with rubber portion of flexible coupling.

Fig. 9 Flexible Coupling Separation From Differential Side:

c. Remove propeller shaft from transmission, then insert transmission oil plug tool No. 09325-00010, or equivalent, to prevent leakage.
10. Remove clutch release cylinder and ground cable, then disconnect starter wire.
11. Remove starter bolts and starter, then the transmission mounting bolt.
12. Disconnect back-up light switch electrical connector, then the speed sensor electrical connector.
13. Raise transmission using suitable jack enough to remove weight from rear support.
14. Remove rear engine mounting member nuts and bolts, then the mounting member.
15. Remove transmission bolts, then lower engine rear side and remove transmission from engine.
16. Reverse procedure to install. Adjust center support bearing to keep specified intervals, Fig. 10, with vehicle in unladen condition. Under same condition, check center line of center support bearing is at right angles to shaft axial direction.

Fig. 10 Center Bearing Support Adjustment:

On models with air bag system, rearm airbag system as outlined under Technician Safety Information. If audio system was disabled, activate as outlined under Technician Safety Information.