Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

The oil pan could contain small chips, shavings, and other particles helpful in checking the condition of the transmission and diagnosing certain problems.
To ensure all foreign particles stay in the oil pan, make sure the transmission is never tipped completely over while the oil pan is still installed.
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove right and left undercovers, Fig. 19.
4. Remove starter and transmission fluid dipstick.
5. Remove center tunnel member and secondary air injection pipe.
6. Remove three-way catalyst assembly.
7. Remove front and rear tunnel members and cover.
8. Remove propeller shaft.
9. Install engine support fixture tool No. 49 20017 5A0, or equivalent, Fig. 20, and place suitable jack under differential, then remove power plant frame.
10. Remove front exhaust pipe.
11. Remove connectors from Park/Neutral switch and vehicle speed sensor.
12. Remove connectors from input/turbine speed sensor, solenoid valve and vehicle speedometer.
13. Remove selector rod.
14. Remove service hole cover, place a suitable screwdriver in position to lock driveplate down while removing torque converter bolts using wrench tool No. 49 0877 435, or equivalent, Fig. 21.
15. Remove upper and lower oil filler tubes, then oil cooler hose.
16. Remove transmission, ensuring the torque converter side of the transmission is tilted slightly upward during removal. Carefully lower the transmission from the vehicle.
17. Reverse procedure to install noting the following:
a. Torque transmission mounting bolts gradually to 28 - 38 ft.lb.
b. Hand tighten driveplate bolts in a crisscross pattern, then torque to 26 - 36 ft.lb.
c. Torque service cover bolts 6 - 8 ft.lb.
d. Tighten power plant frame differential side nuts and bolts in A-B-C sequence shown in Fig. 22. Torque A and C to 109 - 130 ft.lb. and B to 55 - 68 ft.lb.
e. Tighten power plant frame transmission side nuts to specifications in D-E sequence shown in Fig. 23.
f. Place straightedge on flat area of front left edge of tunnel mount so it passes under power plant frame installation bolts, Fig. 24. Measure from top of straightedge to power plant frame. Clearance should be 2.76 - 3.03 inches. If not within specifications, adjust power plant frame.

Fig. 19 Transaxle Replacement:

Fig. 20 Engine Support Fixture Installation:

Fig. 21 Torque Converter Plate Removal:

Fig. 22 Differential Side Power Plant Frame Installation:

Fig. 23 Transmission Side Power Plant Frame Installation:

Fig. 24 Power Plant Frame Clearance Measurement: