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 be sure 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. Shift selector lever to N position, then disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then drain ATF into a suitable container.
3. Remove shift rod, then the undercover.
4. Remove performance rod bolt, then the rod.
5. Remove exhaust pipe nuts and bolts, Fig. 5, then the pipe.
6. Remove propeller shaft as follows:
a. Remove propeller shaft nut, lock washer and bolt.
b. Mark propeller shaft flanges for correct installation position.
c. remove propeller shaft from extension housing and immediately install mainshaft holder tool No. 49 0259 440, or equivalent, to prevent oil leakage.

7. Remove speedometer cable, then disconnect vacuum hose.
8. Disconnect transmission range switch, input/turbine speed sensor, solenoid connector, transmission fluid temperature and torque converter clutch solenoid electrical connectors.
9. Remove oil pipe, then the harness.
10. Remove Power Plant Frame (PPF) as follows:
a. Disconnect wire harness from power plant frame, then support transmission with suitable jack.
b. Remove front bolts, then the rear bolts and pry out bolt spacer.
c. Screw long bolt (M14 x 1.5) into sleeve, then twist and pull bolt and sleeve downward.
d. Install bolt (M6 x 1) into hole in block to keep sleeve from turning, then unscrew long bolt (M14 x 1.5), Fig. 6.
e. Remove remaining bolt (M16 x 1). Removing PPF spacers will reduce PPF performance. If spacers are removed, replace PPF as an assembly.

11. Remove undercover, then the torque converter nut.
12. Remove starter bolts, then the starter,
13. Remove transmission mount bolt, then the transmission. When removing transmission, do not shake it up and down or side to side. Shaking transmission could damage crank angle sensor on engine.
14. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Set transmission on transmission jack using care not to damage oil pipes. Ensure torque converter side of transmission is tilted slightly upward.
b. Torque transmission bolts to 48 - 65 ft.lb.
c. When installing torque converter bolts, align torque converter holes by turning torque converter, then lock driveplate using screwdriver.
d. Hand-tighten torque converter mounting bolts in crisscross pattern. Torque torque converter mounting bolts to 26 - 36 ft.lb.
e. Support transmission with jack so it is level. f. Position PPF and tighten transmission-side bolts by hand.
g. Verify sleeve is installed into block, then install the spacer and reamer bolts in the forward hole, and hand-tighten them.
h. Torque transmission-side bolts to 77 - 91 ft.lb.
i. Torque differential-side bolts to 77 - 91 ft.lb.
j. Measure distance A, Fig. 7, with a straightedge and vernier calipers. Distance A should be 2.42 inches. If not, reposition PPF at transmission.
k. Align propeller shaft alignment marks, then install propeller shaft. Torque propeller shaft nuts to 37 - 43 ft.lb.

Fig. 5 Transmission Replacement:

Fig. 6 Power Plant Frame (PPF) Removal:

Fig. 7 Power Plant Frame (PPF) Installation: