Removal

1. Remove the battery. For additional information, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01.

2. Remove the windshield wiper arms.

a. Remove the covers.
b. Remove the nuts.
c. Remove the wiper arms.

3. Remove the push-pin type retainers and the upper cowl panel grille.

a. Disconnect the windshield washer hose from the hose elbow.
b. Remove the washer hose grommet from the cowl panel and position aside the washer hose.

4. Remove the lower cowl panel from the vehicle.

a. If equipped, remove the cabin air inlet filter.
b. Remove the 9 lower cowl panel bolts and position aside the lower cowl panel.
c. If equipped, disconnect the anti-theft hood ajar switch connector.
d. Reposition the lower cowl panel and disconnect the windshield wiper motor electrical connector.
e. Remove the lower cowl panel.

5. Disconnect the crankcase vent tube from the air cleaner outlet pipe.

6. Disconnect the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor electrical connector.





7. Remove the air cleaner housing. See Figure 1.

a. Loosen the clamp.
b. Release the clips at the air cleaner housing.
c. Disconnect and remove the air cleaner housing.





8. Disconnect the transaxle and Transmission Range (TR) sensor electrical connectors. See Figure 2.





9. Remove the transmission selector cable from the bracket and position the it out of the way. See Figure 3.

a. Disconnect the transmission selector cable end from the manual lever.

b. Push the lock tab and separate the transmission selector cable from the bracket.





10. Disconnect the wire harness from the bracket. See Figure 4.





11. Disconnect the speed sensor and rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connectors. See Figure 5.





12. Remove the LH upper generator bolt and install the Engine Lifting Bracket special tool 303-050, using the previously removed bolt. See Figure 6.





13. Install the Engine Lifting Bracket special tool 303-050 onto the cylinder head, using a suitable 10mm bolt. See Figure 7.





14. Install the Three Bar Engine Support Kit special tool 303-290A. See Figure 8.

15. Connect the chain hooks to the previously installed Engine Lifting Brackets. See Figure 8.

16. Tighten the lifting hooks and support the engine.

17. Remove the bolt and the upper transmission fluid filler tube.





18. Remove the two transaxle top retaining bolts. See Figure 9.





19. Remove the bolts and remove the anti-roll bracket. See Figure 10.

20. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to WSM, Section 100-02.

21. Remove both front wheels. For additional information, refer to SM, Section 204-04.

22. NOTE: Use the hex holding feature to prevent the studs from turning while removing or installing the LH and RH stabilizer bar link nuts.

Remove the LH and RH front stabilizer bar link upper nuts, then detach from the strut brackets.

23. Remove the LH and RH pinch bolts and disconnect the lower control arms from the steering knuckles.

WARNING:
The normal operating temperature of the exhaust system is very high. Never attempt to repair or install any new part of the system until it has cooled. Be especially careful when working around the 3-way catalytic converter. The temperature of the 3-way catalytic converter rises to a high level after only a few minutes of engine operation.

NOTICE:
Do not use oil or grease-based lubricants on the isolators. They may cause deterioration of the rubber.

NOTICE:
Oil or greased-based lubricants on the isolators may cause the exhaust isolator hanger to separate from the exhaust hanger bracket during vehicle operation.

24. Disconnect the front heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector and detach the connector push pin from the subframe.

25. Disconnect the 2 catalyst monitor sensor electrical connectors.

26. NOTICE: Do not excessively bend or twist the flex pipe.





Using a splint the length of the flex pipe and tie straps, support the flex pipe. See Figure 11.

27. Remove and discard the 2 catalytic converter-to-flex pipe bolts and gasket.

28. NOTE: Support the catalytic converter near the rear outlet. Use caution removing the catalytic converter. Make sure not to damage the manifold outlet flare, the converter inlet flare, or the studs.

NOTE:
If necessary, remove the damper.





Remove the lower catalytic converter bracket bolt. See Figure 12.





29. Remove the upper catalytic converter bracket nut. Figure 13.

30. Remove and discard the 4 catalytic converter-to-exhaust manifold nuts.

31. Remove the catalytic converter assembly.

32. Remove the 2 nuts for the power steering rack.





33. Remove the bolts for the power steering line brackets. See Figure 14.

34. Detach the power steering hose push pin retainer from the subframe.





35. Remove the front engine mount nut. See Figure 15.





36. Remove the rear engine mount nut. See Figure 16.

37. Remove the rear transaxle support nut. See Figure 17.

38. Position a suitable lift under the vehicle and raise it to the subframe.

39. Remove the 4 subframe bolts.

40. Lower the subframe from the vehicle.

^ Detach the exhaust heat shield from the back of the subframe.
^ Support the power steering rack with mechanics wire.
^ Rotate the sway bar as needed to gain clearance around the power steering rack, while the subframe is being lowered.

41. Position a suitable drain pan under the transaxle.





42. Remove the fluid cooler tube retaining clips. See Figure 18.





43. Depress the tabs on the plastic insert retainer and remove the cooler lines from the fittings. See Figure 19.

44. Position aside the starter. See Figure 20.

a. Remove the nut and ground wire.
b. Remove the bolt and the stud bolt.
c. Support the starter with mechanics wire.

45. Remove the transmission inspection cover.

a. Remove the bolt.
b. Remove the push pin.
c. Remove both halves of the transmission inspection cover.

46. Remove and discard the 4 torque converter nuts.

47. Using special tools 100-01 and 205-241 or equivalent, remove the RH and LH halfshafts from the transaxle and position them aside.

^ Support the RH and LH halfshafts with mechanics wire.





48. Disconnect the turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor connector. See Figure 21.

49. Position the high-lift transmission jack under the transaxle.





50. Remove the rear lower retaining bolt. See Figure 22.





51. Remove the front lower retaining bolt. See Figure 23.





52. Remove the LH oil pan-to-transaxle retaining bolt. See Figure 24.





53. Remove the RH oil pan-to-transaxle retaining bolt. See Figure 25.





54. Remove the transaxle bracket retaining bolts. See Figure 26.

55. Lower the transaxle assembly from the engine compartment.





56. Using special tool 307-091 remove the torque converter. See Figure 27.

57. NOTICE: Use special tool 307-309 to remove the converter hub seal. Stator support surface will be damaged if any other type tool is used.





Use special tools 307-309 and 100-001 remove and discard the converter hub seal. See Figure 28.