Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect battery ground cable and remove transmission fluid dipstick.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove nuts attaching catalytic converter inlet pipe to the turbocharger assembly.
4. Remove attaching nuts at converter to muffler inlet flange.
5. Remove support bracket attaching bolt, then the converter and inlet pipe as an assembly.
6. Disconnect driveshaft from transmission.
7. Remove starter motor from engine.
8. Remove stabilizer bar U-brackets and body stiffener rod.
9. Position a block of wood between stabilizer bar and body side rail.
10. Remove torque converter to flex plate attaching nuts through starter motor access hole. During removal of attaching nuts, turn crankshaft (flex plate) clockwise which is normal direction of engine rotation.
11. Position a suitable jack and safety chain onto transmission.
12. Remove rear mount to support bracket attaching bolts.
13. Remove rear mount to body attaching bolts, then the mount.
14. Lower transmission.
15. Disconnect speedometer cable.
16. Disconnect electrical connectors from transmission.
17. Disconnect linkages from transmission.
18. Disconnect vacuum hose from modulator.
19. Disconnect and cap transmission cooler lines.
20. Remove converter housing attaching bolts located at the top of the housing.
21. If contact with the body prevents removing these bolts, proceed as follows:
a. Loosen engine mount attaching nuts until only two or three threads are visible on the end of the stud.
b. Position and jack a block of wood against the engine oil pan and raise front of engine.
c. Raise engine until stud nuts contact crossmember.
d. As the engine assembly tilts downward, lower the transmission jack.
e. Remove bolts.
22. Remove remaining torque converter housing attaching bolts and transmission filler tube.
23. Pull transmission rearward and lower from vehicle.
24. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following torques: converter attaching bolts, 28-38 ft. lbs.; engine mount stud nuts, 50-70 ft. lbs.; rear mount bolts, 25-35 ft. lbs.; rear mount-to-transmission support bracket attaching bolts, 50-70 ft. lbs.; converter attaching nuts, 12-16 ft. lbs.; U-brackets and body stiffener rod attaching bolts, 33-41 ft. lbs.; exhaust system attaching nuts, 20-30 ft. lbs.; converter outlet-to-turbocharger assembly nuts, 25-35 ft. lbs.