Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

Fig. 9 Upper control arm support spacer installation.:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable and drain transaxle.
2. Disconnect signal line to vacuum capsule (modulator) at intake manifold, and the wiring to transaxle controls at main harness connector.
3. Remove upper transaxle support brace.
4. Install spacers T.Av.509-01 or equivalent between lower shock mounts and lower control arm pivots, Fig. 9. Spacers must be properly positioned to relieve spring tension on upper ball joints when vehicle is raised.
5. Place gear selector in neutral, raise and support vehicle, and remove front wheels.
6. Drive out roll pins securing driveshafts to transaxle using a suitable punch.
7. Disconnect tie rods and upper ball joints from steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
8. Tilt steering knuckles outward, disconnect driveshafts from transaxle and secure aside.
9. Disconnect and remove rod between shifter and transaxle.
10. Remove exhaust pipe brace, dipstick and torque converter cover.
11. Mark position of torque converter and remove bolts securing converter to drive plate. Converter and drive plate must be properly aligned to ensure correct ignition system operation. Operation of the ignition control module is dependent upon a correct signal input from the torque converter circumference and TDC Sensor.
12. Support transaxle with a suitable jack and remove 2 lower support braces.
13. Lower transaxle and disconnect governor cable.
14. Remove bolts securing transaxle to engine and the transaxle. Ensure torque converter remains with transaxle during removal, and is properly seated prior to installation.
15. Reverse procedure to install.