Removal and Replacement

The transaxle and converter must be removed as an assembly to prevent damage to the torque converter driveplate, pump bushing and oil seal. The driveplate will not support a load. Do not allow the weight of the transaxle to rest on the driveplate.

1. Disconnect battery cables.
2. Disconnect transaxle shift control and throttle cables from transaxle and position aside. Unplug lockup toque converter plug, if equipped.
3. Disconnect upper and lower oil cooler lines.
4. On models equipped with the lockup torque converter, unplug the lockup converter plug located near the dipstick.
5. On all models, install an engine support fixture across top of engine compartment.
6. Remove three upper bellhousing bolts.
7. Remove hub castle locks, nuts and cotter pins.
8. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheels.
9. Remove left splash shield.
10. Remove speedometer adapter, cable and pinion as an assembly.
11. Remove sway bar and both lower ball joint to steering knuckle bolts.
12. Pry lower ball joint from steering knuckle, then remove driveshaft from hub.
13. Remove both driveshafts, supporting both joints at housing.
14. Remove dust cover if equipped, then mark position of torque converter to driveplate and remove torque converter retaining bolts.
15. Remove access plug in right splash shield to rotate engine.
16. Disconnect neutral/park safety switch wire, then remove engine mount bracket from front crossmember.
17. Remove front engine mount insulator through bolt and bellhousing bolts.
18. Support transaxle with a suitable jack.
19. Remove left engine mount and long through bolt.
20. Remove starter.
21. Remove lower bellhousing bolts.
22. Move transaxle away from engine and lower from vehicle. It may be necessary to pry transaxle away from vehicle between the extension housing and engine block for clearance.
23. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque transaxle-to-engine bolts to 70 ft. lbs.
b. Torque starter attaching bolts to 40 ft. lbs.
c. Torque flex plate-to-torque converter bolts to 55 ft. lbs.
d. Torque bellhousing cover bolts to 8-9 Ft. lbs.
e. Fill transaxle to specifications with suitable lubricant, then adjust shift and throttle cables.