To begin the removal process, place protective covers on the fenders and cowl, then remove the hood. Relieve the fuel system pressure and drain the transaxle fluid. Next, remove the battery and battery tray, followed by the air filter housing and starter. Detach the fluid cooler hoses from the rigid lines at the transaxle, ensuring a pan is positioned below to catch any residual fluid. Remove the bolts and bracket securing the transmission fluid filler pipe to the cooler lines, then pull the filler tube from the transmission case. Disconnect the transmission range sensor and vehicle speed sensor electrical connectors. Clearly label and disconnect all vacuum lines, hoses, wiring harness connectors, and ground straps, using masking tape or a touch-up paint applicator for marking. Disconnect the shift cable from the transaxle and remove the driveaxles, securing the engine with an engine support fixture or lift. Raise the vehicle and support it on jackstands, then remove the front wheels. Detach the exhaust pipe from the manifold, remove the floor pan brace, and drop the exhaust system out of the way. Remove the under-vehicle splash shields, disconnect the power steering fluid lines from the steering gear, and separate the tie-rod ends from the steering knuckles. Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the links and remove the stabilizer bar bracket bolts. Remove the transaxle mount through bolts and chassis-mounting bolts from the engine/transaxle mounts to the subframe. Support the suspension subframe assembly with a floor jack, remove the subframe crossmember mounting bolts, and lower the subframe assembly, noting the size and location of each nut and bolt for reassembly. Support the transaxle with an approved transaxle jack and safety chains, then remove the left transaxle-to-body mount. Remove the access cover in the bellhousing and rotate the engine to access the converter-to-driveplate bolts, having an assistant keep the engine from turning. Remove the transaxle-to-engine bolts and ensure nothing is still connecting the engine to the vehicle or transaxle before slowly lowering the transaxle assembly out of the vehicle, keeping it level to prevent damage to the input shaft. Check the engine and transaxle mounts and the transaxle shock absorber for wear or damage, replacing any faulty components. For installation, if removed, install the torque converter on the transaxle input shaft, ensuring proper engagement. With the transaxle secured to the jack and an assistant holding the torque converter, raise the transaxle into position, aligning the bolt holes in the converter with those in the driveplate, and install the converter-to-driveplate bolts, starting with the colored bolt for alignment. Install the transaxle-to-engine bolts and tighten them to the specified torque, avoiding the use of these bolts to force alignment. Install the engine and transaxle mounts, tightening all bolts and nuts securely. Reinstall the remaining components in reverse order of removal, then remove the support fixture and jack, lower the vehicle, and install the wheel nuts to the specified torque. Add the specified amount of new transaxle fluid, connect the negative battery cable, and conduct a road test to check for proper transmission operation and leakage, followed by a recheck of the fluid level. It is recommended to take the vehicle to a dealer or service facility with a scan tool to perform a "reset memory" procedure for optimal transmission performance after replacing the transaxle.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist 
