Contents: Removal ↓ Installation ↓
Removal
Turn off the ignition and disconnect the ground wire from the battery.
Remove the hood.
Remove the air filter housing.
Remove the expansion tank.
On pre-2001 models, loosen the locknut and remove the cable housing from the throttle body bracket. Disconnect the cable from the throttle sector.
Remove the starter.
Label and disconnect all electrical connectors from the transmission.
Loosen the ground wire mounting bolt.
Remove the gearbox-to-engine mounting bolts accessible from above.
Install a crossbar over the engine compartment and secure the gearbox to the crossbar using a chain and an eye.
Remove the bolt securing the left gearbox support.
Loosen the nuts securing the drive shafts to the front wheel hubs.
Apply the parking brake and block the rear wheels. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands. Remove the front wheels.
Remove the engine compartment splash shield.
Loosen the selector cable retaining nut and disconnect it from the gear selector lever on the front of the gearbox.
Remove the clamp and slide the cable housing off the bracket on the transmission.
Drain the transmission fluid from the gearbox.
Remove the drive shafts.
Remove the exhaust pipe.
Label and disconnect all electrical connectors accessible from underneath the transmission.
Disconnect the hoses leading to the oil cooler from the gearbox. Close the ends of the hoses with plastic plugs.
Remove the bolt securing the steering gear to the lower cross member. Use soft wire to secure the steering gear to the beam mounted across the engine compartment.
On 2001 and later models, remove the plug covering the torque converter access hole, then use paint to mark the position of the torque converter and drive plate.
On 1996 and 1997 models, disconnect the selector cable from the lower crossmember.
On 2001 and later models, disconnect the stabilizer bar earrings from the stabilizer bar.
Remove the lower cross and longitudinal beams.
Figure 9.29. Location of stiffener plate mounting bolts
On pre-2001 models, remove the bolts and stiffener plate (figure 9.29).
On pre-2001 models, mark the position of the torque converter and drive plate with paint.
Remove the torque converter mounting bolts. To access each subsequent bolt, rotate the engine crankshaft in the direction of its operating rotation using the central crankshaft pulley mounting bolt.
Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
Remove the remaining gearbox-to-engine mounting bolts, making sure to note the location of the bolts as they vary in length.
Move the transmission away from the engine and check that the torque converter is separated from the drive plate. Use clamps to secure the torque converter, lower and remove the gearbox.
Installation
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following.
Align the marks on the torque converter and the drive plate made before removal.
Fill the transmission with transmission fluid.
Adjust the selector cable and throttle control cable (on models before 2001).