Removal Procedure

Tools Required 

• J 35944-A  Transmission Oil Cooler and Line Flusher
• J 37096  Flywheel Holder

1. Remove the push pins from the coolant recovery bottle.
2. Position aside coolant recovery bottle.
3. Remove air cleaner assembly refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION & OVERHAUL  in Engine Controls.
   Fig 1: Positioning Aside Coolant Recovery Bottle (M15)

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Remove the automatic transmission range selector cable from the manual shaft.
5. Remove the automatic transmission range selector cable bracket refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RANGE SELECTOR CABLE BRACKET REPLACEMENT   . 
6. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the transaxle.
7. Remove the top four bell housing bolts (2, 3, 4, 5).
8. Remove the frame.
   Fig 2: Removing Top Four Bell Housing Bolts (M15)

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Remove the inspection cover.
10. Use J 37096  in order to gain access to the torque converter bolts and prevent the flywheel from turning.
    Fig 3: Preventing Flywheel From Turning (M15)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Remove the torque converter bolts.
12. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor.
13. Remove the right and left axle shafts from the transmission. Refer to AXLE SHAFT  in Driveline/Axle-Front Wheel Drive Shafts.
14. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines.
15. Position the transmission jack under the vehicle.
16. Remove the transaxle brace. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BRACE REPLACEMENT   . 
    Fig 4: Removing Torque Converter Bolts (M15)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
17. Remove the lower transaxle bolts (6) and stud (1).
18. Disconnect neutral safety switch.
19. Remove the wiring harness bracket from the side cover.
20. Remove the transaxle from the vehicle.

    Important:  Use J 35944-A  or equivalent to flush the following components whenever the transaxle is removed for overhaul or whenever the torque converter pump or the case is replaced:

21. Flush the transaxle oil cooler pipes and the transaxle oil cooler.
22. Transfer all necessary parts as needed.
    Fig 5: Removing Lower Transaxle Bolts And Stud (M15)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.