Removal & Installation: Transaxle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
Remove the flywheel inspection cover from the transaxle.
Remove the starter assembly from the engine. See appropriate STARTERS article in ELECTRICAL.

NOTE: Before removing the torque converter bolts, mark the position of the anodized, gold colored, bolt for installation.

Remove the 6 flywheel-to-torque converter bolts. See Fig 1.
Remove the transaxle drain plug and drain oil. See DRAINING & REFILLING under LUBRICATION in SERVICING - VIBE (AWD) article.
Remove the engine and transaxle as an assembly from the vehicle. See appropriate MECHANICAL article in ENGINES.
Remove the transfer case assembly from the transaxle. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - VIBE article in TRANSFER CASES.
Remove the 2 bolts and ground cables from the transaxle. See Fig 2.
Disconnect the 3 transaxle wiring harness connectors from the transaxle.
Disconnect the breather hose from the transaxle.
Remove the front transaxle mount through bolt. See Fig 3.
Remove the 6 transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts. See Fig 4.
Separate the transaxle from the engine assembly.
Remove the left transaxle mounting bracket from the transaxle assembly.
Remove the front transaxle mounting bracket from the transaxle assembly. See Fig 5.

Fig 1: Locating Flywheel-To-Torque Converter Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Ground Cables
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Removing/Installing Front Transaxle Mount Through Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 4: Identifying Transaxle-To-Engine Mount Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 5: Removing/Installing Front Transaxle Mount
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.