Section 72 (Removal & Installation - A/T): Automatic: MX-3: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1992 Mazda Navajo and 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove battery cover, battery, and battery tray. Disconnect engine wiring harness as necessary. Raise and support vehicle. Drain transaxle. Remove wheels and splash shields. Disconnect air hose, resonance duct and airflow meter. Remove air cleaner assembly. On DOHC models, remove strut support bar.
On all models, disconnect speed sensor connector and shift cable from transaxle. Disconnect inhibitor switch, solenoid valve and oxygen sensor connectors. Remove front wiring harness bracket. Disconnect and remove throttle cable.
Disconnect oil cooler lines from transaxle. On DOHC models, remove fuel filter bracket from transaxle. On all models, remove starter and support bracket. Disconnect exhaust pipe.
Remove bolts and nuts at left and right lower control arm ball joints. Pull lower arms downward to separate from knuckles. DO NOT damage ball joint dust boots. Disconnect tie rod ends from knuckles. Remove stabilizer bar. Separate left axle shaft from transaxle using pry bar inserted between shaft and case. DO NOT damage oil seal.
Remove joint shaft bracket, and separate right axle shaft together with joint shaft in same manner. Install Differential Side Gear Holder (49-G030-455) into differential side gear opening (to prevent side gears from becoming misaligned).
Remove lower cover on converter housing. Remove torque converter nuts. Support transaxle using jack. Support engine from above using proper engine support assembly, and take up weight of engine. Disconnect and remove both engine mounts. Remove transaxle-to-engine bolts and crossmember. Slowly lower transaxle out of vehicle.