Section 371 (Manual Transmission): Removal: Transaxle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove the air cleaner assembly. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING - 2.3L .
Remove the battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
Remove the air cleaner outlet tube.
1. Disconnect the emission management hose.
2. Loosen the clamp.
3. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Air Cleaner Assembly
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the wiring harness bracket nuts.

Fig 2: Locating Wiring Harness Bracket Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the reverse switch and vehicle speed sensor (VSS) connectors.

Fig 3: Locating Reverse Switch And Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the shift cables.

Fig 4: Locating Shift Cables
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: To prevent damage, do not spill brake fluid onto plastic or painted surfaces.

Position the clutch hydraulic line aside.
1. Remove the clutch hydraulic line bracket-to-transaxle bolt.
2. Disconnect the clutch hydraulic line from the clutch slave cylinder.
  - Plug the hydraulic line.
3. Position the clutch hydraulic line aside.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Clutch Hydraulic Line From Clutch Slave Cylinder
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the shift cable bracket.
- Remove the 3 bolts.
- Remove the shift cable bracket.
  
  Fig 6: Locating Shift Cable Bracket And Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, support the engine.

Fig 7: Supporting Engine Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the LH transaxle support insulator bracket.
1. Remove the 3 nuts.
2. Remove the through-bolt.
3. Remove the LH transaxle support insulator bracket.
  
  Fig 8: Identifying LH Transaxle Support Insulator Bracket
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the transaxle rear support insulator.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Remove the nuts.
3. Remove the through-bolt.
4. Remove the transaxle rear support insulator.
  
  Fig 9: Identifying Rear Transaxle Support Insulator
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 3 upper transaxle-to-engine bolts.

Fig 10: Locating Upper Transaxle-To-Engine Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Drain the transaxle fluid. For additional information, refer to TRANSAXLE DRAINING AND FILLING .
Remove the crossmember.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the crossmember.
  
  Fig 11: Identifying Crossmember And Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front-to-aft crossmember.
1. Remove the 2 transaxle front support insulator bolts.
2. Remove the splash shield screw.
3. Remove the 2 front-to-aft crossmember bolts and nut.
4. Remove the crossmember.
  
  Fig 12: Identifying Front-To-AFT Crossmember And Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 3 LH splash shield screws.

Fig 13: Locating Splash Shield Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the LH side splash shield.
1. Remove the 2 screws.
2. Remove the LH splash shield.
  
  Fig 14: Locating LH Side Splash Shield And Screw
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the starter motor assembly. For additional information, refer to STARTING SYSTEM .
If equipped, remove the transfer case. For additional information, refer to TRANSFER CASE-POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) .
Remove the RH intermediate shaft and the LH halfshaft. For additional information, refer to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
Remove the transaxle front support insulator bracket.
1. Remove the through-bolt.
2. Remove the transaxle front support insulator.
3. Remove the 3 bolts.
4. Remove the transaxle front support insulator bracket.
  
  Fig 15: Identifying Transaxle Front Support Insulator Bracket
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the exhaust outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM .

WARNING: Secure the transaxle to the transmission jack with a safety chain. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Position the transmission jack under the transaxle. Raise and support the transaxle.
Remove the remaining 6 transaxle-to-engine bolts.
Remove the transaxle.