Transaxle - 2.5L: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE: If the transaxle was overhauled, or if installing a new transaxle and the transmission fluid cooler has not been flushed, flush the transmission fluid cooler at this time. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING . Clean the transaxle-mounted transmission fluid cooler tubes by hand.

Install the transmission fluid cooler tube bracket and the 2 nuts.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
Fig 1: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Bracket And Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid cooler tubes in the transaxle by inserting the tube into the fitting until a click is heard/felt. Pull back to confirm connection is secure and position them in the retainer mounted on the main control cover studbolts.

Fig 2: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the 2 secondary latches.

Fig 3: Locating Secondary Latches
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the transmission fluid cooler tubes in the retainers and close the 2 transmission fluid cooler tube retainers.

Fig 4: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspect the O-ring seal on the transaxle filler tube for damage and install a new O-ring if needed. Lubricate the O-ring seal with clean automatic transmission fluid.

Fig 5: Locating O-Ring Seal On Transaxle Filler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the transmission fluid cooler tube in place and install the vent tube.

Fig 6: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid filler tube nut.
- Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
Fig 7: Locating Transmission Fluid Filler Tube Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid level indicator.

Fig 8: Locating Transmission Fluid Level Indicator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a transmission jack, secure the transaxle using a safety strap.
Prior to installing the transaxle, apply multi-purpose grease to the torque converter pilot hub.

Fig 9: Locating Torque Converter Pilot Hub
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the transaxle into the engine compartment.

Fig 10: Identifying Transaxle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the Torque Converter Retainer.

Fig 11: Identifying Torque Converter Retainer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Make sure that the dowel pins are installed in the engine block prior to installing the transaxle.

Position the transaxle on the dowel pins.
NOTE: Note the location of the different length bolts.

Install the 4 front torque converter housing bolts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
Fig 12: Locating Front Torque Converter Housing Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the 3 rear torque converter housing bolts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
Fig 13: Locating Rear Torque Converter Housing Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the transmission jack.
Connect the transmission fluid cooler tubes by inserting the tube into the fitting until a click is heard/felt. Pull back to confirm that the connection is secure.

Fig 14: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid cooler tube secondary latches.

Fig 15: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Secondary Latches
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the Turbine Shaft Speed (TSS) electrical connector.

Fig 16: Locating Turbine Shaft Speed (TSS) Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the transaxle main electrical connector.

Fig 17: Locating Transaxle Main Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Rotate the engine in a clockwise direction only or engine damage will occur.

NOTE: Install new self-locking nuts only.

Install new torque converter nuts.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Fig 18: Locating Torque Converter Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the rubber insulator in the bellhousing.

Fig 19: Locating Rubber Insulator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to STARTING SYSTEM .
Install the LH halfshaft and intermediate shaft. For additional information, refer to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
Install the transaxle support insulator bracket, the 3 nuts and the bolt.
- Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
Fig 20: Locating Transaxle Support Insulator Bracket Nuts And Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lift the transaxle until the transaxle support insulator bracket is aligned with the transaxle support insulator and install the through bolt.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Fig 21: Locating Transaxle Support Insulator Bracket Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the Engine Support Bar.

Fig 22: Identifying Engine Support Bar
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the 2 roll restrictor bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 23: Locating Roll Restrictor Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the subframe. For additional information, refer to UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM .
Install the 3 top torque converter housing bolts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
Fig 24: Locating Top Torque Converter Housing Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the wiring harness retainers to the main control cover studbolts.

Fig 25: Locating Transaxle Electrical Wiring Harness Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the selector lever cable bracket in place and install the 2 nuts.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
Fig 26: Locating Selector Lever Cable Bracket Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the selector lever cable end to the manual control lever with the manual control lever and selector lever in DRIVE. Check selector lever cable adjustment. For additional information, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION EXTERNAL CONTROLS - AISIN AW21/6F35 .

Fig 27: Locating Selector Lever Cable End
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the battery and battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
Install the Air Cleaner (ACL) and the outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING - 2.5L .
Fill the transaxle with clean transmission fluid.

Fig 28: Locating Transmission Fluid Level Indicator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Start the engine and let it run for 3 minutes. Move the range selector lever into each gear position. Check the transmission fluid level, making sure that the transmission fluid is at the correct level.