Part 1
Transaxle - 3.5LSpecial Tool(s) (Part 1):
Special Tool(s) (Part 2):
Removal(Steps 1-25)
All vehicles
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. Remove the battery and battery tray.
3. Remove the air cleaner and the outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to Fuel Delivery and Air Induction.
4. Remove the upper intake manifold.
5. Disconnect the selector lever cable end.
6. Remove the 2 bolts and the nut for the selector lever cable bracket and position the cable and bracket aside.
7. Disconnect the wire harness from the transmission control module (TCM).
8. Disconnect the wiring harness fasteners from the torque converter housing stud bolt and the starter motor.
9. Remove the 2 ground strap bolts and position aside the ground straps.
10. Position the boot back and remove the starter terminals from the starter.
11. Remove the 2 bolts and the starter.
12. Remove the 4 upper torque converter housing bolts.
13. Install the special tool on the LH cylinder head.
14. Install the special tools and support the engine.
15. Remove the transaxle support insulator through bolt.
16. Using the special tools, lower the transaxle and remove the 2 transaxle support insulator bracket nuts, the bolt and the bracket.
17. Remove the 4 screws and position the RH fender splash shield aside.
18. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers and remove the RH front structure to subframe splash shield.
19. Remove the 4 screws and position the LH fender splash shield aside.
20. Remove the pin-type retainers and remove the LH front structure-to-subframe splash shield.
21. Remove the 6 Y-pipe nuts and the Y-pipe assembly.
22. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
Remove the nuts and separate the sway bar links from the struts.
23. If a transaxle exchange or overhaul is required, the transmission fluid must be drained.
^ Remove the transmission drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.
24. If removed, install the transmission fluid drain plug.
^ Tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
25. Remove the LH halfshaft.