Removal and Installation

REMOVAL
Transaxle removal does NOT require engine removal.
The transaxle and torque converter must be removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque converter drive plate, pump bushing or oil seal may be damaged. The drive plate will not support a load; therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should be allowed to rest on the drive plate during removal.

Fig. 88:

1. Disconnect battery negative cable at left strut tower (Fig. 88).
2. Remove air cleaner duct.

Fig. 89:

3. Remove Transmission Control Module (TCM) and wiring (Fig. 89).

Fig. 90:

4. Remove solenoid pack connector (Fig. 90).
5. Remove dipstick tube.

Fig. 91:

6. Remove transaxle cooler lines (Fig. 91).

Fig. 92:

Fig. 93:

7. Remove shift cable at lever and at clamp on transaxle (Fig. 92) (Fig. 93).

Fig. 94:

8. Install engine support fixture and support engine (Fig. 94).

Fig. 95:

9. Remove left upper transaxle mount top bolts (Fig. 95).
10. Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels. Refer to Steering and Suspension to remove wheel hub nuts and both drive shafts.

Fig. 96:

11. Remove left and right side lower splash shields (Fig. 96).

CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be disconnected from the exhaust manifold anytime the engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.

12. Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.

Fig. 97:

13. Remove remaining left upper mount bolts (Fig. 97).
14. Remove engine oil filter.

Fig. 98:

15. Remove starter and wiring (Fig. 98).
16. Remove front motor mount bracket.
17. Remove rear mount bracket through-bolt.
18. Remove center member bolts.
19. Remove rear mount bracket bolts, and remove rear mount bracket.
20. Remove radiator lower crossmember.
21. Remove lateral bending strut brackets (front and rear).
22. Remove flex plate cover.

Fig. 99:

Fig. 100:

23. Rotate engine clockwise to line up converter bolts (Fig. 99). Remove converter bolts (Fig. 100). Mark converter for reassembly ease.
24. Remove crank position sensor (if equipped).
25. Remove transaxle wiring.
26. Loosen right side steering gear bolts. Loosen right side K-frame bolts.

Fig. 101:

27. Remove left side steering gear bolts. Remove left side K-frame bolts (Fig. 101).

Fig. 102:

28. Remove sway bar mounts (Fig. 102).

Fig. 103:

29. Position transmission jack under transaxle and support with safety chain (Fig. 103).
30. Remove upper and lower transaxle bell housing bolts.
31. Move K-frame rearward and carefully lower the transaxle assembly from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. For installation of transaxle, reverse the above procedure.
2. Check and/or adjust gear shift cable.
3. Refill transaxle with Mopar ATF +4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-Type 9602)