Removal
TransmissionSpecial Tool(s):
NOTE: If the transmission is to be removed for a period of time, support the engine with a safety stand and a wood block.
All vehicles
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms can occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The customer needs to be notified that they may experience slightly different upshifts (either soft or firm) and this is a temporary condition that will eventually return to normal operating condition.
Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Battery.
4.0L SOHC vehicles
3. Remove the fluid level indicator tube bolt and remove the tube and indicator.
All vehicles
4. If transmission disassembly is required, drain the transmission fluid.
Four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles
5. Remove the transfer case.
All vehicles
6. To maintain initial driveshaft balance, mark the driveshaft yoke and axle flange so they can be installed in their original alignment.
7. Remove the 4 rear driveshaft bolts.
8. NOTE: Do not use a hammer.
Remove the rear driveshaft from the flange using a pry bar.
9. Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starting System.
2.3L engine
10. CAUTION: When removing the torque converter nuts, the crankshaft must be rotated only in the clockwise direction, otherwise engine damage can occur. The crankshaft, crankshaft sprocket and the pulley are fitted together by friction between the flange faces on each part. For that reason, the crankshaft sprocket can also be moved when the crankshaft pulley is turned in the counterclockwise direction.
NOTE: It may be necessary to gain access to the flexplate nuts through the wheel well.
NOTE: Mark the torque converter and the flexplate for correct alignment at reinstallation.
Remove and discard the 4 torque converter nuts.
^ Rotate the flexplate to access all the nuts.
3.0L and 4.0L SOHC engines
11. NOTE: Mark the torque converter and the flexplate for correct alignment at reinstallation.
Remove and discard the 4 torque converter nuts.
^ Rotate the flexplate to access all the nuts.
All vehicles
12. Remove the transmission selector lever cable from the manual control lever.
13. Remove the selector lever cable clip, and remove the cable from the bracket.
14. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness from the case.
1. Remove the wiring harness from the selector lever cable bracket.
2. Remove the selector lever cable retainer from the case.
15. Remove the selector lever bracket from the transmission.
16. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness.
1. Disconnect the transmission connector.
2. Disconnect the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
3. Disconnect the digital transmission range (TR) sensor connector.
4. Disconnect the output shaft speed (OSS) sensor.
17. Remove the 3-way catalytic converter. For additional information, refer to Catalytic Converter.
2.3L engine
18. Remove the rear engine cover plate.
All vehicles
19. CAUTION: Care should be taken not to bend or damage the cooler lines.
Hold the case fitting and remove the transmission cooler lines.
20. Remove the nuts.
21. CAUTION: Do not allow the transmission to hang freely.
Position the High-Lift Transmission Jack under the transmission. Raise and support the transmission.
4WD vehicles
22. Remove the crossmember.
1. Remove the 6 bolts (3 each side).
2. Remove the crossmember.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles
23. Remove the crossmember.
^ Remove the 6 bolts (3 each side).
^ Remove the crossmember.
All vehicles
24. Remove the transmission mount.
1. Remove the screws.
2. Remove the transmission mount.
25. If equipped, remove the rear vibration damper.
2.3L engine
26. Remove the transmission upper fill tube.
1. Remove the screw.
2. Disconnect the transmission upper fill tube.
27. NOTE: Lower the High-Lift Transmission Jack to gain access to screws.
Remove the screws.
28. Remove the lower screws.
29. Remove the HO2S connector bracket from the transmission.
3.0L engine
30. Remove the transmission upper fill tube.
1. Remove the screw.
2. Disconnect the transmission upper fill tube.
31. NOTE: Lower the High-Lift Transmission Jack to gain access to screws.
Remove the screws.
4.0L engine
32. NOTE: Lower the High-Lift Transmission Jack to gain access to screws.
Remove the screws.
All vehicles
33. WARNING: The torque converter is heavy and may result in injury if it falls out of the transmission. Secure the torque converter in the transmission. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Install the special tool before lowering the transmission from the vehicle.
34. WARNING: Secure the transmission to the transmission jack with a safety chain. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Lower the transmission.
35. Remove the vent tube assembly.
36. If the transmission is being overhauled or if installing a new or remanufactured transmission, carry out transmission fluid cooler backflushing and cleaning.