GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 21366 Converter Holding Strap

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Drain the transmission fluid if necessary. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement .
  4. Remove the rear propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  5. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
  6. Remove the nuts securing the transmission mount to the transmission support.
  7. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the transmission support to the frame.

  8. Object Number: 680767  Size: SH
  9. Raise the transmission slightly and remove the transmission support from the vehicle.
  10. Remove the exhaust crossover pipe assembly. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  11. If the vehicle is equipped with a transfer case, remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  12. Lower the transmission to gain access to the top and sides of the transmission.
  13. Disconnect the vent tube hose and the electrical connections from the transfer case, if equipped.
  14. Remove the transmission mount bolts.

  15. Object Number: 648001  Size: SH
  16. Remove the transmission mount.
  17. Remove the transfer case, if equipped. Refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement in Transfer Case - NVG 236/246-NP8.
  18. Remove the shift cable end from the transmission shift lever ball stud and the pan rail bracket. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement .

  19. Object Number: 394459  Size: SH
  20. Remove the transmission heat shield.
  21. Disconnect the transmission vent hose, the park/neutral position switch connector, and the main electrical connector from the transmission. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement .

  22. Object Number: 396800  Size: SH
  23. Remove the bolt that secures the fuel line bracket to the left side of the transmission.
  24. Remove the torque converter access plug.
  25. Remove the flywheel to torque converter bolts. Refer to Flywheel to Torque Converter Bolt Replacement .
  26. Disconnect the transmission oil cooler lines from the transmission. Refer to Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .
  27. Plug the transmission oil cooler line connectors in the transmission case.

  28. Object Number: 394446  Size: SH
  29. Remove the six studs and one bolt securing the transmission to the engine.
  30. Install the J 21366 onto the transmission bell housing to retain the torque converter.
  31. Pull the transmission straight back.
  32. Remove the transmission from the vehicle.
  33. Flush the transmission oil cooler and cooling lines before reinstalling the transmission if necessary. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the J 21366 onto the transmission bell housing to retain the torque converter.
  2. Raise the transmission into place and remove the J 21366 from the transmission.
  3. Slide the transmission straight onto the locating pins while lining up the marks on the flywheel and the torque converter made during removal.
  4. The torque converter must be flush onto the flywheel and rotate freely by hand.


    Object Number: 394446  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install six studs and one bolt securing the transmission to the engine.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the studs and the bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  7. Connect the transmission oil cooler lines to the transmission. Refer to Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .
  8. Install the flywheel to torque converter bolts. Refer to Flywheel to Torque Converter Bolt Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 408374  Size: SH
  10. Install the torque converter access plug.

  11. Object Number: 396800  Size: SH
  12. Install the transmission vent hose, fuel lines, and the wiring harness to the transmission.

  13. Object Number: 394459  Size: SH
  14. Install the two bolts securing the heat shield to the transmission.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

  16. Install the shift cable end to the transmission shift lever ball stud. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement .
  17. Install the transfer case, if equipped. Refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement in Transfer Case - NVG 236/246-NP8.
  18. Connect the vent tube hose and the electrical connections to the transfer case, if equipped.
  19. Install the exhaust crossover pipe assembly. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.

  20. Object Number: 648001  Size: SH
  21. Install the transmission mount.
  22. Install the two bolts securing the transmission mount to the transmission.
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and nut to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 680767  Size: SH
  24. Install the transmission support to the vehicle.
  25. Install the nuts and bolts securing the transmission support to the frame.
  26. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and nut to 46 N·m (35 lb ft).

  27. Install the nuts securing the transmission mount to the transmission support.
  28. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 46 N·m (35 lb ft).

  29. Remove the transmission jack from the transmission.
  30. If equipped with a transfer case, install the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  31. Install the rear propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  32. Lower the vehicle.
  33. Connect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  34. Fill the transmission with approved fluid to the proper level. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement .