GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Firefly (Canada) 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Manual Transmission - 5 Speed-Suzuki 🢒 Transaxle Side Cover Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan or a suitable container under the transaxle.

    3. Object Number: 179979 Size: SH
  3. Remove the transaxle oil level/filler plug (1) from the transaxle.
  4. Remove engine coolant bolt and pipe.
  5. Use a 10 mm hex head socket or a wrench in order to remove the transaxle drain plug (2) from the transaxle.
  6. Drain the transaxle oil.

    7. Object Number: 179989 Size: SH
  7. Remove the following components from the vehicle:
    8. • The five retaining clips
    • The left splash shield

    Notice: If the transaxle side cover is frozen to the left case, tap around the side cover with a rubber mallet until the side cover is free of the left case. DO NOT attempt to pry the side cover away from the left case with metal tools or damage to the left case and side cover mating surfaces could result.

  8. Remove the following components from the left case (3):
    9. •  The Eight bolts
    • The 2 studs
    • The transaxle side cover (1)
  9. Clean the transaxle side cover mating surfaces.
  10. Inspect the transaxle side cover mating surfaces (2) for damage or distortion.
  11. Replace the transaxle side cover if necessary.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 179989 Size: SH
  1. Apply GM P/N 12346240 or the equivalent to the transaxle side cover mating surfaces (2).

    2. 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.

  2. Install the transaxle side cover (1) to the left case (3).

    3. Use the eight transaxle side cover bolts in order to secure the transaxle side cover.

    Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle side cover bolts in a diagonal pattern to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  3. Install the left splash shield to the vehicle.

    4. Use five retaining clips in order to secure the left splash shield.


    Object Number: 179979 Size: SH
  4. Apply GM P/N 12346004 or the equivalent to the threaded position of the transaxle drain plug.
  5. Install the transaxle drain plug (2) into the transaxle.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 21 N·m (15 lb ft).

  6. Add approximately 2.4 liters (2.5 qts) of Castrol® Syntorq Transmission Fluid GM P/N 12346190, or the equivalent, into the transaxle oil level/filler plug hole.

    7. The oil level should be even with the bottom of the transaxle oil level/filler plug hole.

  7. Apply GM P/N 12346004 or the equivalent to the transaxle oil level/filler plug threads.
  8. Install the transaxle oil level/filler plug (1) into the transaxle.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle oil level/filler plug to 21 N·m (15 lb ft).

  9. Remove the drain pan from under the transaxle.
  10. Lower the vehicle.