Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
3. Remove the shift cable from the shift lever.
4. Remove the shift cable bracket from the transmission case and set aside.
5. Remove the throttle and cruise control cables from their body retainers.
6. Disconnect the transmission electrical connector.
7. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
8. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
9. Remove the inner splash shield.
10. Remove the tie rod end from the knuckle assembly. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
11. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
12. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
13. Remove the drive axle from the transmission. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.

Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear or to the intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control, which could result in an accident and possible personal injury.

14. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
15. Remove the intermediate exhaust hangers.
16. Lower the vehicle.
17. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
18. Remove the three frame-to-body bolts on the left side.
19. Lossen, but do not remove, the right side cradle bolts.
20. Lower the transmission in order to gain access to the case side cover.
21. Remove the transaxle oil cooler hoses at the case. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose Replacement .



22. Remove the case side cover bolts.



23. Remove the case side cover (53).
24. Clean the case and side cover gasket surfaces.

Tools Required

J 36850 Transjel

1. Inspect the case side cover (53) for the following conditions:

•	Damaged or porous gasket sealing surfaces

•	Damaged or porous casting surfaces

•	Damaged or stripped bolt holes

2. Inspect the case side cover gaskets (54, 59) for damage. The gaskets are reusable if they are NOT damaged.



3. Assemble the case side cover inner gasket (59) to the case side cover (53). Use J 36850 on the seal surfaces.
4. Install the case side cover gasket (54) and case side cover (53) onto the case. Make sure the gaskets and electrical connector are positioned correctly.



5. Install case side cover bolt (56) and one side cover to case stud bolt (58) in the locations shown. These bolts will properly locate the case side cover and gasket to the case.

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.

6. Install the remaining bolts as indicated:

•	Nine case side cover bolts (56)

•	Four side cover TORX® head bolts (57)

•	Four side cover to case stud bolts (58)

Tighten
Tighten all bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

7. Install the transaxle oil cooler hoses to the transmission. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose Replacement .
8. Raise the transmission so that the frame bolts can be installed.
9. Install the three frame-to-body bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 112 N·m (83 lb ft).

10. Remove the transmission jack.
11. Install the drive axle to the transmission. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
12. Install the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
13. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
14. Install the tie rod end to the knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
15. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear and the pinch bolt at the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
16. Install the inner splash shield.
17. Install the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
18. Install and tighten the frame bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Remove the engine support fixture..
21. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
22. Install the shift cable bracket from the transmission case and set aside.
23. Install the shift cable from the shift lever.
24. Install the throttle and cruise control cables from their body retainers.
25. Connect the transmission electrical connector.
26. Connect the negative battery cable.
27. Check the fluid level. Refer to Fluid Capacity Specifications
28. Inspect for leaks.
29. Check front end alignment.