GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 21366 Converter Holding Strap
    • J 44257 Connector Removal Tool

Removal Procedure

Note: If replacing a failed transmission, the "FastLearn" (adapt) procedure must be performed. This can be done in one step using a scan tool. If this procedure is not done, the transmission control module's (TCM's) adaptive values will still be at the settings that it learned for the old transmission, and will be in slow adaptive mode. Under these conditions, it would take an unacceptably long time for the adaptive values to converge to levels suitable for the new transmission.

  1. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
  2. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.

  3. Object Number: 702519  Size: SH

    Note: Rotate the engine clockwise ONLY, rotating the engine counterclockwise may loosen the crankshaft balancer bolt.

  4. Rotate the engine clockwise, using the crankshaft bolt in order to access the torque converter bolts through the starter opening. Have an assistant rotate the engine while aligning the bolts.
  5. Remove the torque converter bolts.
  6. Completely raise the vehicle.
  7. Drain the transmission fluid.

  8. Object Number: 1826778  Size: SH
  9. Remove the range selector cable heat shield bolts.
  10. Remove the range selector cable heat shield.

  11. Object Number: 1826780  Size: SH
  12. Remove the range selector cable end from the transmission range selector lever stud.

  13. Object Number: 1826779  Size: SH
  14. Remove the shift cable bracket bolts and bracket from the transmission.
  15. Position the bracket with the cable attached out of the way.

  16. Object Number: 702521  Size: SH
  17. Remove the fuel line retainer (1) bolts on the left side of the transmission.

  18. Object Number: 702523  Size: SH
  19. Remove the fuel line bracket nut from the converter housing stud.

  20. Object Number: 1257741  Size: SH
  21. Disconnect the electrical connectors on the transmission and transfer case, if equipped.

  22. Object Number: 659284  Size: SH
  23. Disconnect the transmission main electrical connector. J 44257 may be used, but is not required.
  24. Remove the transmission heat shield. Refer to Transmission Heat Shield Replacement.

  25. Object Number: 694239  Size: SH
  26. Remove the exhaust hanger bolts and reposition the hanger.
  27. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
  28. Two wheel drive vehicles remove the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  29. Two wheel drive vehicles, remove the transmission support. Refer to Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement.
  30. Two wheel drive vehicles, remove the transmission mount from the transmission. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement.
  31. Four wheel drive vehicles, remove the transfer case. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
  32. • If equipped with a NQG, refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement.
    • If equipped with a NQF, refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement.
  33. Reposition any wiring harness branches out of the way.

  34. Object Number: 702527  Size: SH
  35. Secure a safety chain around the transmission. Use care not to overlap any wiring, fuel lines, or other related components.

  36. Object Number: 686709  Size: SH
  37. Disconnect the transmission oil cooler lines (1, 2) from the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection.
  38. Plug the transmission oil cooler line fittings in the transmission case, if necessary.
  39. If the vehicle is equipped with a power take off (PTO) unit , disconnect and/or remove any necessary components to facilitate transmission removal.

  40. Object Number: 702776  Size: SH
  41. Remove the transmission fill tube nuts from the converter housing studs.

  42. Object Number: 702529  Size: SH
  43. Remove the wire harness/vent tube bracket nut from the converter housing stud and reposition the bracket.

  44. Object Number: 686685  Size: SH
  45. Remove the remaining converter housing bolts and studs.
  46. Separate the transmission from the engine.

  47. Object Number: 702530  Size: SH
  48. Install J 21366 to the converter housing in order to keep the torque converter from sliding off of the turbine shaft.
  49. Carefully lower the transmission from the vehicle while simultaneously removing the fill tube.
  50. Remove the J 21366 .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 702530  Size: SH
  1. Install J 21366 to the converter housing in order to keep the torque converter from sliding off of the turbine shaft.
  2. Raise the transmission into place while simultaneously installing the transmission fill tube.
  3. Remove the J 21366

  4. Object Number: 686685  Size: SH

    Note: Do not install the transmission by drawing it to the engine using the studs and bolts.

  5. Align the transmission with the engine using the alignment dowels located at the rear of the engine.
  6. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

    Note: Ensure that the torque converter can be rotated before tightening the bolts and studs.

  7. Install the converter housing bolts and studs.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts/studs to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 702529  Size: SH
  9. Install the wire harness/vent tube bracket and nut to the converter housing stud.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 702776  Size: SH
  11. Install the transmission fill tube and nuts to the converter housing studs.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).

  13. If the vehicle is equipped with a PTO unit, connect and/or install the components at this time.

  14. Object Number: 702527  Size: SH
  15. Remove the safety chain from around the transmission.
  16. Four wheel drive vehicles install the transfer case, transmission support and propeller shafts. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
  17. • If equipped with a NQG, refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement.
    • If equipped with a NQF, refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement.
  18. Two wheel drive vehicles, install the transmission mount to the transmission. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement.
  19. Two wheel drive vehicles, install the transmission support. Refer to Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement.
  20. Two wheel drive vehicles, install the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement.

  21. Object Number: 694239  Size: SH
  22. Position the exhaust hanger and install the bolts.
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  24. Install the transmission heat shield. Refer to Transmission Heat Shield Replacement.
  25. Position the wiring harness branches.

  26. Object Number: 702524  Size: SH
  27. Connect the transmission main electrical connector (2).

  28. Object Number: 1257741  Size: SH
  29. Connect the electrical connectors on the transmission and transfer case, if equipped.

  30. Object Number: 702523  Size: SH
  31. Install the fuel line bracket and nut to the transmission converter housing stud.
  32. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 702521  Size: SH
  33. Install the fuel line retainer (1) and bolts to the left side of the transmission.
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 1826779  Size: SH
  35. Install the shift cable bracket and bolts to the transmission.
  36. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1826780  Size: SH
  37. Install the range selector cable end to the transmission range selector lever stud.

  38. Object Number: 1826778  Size: SH
  39. Install the range selector cable heat shield.
  40. Note: Install bolts by hand then mechanically tighten the front bolt first and the rear bolt last. Failure to tighten the bolts in the specified order will result in misalignment of the heat shield.

  41. Install the range selector cable heat shield bolts.
  42. Tighten

        • Tighten the front bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
        • Tighten the rear bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

    Object Number: 713136  Size: SH
  43. Remove the access hole cover (1) on the converter housing in order to rotate the converter and align the first torque converter bolt.

  44. Object Number: 702519  Size: SH
  45. If reusing the torque converter bolts, clean the bolt threads and apply LOCTITE 242 GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489), or equivalent to the threads prior to installation.
  46. Install the torque converter bolts.
  47. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  48. Install the converter housing access hole cover.
  49. Install the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.

  50. Object Number: 686709  Size: SH
  51. Remove the plugs from the transmission oil cooler line fittings in the transmission case, if necessary.
  52. Flush the transmission oil cooler and lines, if necessary. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test.
  53. Connect the transmission oil cooler lines (1, 2) to the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection.
  54. Lower the vehicle.
  55. Install the cooling fan and shroud. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement.
  56. Connect both negative battery cables. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  57. Fill the transmission with new transmission fluid.
  58. Install the transmission fluid level indicator.
  59. If a replacement transmission was installed, perform the "FastLearn" procedure using a scan tool. Refer to FastLearn Procedure.