Tools Required

Important: Before installing the transaxle assembly apply grease around the cup at the center of the torque converter. This will ensure ease of assembly.

Important: Before installing the transaxle assembly measure the distance. The distance should be more than 23 mm (0.906 in). If it is less than 23 mm (0.906 in), the torque converter is improperly installed. Remove the torque converter and properly seat the torque converter onto the input shaft.

1. Install the transaxle to the engine by carefully raising the transaxle using a suitable hydraulic jack making sure no obstructions exist.

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 2 lower transaxle-to-engine bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the lower transaxle-to-engine bolts to 64 N·m (47 lb ft).

3. Install 6 flywheel-to-torque converter bolts into the flywheel.

Tighten
Tighten the flywheel-to-torque converter bolts to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).

4. Install the flywheel access cover into the engine rear end plate.
5. Lower the engine reinforcement brace to the transaxle and the engine. Secure with 5 bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the lower engine reinforcement brace bolts to 64 N·m (47 lb in).

6. Install the hydraulic jack from under the transaxle.
7. Install the front suspension crossmember and the center crossmember to the vehicle. Refer to Crossmember Replacement -- Front Suspension.
8. Install the 2 bolts into the front transaxle mount.

Tighten
Tighten the rear transaxle mount nuts to 57 N·m (42 lb ft).

9. Install the 2 bolts into the front transaxle mount.

Tighten
Tighten the front transaxle mount bolts to 64 N·m (47 lb ft).

10. Install the right and left drive axles into the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
11. Install both front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
12. Install 2 bolts into the left transaxle mounting bracket .

Tighten
Tighten the left transaxle mounting bracket bolts to 56 N·m (41 lb ft).

13. Install the inner and outer fluid cooler hoses to the inner and outer fluid cooler pipes. Secure the pipes with 2 clamps.



14. Install the right and left splash shields (1) to the vehicle. Secure the shields with 12 bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the right and left splash shield bolts to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

15. Install the starter. Refer to Stater Motor Replacement.
16. Install the differential drain plug into the transaxle case.

Tighten
Tighten the differential drain plug to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).

Important: The differential portion of the A131L 3-speed automatic transaxle is separated from the rest of the transaxle and must be drained and refilled separately. The differential portion of the A131L 3-speed automatic transaxle cannot be drained or refilled through the transaxle drain plug or the fluid filler tube. If the differential portion is drained and not refilled as outlined in this procedure, damage to the differential due to lack of lubrication will result.

17. Refill the differential with approximately 1.4 l (1.5 qts) of Dexron®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid GM P/N 12346143, or equivalent, into the differential filler plug hole. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the differential filler plug hole.
18. Install the differential filler plug into the differential cover at the rear of the transaxle.

Tighten
Tighten the differential filler plug to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).




19. Install the transaxle drain plug (2) into the transaxle fluid pan (1).

Tighten
Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Install 1 bolt into the left transaxle mounting bracket.

Tighten
Tighten the left transaxle mounting bracket bolt to 56 N·m (41 lb ft).

22. Install the left transaxle mounting bracket reinforcement onto the transaxle. Secure the transaxle with 2 bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the left transaxle mounting bracket reinforcement bolts to 21 N·m (15 lb ft).

23. Remove J 28467-A .
24. Install the 2 upper transaxle-to engine bolts into the transaxle.

Tighten
Tighten the upper transaxle-to-engine bolts to 64 N·m (47 lb ft).

25. Install the TV cable guide bracket onto the transaxle case. Secure the transaxle case with 1 bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the TV cable guide bracket bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

26. Install the shift select cable into the shift select cable bracket.



27. Install the shift select cable (1) into the manual lever (2). Secure with 1 lock washer and 1 nut (3). Do NOT tighten fully.



28. Adjust the shift select cable (1,2).

Tighten
Tighten the shift select cable nut to 12 N·m (106 lb in).




29. Install the VSS electrical connector to the VSS (2).



30. Install the TV cable into the TV cable bracket (1) and the throttle linkage.
31. Adjust the TV cable. Refer to Automatic Transmission Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment .
32. Tighten the ground strap bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the ground strap bolt to 13 N·m (115 lb in).




33. Install the PNP electrical connector (1) to the PNP switch (2).
34. Install the ACL into the vehicle. Secure the ACL with 3 bolts.

Tighten

•	Tighten the Air Cleaner (ACL) bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

•	Tighten the Air Cleaner (ACL) intake tube clamp.

35. Install the ACL filter and the ACL cover onto the ACL.
36. Install the IAT sensor electrical connector to the IAT sensor.
37. Connect the battery cable.
38. Refill the transaxle, as necessary Refer to Transmission Fluid Check