GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 21366 Converter Holding Strap
    • EN-48536 Frame Support Tool (Engine Lower 65mm Kit)

Removal Procedure

    Important: NEW torque converter bolts will be required each time the torque converter bolts are removed.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .

  2. Object Number: 208423  Size: SH
  3. Remove the transmission fluid filler tube. Refer to Transmission Fluid Filler Tube and Seal Replacement .
  4. Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  6. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  7. Remove the catalytic converter assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side and Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side .
  8. Remove the starter motor from the engine. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 785877  Size: SH
  10. Disconnect the selector lever linkage from the transmission. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement .
  11. Support the rear of the vehicle with a suitable jack.
  12. Remove the torque converter covers. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement .
  13. Important: Mark the position of the flywheel and torque converter positions for realignment during installation.


    Object Number: 208580  Size: SH
  14. Remove the torque converter retaining bolts, then discard the retaining bolts.
  15. Important: The engine mounts must NOT bend or deflect from the vertical position, damage to the mount will occur.

  16. Support the power train with a suitable jack or table.
  17. Using EN-48536 lower engine and transmission assembly 65mm.

  18. Object Number: 1954231  Size: SH
  19. Replace the front sub frame rear bolts and fit bolts from special tool kit EN-48536
  20. Install bolt till stepped shank (1) is 2mm below sub frame (2).

  21. Object Number: 1954233  Size: SH
  22. Replace the front sub frame front bolts and fit bolts from special tool kit EN-48536
  23. Install bolt till stepped shank (1) is 2mm below chassis rail flange (2).

  24. Object Number: 1954234  Size: SH
  25. Remove transmission mount to body bolt and install two bolts from special tool kit in diagonal holes e.g Left hand front and Right hand rear.
  26. Install bolts from special tool EN-48536 until 65mm is measured between bolt heads (1) and transmission mount (2).
  27. Remove front sub frame middle retaining bolts.
  28. Lower power train slowly until the subframe and transmission mount are resting on bolts.

  29. Object Number: 1955613  Size: SH
  30. Insert 65mm spacer blocks (1) between subframe (2) and chassi rails (3).
  31. Tension front sub frame front and rear retaining bolts.
  32. Tighten
    Tighten the retaining bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb. ft).

  33. Install and tension middle sub frame retaining bolts.
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the retaining bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb. ft).

  35. Remove supporting jack or table

  36. Object Number: 1955614  Size: SH
  37. Install engine support plate (1) to front sub frame (2).
  38. Tension plate retaining bolts (3).
  39. Tighten
    Tighten the retaining bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb. in).

  40. Disconnect the transmission oil cooler pipes from the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .

  41. Object Number: 481327  Size: SH
  42. Remove the wiring harness clamp retaining bolt (1) attaching the clamp to the transmission.
  43. Disconnect the transmission 20-way electrical connector (2).
  44. Compress both tabs on the connector and pull straight up; do not pry the connector.

  45. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor electrical connector (3).
  46. Support the transmission using a transmission jack.

  47. Object Number: 208590  Size: SH
  48. Remove the transmission to engine retaining bolts.
  49. Separate the transmission from the engine.
  50. Attach the J 21366 to the transmission.
  51. Lower the transmission from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Important: The engine mounts must NOT bend or deflect from the vertical position, damage to the mount will occur.

  1. Raise the transmission up to the vehicle.
  2. Remove the J 21366 from the transmission.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  4. Align and install the transmission to the engine.
  5. Install the transmission to engine retaining bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission to engine retaining bolts to 38 N·m (28 lb ft).

  7. Raise the powertrain back up into the engine bay and tighten front sub frame retaining bolts.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the retaining bolts to 160 N·m (118 lb. ft.) for the front four bolts and 240 N·m (177 lb ft)


    Object Number: 481327  Size: SH
  9. Connect the vehicle speed sensor electrical connector (3).
  10. Connect the 20-way electrical connector (2).
  11. Install the wiring harness clamp retaining bolt (1) attaching the clamp to the transmission.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the wiring harness clamp retaining bolt (1) to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

  13. Connect the transmission oil cooler pipes to the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 208580  Size: SH
  15. Align the torque converter and flywheel mating marks, then install the New transmission torque converter retaining bolts.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the New transmission torque converter retaining bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).

  17. Install the torque converter covers. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement .

  18. Object Number: 208587  Size: SH
  19. Install the transmission crossmember support. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
  20. Install and adjust the selector lever linkage. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement .
  21. Remove the transmission jack.
  22. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  23. Install the starter motor from the engine. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .
  24. Install the catalytic converter assembly on the vehicle. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side and Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side .
  25. Remove the jack supporting the rear of the vehicle.
  26. Lower the vehicle.
  27. Install the transmission fluid filler tube. Refer to Transmission Fluid Filler Tube and Seal Replacement .
  28. Notice: Refer to General Repair Instructions in the Preface section.

  29. Flush the transmission oil cooler, oil cooler pipes and the hoses. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .
  30. Connect the battery ground cable to the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  31. Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON® VI transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .
  32. Important: It is recommended that transmission adaptive pressure (TAP) information be reset.

    Resetting the TAP values using a scan tool will erase all learned values in all cells. As a result, The ECM or TCM will need to relearn TAP values. Transmission performance may be affected as new TAP values are learned.

  33. Reset the TAP values. Refer to Transmission Adaptive Functions .