GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2003 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Manual Transmission - MK5 🢒 Transmission Replacement

Removal Procedure

    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. Remove the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  2. Remove the 4 battery tray retaining bolts, then remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
  3. Remove the air cleaner case assembly.
  4. Remove the cruise control servo from the vehicle. Refer to Cruise Control Servo Replacement in Cruise Control.
  5. Remove the cylinder head cover from the engine. Refer to Cylinder Head Cover Removal in Engine Mechanical.

    6. Object Number: 843638 Size: SH
  6. Disconnect the wire harness (2) from the transaxle.
  7. Remove the 2 bolts, then disconnect the 2 wire harness brackets (1).

    8. Object Number: 843642 Size: SH
  8. Remove the 2 bolts and ground cables from the transaxle.

    9. Object Number: 843646 Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the back up lamp connector.

    10. Object Number: 843647 Size: SH
  10. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor connector.
  11. Remove the clutch actuator cylinder and piping from the transaxle assembly.

    12. Object Number: 843653 Size: SH
  12. Remove the clip and washer (1), then disconnect the shift cable from the transaxle.
  13. Remove the clip (2), then disconnect the shift cable from the bracket.

    14. Object Number: 843655 Size: SH
  14. Remove the clip and washer (1), then disconnect the shift cable from the transaxle.
  15. Remove the clip (2), then disconnect the shift cable from the bracket.
  16. Remove the starter assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  17. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical.
  18. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  19. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  20. Remove the left and right lower splash shields. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side and Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side in Body Front End.
  21. Remove the exhaust pipe from the vehicle. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  22. Remove the transaxle drain plug and the oil.
  23. Remove the left and right drive shafts. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  24. Remove the front suspension cross-member. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement in Front Suspension.
  25. Support the transaxle with a suitable jack.

    26. Object Number: 843914 Size: SH
  26. Remove the 5 bolts from the left engine mount, then remove the mount from the vehicle.

    27. Object Number: 843921 Size: SH
  27. Remove the 3 bolts from the left engine mount bracket, then remove the bracket from the vehicle.

    28. Object Number: 843926 Size: SH
  28. Remove the 6 transaxle to engine mounting bolts.
  29. Slightly lower the transaxle.
  30. Remove the transaxle from the engine.

Installation Procedure
  1. Align the input shaft with the clutch disc and install the transaxle to the engine.

    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.


    Object Number: 844207 Size: SH
  2. Install the 6 transaxle to engine retaining bolts.

    3. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolts (1) to 64 N·m (47 lb ft).
        • Tighten the bolt (2) to 46 N·m (35 lb ft).
        • Tighten the bolts (3) to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).
  3. Install the left engine mounting bracket to the transaxle with the 3 bolts.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 52 N·m (38 lb ft).

  4. Install the left engine mount with the 5 bolts and nut.

    5. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolts (1) to 52 N·m (38 lb ft).
        • Tighten the bolt (2) to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).
  5. Lower the jack from the transaxle.
  6. Install the front suspension cross-member. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement in Front Suspension.
  7. Install the left and right drive shafts. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  8. Remove the left and right lower splash shields. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side and Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side in Body Front End.
  9. Install the exhaust pipe in the vehicle. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  10. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Install the drain plug with a new gasket.

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

  12. Fill the transaxle with 1.9L (2.0 Qts) of API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or equivalent.
  13. Install the fill plug with a new gasket.

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the fill plug to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).

  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Remove the engine support fixture.
  16. Install the starter assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

    17. Object Number: 843653 Size: SH
  17. Connect the shift cable to the transaxle, then install the clip and washer (1).
  18. Connect the shift cable to the bracket, then install the clip (2).

    19. Object Number: 843655 Size: SH
  19. Connect the shift cable to the transaxle, then install the clip and washer (1).
  20. Connect the shift cable to the bracket, then install the clip (2).
  21. Install the clutch actuator cylinder and piping.

    22. Object Number: 843646 Size: SH
  22. Connect the back up lamp connector.

    23. Object Number: 843647 Size: SH
  23. Connect the vehicle speed sensor connector.

    24. Object Number: 843638 Size: SH
  24. Connect the wire harness (2) from the transaxle.
  25. Connect the 2 wire harness brackets (1), then install the 2 bolts.

    26. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


    Object Number: 843642 Size: SH
  26. Install the 2 bolts and ground cables to the transaxle.

    27. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 13 N·m (10 lb ft).

  27. Install the cruise control servo in the vehicle. Refer to Cruise Control Servo Replacement in Cruise Control.
  28. Install the battery tray and the 4 bolts.

    29. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 13 N·m (10 lb ft).

    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.

  29. Install the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  30. Install the air cleaner case assembly.
  31. Install the cylinder head cover in the engine. Refer to Cylinder Head Cover Removal in Engine Mechanical.