GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2008 🢒 Vibe - FWD 🢒 Preface 🢒 Cautions and Notices 🢒 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 .
  2. Remove the 4 bolts that secure the battery tray, then remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
  3. Remove the air cleaner case assembly.
  4. Remove the cylinder head cover from the engine. Refer to Cylinder Head Cover Removal .

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

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

    8. Object Number: 843646 Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the backup lamp connector.

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

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

    13. Object Number: 843655 Size: SH
  13. Remove the clip and washer (1), then disconnect the shift cable from the transaxle.
  14. Remove the clip (2), then disconnect the shift cable from the bracket.
  15. Remove the starter assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .
  16. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
  17. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  18. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  19. Remove the left and right lower splash shields. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side and to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side .

    20. Object Number: 843914 Size: SH
  20. Remove the exhaust pipe from the vehicle. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
  21. Remove the transaxle drain plug and the oil.
  22. Remove the left and right drive shafts. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  23. Remove the front suspension cross-member. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement .
  24. Support the transaxle with a suitable jack.
  25. Remove the 5 bolts from the left engine mount, then remove the mount from the vehicle.

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

    27. Object Number: 843926 Size: SH
  27. Remove the 6 bolts that secure the transaxle to the engine.
  28. Slightly lower the transaxle.
  29. 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: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


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

    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 nuts.

    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 .
  7. Install the left and right drive shafts. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  8. Install the left and right lower splash shields. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side and to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side .
  9. Install the exhaust pipe in the vehicle. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
  10. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  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 .

    17. Object Number: 843653 Size: SH
  17. Connect the shift cable to the transaxle, then install the clip and the 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 the washer (1).
  20. Connect the shift cable to the bracket, then install the clip (2).
  21. Install the clutch actuator cylinder and the piping.

    22. Object Number: 843646 Size: SH
  22. Connect the backup 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) to 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 the ground cables to the transaxle.

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

  27. Install the battery tray and the 4 bolts.

    28. 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.

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