GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Transmission Replacement M15

Tools Required

    • J 35944-A Transmission Oil Cooler and Line Flusher
    • J 37096 Flywheel Holder

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 125802  Size: SH
  1. Remove the push pins from the coolant recovery bottle.
  2. Position aside coolant recovery bottle.
  3. Remove air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 1544831  Size: SH
  5. Remove the automatic transmission range selector cable (1) from the manual shaft (5).
  6. Remove the automatic transmission range selector cable bracket (4). Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Bracket Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 1544750  Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the wiring harness connector (3) from the transaxle.
  9. Remove the wiring harness retainer from the side cover.

  10. Object Number: 1544754  Size: SH
  11. Remove the top 4 bell housing bolts (1, 2, 3) and stud (4).
  12. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
  13. Remove the frame. Refer to Front Frame Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 289471  Size: SH
  15. Remove the torque converter inspection cover. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement .

  16. Object Number: 309963  Size: SH
  17. Use J 37096 in order to gain access to the torque converter bolts and prevent the flywheel from turning.

  18. Object Number: 160984  Size: SH
  19. Remove the torque converter bolts.
  20. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor.
  21. Remove the right and left axle shafts from the transmission. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  22. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose Replacement .
  23. Position the transmission jack under the transaxle.
  24. Remove the transaxle brace. Refer to Transmission Brace Replacement .

  25. Object Number: 1544754  Size: SH
  26. Remove the lower transaxle bolt (6) and stud (5).
  27. Remove the transaxle from the vehicle.
  28. Important: Use J 35944-A or equivalent to flush the following components whenever the transaxle is removed for overhaul or whenever the torque converter pump or the case is replaced:

  29. Flush the transaxle oil cooler pipes and the transaxle oil cooler.
  30. Transfer all necessary parts as needed.

Installation Procedure

  1. Align the transaxle filler tube to the transmission and Install the transaxle into the vehicle.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1544754  Size: SH
  3. Install the lower transaxle bolt (6) and stud (5).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and stud to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

  5. Install the transaxle brace. Refer to Transmission Brace Replacement .
  6. Connect the transmission cooler lines. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose Replacement .
  7. Install the right and left axle shafts into the transaxle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  8. Connect the vehicle speed sensor.

  9. Object Number: 160984  Size: SH
  10. Install the torque converter bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 63 N·m (46 lb ft).


    Object Number: 289471  Size: SH
  12. Install the torque converter inspection cover. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement .
  13. Install the frame. Refer to Front Frame Replacement .
  14. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Lower vehicle.
  16. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .

  17. Object Number: 1544754  Size: SH
  18. Install the upper transaxle bolts (1, 2, 3) and stud (4).
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and stud to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1544750  Size: SH
  20. Connect the wiring harness (3) to the transaxle.

  21. Object Number: 1544831  Size: SH
  22. Install the transmission range selector cable bracket (4). Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Bracket Replacement .
  23. Install the automatic transmission range selector cable (1) on the manual shaft (5).
  24. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement .

  25. Object Number: 125802  Size: SH
  26. Install the coolant recovery bottle.
  27. Notice: Do NOT overfill the transaxle. The overfilling of the transaxle causes foaming, loss of fluid, shift complaints, and possible damage to the transaxle.

  28. Adjust the fluid level. Refer to Transmission General Specifications and Fluid Capacity Specifications .
  29. Important: It is recommended the ate 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, PCM, or TCM will need to relearn TAP values. Transmission performance may be affected as new TAP values are learned.

  30. Reset the TAP values. Refer to Transmission Adaptive Functions .
  31. Inspect for fluid leaks.