GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 42386-A Flywheel Holding Tool
    • EN-48536 Frame Support Tool (Engine Lower 65 mm Kit)

Removal Procedure

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

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  2. Remove air intake ducting from engine.
  3. Remove radiator retaining clips.
  4. Disconnect the EVAP purge pipe.
  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 air deflector front (1). Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement.
  8. Remove the splash shield.

  9. Object Number: 1958702  Size: SH
  10. Remove the transmission manual shift shaft nut (3).
  11. Disconnect the shift linkage (1) from the transmission shift shaft (2).

  12. Object Number: 1954252  Size: SH
  13. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connector (1) from the transmission by rotating the locking latch (2) counter-clockwise.

  14. Object Number: 1954249  Size: SH
  15. Disconnect the wiring harness clips from the transmission, and position the wiring harness aside.

  16. Object Number: 1954042  Size: SH
  17. Remove the starter motor (2) to gain access to the torque converter bolts. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.
  18. Mark the torque converter to flexplate/flywheel orientation to make sure proper realignment.
  19. Repeat the following steps for all 3 torque converter bolts:
  20. 15.1. Rotate the harmonic balancer centre bolt clockwise ONLY, in order to align the torque converter bolt with the starter motor opening in the engine block.
    15.2. Remove and discard the torque converter bolt. The bolt is self locking and is NOT reusable.
  21. Using inspection hole push torque converter back towards transmission pump
  22. Place an oil drain pan under the transmission fluid cooler pipes.
  23. Remove the bolt securing the transmission fluid cooler pipes brace to the engine.

  24. Object Number: 1954254  Size: SH
  25. Disconnect the fluid cooler pipes from the transmission.
  26. Plug the open outlet ports to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
  27. Disconnect the steering shaft from the steering rack

  28. Object Number: 1708215  Size: SH
  29. Remove the engine close out cover studs and cover.
  30. Note: The engine mounts must NOT bend or deflect from the vertical position, damage to the mount will occur.

  31. Support the power train with a suitable jack or table.
  32. Using special tool XX lower engine and transmission assembly 65 mm.
  33. Support the transmission with a suitable jack.

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

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

  40. Object Number: 1954234  Size: SH
  41. Remove all four 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.
  42. Install in till 65 mm is measured between bolt heads (1) and transmission mount (2).
  43. Remove front sub frame middle bolts.
  44. Lower power train slowly until the subframe and transmission mount are resting on bolts.

  45. Object Number: 1955613  Size: SH
  46. Insert 65 mm spacer blocks (1) between subframe (2) and chassis rails (3).
  47. Tension front sub frame front and rear bolts and tighten to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).
  48. Install and tension middle sub frame bolts and tighten to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).
  49. Remove supporting jack or table

  50. Object Number: 1955614  Size: SH
  51. Install engine support plate (1) to front sub frame (2).
  52. Tension plate securing bolts (3) and tighten to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  53. Object Number: 1562780  Size: SH
  54. Remove the transmission bolts.
  55. Pull the transmission free from the engine dowels.
  56. Note: Ensure clearance is maintained between the transmission and the following:

       • The catalytic converters
       • The wiring harnesses
       • The cooler pipes
       • The propeller shaft

  57. Carefully lower the transmission from the vehicle.
  58. Flush the transmission oil cooler. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test

Installation Procedure

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

    Note: Ensure clearance is maintained between the transmission and the following:

       • The catalytic converters
       • The wiring harnesses
       • The cooler pipes
       • The propeller shaft

  1. Using the transmission jack, carefully raise the transmission to the vehicle.
  2. Align the transmission with the engine dowels.
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1562780  Size: SH
  4. Install the side transmission bolts and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
  5. Install transmission bolts.

  6. Object Number: 1708215  Size: SH
  7. Install the engine close out cover and studs and tighten to 10 N·m (89 lb in).
  8. Raise the powertrain back up into the engine bay and tighten front sub frame retaining bolts.
  9. • Tighten the retaining bolts to 160 N·m (118 lb ft)
    • Tighten the front four bolts to 240 N·m (177 lb ft)
  10. Install the steering shaft to the steering rack.

  11. Object Number: 1954254  Size: SH

    Note: Replace the O-rings if cracked, cut, or distorted.

  12. Lubricate the O-rings with automatic transmission fluid.
  13. Install the O-rings onto the cooler pipes prior to inserting the cooler pipes into the transmission.
  14. Insert the transmission fluid cooler pipes into the transmission.
  15. Install the bolt securing the transmission fluid cooler pipe retainer to the transmission and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  16. Object Number: 1951057  Size: SH
  17. Install the bolt securing the transmission fluid cooler pipes brace to the engine and tighten to 22 N·m(17 lb ft).

  18. Object Number: 1954042  Size: SH
  19. Align the torque converter to flexplate/flywheel orientation marks made during the removal procedure.
  20. Note: Torque converter bolts are self locking and must be replaced with NEW torque converter bolts every time the bolts are removed.

  21. Repeat the following steps for all 3 torque converter bolts:
  22. 14.1. Rotate the harmonic balancer centre bolt clockwise ONLY, in order to align the torque converter bolt holes in the flexplate/flywheel with the starter motor opening in the engine block.
    14.2. To aid in alignment of the torque converter to the flexplate/flywheel. Install all 3 NEW torque converter bolts before fully tightening to 63 N·m (46 lb ft).
  23. Install the starter motor (2). Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.
  24. Install the air deflector front (1). Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement.

  25. Object Number: 1954249  Size: SH
  26. Connect the wiring harness clips to the transmission.

  27. Object Number: 1954252  Size: SH
  28. Connect the transmission wiring harness connector (1) to the transmission by rotating the locking latch (2) clockwise.
  29. Install the propeller shaft coupler to the transmission flange. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.

  30. Object Number: 1958702  Size: SH
  31. Place the transmission in the park position by rotating the shift shaft fully counter clockwise.
  32. Connect the shift linkage to the transmission.
  33. Install the transmission manual shift shaft nut and tighten to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).
  34. Check the transmission fluid level (fill if necessary). Refer to Transmission Fluid Check.
  35. Adjust the shift control linkage.
  36. Lower the vehicle.
  37. Connect the EVAP purge pipe.
  38. Install radiator retaining clips.
  39. Install air intake ducting from engine.
  40. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  41. The transmission control module must be programmed with the proper software/calibrations. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS).

Final Test and Inspection

Complete the following procedure after the transmission is installed in the vehicle:

  1. With the ignition OFF or disconnected, crank the engine several times. Listen for any unusual noises or evidence that any parts are binding.
  2. Start the engine and listen for abnormal conditions.
  3. While the engine continues to idle raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  4. Inspect for fluid leaks while the engine is idling.
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Perform a final inspection for the proper fluid level.
  7. Road test the vehicle.