Manual Transaxle/Transmission: Removal: Transaxle

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.	Three-Bar Engine Support Kit 303-F072
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.	Hi-Lift Jack 014-00942

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
2. Remove battery and the battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
3. Remove the air cleaner assembly. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING - 2.3L .
CAUTION: Carefully disconnect the spring clip.
4. Disconnect the gearshift cables from the shift mechanism.
   • Pull the spring clip out of the groove. Lift upward to rotate the clip 90 degrees.
     Fig 1: Pulling Spring Clip Out Of Groove (1 Of 2)

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
     Fig 2: Pulling Spring Clip Out Of Groove (2 Of 2)

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Carefully pry the retainer on the shift cable. Do not damage the shift cable retainers.
Fig 3: Locating Shift Cables
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Disconnect the shift cables from the transaxle bracket.
6. Install the special tool.
   Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Remove the ground wire bolt.
   Fig 5: Locating Ground Wire Bolt

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the radio frequency interference capacitor and ground cable bolt.
   Fig 6: Locating Radio Frequency Interference Capacitor And Ground Cable Bolt

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Detach the wire harness from the transaxle.
10. Remove the 3 upper transaxle-to-engine bolts.
11. Remove the transaxle mount.
    • If the mount studs are removed or come out, do not reinstall the old stud. Install a new stud. Make sure the stud is properly seated in the case.
      Fig 7: Identifying Transaxle Mount Studs

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Raise the vehicle.
13. Remove the 7 bolts and the splash shield, if equipped.
    Fig 8: Locating Bolts And Splash Shield

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
14. If transmission disassembly is necessary, drain the transmission fluid.
15. Remove the clutch tube bracket bolts.
    Fig 9: Locating Clutch Tube Bracket Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
16. Remove the bolts and position the clutch slave cylinder aside.
    Fig 10: Locating Clutch Slave Cylinder Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
17. Disconnect the reverse lamp switch electrical connector.
18. Loosen the starter motor bolts.
    Fig 11: Locating Starter Motor Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
19. Remove the engine roll restrictor.
    Fig 12: Locating Engine Roll Restrictor Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
20. Remove the roll restrictor mount bracket.
21. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector.
    Fig 13: Locating VSS Electrical Connector

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
22. Remove the front subframe. For additional information, refer to UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM .
23. Remove the LH halfshaft from the transaxle. For additional information, refer to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
24. Remove the 2 intermediate shaft support bracket bolts, then remove the RH intermediate shaft from the transaxle.
    Fig 14: Locating Intermediate Shaft Support Bracket Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
WARNING: Secure the transaxle to the transmission jack with a safety strap.
Fig 15: Identifying Transmission Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
25. Install a transmission jack.
26. Remove the bellhousing-to-oil pan bolt.
    Fig 16: Locating Bellhousing-To-Oil Pan Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
27. Remove the 2 oil pan-to-bellhousing bolts.
    Fig 17: Locating Oil Pan-To-Bellhousing Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
28. Remove the remaining 7 transaxle-to-engine bolts.
29. Move the transaxle away from the engine and lower it from the vehicle.