Manual Transmission: Removal: Transaxle

Special Tools

Illustration	Tool Name	Tool Number
	Three-Bar Engine Support Kit	303-F072
	Hi-Lift Jack	014-00942

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
2. Remove 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 AND FILTERING - 2.3L .
NOTE: Carefully disconnect the spring clip, it may become detached from the holder.
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.
5. Disconnect the shift cables from the transaxle bracket.
Fig 3: Locating Gearshift Cables From Transaxle Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Install the special tool.
Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (303-F072)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Remove the radio frequency interference capacitor and ground cable bolt.
Fig 5: Locating Radio Frequency Interference Capacitor, Ground Wire And Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the ground wire bolt.
Fig 6: Locating Ground Wire 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 rear support insulator nuts and the transaxle rear support insulator bolt.
    • If one or both of the mount studs are removed or come out, do not reinstall the old stud(s). Install a new stud(s). Make sure the they are properly seated in the case.
12. Remove the 7 bolts and the splash shield, if equipped.
Fig 7: Locating Underbody Cover Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
13. If transmission disassembly is necessary, drain the transmission fluid.
14. Remove the 2 clutch tube bracket bolts.
Fig 8: Locating Clutch Tube Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
15. Remove the 2 bolts and position the clutch slave cylinder aside.
Fig 9: Locating Clutch Slave Cylinder Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
16. Disconnect the reverse lamp switch electrical connector.
17. Loosen the 2 starter motor bolts.
Fig 10: Locating Starter Motor Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
18. Remove the engine roll restrictor.
Fig 11: Locating Engine Roll Restrictor Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
19. Remove the roll restrictor mount bracket.
20. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector.
Fig 12: Locating Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
21. Remove the front subframe. For additional information, refer to UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM .
22. Remove the LH halfshaft from the transaxle. For additional information, refer to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
23. Remove the 2 intermediate shaft support bracket bolts, then remove the RH intermediate shaft from the transaxle.
Fig 13: Locating Intermediate Shaft Support Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
24. Install a transmission jack. Secure the transaxle to the transmission jack with a safety strap.
Fig 14: Identifying Transmission Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
25. Remove the bellhousing-to-oil pan bolt.
Fig 15: Locating Bellhousing-To-Oil Pan Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
26. Remove the 2 oil pan-to-bellhousing bolts.
Fig 16: Locating Oil Pan-To-Bellhousing Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
27. Remove the remaining 7 transaxle-to-engine bolts.
28. Move the transaxle away from the engine and lower it from the vehicle.