Removal And Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Altima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: When removing the transaxle assembly from engine, first remove the crankshaft position sensor from the assembly (with VQ35DE).
Be careful not to damage sensor edge.

Remove battery and bracket.
Remove air cleaner assembly, Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (with QR25DE) or REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (with VQ35DE).
Disconnect terminal cord assembly harness connector and park/neutral position (PNP) switch harness connectors.
Disconnect harness connectors of revolution sensor, ground, vehicle speed sensor, mass air flow sensor, and turbine revolution sensor.
Remove crankshaft position sensor from transaxle (with VQ35DE).
Remove LH mounting bracket from transaxle and body.

Fig 1: Identifying LH Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Disconnect control cable at transaxle side.
Remove drive shafts. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Drain ATF.
Remove push clips and engine undercover.
Disconnect fluid cooler piping.
Remove starter motor from transaxle Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Support engine.
Remove upper transaxle to engine bolts.
Remove front suspension member, Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER .
Remove rear cover plate and bolts securing torque converter to drive plate.
- Rotate crankshaft for access to securing bolts.
Fig 2: Identifying Rear Cover Plate
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Support transaxle with a jack.
Remove lower transaxle to engine bolts.
Lower transaxle while supporting it with a jack.