Manual Transaxle: 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 article.
2. Remove the battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES article.
3. Remove the air cleaner assembly. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION AND FILTERING - 2.3L article.
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 Splash Shield Bolts
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 And Stud 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 article.
22. Remove the LH halfshaft from the transaxle. For additional information, refer to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS article.
23. Remove the 2 intermediate shaft support bracket bolts, then remove the RH intermediate shaft from the transaxle.
Fig 13: Locating RH Halfshaft Carrier Bearing 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.