Part 2
Transaxle - 3.5LInstallation (Steps 28-61)
AWD vehicles
28. Using the special tool, install the halfshaft in the wheel hub.
29. Install a new front wheel hub nut.
^ Tighten to 255 Nm (185 lb-ft).
All vehicles
30. Install the LH halfshaft.
31. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
Position the sway bar links in the struts and install the nuts.
^ Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
32. Position the Y-pipe in place and install the 6 Y-pipe nuts.
^ Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
33. Install the LH front structure to subframe splash shield and install the pin-type retainers.
34. Position the LH fender splash shield in place and install the 4 screws.
35. Position the RH front structure-to-subframe splash shield in place and install the 6 pin-type retainers.
36. Position the RH fender splash shield in place and install the 4 screws.
37. Apply Threadlock(R) to the threads and install the transaxle support insulator bracket, the 2 nuts and the bolt.
^ Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
38. Using the special tool, raise the transaxle. Apply Threadlock(R) to the threads and install the transaxle support insulator through bolt.
^ Tighten to 130 Nm (96 lb-ft).
39. Remove the special tools.
40. Remove the special tool from the LH cylinder head.
41. Install the 4 upper transaxle-to-engine bolts.
^ Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
42. Install the starter and the 2 bolts.
^ Tighten to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft).
43. Connect the 2 starter motor electrical connectors and position back the electrical terminal cover.
^ Tighten the larger nut to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
^ Tighten the smaller nut to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
44. Position the 2 ground straps in place and install the 2 ground strap bolts.
^ Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
45. Connect the wiring harness fasteners on the torque converter housing stud bolt and the starter motor.
46. Connect the transmission control module (TCM) electrical connector.
47. Position the selector lever cable in place and install the 2 bolts and the nut.
^ Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
48. Connect the selector lever cable end.
49. Remove the transmission fluid fill plug.
50. Fill the transaxle with clean transmission fluid.
51. Install the transmission fluid fill plug.
^ Tighten to 39 Nm (29 lb-ft).
52. Install the upper intake manifold.
53. Install the air cleaner and outlet tube. For additional information, refer to Fuel Delivery and Air Induction.
54. Install the battery tray and the battery.
55. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator and make sure that the transaxle has transmission fluid in it.
56. With the transaxle in PARK, the vehicle on a level surface, the engine at idle (680-780 rpm) and foot pressed on the brake, move the selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever back in the PARK position.
57. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator cap and remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
58. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
59. NOTE: In order to get an accurate transmission fluid level reading the vehicle should be on a level surface. Idle the engine to reach the normal operating temperature. Using the scan tool, verify that the transaxle is at normal operating temperature 60°C-70°C (140°F-158°F), prior to adjusting the transmission fluid level.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission fluid fill plug located on the top of the transaxle near the transmission fluid level indicator. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. Install the transmission fluid level indicator back in the transmission fluid filler tube until it is fully seated, then remove the indicator. The transmission fluid level should be at the upper most mark on the transmission fluid level indicator. Only fill to the upper most mark on the transmission fluid level indicator. Do not overfill. Damage to the transaxle will occur.
60. NOTE: The correct transmission fluid level at normal operating temperature of 60°C-70°C (140°F-158°F), is between the top 2 marks on the transmission fluid level indicator.
Fill the transaxle to the correct transmission fluid level.
61. NOTE: The correct transmission fluid level at cold operating temperature of 15°C-25°C (59°F-77°F), is at the bottom mark on the transmission fluid level indicator.
If the transmission fluid temperature is low, fill the transaxle with transmission fluid to the cold range on the transmission fluid level indicator. Recheck the transmission fluid level when the transaxle has reached the normal operating temperature.
