Section 1735 (Manual Transaxle/Transmission): Removal: Transaxle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove battery and the battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
Remove the air cleaner assembly. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING - 2.3L .

CAUTION: Carefully disconnect the spring clip.

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.

Disconnect the shift cables from the transaxle bracket.
Install the special tool.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the ground wire bolt.

Fig 5: Locating Ground Wire Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.
Detach the wire harness from the transaxle.
Remove the 3 upper transaxle-to-engine bolts.
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.
Raise the vehicle.
Remove the 7 bolts and the splash shield, if equipped.

Fig 8: Locating Bolts And Splash Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If transmission disassembly is necessary, drain the transmission fluid.
Remove the clutch tube bracket bolts.

Fig 9: Locating Clutch Tube Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolts and position the clutch slave cylinder aside.

Fig 10: Locating Clutch Slave Cylinder Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the reverse lamp switch electrical connector.
Loosen the starter motor bolts.

Fig 11: Locating Starter Motor Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the engine roll restrictor.

Fig 12: Locating Engine Roll Restrictor Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the roll restrictor mount bracket.
Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector.

Fig 13: Locating VSS Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front subframe. For additional information, refer to UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM .
Remove the LH halfshaft from the transaxle. For additional information, refer to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
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.

Install a transmission jack.
Remove the bellhousing-to-oil pan bolt.

Fig 16: Locating Bellhousing-To-Oil Pan Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 oil pan-to-bellhousing bolts.

Fig 17: Locating Oil Pan-To-Bellhousing Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the remaining 7 transaxle-to-engine bolts.
Move the transaxle away from the engine and lower it from the vehicle.