Draining & Refilling
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Place a drain pan or a suitable container under the transaxle oil pan.
- Remove the transaxle drain plug from the transaxle oil pan, and drain the transaxle fluid.
- Note the position of the 2 bolts with cross-recessed heads for proper installation. See Fig 1. Remove 15 bolts, the transaxle oil pan guard, and the oil pan from the transaxle.
- DO NOT attempt to pry the oil pan away from the case with metal tools, damage to the case or oil pan flange could result. Remove the oil pan gasket from the transaxle.
- Remove 6 bolts and the fluid filter screen (1) from the valve body. Note the position of the solenoid wire clamp (2) for proper installation. See Fig 2.
- Inspect the bottom of the oil pan for any large pieces of metal or for other material. Clean the fluid filter screen with solvent, and air dry thoroughly. If the screen mesh is damaged, replace the filter screen. Clean the transaxle oil pan magnet and the bottom of the transaxle oil pan. Clean the gasket material from the oil pan-to-case mating surfaces and air dry.
- To reassemble, install the fluid filter screen (1) to the valve body. Verify that the solenoid wire clamp (2) is in the correct position. See Fig 2. Secure the screen with 6 bolts and tighten the fluid filter screen bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Install the new oil pan gasket on the transaxle oil pan. Install the transaxle oil pan, and the transaxle oil pan guard to the transaxle. Verify that both of the cross-recessed bolts are in the correct positions. Secure the oil pan components with 15 bolts and tighten the transaxle oil pan bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Install the transaxle pan drain plug into the oil pan and tighten the transaxle drain plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Remove the drain pan from under the transaxle oil pan. Lower the vehicle. Refill the transaxle, as necessary. See CHECKING FLUID LEVELS .
CAUTION:
When removing the transaxle oil pan, use caution in order not to damage the transaxle case-to-oil pan mating surfaces. If the oil pan is frozen to the transaxle case, use a rubber mallet and a wood block to lightly tap the oil pan free.
NOTE:
A small amount of clutch material in the bottom of the transaxle oil pan is a normal condition and is consistent with normal transaxle wear. The bottom of the oil pan has a magnet that will collect metal particles. However, if large amounts of clutch material, of metal particles, or of other material are present, disassemble and inspect the transaxle.
NOTE:
The oil pan contains 15 bolts. Two bolts have cross recessed heads. Apply Sealant (GM P/N 12346004), or the equivalent, to the threaded portion of the 2 bolts, and install the bolts in the correct positions. DO NOT apply the sealant to the 13 bolts that remain.