Automatic Transaxle Filter Replacement

Covers:

• 1989-1992 2.2L 4-Cylinder Engine
• 1990-1992 2.2L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine
• 1990-1992 3.0L V-6 Engine

Replacing the automatic transaxle filter yourself can be a bit involved, but can save you some money if you have the time. A replacement transaxle filter kit should include the filter, O-ring, and gasket. Since the transaxle fluid pan seal is below the fluid line, it's very important to torque the pan bolts evenly to assure the seal doesn't leak.

Required: 

• 10mm, 14mm, 17mm Wrench/Socket

• Torque Wrench
• 6-Quart Drain Pan

• Jack

Removal:

1. With the parking brake on, raise and safely support the front of the car.

2. Remove the left wheel.

3. Remove the 14mm nut at the top of the sway bar link. Note the order of the sway bar link bushings and washers, and remove the link.

4. Center a jack under the left side crossmember and raise the jack to support its weight.
5. Remove the 17mm nut from the crossbolt of the left transaxle mount where it attaches to the crossmember. Remove the crossbolt from the transaxle mount. The left transaxle mount is shown in Image #2 below.

6. Remove the two 17mm nuts at the rear end of the crossmember.

7. Remove the four bolts (two 14mm, two 17mm) and 17mm nut from the front end of the crossmember.

8. Lower the jack until the crossmember clears the underbody and swing the crossmember out of the way.

9. Place a drain pan under the transaxle fluid pan. (Transaxle fluid pan is shown in Image #4 below)
10. Loosen all 17 10mm bolts on the transaxle fluid pan without removing them. Allow the transaxle fluid to drain.
11. Remove all 17 bolts from the transaxle fluid pan and remove the pan.
12. Remove the three 10mm bolts holding the transaxle filter in place and remove the old filter.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly clean the transaxle fluid pan using a soft steel wool pad and cleaning solvent (degreaser, lacquor thinner, or water & soap). Clean all gasket material from the pan.

2. Clean both magnets in the pan of any metal shavings.

3. Clean the exposed inner transaxle of excess fluid.

Installation

1. Place a new o-ring over the opening of the new filter.

2. Install the new filter and tighten the three retaining bolts to 6-8 ft/lbs.

3. With both magnets in place on the pan, install a new gasket and the transaxle fluid pan onto the transaxle. Tighten the 17 mounting bolts to 6-8 ft/lbs, tightening them evenly.
4. Swing the crossmember into position under the transaxle. Use the jack to raise it into position.
5. Tighten the two nuts at the rear end of the crossmember to 49-69 ft/lbs.
6. Tighten the four bolts at the front end of the crossmember to 27-40 ft/lbs, and the nut to 55-69 ft/lbs.
7. Install the crossbolt of the left transaxle mount where it attaches to the crossmember and tighten the nut.
8. Reinstall the sway bar link and bushings in their original order.
9. Reinstall the wheel, tightening the lug nuts to 65-87 ft/lbs. Lower the vehicle.
10. Add automatic transaxle fluid to fill the case. The transaxle case will not be drained completely, so only 2 or 3 quarts may be needed.
11. Keep an eye on the pan for the first couple of days to find any leaks.

Image #1

Left crossmember lowered with

transaxle pan and filter removed.

Image #2

Location of the left transaxle mount.

Image #3

The transaxle fluid pan and

replacement filter kit.

Image #4

The transaxle fluid pan, cleaned

and replaced.