Automatic Transaxle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Kia Optima, 2007 Kia Magentis, 2006 Kia Optima, and 2006 Kia Magentis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drain automatic transaxle fluid.
Disconnect the negative terminal (B) from the battery (A).

Fig 1: Identifying Battery Terminal
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the engine cover (A).

Fig 2: Identifying Engine Cover
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After disconnecting the AFS connector (A) and removing the air cleaner upper body (B), take the air cleaner filter out of the air cleaner under body.

Fig 3: Identifying AFS Connector
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After disconnecting the PCM connectors (B), remove the air cleaner under body (A).

Fig 4: Identifying PCM Connectors
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Remove the battery tray (A).

Fig 5: Identifying Battery Tray
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Remove the transaxle oil cooler hoses (A) releasing the clamps.

Fig 6: Identifying Transaxle Oil Cooler Hoses
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Disconnect the ground wire (A).

Fig 7: Identifying Ground Wire
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Disconnect the connectors related to the transaxle.
1. Disconnect the solenoid valve connector (A).
  
  Fig 8: Identifying Solenoid Valve Connector
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
2. Disconnect the inhibitor switch connector (A).
  
  Fig 9: Identifying Inhibitor Switch Connector
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
3. Disconnect the input speed sensor connector (A).
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Input Speed Sensor Connector
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
4. Disconnect the output speed sensor connector (A).
  
  Fig 11: Identifying Output Speed Sensor Connector
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
5. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor connector (A).
  
  Fig 12: Identifying Vehicle Speed Sensor Connector
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the control cable by removing the nut (A).

Fig 13: Identifying Control Cable Nut
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After removing the front wheels and tires and lifting up the vehicle, remove the under cover (A).

Fig 14: Identifying Under Cover
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Drain power steering fluid. (Refer to MECHANICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM )
Remove the pressure tube from the power steering oil pump. (Refer to MECHANICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM )
After releasing the power steering hose clamp (A), disconnect the hose with the tube.

Fig 15: Identifying Power Steering Hose Clamp
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Clamp or plug the power steering hose to avoid excessive fluid loss. When re-connecting, remove the clamp or hose plug and check power steering reservoir fluid level.
Remove the exhaust pipe. (See INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM (2.4L) or INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM (2.7L))
Remove the lower arm assembly and tie rod mounting bolts. (See FRONT LOWER ARM and CHECKING THE TIE ROD END BALL JOINT STARTING TORQUE )
Supporting the sub frame with a jack, remove the sub frame mounting bolts. (See POWER STEERING GEAR BOX )
After loosening the steering column bolt and lowering a jack, remove the sub frame. (See POWER STEERING GEAR BOX )
Lowering the vehicle down, remove the transaxle upper mounting bolts (A).

Fig 16: Identifying Transaxle Upper Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Using the SST (09200-38001), support the engine and transaxle assembly safely.

Fig 17: Supporting Engine And Transaxle Assembly Safely Using SST
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the transaxle insulator mounting bolt (A).

Fig 18: Identifying Transaxle Insulator Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the starter. (See appropriate STARTING SYSTEM article)
Remove the bolts (B-4EA) which connect the drive plate with the torque converter.
Remove the inner shaft mounting bolts and take the drive shafts off the transaxle assembly. (See DRIVESHAFT )
After supporting the transaxle with a jack and removing the under mounting bolts (A).

Fig 19: Identifying Under Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.