Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Replacing Engine: Installation
- Remove the engine from the engine stand.
- Install the flywheel. Refer to Replacing Engine Flywheel .
- With the aid of an assistant, install the engine to the vehicle.
- Install the upper transaxle to the engine bolts (2, 3, 4, 5).
Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 75 N.m (55 Ft. Lbs.).
- Remove the engine lifting device.
- Install the A/C compressor to the engine. Refer to Compressor Replacement (L26) in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
- Install the heater hoses to the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Heater Hose Replacement - Inlet (L26) and to Heater Hose Replacement - Outlet (L26) in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
- Install the radiator outlet hose to the engine. Refer to Radiator Hose Replacement - Outlet (3.8L) in Engine Cooling.
- Install the radiator inlet hose to the engine. Refer to Radiator Hose Replacement - Inlet (3.8L) in Engine Cooling.
- Reposition and install the engine wiring harness to the engine as noted during removal.
- Connect the upper engine electrical connectors to the following components:
- BARO sensor, if equipped
- Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
- Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve
- EVAP purge solenoid
- Fuel injectors
- Electronic throttle control (ETC)
- Install the upper engine wiring harness to the retaining clips.
- Install the power steering pump to the engine.
- Install the power steering pump bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 34 N.m (25 Ft. Lbs.).
- Connect the A/C vacuum hose to the engine.
- Install the vacuum booster hose to the engine. Refer to Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve and/or Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
- Install the engine cooling fans. Refer to Cooling Fan Motor Replacement - Electric (L26) in Engine Cooling.
- Connect the positive battery cable.
Tighten: Tighten the cable terminal bolt to 15 N.m (11 Ft. Lbs.).
- Install the engine mount brackets to the upper radiator support. Refer to Replacing Engine Mount Bracket - Front .
- Install the engine mount struts to the engine mount strut brackets. Refer to Replacing Engine Mount Strut - Right and to Replacing Engine Mount Strut - Left .
- Install the water pump pulley.
- Install the water pump pulley bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the pulley bolts to 13 N.m (116 lb in).
- Install the drive belt. Refer to Replacing Drive Belt (L26) .
- Connect the fuel vapor line. Refer to Quick Connect Fitting(s) Service (Metal Collar) in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
- Connect the fuel line to the fuel rail. Refer to Quick Connect Fitting(s) Service (Metal Collar) in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
- Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
- Raise the vehicle and remove the transaxle support.
- Install the lower transaxle to the engine bolt (6) and the stud (1).
Tighten: Tighten the bolt and the stud to 75 N.m (55 Ft. Lbs.).
- Install the oil filter adapter housing. Refer to Replacing Oil Filter Adapter and Bypass Valve Assembly .
- Install a new gasket (1) and the catalytic converter (3) to the right exhaust manifold.
- Install the exhaust manifold pipe stud nuts (2).
Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 35 N.m (26 Ft. Lbs.).
- Install the engine mount lower nuts.
Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 47 N.m (35 Ft. Lbs.).
- Install the transaxle brace. Refer to Automatic Transmission Brace Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.
- Install the engine flywheel-to-torque converter bolts. Refer to Flywheel to Torque Converter Bolt Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.
- Install the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement (L26) in Engine Electrical.
- Reposition and connect the electrical connectors to the following components:
- Heated oxygen sensor (H02S)
- Knock sensors
- Oil level sensor (10)
- Oil pressure sensor
- Vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
- Install the oil level sensor harness retainer to the engine.
- Install the oil level sensor harness retainer bolt.
Tighten: Tighten the bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
- Install the engine ground wire (6) and the engine ground wire nut (5) to the transaxle stud.
Tighten: Tighten the nut to 35 N.m (26 Ft. Lbs.).
- Install the torque converter covers. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Install the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Replacing Fuel Injector Sight Shield .
- Install the hood. Refer to Hood, Hinge, Rod, Stud Replacement - Hood in Body Front End.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (L26) in Engine Electrical.
- Fill the crankcase with engine oil. Refer to Replacing Engine Oil and Oil Filter .
- Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System (L26 Static Fill) or Draining and Filling Cooling System (L26, LY7, GE 47716 Fill) in Engine Cooling.
- Inspect for leaks.
- Perform the CKP system variation learn procedure. Refer to CKP System Variation Learn Procedure in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.