Removal Procedure

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 4D Sedan, StandardSECTION Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Buick LaCrosse and 2005 Buick Allure. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: Wiring Harness Grounds & Transaxle
    GM911145Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure in Engine Electrical.
  2. Remove the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Intake Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.6L or Air Cleaner Intake Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
  3. Disconnect the transaxle wiring harness electrical connector (4).
  4. Remove the wiring harness ground nut (3) from the transaxle.
  5. Remove the wiring harness grounds (1,2) from the transaxle.
  6. Remove the wiring harness ground bolt (6) from the transaxle.
  7. Remove the wiring harness grounds (5) from the transaxle.
  8. Remove the wiring harness bracket bolt (7) and reposition the wiring harness.
  9. Fig 2: View Of Transaxle Range Selector Cable & Shift Lever
    GM629690Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Remove the range selector cable from the transaxle shift lever.
  11. Remove the range selector retainer from the cable.
  12. Fig 3: Identifying Automatic Transaxle Range Selector Cable To Cable Bracket
    GM629687Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the range selector cable from the transaxle.
  14. Fig 4: View of Transaxle To Engine Mounting
    GM160965Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Remove the upper transaxle bolts (3,4,5) and the stud (2).
  16. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L
  17. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  18. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Remove the left and the right engine splash shields. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Engine in Body Front End.
  20. Remove the frame from the vehicle. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  21. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement (LY7) or Starter Motor Replacement (L26) in Engine Electrical.
  22. Fig 5: Holding Flywheel
    GM309963Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  23. Install J 37096Β  in order to gain access to the torque converter bolts and to prevent the flywheel from turning.
  24. Fig 6: Identifying Flywheel To Torque Converter Bolts
    GM160984Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  25. Remove the torque converter bolts.
  26. Remove the oil cooler pipes from the transaxle. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose ReplacementΒ .
  27. IMPORTANT: Position and secure the wheel drive shafts out of the way.
  28. Remove the left and the right wheel drive shafts from the transaxle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  29. Secure the drive shafts to the steering knuckles.
  30. Disconnect the electrical connector from the vehicle speed sensor.
  31. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the transmission jack is properly secured to the transaxle.
  32. Position a transmission jack under the transaxle and secure the jack firmly to the transaxle.
  33. Remove the transaxle brace. Refer to Automatic Transmission Brace ReplacementΒ .
  34. Fig 7: View of Transaxle To Engine Mounting
    GM160965Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  35. Remove the lower transaxle bolt (6) and the stud (1).
  36. Remove the transaxle from the vehicle.
  37. Transfer all necessary parts as needed.
  38. Flush the transmission cooler and lines. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J45096) or Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J35944-A) .
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.