GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 21366 Torque Converter Retaining Tool

  1. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in Cautions and Notices.
  2. Disconnect the battery negative cable assembly from the battery negative terminal.
  3. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
  5. Disconnect the range selector cable from the transmission bracket and from the range selector lever.
  6. Remove the rear propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Driveline Axle.
  7. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
  8. Remove the transmission support. Refer to Transmission Support Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  9. Remove the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifolds and the muffler assembly from the exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  10. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

  11. Object Number: 609362  Size: SH
  12. Remove the bolts securing the converter cover to the transmission.
  13. Mark the flywheel and the torque converter alignment.
  14. Important: 4.3L Engine: Remove the starter opening shield in the starter motor mounting port in order to access the torque converter to engine flywheel bolts.


    Object Number: 609366  Size: SH
  15. Remove the bolts that attach the torque converter to the engine flywheel.

  16. Object Number: 609370  Size: SH
  17. Remove the transmission vent hose and the wiring harness from the transmission.
  18. Remove the transmission fluid fill tube and the fill tube seal from the transmission. Refer to Filler Tube Replacement .
  19. Plug the fluid fill tube opening in the transmission.
  20. Disconnect the transmission oil cooler pipes from the transmission. Refer to Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .
  21. Plug the transmission oil cooler pipe connectors in the transmission case.

  22. Object Number: 609406  Size: SH
  23. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the transmission vehicle speed sensor and the park/neutral position switch.
  24. Remove all vehicle harness wires, harness clips, tubes, brackets, and lines that may interfere with the removal of the transmission from the vehicle.

  25. Object Number: 609370  Size: SH
  26. Remove the studs and the bolts securing the transmission to the engine.
  27. Install the J 21366 .
  28. Pull the transmission straight back.
  29. Remove the transmission from the vehicle.
  30. Flush the transmission oil cooler and the pipes whenever you remove the transmission for overhaul, or replacement of the torque converter, the pump, or the transmission case. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .
  31. Inspect all the components for wear and damage.
  32. Inspect all the seals and the fittings for signs of wear.
  33. Inspect the torque converter for stripped or broken weld nuts.
  34. Inspect the transmission case for cracks.
  35. Perform the transmission oil cooler flushing and flow test. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the J 21366
  2. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
  3. Raise the transmission into place and remove the J 21366 .
  4. Slide the transmission straight onto the locating pins while lining up the marks on the flywheel and the torque converter.
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: 

       • The torque converter must be flush onto the flywheel and rotate freely by hand.
       • Do not install the transmission fluid fill tube.


    Object Number: 609370  Size: SH
  6. Install the bolts that secure the transmission to the engine.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the studs and the bolts to 47 N·m (34 lb ft).


    Object Number: 609366  Size: SH
  8. Install the bolts securing the torque converter to the engine flywheel.
  9. Tighten

    1. First tighten all the bolts finger tight in order to insure proper converter seating.
    2. Tighten the bolts to 63 N·m (46 lb ft).

    Object Number: 609406  Size: SH
  10. Install the wiring harness connectors to the vehicle speed sensor and the park neutral position switch.
  11. Position and install all vehicle harness wires, harness clips, tubes, brackets, and lines that were removed or moved prior to the transmission removal.
  12. Remove the two plugs from the transmission case cooling line connectors.
  13. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes. Refer to Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .
  14. Install the transmission fluid fill tube and the fill tube seal. Refer to Filler Tube Replacement .
  15. Install the transmission vent hose and the wiring harness to the transmission.

  16. Object Number: 609362  Size: SH
  17. Install the converter cover to the transmission if equipped.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

  19. Install the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  20. Install the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifolds and the muffler assembly to the exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  21. Install the transmission support. Refer to Transmission Support Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  22. Remove the transmission jack and the engine support stands.
  23. Install the rear propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
  24. Install the transmission range select cable to the transmission range select lever and the bracket.
  25. Remove the safety stands.
  26. Lower the vehicle.
  27. Install new automatic transmission fluid. Refer to Fluid Capacity Specifications and to Transmission Fluid Check .
  28. Connect the battery negative cable assembly to the battery negative terminal.
  29. Tighten
    Tighten the terminal bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

    Important: It is recommended that the transmission adaptive pressure (TAP) information be reset.

    Resetting the TAP values using a scan tool will erase all learned values in all cells. As a result, the ECM, PCM or TCM will need to relearn the TAP values. Transmission performance may be affected as new TAP values are learned,

  30. Reset the TAP values. Refer to Adapt Function .