How to Replace an Automatic Transmission

The transmission is the part of the car that allows the gears to change in order for the car to move faster. Without a functioning transmission, the car will not move. An automatic transmission switches gears by itself instead of requiring the driver to manually change them. The transmission can be replaced if possible by following a few easy steps.

1. Place car jacks under the back, front and sides of the car. Lift the car off of the ground and make sure that the car is supported well. You will need to make sure that the car will not move or fall while you are working under it. 


2. Remove the cables from the transmission and the radiator. These cables include the cable that brings fluids from the radiator.   


3. Remove the two bolts from the back of the car and push the drive shaft away from the transmission. You will need a wrench to perform this step.


4. Disconnect the speedometer from the car.


5. Use a transmission jack to raise the transmission.


6. Remove the lower bell housing from the car. This can be done by removing the bolts with a wrench.


7. Remove the transmission from the car. You will need to remove the four cross member bolts before you complete this step.


8. Place the new transmission into the car. This will be done by placing the new transmission onto the jack under the car and raising it. Move the transmission jack backwards slowly as you put the new transmission into the car.


9. Put the cross member and the bell housing back into the car. You will need to put the bolts securely into the car to complete this step.


10. Install the speedometer and all cables again. This includes connecting their radiator and all cables that were attached to the transmission.


11. Lower the car back onto the ground and remove the jacks.  Make sure this is done slowly so that the car does not fall and become damaged.