How to Remove a Transmission From a 2001 Chevy Astro Van
- 1). Disconnect the negative battery cable and set it aside, ensuring that it does not touch metal. Raise the vehicle with the floor jack and support it with jack stands. Slide the drain pan under the transmission. Remove all the transmission pan bolts, except for the two in one of the corners. Loosen the last two bolts slowly and allow the pan to tip. The fluid will drain into the pan. Remove the last two bolts and the pan.
- 2). Clean the transmission pan with carburetor cleaner and shop rags. Clean the magnet and put it back into the pan.
- 3). Remove the rear propeller shaft, using the appropriate socket. Slide the floor jack (or transmission jack, if you are using a lift) under the transmission to support it. Remove the nut that secures the mount to the transmission support, using the appropriate socket.
- 4). Raise the transmission just enough to remove the transmission support from the vehicle. Remove the front exhaust pipe assembly, using the appropriate wrenches and sockets. Remove the wiring from the starter motor using a wrench. Put the nuts back onto the studs so you don't lose them.
- 5). Unbolt and remove the starter, using the appropriate socket. Lower the transmission just enough to gain access to the top and sides of the transmission. Loosen the clamp on the vent hose with the screwdriver and pull the vent hose off the transmission.
- 6). Remove the transmission mount, using the appropriate socket. Disconnect the selector cable from the transmission range selector lever ball stud and bracket using the appropriate socket and a screwdriver.
- 7). Remove the transmission heat shield, using the appropriate socket. Unplug the park/neutral switch connector. Unplug the main electrical connector from the transmission. Remove the bolt that holds the fuel line bracket to the left side of the transmission using the appropriate socket.
- 8). Remove the torque converter access plug using the appropriate socket. Remove the flexplate-to-torque converter bolts using the appropriate socket. Disconnect the oil cooler pipes from the transmission using the appropriate line wrench. Plug the openings with a shop rag.
- 9). Remove the studs and bolts that secure the transmission to the engine. Install the converter holding strap onto the transmission bellhousing to retain the torque converter. Pull the transmission straight back. Remove the transmission from the vehicle while simultaneously removing the fluid level indicator tube.
Source...