Removal and installation of automatic transmission (Opel Vectra C)

Note: Depending on the configuration and type of AT, the transmission removal/installation operations may differ slightly from those described below.

1. The gearbox can be removed in two ways: together with the engine on the subframe (see Chapter 2) or separately from the engine. In the second case, special lifting devices are required - a hoist, a winch or a special crossbar/rod, which is installed on top of the side members, and a set of rigging equipment. Opel service stations use a crossbar and a special universal kit for holding the engine in a suspended position (see Chapter 10).

2. Remove the battery with the tray (see Chapter 5). On some models it may be necessary to remove the engine cover (see Chapter 2) and expansion tank.

3. Disconnect the gear shift drive cable (see Section 3).

4. Disconnect and move aside all electrical and other lines running on top of the AT.

On models equipped with AT AF23, disconnect the air intake duct (see Chapter 4).

5. Loosen the upper transmission mounting bolts to the engine block on VT20-E one, on AF23 two, and on AF33 three bolts.

6. Lift the power unit using lifting equipment (see Chapter 10).

7. Secure the radiator and remove the front bumper cover (see Chapter 11).

8. Remove the exhaust system (see Chapter 4).

9. Install the right engine mount remover (see Chapter 2, Section 5) and remove the front suspension subframe (see Chapter 10).

Note: The tool must remain on the subframe - in this case it is intended to center the AT during its subsequent installation.

10. Remove the mounting bolts and separate the front support and the rear support bracket of the powertrain suspension from the clutch dome (see Chapter 2).

11. Drain the ATF, then screw the drain plug back into its original place and tighten it to the required torque (see Section 4).

12. Remove the drive shafts, including the intermediate shaft (with appropriate equipment) (see Chapter 8).

13. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the left support of the power unit (see Chapter 2).

Note: On some models it may be necessary to remove the support mounting bracket as well.

14. Gradually release the hoist and lower the power unit by approximately 5 cm, making sure that the communication lines laid underneath are not pinched (hoses and wiring) and make sure that nothing interferes with the removal of the box.

15. On 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 L engines, remove the starter. On the Z32SE engine, separate the service cover from the transmission, which covers access to the torque converter mounting bolts.

16. Turning the torque converter, unscrew 3 bolts one by one (see accompanying illustration) attach it to the drive disk and disconnect the transformer from the disk.





17. Release the fasteners (see illustrations) and disconnect the ATF cooling system lines. Close the AT ports with suitable plugs.





18. Install the MKM-886-A device on the box (see accompanying illustration), lifting it up with a jack

Note: Before using the device, carefully read the instructions for use.

Secure the box to the fixture and remove the lower bolts securing the gearbox to the oil pan.

19. Remove the lower side bolts (see illustration 5.18) fastening the box to the engine, disconnect the box from the cylinder block, make sure that the transformer has separated from the drive disk, and lower it on the jack. Be careful - do not drop the torque converter and do not damage the transmission components.

20. Secure the torque converter using a special device (see accompanying illustration).



21. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Do not forget to adjust the gear shift drive (see Section 2), and also fill in fresh fluid and make the appropriate adjustments to its level (see Section 4).