Replacing the solenoid is a chore and without the right support tools it makes it worse. Here are a few steps to go by.....
- Disconnect negative battery cable
- I have an engine/trans support bar setup that stradles over the fenders and I attach this to the drivers side of the engine only for this job
- Unbolt or remove the upper dogbone mounts.
- Jack up the drivers side only and support it with jack stands
- Drain trans fluid either by pumping out of the fill tube with a fluid pump or by lowering the lower pan
-Remove drivers front wheel
-Remove dust/inspection cover over trans mount
-Remove trans mount upper nuts
-Remove power steering rack bolts
-Support drivers side frame/cradle assembly with a floor jack
-Remove drivers side front and rear cradle bolts and loosen passanger side cradle bolts
-Make sure steering rack moves freely and SLOWLY lower the jack that you have supporting the cradle.
-You may need to remove lower trans mount nuts and remove mount for more access room
-Lower down drivers side engine-trans from mentioned support bar. You can also attach an engine hoist to do this as well. The engine-trans support bars have long hooks with threaded rods on the end to raise and lower the trans which you must have to do this, otherwise an engine hoist will do.
-Remove large black metal mounting bracket from side of side cover on trans if needed
-Disconnect trans electrical connector
-Remove air box if needed for access to upper side cover bolts
-Remove all side cover bolts
At this point if the engine cradle is lowered enough and the trans is lowered enough you should be able to move the side cover over a few inches to gain access to replace the solenoid. Notice I did NOT mention removing the drivers side axle because you CAN do this job without removing it, but keep in mind this is just for replacing that solenoid! ANY other repair inside the side cover will require removing the drivers side axle so you can completely remove the side cover from the car. Assemble in reverse order or however you choose to find easiest. Inspect the side cover gasket which is molded metal and rubber. It can be reused but it has a tendancy to seperate on the lower right corner so make sure it is in good shape or you are looking at a $70 gasket from the dealer.
Use CAUTION when tightening side cover bolts!!! The 3rd torx head bolt from the left is a bad area as the molded gasket does not have as much support and if you overtighten this bolt the cover may crack! Torque specs are on my info page in my sig.
