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2003 Auto R&R before I purchace

1K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Jeff L. 
#1 ·
I have the opportunity to buy a 2003 wagon, it's very cute but the auto trans is bad, can I remove the trans leaving the engine in or must I remove the both and then separate the two I reviewed the forum and it looks to be rough to remove the engine, I have done older honda accords (1980's) is this a doable thing for a backyard self trained mechanic, its a nice car and these things get pretty good reviews, any and all advice will be appreciated.
thanks all
Jay in Oregon
 
#2 ·
This may be too negative of a response, but our 2002 Aerio sedan automatic has been the least reliable vehicle I have owned.

The following are repaired or replaced items during the past 80k miles (now at 158k):

-alternator
-front wheel bearing
-second ac compressor (torque converter this time)
-engine mounts
-MAF sensor
-input turbine speed sensor
-idler pulley bearings
-primary catalyst O2 sensor problems currently
-loss of both front and rear bumper cover pieces
-key lock assembly for trunk faulty and unreliable
-snapped pull ring on oil dipstick
-tires for 195/55/15 rims pricey; now using 205/50/15

The ergonomics and performance are good (27-29mpg in mixed driving), as are the fit and finish (inside and out considering the car's age and the harsh climate in Arizona). But the maintenance and reliability issues are killing my bank account. We are keeping the vehicle since most of the key parts have been replaced, but this will be my last Suzuki.

For what it is worth, this has been my experience.
 
#3 ·
We had a guy on the forum replace his clutch recently. Even though it is a manual just like a honda he completely unbolted and dropped the tranny through the driver side wheel well. that being said. i don't know what your plan is from there dropping the tranny off to get fixed or outright replacing it.
 
#4 ·
I bought it today, I go after the used un guaranteed transmission tomorrow 150 US it's out of a wrecked car couldn't be tested I purchased a Suzuki repair manual from Ebay for 89 us but I hope to have the job done way before it gets here, I'll just have to give it my best shot, thank you for your help, I have to pull the trans at the wrecking yard that will give me a little experience sense the car I bought has the transmission in several boxes.
Jay
 
#5 ·
what is hanging up I am putting in the trans and it is not wanting to go on all the way on the axle side almost like the axle is not going all the way in, it's a 2 piece with a carier bearing possible the torque converter isn't aligned with the fly wheel? I going to take it back down tomorrow it's corrently hanging from the top 2 bolts, those guys from the transmission shop where I picked up the car, shorted me some bolts, and kept my torque converter form the bad trans, their closed until monday.
Jay
 
#6 ·
Got er done, trans works good, I bought a can of Kooler kleen I hear if you leave debris in the trans cooler it can screw up your new trans, the only hangup I had was the axle I just lifted the passenger wheel and spun it back and fourth with pressure on the trans and is slipped in it was kind of a bummer it took a little while but the end result was good, the trans i purchased from the wrecking yard had been changed before that car had 120,000 mine has 91,000 I hope this is not Aireo problem my 95 sidekick has 250 on it and the previous owner told me the trans was original , so I assumed this one would be good as well. we'll see, thanks everyone for the support. Keep those zuks alive!
Jay
 
#7 ·
Keep the transmission oil clean and it'll go forever. I've never replaced a Suzuki automatic due to failure internally. Only from accidents, etc. Lack of maintence is what kills auto transmissions.
 
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