Auto Transmission removal

[artichap]

Hi All. New to the forum. Have an issue with a 155,000 km auto transmission on Yaris. The car is a 2008, and unfortunately it is out of warranty. Dealership thinks that the whine is either the tranmission or differential. Quote from dealership is over $4K for a reconditioned unit installed. Is it possible to remove the tranmission without removing the engine? Anyone know of any step-by-step guides that would help with the removal.
Any guidance or direction to links would be appreciated.
Many thanks

[WeeYari]

You can give this a read. Right around page 169.

http://www.microimageonline.com/downloads/YARIS/Repair%20Manuals/U340%20Automatic%20Transaxle.pdf

[bronsin]

Automatic transmissions are replaced because the car is not moving when you put the lever in D or R.

I dont think "whining" is something that needs to be "fixed".

Does the trans shift and otherwise operate OK?

[artichap]

Hi. Thanks for the reply. Yes it does appear to all work OK. The dealership thinks that it may be a bearing in the transmission that is failing, but they are not sure as yet where. I will be leaving it at present to see if it gets worse and to more definitely locate the source, but have been during some research into new boxes just in case it is as they suggest. Hence the questions. Thanks for your reply.

[artichap]

Hi WeeYari. Thanks for the link. I have looked at page 169. If I read it correctly it means an engine lift. Do the blue links in brackets direct to another document as when I click on them they do not seem go anywhere or is it just my system?
Thx for your reply.

[xnamerxx]

yes you can remove the transmission with the engine still in the car...but its a whole lot easier to pull the engine.

I just pulled my manual transmission and its only 30 minutes or so more work to drop the engine plus I wouldn't have had to fight to get the transmission in place.

[CTScott]

Out of curiosity, as Bronsin asked, do you have any symptoms with it other than the whining? Also, has a fluid change every been done on it?

[artichap]

Hi CT. No other symptoms that I can find or hear. No fluid has been changed as yet. The dealership say it is due at the next service. (Currently at 155K km) Thx

[artichap]

Understood. Thanks for the advice.

[CTScott]

I would do the fluid change and before doing so, pull the AT dipstick and take a good sniff to see if the fluid currently smells burnt. Also, wipe the dipstick on a piece of white paper towel and note the color. At this point it is likely a very dark purple, but should not be brown or black.

The whining could even be due to the fluid being low.

[bronsin]

Yes you could drop the pan and look in there for metal flaskes.

If youve got flakes, thats a reason to take it apart.

I think this is a time when the best advice is to drive it until it blows up and then fix whatever blew.

Although having a specified "time out" is convienent.

[artichap]

Hi. Thanks. I will check the fluid level and colour and report back here. Good advice. I think bronsin that you may be right. Drive til it blows then fix! Thx all.

[artichap]

Hi CT. Checked the colour of the transmission oil. It is red, not brown or burnt. I presume that to check the level correctly, I have to run the car for a few miles to get the tranny oil hot. Is that correct? Thanks for your help.

[CTScott]

Hi CT. Checked the colour of the transmission oil. It is red, not brown or burnt. I presume that to check the level correctly, I have to run the car for a few miles to get the tranny oil hot. Is that correct? Thanks for your help.

Yes - Check it warm and with the engine running for the most accurate reading.

[artichap]

Thanks for your help.