Has anyone replaced their transmission with the engine still in the car? I was going to pull both the engine and transmission out of the car to replace the transmission but it looks like there is a wire harness that does not have an electrical connector (wires go to fuse block and engine). It appears there is enough room if I lower the engine and transmission down (tilting the transmission side) to clear the inner fender once I remove the mounts and the cross member under the engine. I'm just wondering if anyone has done this procedure before I continue in this direction.

2003 S40 automatic

 

That's how we did the transmission swap in my 850R. It's also the recommended way to remove the trans on the P2 cars. I've never worked on the first gen S40's but I'd assume it'd be the same for them as well.

 

That's the way I'm trying right now. I started loosening the transmission to engine bolts yesterday since I have everything else removed in the engine compartment. I'll support the engine with floor jacks (I put wood on top of the jacking surface to protect the oil pan and spread the load) so I can remove the motor / transmission mounts. I think I might have to lower the exhaust system so I don't damage it. I'll post some pictures to show my progress in a couple of days.

 

Well in the end I removed the entire engine and transmission as one unit. It just worked easier and I was able to replace some other parts with little effort: steering rack boots, sway bar bushings (did not lower sub-frame), tie rod ends, timing belt, water pump, motor mounts, and Oil Trap. This is a photo after I removed the engine and transmission. Right now I have the engine and transmission back in the car. Just need to install some of the remaining parts and then re-charge the A/C.