I was changing the trans fluid. I took the plug out to drain old fluid and there is now a spring sticking out the drain hole. What is this spring and how do I get it back in so I can return the bolt and fill with new fluid. As well the spring in question looks like it my have over extended when pulling the bolt out?

 

There shouldn't be any spring sticking out. Have you been having trouble shifting? I havent been in one for awhile but I remember there is a spring on the shift shaft and there is a detent spring but no spring should come out with the plug. Sure it isn't a piece of a spring?

 

could it be a Helicoil for the threads? not sure if they were used in the factory or maybe someone repaired the threads. only one spring that I see in my manual and it is for the baffle and it looks to big to fit through the drain hole.