Is the pinion part of the tranny's fluid circulation?

I want to remove it but dont know if I have to drain the fluid first, I'd like to avoid a big mess. I have an auto btw.

 

Yes, but on my 91 the fluid level is below the level of the hole.

 

are you wanting to remove it to get rid of it, or will you be putting it right back in? (just curious)
in the haynes manual, for my 5-speed, it says to use it as a dipstick. i dont have access to it, but you should be okay to remove it with the engine off, and tranny parts not moving.

 

It has been hiccupping for a while. The signal loss causes the cruise control to stop working, I get 0 mph on the dash, and the mileage doesnt get counted.

I want to try cleaning it and the harness, then see if it works better or needs replacement.

The auto has its own dipstick already, and this thing is almost at the bottom of the tranny. In the diagram it has an o-ring insulator, so I'm thinking its probably in the fluid and that I would have to drain first, but I wanted to check if anyone else has pulled theirs on a VE auto.

 

from what I remember, when you pull it a little fluid comes out. not alot of fluid though.