I need to remove my kids 05 crv automatic transmission. Do I need yo remove the crossmeber that is held by the 17mm bolts or can I just remove mounts and pull trans out?

 

You might be able to get it out the top. Going to be a tight fit and a struggle.

The easy way is on a lift and dropping the front cross member. Will need a engine support to keep the engine in place while the transmission is removed.

 

removing the subframe and dropping it through the bottom is much less risky than trying to pull it out of the top.

If it fits through the top- I have strong doubts it will, you're squeezing past a lot of easily damaged components in the engine bay with an oddly shaped metal box.

this thread will give you a good idea of what's involved and what everything looks like to get a sense of what is possible.