DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

(8) Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal
operating temperature. The level should be in the
HOT region.
ALUMINUM THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum tran-
saxle case and valve body can be repaired by the use
of Heli-Coils. This repair consists of drilling out the
worn-out or damaged threads. Then tap the hole with
a Heli-Coil tap, and install a Heli-Coil insert into the
hole. This brings the hole back to its original thread
size.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from most automotive parts suppliers.
FLUSHING COOLERS AND TUBES
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the oil cooler(s) must be flushed. The cooler
bypass valve in the transaxle must be replaced also.
The torque converter must also be replaced with an
exchange unit. This will ensure that metal particles
or sludged oil are not later transferred back into the
reconditioned (or replaced) transaxle.
The recommended procedure for flushing the cool-
ers and tubes is to use Tool 6906A Cooler Flusher.
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR THAT
MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA AND ANSI
Z87.1±1968. WEAR STANDARD INDUSTRIAL RUB-
BER GLOVES.
KEEP LIGHTED CIGARETTES, SPARKS, FLAMES,
AND OTHER IGNITION SOURCES AWAY FROM THE
AREA TO PREVENT THE IGNITION OF COMBUSTI-
BLE LIQUIDS AND GASES. KEEP A CLASS (B) FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN THE AREA WHERE THE
FLUSHER WILL BE USED.
KEEP THE AREA WELL VENTILATED.
DO NOT LET FLUSHING SOLVENT COME IN CON-
TACT WITH YOUR EYES OR SKIN: IF EYE CONTAM-
INATION OCCURS, FLUSH EYES WITH WATER FOR
15 TO 20 SECONDS. REMOVE CONTAMINATED
CLOTHING AND WASH AFFECTED SKIN WITH
SOAP AND WATER. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
COOLER FLUSH USING TOOL 6906A
(1) Remove cover plate filler plug on Tool 6906A.
Fill reservoir 1/2 to 3/4 full of fresh flushing solution.
Flushing solvents are petroleum based solutions gen-
erally used to clean automatic transmission compo-
nents.DO NOTuse solvents containing acids, water,
gasoline, or any other corrosive liquids.
(2) Reinstall filler plug on Tool 6906A.
(3) Verify pump power switch is turned OFF. Con-
nect red alligator clip to positive (+) battery post.
Connect black (-) alligator clip to a good ground.
(4) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.NOTE: When flushing transmission cooler and
lines, ALWAYS reverse flush.
(5) Connect the BLUE pressure line to the OUT-
LET (From) cooler line.
(6) Connect the CLEAR return line to the INLET
(To) cooler line
(7) Turn pump ON for two to three minutes to
flush cooler(s) and lines. Monitor pressure readings
and clear return lines. Pressure readings should sta-
bilize below 20 psi. for vehicles equipped with a sin-
gle cooler and 30 psi. for vehicles equipped with dual
coolers. If flow is intermittent or exceeds these pres-
sures, replace cooler.
(8) Turn pump OFF.
(9) Disconnect CLEAR suction line from reservoir
at cover plate. Disconnect CLEAR return line at
cover plate, and place it in a drain pan.
(10) Turn pump ON for 30 seconds to purge flush-
ing solution from cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(11) Place CLEAR suction line into a one quart
container of Mopar ATF Plus 3ttype 7176 automatic
transmission fluid.
(12) Turn pump ON until all transmission fluid is
removed from the one quart container and lines. This
purges any residual cleaning solvent from the trans-
mission cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(13) Disconnect alligator clips from battery. Recon-
nect flusher lines to cover plate, and remove flushing
adapters from cooler lines.
OIL PUMP VOLUME CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed, fill to the proper level with Mopar ATF
PLUS 3 (Type 7176) automatic transmission fluid.
The volume should be checked using the following
procedure:
(1) Disconnect theFrom coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat curb idle speed, with the
shift selector in neutral.
(3) If fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of ATF, discon-
nect theTo Coolerline at the transaxle.
(4) Refill the transaxle to proper level and recheck
pump volume.
(5) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
replace the cooler. Then fill transmission to the
proper level, using Mopar ATF PLUS 3 (Type 7176)
automatic transmission fluid.
21 - 58 TRANSAXLEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(6) If fluid flow is still found to be inadequate,
check the line pressure using the Transaxle Hydrau-
lic Pressure Test procedure.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEARSHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect both battery cables.
(2) Pull up and remove the power distribution cen-
ter.
(3) Remove the battery thermoguard.
(4) Remove the battery and battery holddown from
the battery tray.
(5) Remove the battery tray and cruise control
servo (if equipped).
(6) Remove the screw from the cable bracket at the
transaxle (Fig. 6).
(7) Squeeze the three metal tabs in and remove
the cable from the bracket.
(8) Remove the floor console. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(9) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(10) Remove gearshift indicator lamp at shifter
bezel.
(11) Remove the screws retaining the shifter bezel.
(12) Using a flat±blade pry tool, remove the shifter
cable core end from the shift lever pin (Fig. 7).
(13) Using a small screwdriver, pry the cable con-
duit end tabs away from the shifter mechanism. Pull
up on the conduit end and slide the end out of the
gearshift mechanism.
(14) Remove the three nuts retaining the shift
cable grommet plate to the floor pan (Fig. 8).
(15) Hoist vehicle. Refer to Group 0, Lubrication
and Maintenance.(16) Remove the one screw at the shift cable grom-
met plate (Fig. 9).
(17) Loosen screws on shift cable grommet plate.
Slide plate out and away from heat shield.
Fig. 6 Gearshift Cable
Fig. 7 Gearshift Cable
Fig. 8 Cable Mounting
Fig. 9 Cable Mounting Underbody
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 59
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(18) Carefully remove the cable from the under-
body by unfolding the cable retainer clip as you go
along.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install gearshift cable, reverse removal pro-
cedure.
(2) Adjust gearshift cable using the adjustment
procedure in this Group.
GEARSHIFT MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Using a flat±blade pry tool, remove the shifter
cable end from the gearshift pin (Fig. 10).
(6) Pry the two tabs on the cable conduit end away
from the gearshift mechanism and pull up on the
cable. Remove the gearshift cable from the gearshift
mechanism.
(7) Pry up the adjuster lock on the shifter/ignition
interlock cable. Unsnap the shifter/ignition interlock
cable end fitting from the groove in the gearshift
mechanism. Remove the cable core end from the
plastic cam of the shifter mechanism (Fig. 11).
(8) Remove the nuts at the base of the gearshift
mechanism (Fig. 12). Remove the shifter mechanism.
INSTALLATION
(1) For installation, reverse removal steps. Refer to
Cable Adjustment for proper cable adjustment proce-
dure.
THROTTLE PRESSURE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Unsnap the throttle pressure cable end at the
throttle control lever at transaxle (Fig. 13).
(2) Squeeze the retaining tabs inward at the
mounting bracket (Fig. 14). Remove the cable from
the bracket.
(3) Unsnap the cable end from the throttle linkage
cam. Squeeze the tabs inward at the bracket (Fig.
15). Remove the cable from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install cable, reverse removal procedure.
Refer to cable adjustment procedure for proper cable
adjustment.
THROTTLE PRESSURE CABLE ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE
The throttle pressure cable adjustment is very
important to proper transaxle operation. This adjust-
ment positions a valve that controls shift speed, shift
Fig. 10 Gearshift Cable
Fig. 11 Shifter Ignition Interlock Cable
Fig. 12 Gearshift Mechanism
21 - 60 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

quality, and part throttle downshift sensitivity. If the
setting is too long, early shifts and slippage between
shifts may occur. If the setting is too short, shiftsmay be delayed and part throttle downshifts may be
very sensitive.
(1) Perform transaxle throttle pressure cable
adjustment while engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
(2) Release cross-lock on the cable assembly (pull
cross-lock upward) See (Fig. 14).
(3) To insure proper adjustment, the cable must be
free to slide all the way toward the engine, against
its stop, after the cross-lock is released.
(4) Move transaxle throttle control lever fully
clockwise, against its internal stop, and press cross-
lock downward into locked position.
The adjustment is complete and transaxle throttle
cable backlash was automatically removed.
Test cable freedom of operation by moving the
transaxle throttle lever forward (counterclockwise).
Then slowly release it to confirm it will return fully
rearward (clockwise).
No lubrication is required for any component of the
throttle cable system.
SHIFTER IGNITION INTERLOCK CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate, the battery negative (-)
cable from the vehicle battery.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Pry up the adjuster lock on the shifter/ignition
interlock cable. Unsnap the shifter/ignition interlock
cable end fitting from the groove in the gearshift
mechanism (Fig. 16).
(6) Remove the cable core end from the plastic cam
of the shifter mechanism.
Fig. 13 Throttle Pressure Cable And Lever
Fig. 14 Throttle Pressure Cable Bracket
Fig. 15 Cable End At Throttle Linkage
Fig. 16 Shifter Ignition Interlock Cable
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 61
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(7) Pull cable up and out of the gearshift mecha-
nism.
(8) Remove the three screws along the bottom of
the lower steering column cover and screw on the left
outward face of cover.
(9) Grasp the cover and pull rearward until the
clips disengage.
(10) Remove two screws at the upper area of the
column liner and lower left corner.
(11) Remove steering column cover and steering
column cover liner.
(12) Lift up the top cover and cluster bezel until
the clips disengage and separate to provide clear-
ance.
(13) Insert a screwdriver into access hole in the
lower shroud. Depress the cylinder button while
rotating the cylinder with the key inserted between
the ON and START positions. This will disengage the
cylinder from the column.
(14) Pull out the key cylinder.
(15) Remove the three lower±to±upper shroud
attaching screws through the bottom of the lower
shroud.
(16) Separate the upper and lower shrouds.
(17) Grasp the interlock cable clip and connector.
Remove the cable from the interlock housing (Fig.
17).
(18) Unclip the cable from the retaining clip
located within the wiring harness.
(19) Remove interlock cable from under center con-
sole mounting bracket and out front of dash panel.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing interlock cable assem-
bly, care must be taken not to bend exposed cable
wire and slug at shifter end of cable.
(1) Route interlock cable into lower dash panel.(2) Install the ignition switch into housing. Turn
the ignition switch to the RUN position.
(3) Install the interlock cable into the interlock
housing at the steering column (Fig. 18). Verify the
cable snaps into the housing.
(4) Install interlock cable into routing clip located
within the wiring harness.
(5) Route interlock cable to the console.
(6) Install the cable core end to the plastic cam of
the shifter mechanism. Snap the shifter/ignition
interlock cable end fitting into the groove in the gear-
shift mechanism.
(7) Adjust the Shifter/Ignition Interlock System.
See Interlock System Adjustment, in this section.
(8) Perform the Shifter/Ignition Interlock System
operation check, as described in the beginning of this
section.
(9) Install console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(10) Install screws retaining the gearshift indica-
tor bezel and install bezel and indicator lamp.
(11) Install the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(12) Install two screws at the upper area of the
column liner and lower left corner.
(13) Snap the clips in at the lower column cover.
Install the three screws along the bottom of the lower
steering column cover and screw on the left outward
face of cover.
(14) Install key cylinder.
(15) Position the shrouds in place. Install the three
lower±to±upper shroud attaching screws through the
bottom of the lower shroud.
(16) Reinstall the ignition lock cylinder into hous-
ing.
(17) Reconnect the battery negative (-) cable to the
vehicle battery.
Fig. 17 Interlock Cable and Connector
Fig. 18 Interlock Cable at Interlock Housing
21 - 62 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INTERLOCK SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT
If ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, with shifter in PARK, an adjustment of the
Interlock System may be required. To adjust Shifter/
Ignition Interlock System, follow procedure listed
below.
(1) Disconnect and isolate, the battery negative (-)
cable from the vehicle battery.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Reinstall the gearshift knob.
(6) Place shifter in PARK.
(7) Turn ignition switch to the LOCK or ACCES-
SORY position. If cable has lost its adjustment, man-
ually position cable to get key into LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. Grasp slug on interlock cable
with needle nose pliers and pull back on cable. This
will allow the ignition switch to be turned to the
LOCK or ACCESSORY position.
(8) Check that the interlock cable slug is com-
pletely seated into the shifter interlock lever.
(9) Check that the ignition switch is still in the
LOCK or ACCESSORY position.
(10) Pry up the adjuster lock on the shifter/igni-
tion interlock cable (Fig. 19).
(11) Place a 1mm (0.040) shim between the larger
diameter portion of the shifter gate pin and the plas-
tic cam (Fig. 19).
(12) The spring on the interlock cable should auto-
matically compensate for the slack in the adjuster.
(13) Snap down the interlock adjuster lock onto
the cable and remove the shim.
(14) After adjusting the interlock system, perform
the Interlock System Operation Check in the Adjust-
ments section of this group.
INTERLOCK MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the lower column covers, ignition
switch, and shrouds. Refer to Interlock Cable
Replacement.
(2) Grasp the interlock cable and connector firmly.
Remove the interlock cable (Fig. 20).
(3) Remove the two interlock mechanism±to±steer-
ing column attaching screws (Fig. 21). Remove the
interlock housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the interlock housing at steering col-
umn. Install the two interlock mechanism±to±steer-
ing column attaching screws. Torque screws to 3 N´m
(21 in. lbs.).
(2) Snap the interlock cable into the housing.
(3) Install the lower column covers, shrouds, and
ignition switch. Refer to Interlock Cable Replace-
ment.
Fig. 19 Interlock Cable Adjuster Lock
Fig. 20 Interlock Cable
Fig. 21 Interlock Mechanism
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 63
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR PINION GEAR
When the sensor is removed for any reason, a
NEW O-ring must be installed on its outside diame-
ter.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove harness connector from sensor. Be sure
weather seal stays on harness connector.
(2) Remove bolt securing the sensor in the exten-
sion housing.
(3) Carefully pull sensor and pinion gear assembly
out of extension housing.
(4) Remove pinion gear from sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install, reverse the above procedure. Be sure
extension housing and sensor flange are clean prior
to installation. Always use a NEW sensor O-ring.
(2) Tighten bolt to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.). Tighten
speedometer cable to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
PARK/NEUTRAL STARTING AND BACK-UP LAMP
SWITCH
TEST
The park/neutral starting switch is the center ter-
minal of the three terminal switch. It provides
ground for the starter solenoid circuit through the
selector lever in PARK and NEUTRAL positions only.
(1) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between center pin of
switch and transaxle case. Continuity should exist
only when transaxle is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
(2) Check gearshift cable adjustment before replac-
ing a switch that tests bad.
REMOVAL
(1) Unscrew switch from transaxle case allowing
fluid to drain into a container. Move selector lever to
PARK, then to NEUTRAL position, and inspect to see
the switch operating lever fingers are centered in
switch opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw the switch with a new seal into tran-
saxle case and tighten to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.). Retest
switch with the test lamp.
(2) Add fluid to transaxle to bring up to proper
level.
(3) The back-up lamp switch circuit is through the
two outside terminals of the three terminal switch.
(4) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between the two out-
side pins.
(5) Continuity should exist only with transaxle in
REVERSE position.(6) No continuity should exist from either pin to
the case.
TRANSAXLE
REMOVAL
NOTE: The transaxle can be removed from the
vehicle without having to remove the engine.
The transaxle and torque converter must be
removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque con-
verter drive plate, pump bushing, or oil seal may be
damaged. The drive plate will not support a load;
therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should
be allowed to rest on the plate during removal.
All transaxle components are serviced with the
transaxle out of the vehicle. The components that are
serviceable in the vehicle are:
²Axle shaft seals
²Back±up lamp switch
²End plate
²Extension housing
²Neutral safety switch
²Shift lever
²Transaxle oil pan
²Valve Body
²Vehicle speed sensor
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Pull Power Distribution Center up and out of
its holding bracket. Set Power Distribution Center
aside to gain clearance.
(3) Remove battery heat shield and remove battery
from engine compartment. Remove battery tray from
engine compartment. Disconnect cruise control (if
equipped).
(4) Remove vehicle speed sensor wiring.
(5) Disconnect neutral safety switch and torque
converter control wiring at transaxle.
CAUTION: Pry up with equal force on both sides of
shifter cable isolator bushing to avoid damaging
cable isolator bushing.
(6) Disconnect gear shift cable end from transaxle
shift lever (Fig. 22). Remove bracket bolt at transaxle
(Fig. 23).
(7) Remove throttle pressure control cable from
lever. Then remove bracket bolts at the transaxle
(Fig. 24).
(8) Remove dipstick tube.
(9) Remove transaxle cooler lines and plug lines
(Fig. 25).
(10) Remove throttle pressure control cable sup-
port bracket bolts. Remove upper bellhousing bolts
and upper starter bolt (Fig. 26).
21 - 64 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(11) Install engine bridge fixture and support
engine (Fig. 27).
(12) Lift vehicle on hoist and remove front wheels.(13) Remove both front driveshafts. Refer to Group
2, Suspension for procedure.
Fig. 22 Gearshift Cable
Fig. 23 Shifter Cable Bracket
Fig. 24 Bracket Removal
Fig. 25 Cooler Lines
Fig. 26 Starter and Bellhousing Bolts
Fig. 27 Engine Bridge Fixture
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 65
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: When reinstalling driveshafts, new drive-
shaft retaining clips must be used. Do not reuse old
clips. Failure to use new clips may result in disen-
gagement of inner constant±velocity joint.
CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be discon-
nected from the exhaust manifold anytime the
engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the
flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.
(14) Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to
exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(15) Remove transaxle to rear lateral bending
strut from engine and transaxle (Fig. 28).
(16) Remove front engine bracket through±bolt.
Remove front engine bracket bolts (Fig. 29).
(17) Remove lower starter bolt (Fig. 30).
(18) Remove lower dust shield screw.
(19) Rotate engine clockwise to gain access to con-
verter bolts (Fig. 31). Remove torque converter bolts
(Fig. 32). Mark converter to flex plate for reassembly
ease.
(20) Support transaxle with a transmission jack.
(21) Remove left mount through±bolt (Fig. 33).
Remove left mount bolts from transaxle (Fig. 34).
(22) Remove left transaxle mount from transaxle.
(23) Remove rear engine bolt at transaxle.
(24) Carefully work transaxle and torque converter
assembly rearward off engine block dowels. Disen-
gage converter hub from end of crankshaft.Attach a
small C-clamp to edge of bellhousing. This will
hold torque converter in place during transaxle
removal.Lower transaxle and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install transaxle, reverse removal procedure.(2) If torque converter was removed from transaxle
be sure to align pump inner gear pilot flats with
torque converter impeller hub flats.
(3) Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
(4) Refill transaxle with MOPARtATF PLUS 3
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) type 7176.
(5) Verify that vehicle's back-up lights and speed-
ometer are functioning properly.
Fig. 28 Bracket Removal
Fig. 29 Front Engine Bracket
Fig. 30 Starter Bolts
21 - 66 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

PUMP OIL SEAL
The pump oil seal can be replaced without remov-
ing the pump and reaction shaft support assembly
from the transaxle case.
REMOVAL
(1) Screw seal remover Tool C-3981-B into seal
(Fig. 35), then tighten screw portion of tool to with-
draw the seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install a new seal, place seal in opening of
the pump housing (lip side facing inward). Using Tool
C-4193 and Handle Tool C-4171, drive new seal into
housing until tool bottoms (Fig. 36).
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
TRANSAXLE
Prior to removing any transaxle parts, plug all
openings and clean the unit, preferably with steam.
When disassembling, each part should be washed in
a suitable solvent, then dried with compressed air.
Do not wipe parts with shop towels. All mating sur-
faces in the transaxles are accurately machined;
therefore, careful handling of all parts must be exer-
cised to avoid nicks or burrs.
Fig. 31 Rotate Engine
Fig. 32 Torque Converter Bolts
Fig. 33 Left Transaxle Mount Through±Bolt
Fig. 34 Left Mount Bolts
Fig. 35 Remove Pump Oil Seal
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 67
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)