oil type CHEVROLET DYNASTY 1993 Workshop Manual

STEERING
CONTENTS
page page
ACUSTAR STANDARD AND TILT STEERING COLUMN ............................ 28
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER/IGNITION INTERLOCK .......................... 36
GENERAL INFORMATION .................. 1 POWER STEERING GEAR
................ 25
POWER STEERING PUMPS ................ 1
SPECIFICATIONS AND TIGHTENING REFERENCE .......................... 42
GENERAL INFORMATION
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when working on any steering gear or pump. Throughout this group, references may be made to
a particular vehicle by letter or number designation.
A chart showing the breakdown of these designations
is included in the Introduction Section at the front of
this service manual. The power steering system consists of these four
major components. Power Steering Pump, Power
Steering Gear, Pressure Hose, and Return Line.
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into lin-
ear travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth. Power assist steering is
provided by an open center, rotary type control valve.
It is used to direct oil from the power steering pump
to either side of the integral steering rack piston. Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion
bar which initially steers the vehicle. As steering ef-
fort increases as in a turn, the torsion bar twists,
causing relative rotary motion between the rotary
valve body and valve spool. This movement directs
oil behind the integral rack piston, which in turn,
builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the turn-
ing effort.
POWER STEERING PUMPS
INDEX
page page
Checking Power Steering Fluid Level .......... 9
Flow Control Valve Fitting O-Ring Seal ........ 23
General Information ........................ 1
Power Steering Hoses ..................... 11
Power Steering Pressure Switch ............. 10
Power Steering Pump Fluid Reservoirs ........ 22 Power Steering Pump Pressure Test
........... 9
Power Steering Pump Pulley Service .......... 20
Power Steering Pump Removal .............. 12
Power Steering Pump Service ................ 2
Power Steering PumpÐInitial Operation ....... 24
Steering Components Service Diagnosis ........ 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hydraulic pressure for operation of the power
steering gear is provided by a belt driven power
steering pump. The power steering pump is a con-
stant flow rate and displacement, vane type pump.
Different styles of Saginaw power steering pumps are
used depending on the engine application of the ve-
hicle. On all four cylinder and 3.0-liter V-6 applications
the Saginaw Ham Can power steering pump is used
(Fig. 1). On the 3.3 & 3.8-liter V-6 and Turbo III applica-
tions, different versions of the Saginaw T/C style
power steering pump is used (Fig. 2). The 3.3 & 3.8 liter V-6 engine application uses the T/C style power
steering pump with a remote mounted reservoir for
the power steering fluid. On the Turbo III application
of the T/C style power steering pump, the power
steering fluid reservoir is integral to the power steer-
ing pump. On the integral reservoir type pump (Fig. 1) the
pump housing and internal components are combined
with the reservoir to form a one-piece mechanism. The Saginaw T/C style power steering pump (Fig.
2), consists of the power steering pump internal com-
ponents and pump housing. The Saginaw T/C style
power steering pump though has no internal reser-
voir for the power steering fluid. Depending on vehi-
Ä STEERING 19 - 1

cle and or engine application the Saginaw T/C style
power steering pump is used on, it will be equipped
with a plastic integral or remote mounted power
steering fluid reservoir. Drive tangs on the power steering gear pinion, mate
loosely with the stub shaft of the steering gear. This
will allow manual steering control to be maintained, if
the drive belt on the power steering pump should
break. However, under these conditions, steering effort
will significantly increase.
STEERING COMPONENTS SERVICE DIAGNOSIS
POWER STEERING PUMP SERVICE
The service procedures for the Saginaw power steer-
ing pump are limited to the areas and components
listed below. No repair procedures are to be done
on internal components of the Saginaw power
steering pumps.
² Repair of power steering fluid leaks from areas of
the power steering pump sealed by O-rings is allowed
(See Pump Leak Diagnosis). However power steering
pump shaft seal leakage will require replacement of
the pump.
² Power steering fluid reservoirs, related components
and attaching hardware.
² Power steering fluid reservoir filler cap/dipstick as-
semblies. Because of unique shaft bearings, flow control levels
or pump displacements, power steering pumps may be
used only on specific vehicle applications. Be sure that
all power steering pumps are only replaced with a
pump that is the correct replacement for that specific
application. Hydraulic pressure is provided for operation of the
power steering gear by the belt driven power steering
pumps (Fig . 1 & 2). It is a constant displacement, vane
type pump. The power steering pump is connected to
the steering gear by a power steering fluid pressure
hose and return hose.
Rectangular pumping vanes in the shaft driven rotor,
move power steering fluid from the intake to the cam ring
pressure cavities of the power steering pump. As the rotor
begins to turn, centrifugal force throws the vanes against
the inside surface of the cam ring to pickup residual oil.
This oil is then forced into the high pressure area. As more
oil is picked up by the vanes. That additional oil is forced
into the cavities of the thrust plate through two crossover
holes in the cam ring and pressure plate. The crossover
holes empty into the high pressure area between the
pressure plate and the housing end cover.
As the high pressure area is filled, oil flows under
the vanes in the rotor slots, forcing the vanes to follow
the inside surface of the cam ring. As the vanes
reach the restricted area of the cam ring, oil is
forced out from between the vanes. When excess oil
flow is generated during high-speed operation, a regu-
lated amount of oil returns to the pump intake side
through a flow control valve. The flow control valve
reduces the power required to drive the pump
and holds down temperature build-up.
Fig. 1 Saginaw Ham Can Power Steering Pump
Fig. 2 Saginaw T/C Style Power Steering Pump
19 - 2 STEERING Ä

When steering conditions exceed maximum pres-
sure requirements, such as when the wheels are
turned against the stops. The pressure built up in
the steering gear exerts pressure on the spring end of
the flow control valve. The high pressure lifts the re-
lief valve ball from its seat and allows oil to flow
through a trigger orifice located in the outlet fitting.
This reduces pressure on the spring end of the flow
control valve which then opens and allows the oil to
return to the intake side of the pump. This action
limits maximum pressure output of the pump to a
safe level. Under normal power steering pump operating con-
ditions, pressure requirements of the pump are below
maximum, causing the pressure relief valve to re-
main closed.
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY FROM
MOVING PARTS. DO NOT USE AUTOMATIC TRANS-
MISSION FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM. DO NOT OVERFILL THE POWER STEERING
SYSTEM.
Wipe reservoir filler cap free of dirt, before check-
ing power steering fluid level. The dipstick should in- dicate FULL COLD when fluid is at normal ambient
temperature, approximately 21ÉC to 27ÉC (70ÉF to
80ÉF). In all pumps add fluid as necessary to obtain
proper level, using only MopartPower Steering
Fluid, or equivalent. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE
OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST
The following procedure can be used to test the op-
eration of the power steering system on the vehicle. (1) Check power steering pump drive belt tension
and adjust as necessary. (2) Disconnect power steering fluid pressure hose,
at steering gear or power steering pump. Use a con-
tainer for dripping fluid. (3) Connect Pressure Gauge, Special Tool C-3309-E
(Fig. 1) to both hoses using adapter fittings. Connect
spare pressure hose to gear or pump. (4) Completely open valve on Special Tool
C-3309-E (Fig. 1). (5) Start engine and let idle.
(6) Check power steering fluid level, and add fluid
as necessary. (7) Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure should be in the
range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
PUMP LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS
Ä STEERING 19 - 9

POWER STEERING GEAR INDEX
page page
General Information ....................... 25
Outer Tie Rod ........................... 27 Steering Gear Service
..................... 25
GENERAL INFORMATION
The power steering gear (Fig. 1) should NOT be
serviced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak
occurs. The complete steering gear should be
replaced. If a steering gear boot needs to be replaced due to
damage, refer to the power steering gear service sec-
tion in this manual for proper procedure. The power steering system consists of these four
major components. Power Steering Gear, Power Steer-
ing Pump, Pressure Hose, and Return Line. Turning of
the steering wheel is converted into linear travel
through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with
the rack teeth. Power assist steering is provided by an
open center, rotary type control valve which directs oil
from the pump to either side of the integral rack piston. Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion
bar which initially steers the vehicle. As required
steering effort increases, as in a turn. The torsion bar
twists, causing relative rotary motion between the
rotary valve body and the valve spool. This movement
directs oil behind the integral rack piston, which, in
turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the
turning effort. The drive tangs on the pinion of the power steering
pump mate loosely with a stub shaft. This is to permit
manual steering control to be maintained if the drive
belt on the power steering pump should break. How-
ever, under these conditions, steering effort will be
increased.
STEERING GEAR SERVICE
The power steering gear should NOT be ser-
viced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak
occurs. The complete steering gear should be
replaced.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle See Hoisting, Group 0. Put oil drain
pan under vehicle to catch power steering fluid. (2) Remove front road wheels.
(3) Remove both tie rod ends from steering knuckles,
using Puller Special Tool C-3894-A (Fig. 1). (4) Disconnect engine damper strut from crossmem-
ber (if so equipped). (5) Remove the 3 front suspension crossmember at-
taching bolts and the nut (Fig. 2) from the locating
stud. Lower front suspension crossmember, using
Fig. 1 Power Steering Gear Assembly
Ä STEERING 19 - 25

THREE SPEED TORQUEFLITE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE INDEX
page page
Accumulator-Recondition ................... 67
Aluminum Thread Repair ................... 48
Assembly Subassembly Installation ........... 57
Band Adjustment ......................... 47
Bearing Adjustment Procedures .............. 81
Clutch and Servo Air Pressure Tests .......... 43
Differential Repair ........................ 76
Disassembly Subassembly Removal .......... 50
Fluid and Filter Change .................... 40
Fluid Drain and Refill ..................... 40
Fluid Leakage-Transaxle Torque Converter Housing Area .......................... 44
Fluid Level and Condition .................. 40
Front Clutch-Recondition ................... 62
Front Planetary & Annulus Gear-Recondition .... 65
Gearshift Linkage Adjustment ............... 46
General Information ....................... 35
Governor ............................... 48
Hydraulic Control Pressure Adjustments ....... 47
Hydraulic Pressure Tests ................... 42
Kickdown Servo (Controlled Load)-Recondition . . 67 Low/Reverse Servo-Recondition
.............. 66
Oil Cooler Flow Check .................... 48
Oil Coolers and Tubes Reverse Flushing ...... 48
Oil Pump-Recondition ..................... 62
Output Shaft Repair ...................... 71
Park/Neutral Position and Back-Up Lamp Switch . 47
Parking Pawl ............................ 71
Pump Oil Seal-Replacement ................ 61
Rear Clutch-Recondition ................... 64
Road Test .............................. 40
Selection of Lubricant ..................... 40
Special Additives ......................... 40
Three Speed Torqueflite General Diagnosis ..... 36
Throttle Pressure Linkage Adjustment ......... 46
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Wiring Connector ............................ 40
Transaxle and Torque Converter Removal ...... 48
Transfer Shaft Repair ..................... 68
Valve Body-Recondition .................... 57
Vehicle Speed Sensor Pinion Gear ........... 47
GENERAL INFORMATION
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when working on these transaxles. This transaxle combines a fully automatic 3 speed
transmission, final drive gearing, and differential into
a front wheel drive system. The unit is a Metric
design. The identification markings and usage of the
transaxle are charted in Diagnosis and Tests. Transaxle operation requirements are differ-
ent for each vehicle and engine combination and
some internal parts will be different to provide
for this. Therefore, when replacing parts, refer to
the seven digit part number stamped on rear of
the transaxle oil pan flange. Within this transaxle, there are 3 primary areas:
(1) Main center line plus valve body.
(2) Transfer shaft center line (includes governor and
parking sprag). (3) Differential center line. Center distances be-
tween the main rotating parts in these 3 areas are held
precise. This maintains a low noise level through
smooth accurate mesh of the gears. The torque converter, transaxle area, and differential
are housed in an integral aluminum die casting. The
differential oil sump is common with thetransaxle
sump. Separate filling of the differential is NOT nec-
essary. The torque converter is attached to the crankshaft
through a flexible driving plate. Cooling of the con-
verter is accomplished by circulating the transaxle
fluid through an oil-to-water type cooler located in the
radiator side tank and/or an oil-to air heat ex- changer. The torque converter assembly is a sealed
unit that cannot be disassembled.
The transaxle fluid is filtered by an internal filter
attached to the lower side of the valve body assem-
bly. Engine torque is transmitted to the torque con-
verter then, through the input shaft to multiple-disc
clutches in the transaxle. The power flow depends on
the application of the clutches and bands. Refer to
Elements in Use Chart in Diagnosis and Tests sec-
tion. The transaxle consists of two multiple-disc
clutches, an overrunning clutch, two servos, a hy-
draulic accumulator, two bands, and two planetary
gear sets. They provide three forward ratios and a re-
verse ratio. The common sun gear of the planetary
gear sets is connected to the front clutch by a driving
shell. The drive shell is splined to the sun gear and
to the front clutch retainer. The hydraulic system
consists of an oil pump, and a single valve body
which contains all of the valves except the governor
valves. The transaxle sump and differential sump are
both vented through the dipstick.Output torque
from the main center line is delivered through heli-
cal gears to the transfer shaft.This gear set is a
factor of the final drive (axle) ratio. The shaft also
carries the governor and parking sprag. An integral
helical gear on the transfer shaft drives the differen-
tial ring gear. The final drive gearing is completed
with one of three gear sets producing overall top gear
ratios of 2.78, 3.02, or 3.22 depending on model and
application.
Ä TRANSAXLE 21 - 35

TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH
The torque converter clutch is standard on all ve-
hicles. It is activated only in direct drive and is con-
trolled by the engine electronics. A solenoid on the
valve body, is powered by the powertrain control mod-
ule to activate torque converter clutch.
HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM
The hydraulic control circuits show the position of
the various valves. They indicate those under hydrau-
lic pressure for all operations of the transaxle. The hydraulic control system makes the transaxle
fully automatic, and has four important functions to
perform. In a general way, the components of any
automatic control system may be grouped into the
following basic groups: The pressure supply system, the pressure regulating
valves, the flow control valves, the clutches, and band
servos. Taking each of these basic groups or systems in turn,
the control system may be described as follows:
PRESSURE SUPPLY SYSTEM
The pressure supply system consists of an oil pump
driven by the engine through the torque converter. The
single pump furnishes pressure for all the hydraulic
and lubrication requirements. Oil pump housing
assemblies are available with preselected pump
gears.
PRESSURE REGULATING VALVES
The pressure regulating valve controls line pressure
dependent on throttle opening. The governor valve
transmits regulated pressure to the valve body (in
conjunction with vehicle speed) to control upshift and
downshift. The throttle valve transmits regulated pressure to
the transaxle (dependent on throttle position) to con-
trol upshift and downshift.
FLOW CONTROL VALVES
The manual valve provides the different transaxle
drive ranges as selected by the vehicle operator. The 1-2 shift valve automatically shifts the transaxle
from first to second or from second to first, depending
on the vehicle operation. The 2-3 shift valve automatically shifts the transaxle
from second to third or from third to second depending
on the vehicle operation. The kickdown valve makes possible a forced down-
shift from third to second, second to first, or third to
first (depending on vehicle speed). This can be done by
depressing the accelerator pedal past the detent ``feel''
near wide open throttle. The shuttle valve has two separate functions and
performs each independently of the other. The first
provides fast release of the kickdown band, and
smooth front clutch engagement, when the driver makes a
lift-footupshift from second to third. The
second function of the shuttle valve is to regulate the
application of the kickdown servo and band when
making third to second kickdown. The by-pass valve provides for smooth application of
the kickdown band on 1-2 upshifts. The torque converter clutch solenoid allows for the
electronic control of the clutch inside the torque con-
verter. It also disengages the torque converter at closed
throttle, during engine warm-up, and during part-
throttle acceleration. The switch valve directs oil to apply the torque
converter clutch in one position and releases the torque
converter clutch in the other position.
CLUTCH, BAND SERVO, AND ACCUMULATOR
The front and rear clutch pistons, and both servo
pistons are moved hydraulically to engage the clutches
and apply the bands. The pistons are released by
spring tension when hydraulic pressure is released. On
the 2-3 upshift, the kickdown servo piston is released
by spring tension and hydraulic pressure. The accumulator controls the hydraulic pressure on
the apply side of the kickdown servo during the 1-2
upshift; thereby, cushioning the kickdown band appli-
cation at any throttle position.
GEARSHIFT AND PARKING LOCK CONTROLS
The transaxle is controlled by a lever typegearshift
incorporated within the console or the steering column.
The control has six selector lever positions: P (park), R
(reverse), N (neutral), and D (drive), 2 (second), and 1
(first). The parking lock is applied by moving the
selector lever past a gate to the Pposition. Do not
apply the parking lock until the vehicle has
stopped; otherwise, a severe banging noise will
occur.
THREE SPEED TORQUEFLITE GENERAL DIAGNO-
SIS
Automatic transaxle malfunctions may be caused by
four general conditions:
² Poor engine performance
² Improper adjustments
² Hydraulic malfunctions
² Mechanical malfunctions.
Diagnosis of these problems should always begin by
checking the easily accessible variables: fluid level and
condition, gearshift cable adjustment, and throttle
pressure cable adjustment. Then perform a road test to
determine if the problem has been corrected or that
more diagnosis is necessary. If the problem exists after
the preliminary tests and corrections are completed,
hydraulic pressure tests should be performed.
21 - 36 TRANSAXLE Ä

FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
The transmission and differential sump have a
common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two. Before removing the dipstick, wipe all dirt off of the
protective disc and the dipstick handle. The torque converter will fill in both the PPark or N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in PPark to
check fluid level. Inspect fluid level on dipstick every six months.
Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute
with vehicle on level ground. This will assure
complete oil level stabilization between differen-
tial and transmission. A properly filled transaxle
will read near the addmark when fluid temperature is
21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit). When the
transaxle reaches operating temperature the fluid
should be in the HOTregion.
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with the
fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles make the
fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be low and build
up slowly. Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the gears
churn up foam and cause the same conditions which
occur with a low fluid level. In either case, the air bubbles can cause overheating,
fluid oxidation, and varnishing, which can interfere
with normal valve, clutch, and servo operation. Foam-
ing can also result in fluid escaping from the transaxle
vent (dipstick handle) where it may be mistaken for a
leak. Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transaxle overhaul is needed. Be
sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely. If
there is any doubt about its condition, drain out a
sample for a double check. After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT
It is important that the proper lubricant be used in
these transmissions. MOPAR tATF PLUS (Automatic
Transmission Fluid-Type 7176) should be used to aid in
assuring optimum transmission performance. Fluids of
the type labeled DEXRON II Automatic Transmission
Fluid should be used only if the recommended fluid is
not available. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluids.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
Chrysler Corporation does not recommend the addi-
tion of any fluids to the transmission, other than the
automatic transmission fluid listed above. An ex- ception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided, since they may adversely affect
seals.
FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE
When the factory fill fluid is changed, only
fluids of the type labeled MOPAR tATF PLUS
(Automatic Transmission fluid) Type 7176 should
be used. A band adjustment and filter change
should be made at the time of the oil change. The
magnet (on the inside of the oil pan) should also
be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth. If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason,
the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
band(s) adjusted.
FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist (See Lubrication, Group
0). Place a drain container with a large opening, under
transaxle oil pan. (2) Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner to
break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove the
oil pan. (3) Install a new filter and gasket on bottom of the
valve body and tighten retaining screws to 5 N Im (40
in. lbs.). (4) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new MOPAR tAdhesive sealant. Tighten oil pan
bolts to 19 N Im (165 in. lbs.).
(5) Pour four quarts of MOPAR tATF PLUS (Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid) Type 7176 through the
dipstick opening. (6) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes ap-
plied, move selector lever momentarily to each posi-
tion, ending in the park or neutral position. (7) Add sufficient fluid to bring level to 1/8 inch
below the ADD mark. Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal
operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT
region (Fig. 1). To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make cer-
tain that dipstick is full seated into the dipstick open-
ing.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID WIRING
CONNECTOR
If wiring connector is unplugged, the torque con-
verter clutch will not operate (Fig. 2).
ROAD TEST
Prior to performing a road test, be certain that the
fluid level and condition, and control cable adjustments
have been checked and approved. During the road test, the transaxle should be oper-
ated in each position to check for slipping and any
variation in shifting.
21 - 40 TRANSAXLE Ä

GOVERNOR
To service the governor assembly in the vehicle, it
is not necessary to remove the transfer gear cover,
transfer gear, and governor support. The governor
may be serviced by removing the transaxle oil pan
and valve body assembly. With the oil pan and valve
body removed, the governor may be unbolted from
the governor support and removed. When cleaning or assembling the governor, make
sure the governor valves move freely in the bores of
the governor body.
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, or equivalent. This repair consists of
drilling out the worn-out damaged threads. Then tap-
ping the hole with a Heli-Coil tap, or equivalent, and
installing a Heli-Coil insert, or equivalent, into the
hole. This brings the hole back to its original thread
size. Heli-Coil, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppli-
ers.
OIL COOLERS AND TUBES REVERSE FLUSHING
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the oil cooler(s) must be flushed. The torque
converter must be replaced with an exchange unit.
This will insure that metal particles or sludged oil
are not transferred back into the reconditioned (or
replaced) transaxle.
CAUTION: If vehicle is equipped with two oil cool-
ers (one in the radiator tank, one in front of the ra-
diator) they must be flushed separately. Do not
attempt to flush both coolers at one time.
(1) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.
(2) Using a hand suction gun filled with mineral
spirits, reverse flush the cooler. Force mineral spirits
into the From Cooler line of the cooler (Fig. 9) and
catch the exiting spirits from the To Coolerline.
Observe for the presence of debris in the exiting
fluid. Continue until fluid exiting is clear and free
from debris. (3) Using compressed air in intermittent spurts,
blow any remaining mineral spirits from the cooler,
again in the reverse direction. (4) To remove any remaining mineral spirits from
the cooler, one (1) quart of automatic transmission
fluid should be pumped through the cooler before re-
connecting. (5) If at any stage of the cleaning process, the
cooler does not freely pass fluid, the cooler must be
replaced.
OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed and filled to the proper level with auto-
matic transmission fluid. The flow should be checked
using the following procedure: (1) Disconnect the From coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line. (2) Run the engine at curb idle speed , with the
shift selector in neutral. (3) If the fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of automatic
transmission fluid, the cooler should be replaced.
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.
(4) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
reconnect the cooler line. Then fill transmission to
the proper level, using the approved type of auto-
matic transmission fluid.
TRANSAXLE AND TORQUE CONVERTER REMOVAL
Transaxle removal does NOT require engine
removal. (1) The transaxle and torque converter must be re-
moved 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. (2) Disconnect battery negative cable .
(3) Disconnect throttle linkage and shift linkage
from transaxle.
Fig. 9 Cooler Line Identification
21 - 48 TRANSAXLE Ä

FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
The transmission and differential sump have a
common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two. The torque converter fills in both the PPark and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in PPark to
check the fluid level. The engine should be running
at idle speed for at least one minute, with the
vehicle on level ground. This will assure com-
plete oil level stabilization between differential
and transmission. The fluid should be at normal
operating temperature (approximately 82 C. or 180 F.).
The fluid level is correct if it is in the HOTregion
(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with the
fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles make the
fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be low and build
up slowly. Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the gears
churn up foam and cause the same conditions which
occur with a low fluid level. In either case, the air bubbles can cause over heat-
ing, fluid oxidation, and varnishing, which can inter-
fere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator opera-
tion. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the
transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak. Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transaxle overhaul is needed. Be
sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely. If
there is any doubt about its condition, drain out a
sample for a double check. After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT
It is important that the proper lubricant be used in
the 41TE transaxle. MOPAR tATF PLUS (Automatic
Transmission FluidÐtype 7176) should be used to aid
in assuring optimum transmission performance. Flu-
ids of the type labeled DEXRON II Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid are not recommended . DEXRON II
can be used only if the recommended fluid is not
available. If more than a small amount of DEXRON II
is used shudder or shift quality problems may result. It
is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluids.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
Chrysler Corporation does not recommend the addi-
tion of any fluids to the transaxle, other than the
automatic transmission fluid listed above. An excep- tion to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided, since they may adversely affect
seals.
FLUID AND FILTER CHANGES
When the factory fill fluid is changed, only fluids
labeled MOPAR tATF PLUS (Automatic Transmis-
sion fluid) Type 7176 should be used. A filter change
should be made at the time of the oil change. Also
the magnet (on the inside of the oil pan) should be
cleaned with a clean, dry cloth. If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist (See Lubrication,
Group 0). Place a drain container with a large open-
ing, under transaxle oil pan. (2) Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner
to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove
the oil pan. (3) Install a new filter and O-ring on bottom of the
valve body. (4) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new MOPAR tAdhesive Sealant. Tighten oil
pan bolts to 19 N Im (165 in. lbs.).
(5) Pour four quarts of MOPAR tATF PLUS (Au-
tomatic Transmission Fluid) Type 7176 through the
fill tube. (6) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes ap-
plied, move selector lever momentarily to each posi-
tion, ending in the park or neutral position. (7) Add sufficient fluid to bring level to 1/8 inch
below the ADD mark. Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal op-
erating temperature. The level should be in the HOT
region (Fig. 3).
To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make cer-
tain that dipstick is seated into the dipstick fill tube
(Fig. 4).
ROAD TEST
Prior to performing a road test, be certain that the
fluid level and condition, and control cable adjust-
ment have been checked and approved.
Fig. 3 Oil Level Indicator
Ä TRANSAXLE 21 - 93

CAUTION: If the vehicle is equipped with two oil
coolers (one in the radiator tank, one in front of the
radiator) they must be flushed separately. Do not
attempt to flush both coolers at one time. (1) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.
(2) Using a hand suction gun filled with mineral
spirits, reverse flush the cooler. Force mineral spirits
into the From Cooler line of the cooler (Fig. 7) and
catch the exiting spirits from the To Coolerline.
Observe for the presence of debris in the exiting
fluid. Continue until fluid exiting is clear and free
from debris.
(3) Using compressed air in intermittent spurts,
blow any remaining mineral spirits from the cooler,
again in the reverse direction. (4) To remove any remaining mineral spirits from
the cooler, one (1) quart of automatic transmission
fluid should be pumped through the cooler before re-
connecting. (5) If at any stage of the cleaning process, the
cooler does not freely pass fluid, the cooler must be
replaced.
OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed, filled to the proper level with automatic
transmission fluid. The flow should be checked using
the following procedure: (1) Disconnect the From coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line. (2) Run the engine at curb idle speed , with the
shift selector in neutral. (3) If the fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of automatic
transmission fluid, the cooler should be replaced. 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.
(4) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
reconnect the cooler line. Then fill transmission to
the proper level, using the approved type of auto-
matic transmission fluid.
TRANSAXLE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Transaxle removal does NOT require engine re-
moval. See Group 7-Cooling, to drain engine cooling sys-
tem and remove coolant return extension (3.0 liter
engine only). (1) The transaxle and torque converter must be re-
moved 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 drive plate during removal. (2) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(3) Disconnect transaxle shift linkage.
(4) Install engine support fixture and support en-
gine (Fig.1).
(5) Remove upper bell housing upper bolts.
(6) Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels. Refer to
Suspension, Group 2 to remove wheel hub nut and
both drive shafts. (7) Remove left plastic splash to gain access to the
transaxle (Fig. 2). (8) Remove torque converter dust shield to gain ac-
cess to torque converter bolts (Fig. 3). (9) Mark torque converter and drive plate with
chalk, for reassembly. Remove torque converter
mounting bolts. (10) Disconnect electrical connectors at transmis-
sion range switch and Park/Neutral Position Switch
(Fig. 4).
Fig. 7 Cooler Line Location
Fig. 1 Engine Support Fixture (Typical)
Ä TRANSAXLE 21 - 99