check transmission fluid CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 User Guide

Calibrate the tester according to the manufactur-
er's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379
kPa (200 psi) maximum, with 552 kPa (80 psi) rec-
ommended.
Perform the test procedures on each cylinder
according to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage per cylinder.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 3). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare clearance measurements to specs found in
engine specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).Plastigage generally is accompa-
nied by two scales. One scale is in inches, the
other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS AND SEALERS
There are numerous places where form-in-place
gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure
obtaining the desired results.Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified.Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct
fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket
materials that are used in the engine area. Mopart
Engine RTV GEN II, MopartATF-RTV, and Mopart
Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.
MOPARtENGINE RTV GEN IIis used to seal
components exposed to engine oil. This material is a
specially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains adhesion and sealing properties when
exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Always
inspect the package for the expiration date before
use.
MOPARtATF RTVis a specifically designed
black silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and
sealing properties to seal components exposed to
automatic transmission fluid, engine coolants, and
moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.
Fig. 3 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 84 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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NOTE: Before installing power steering pressure
hose on power steering pump, inspect the O-ring
on the power steering pressure hose for damage
and replace if required.
(4) Install the power steering fluid pressure hose
fitting into the pressure port of the power steering
pump (Fig. 12). Tighten the pressure line to pump
fitting tube nut to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the power steering fluid supply hose on
the power steering pump supply fitting (Fig. 12).Be
sure hose clamp is properly reinstalled.
(6) Install the accessary drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the splash shields below the engine
compartment.
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Connect the negative (-) battery cable on the
negative battery post.
(10) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Inspect for leaks.
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING PUMP
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING PARTS AND TO ENSURE ACCU-
RATE FLUID LEVEL READING.
The fluid level can be read on the exterior of the
power steering fluid reservoir. The fluid level should
be within the ªFILL RANGEº when the fluid is at
normal ambient temperature, approximately 21ÉC to
27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF) (Fig. 17).
Before removing the power steering filler cap, wipe
the reservoir filler cap free of dirt and debris. Do not
overfill the power steering system.Use only
MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
(MS-9602) in the power steering system.For
additional information on Automatic Transmission
Fluid, (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/
FLUID TYPES - DESCRIPTION).
CAUTION: Use only MoparTATF+4 Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid (MS-9602). Use of other MoparT
power steering fluids (MS5931 and MS9933) should
be avoided to ensure peak performance of the
power steering system under all operating condi-
tions.
Installer C-4063B
Puller C-4333
Fig. 17 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
19 - 44 PUMPRS
PUMP (Continued)
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END COVER SEAL
REMOVAL
The Power Transfer Unit must be removed from
the vehicle to perform this operation. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/POWER TRANSFER
UNIT - REMOVAL)
(1) Remove P.T.U. end cover bolts (Fig. 22).
(2) Gently tap on end cover ears with a hammer to
separate end cover from the case (Fig. 23).
(3) Clean and inspect sealer surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Reinstall cover and tighten bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.) in the sequence shown in (Fig. 24).
Retighten first bolt after all others are tight.
CAUTION: When end cover is installed be careful
not to damage the P.T.U. Input Shaft Cover Seal.
(2) Reinstall P.T.U. into vehicle.
(3) Check and fill fluids as required.
Fig. 22 P.T.U. End Cover Bolts
1 - POWER TRANSFER UNIT
2 - FILL PLUG
3 - END COVER
4 - OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 23 End Cover Removal
1 - END COVER EARS
2 - HAMMER
3 - POWER TRANSFER UNIT
Fig. 24 Bolt Tightening Sequence
RSPOWER TRANSFER UNIT21-11
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ries the governor and parking sprag. An integral heli-
cal gear on the transfer shaft drives the differential
ring gear.
OPERATION
Transmission output is directed to an integral dif-
ferential by a transfer gear system in the following
input-to-output ratios:
FIRST 2.69:1
SECOND 1.55:1
THIRD 1.00:1
REVERSE 2.10:1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
DIAGNOSIS
Automatic transaxle malfunctions are usually
caused by the following general conditions:
²Improper fluid level/condition²Poor engine performance
²Improper engine or transaxle adjustments
²Transaxle hydraulic malfunctions
²Transaxle mechanical malfunctions
Diagnosis of transaxle problems should always
begin with checking the easily accessible variables:
²Fluid level and condition
²Gearshift cable adjustment
²Throttle valve cable adjustment
After verifying or adjusting these variables, road
test the vehicle to determine if the problem has been
corrected or that further diagnosis is necessary. If the
problem still exists, refer to the following diagnosis
charts to aid in determining the source or cause of
failure.
Hydraulic pressure tests should be performed
when a transaxle internal failure is suspected. The
hydraulic flow charts, in the Schematics and Dia-
grams section of this group, outline fluid flow and
hydraulic circuitry. Circuit operation is provided for
all gear ranges. Normal working pressures are also
supplied for each of the gear ranges.
21 - 24 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HARSH ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low 1. Add Fluid
2. Throttle Linkage Misadjusted 2. Adjust linkage - setting may be too long.
3. Excessive Pinion Backlash 3. Check per Service Manual. Correct as
needed.
4. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect 4. Check pressure. Remove, overhaul or
adjust valve body as needed.
5. Band Misadjusted. 5. Adjust rear band.
6. Valve Body Check Balls Missing. 6. Inspect valve body for proper check ball
installation.
7. Clutch, band or planetary
component Damaged.7. Remove, disassemble and repair
transmission as necessary.
8. Converter Clutch (if equipped)
Faulty.8. Replace converter and flush cooler and
line before installing new converter.
DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Misadjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn
or damaged.
4. Rear Band Misadjusted. 4. Adjust band.
5. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 5. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old
fluid were full of clutch disc material and/or
metal particles, overhaul will be necessary.
6. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 6. Remove transmission and replace oil
pump.
7. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 7. Perform pressure test, remove
transmission and repair as needed.
8. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings
Worn/Broken.8. Remove transmission, remove oil pump
and replace seal rings.
9. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear
Clutch Seal Rings Damaged.9. Remove and disassemble transmission
and repair as necessary.
10. Governor Valve Stuck. 10. Remove and inspect governor
components. Replace worn or damaged
parts.
11. Regulator Valve Stuck. 11. Clean.
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-25
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO DRIVE RANGE
(REVERSE OK)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Repair or replace linkage components.
3. Rear Clutch Burnt. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission
and rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace
worn or damaged parts as needed.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble valve body.
Replace assembly if any valves or bores
are damaged.
5. Transmission Overrunning Clutch
Broken.5. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace overrunning clutch.
6. Input Shaft Seal Rings Worn/
Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace seal rings and any other worn or
damaged parts.
7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. 7. Remove and repair.
NO DRIVE OR REVERSE
(VEHICLE WILL NOT
MOVE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage
as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. Filter Plugged. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid
contained clutch material or metal particles,
an overhaul may be necessary. Perform
lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler as
necessary.
4. Oil Pump Damaged. 4. Perform pressure test to confirm low
pressure. Replace pump body assembly if
necessary.
5. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 5. Check press and inspect valve body.
Replace valve body (as assembly) if any
valve or bore is damaged. Clean and
reassemble correctly if all parts are in good
condition.
6. Transmission Internal Component
Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Remove and disassemble
transmission. Repair or replace failed
components as needed.
7. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check
Stall Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck.7. Remove, disassemble, repair.
8. Torque Converter Damage. 8. Inspect and replace as required.
21 - 26 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SHIFTS DELAYED OR
ERRATIC (ALSO SHIFTS
HARSH AT TIMES)1. Fluid Level Low/High. 1. Correct fluid level and check for leaks if
low.
2. Fluid Filter Clogged. 2. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained
clutch material or metal particles, an
overhaul may be necessary. Perform lube
flow test.
3. Throttle Linkage Misadjusted. 3. Adjust linkage as described in service
section.
4. Throttle Linkage Binding. 4. Check cable for binding. Check for return
to closed throttle at transmission.
5. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Misadjusted.5. Adjust linkage/cable as described in
service section.
6. Governor Valve Sticking. 6. Inspect, clean or repair.
7. Governor Seal Rings Worn/
Damaged.7. Inspect/replace.
8. Clutch or Servo Failure. 8. Remove valve body and air test clutch,
and band servo operation. Disassemble
and repair transmission as needed.
9. Front Band Misadjusted. 9. Adjust band.
10. Pump Suction Passage Leak. 10. Check for excessive foam on dipstick
after normal driving. Check for loose pump
bolts, defective gasket. Replace pump
assembly if needed.
NO REVERSE (D RANGES
OK)1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Misadjusted/Damaged.1. Repair or replace linkage parts as
needed.
2. Rear Band Misadjusted/Worn. 2. Adjust band; replace.
3. Valve Body Malfunction. 3. Remove and service valve body. Replace
valve body if any valves or valve bores are
worn or damaged.
4. Rear Servo Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn/damaged servo parts as
necessary.
5. Direct Clutch in Overdrive Worn 5. Disassemble overdrive. Replace worn or
damaged parts.
6. Front Clutch Burnt. 6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn, damaged clutch parts as
required.
HAS FIRST/REVERSE
ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3
UPSHIFT)1. Governor Valve, Shaft, Weights or
Body Damaged/Stuck.1. Remove governor assembly and clean or
repair as necessary.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band
Damaged/Burned.3. Repair/replace.
MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD
GEAR, ABRUPTLY
DOWNSHIFTS TO LOW1. Valve Body Malfunction. 1. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for
stuck 1-2 valve or governor plug.
2. Governor Valve Sticking. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Replace
faulty parts.
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-27
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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CLUTCH - FRONT
DESCRIPTION
The front clutch assembly (Fig. 119) is composed of
the front clutch retainer, pressure plate, clutch
plates, driving discs, piston, piston return spring,
return spring retainer, and snap-rings. The front
clutch is the forward-most component in the trans-
mission geartrain and is directly behind the oil
pump. It is considered a driving component.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack. In
some transmissions, the snap-ring is selective and
used to adjust clutch pack clearance.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the
clutch retainer. The check-valve is needed to elimi-
nate the possibility of plate drag caused by centrifu-
gal force acting on the residual fluid trapped in the
clutch piston retainer.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove front clutch waved snap ring using a
suitable screwdriver (Fig. 114).
(2) Remove waved snap ring and reaction plate
(Fig. 115).
Fig. 114 Front Clutch Waved Snap Ring
1 - WAVED SNAP RING
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - FRONT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Fig. 115 Thick Steel Plate and Waved Snap Ring
1 - WAVED SNAP RING
2 - THICK STEEL PLATE
3 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
21 - 82 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
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(5) Using feeler gauge, measure front clutch clear-
ance (Fig. 125).Front clutch clearance should be
within 1.27-2.79 mm (0.050-0.110 in.) and is not
adjustable.
CLUTCH - REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear clutch assembly (Fig. 132) is composed of
the input shaft, rear clutch retainer, pressure plate,
clutch plates, driving discs, piston, Belleville spring,
and snap-rings. The Belleville spring acts as a lever
to multiply the force applied on to it by the apply pis-
ton. The increased apply force on the rear clutch
pack, in comparison to the front clutch pack, is
needed to hold against the greater torque load
imposed onto the rear pack. The rear clutch is
directly behind the front clutch and is considered a
driving component.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack. In
some transmissions, the snap-ring is selective and
used to adjust clutch pack clearance.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the
clutch retainer. The check-valve is needed to elimi-
nate the possibility of plate drag caused by centrifu-
gal force acting on the residual fluid trapped in the
clutch piston retainer.
Fig. 124 Front Clutch Waved Snap Ring
1 - WAVED SNAP RING
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - FRONT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Fig. 125 Measuring Front Clutch Plate Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - FRONT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
21 - 86 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
CLUTCH - FRONT (Continued)
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FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL AND
CONDITION CHECK
NOTE: The transmission and differential sump have
a common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park
to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.The
engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground. This will assure complete oil level sta-
bilization between differential and transmis-
sion.The fluid should be at normal operating
temperature (approximately 82 C. or 180 F.). The
fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-
hatched area) on the fluid level indicator (Fig. 165).
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 overheat-
ing, fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can inter-
fere with normal valve, clutch, and servo operation.
Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from thetransaxle dipstick where it may be mistaken for a
leak.
FLUID CONDITION
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. MopartATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid-Type 9602) when new is red in
color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from
other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or
antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not
an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is
driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and
may eventually become brown.This is normal.
ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with
age. Consequently,odor and color cannot be used
to indicate the fluid condition, or the need for a
fluid change.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
CHANGE
NOTE: For the recommended maintenance (fluid/fil-
ter change) intervals for this transaxle, (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION)
NOTE: Only fluids of the type labeled MoparTATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602 should
be used. A filter change should be made at the time
of the transmission oil change. The magnet (on the
inside of the oil pan) should also be cleaned with a
clean, dry cloth.
NOTE: If the transaxle is disassembled for any rea-
son, the fluid and filter should be changed.
FLUID/FILTER SERVICE (RECOMMENDED)
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist. Place a drain con-
tainer 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) Remove oil filter-to-valve body screws (Fig.
166).
(4) Remove oil filter and gasket (Fig. 167).
(5) Install a new filter and gasket (Fig. 167).
(6) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new MopartSilicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant.
Torque oil pan bolts to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).
(7) Pour four quarts of MopartATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid-Type 9602) through the dipstick
opening.
Fig. 165 Fluid Level Indicator Markings
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-99
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