flat tire CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 User Guide

(3) Wait two minutes for the system reserve capac-
itor to discharge before beginning any airbag compo-
nent service.
(4) Remove two screws retaining driver airbag to
steering wheel.
(5) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag (Fig. 2).
(6) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(7) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control/horn harness to the clock spring.
INSTALLATION
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Perform clean up procedure (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- SERVICE AFTER AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT).
(2) Install a new steering column assembly and
lower steering column coupler (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install the new clock spring.
(4) Connect the 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clock spring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(5) Install the steering column shrouds and con-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clock spring.(8) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness.
(9) Install the driver airbag and the two screws
retaining the airbag. Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90
in. lbs.)
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
(1) Connect the harness connector on the DAB
cover (horn, speed controls) to the clock spring.
(2) Connect the squib connectors to the DAB.
(3) Position a new airbag into the airbag cavity.
(4) Install the two screws retaining the airbag.
Tighten screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.)
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER
REMOVAL
The horn switch is integral to the driver airbag
trim cover. If either component is faulty or damaged,
the entire driver airbag trim cover and horn switch
unit must be replaced.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the plastic wire retainer that captures
the horn switch feed pigtail wire between the upper
left inflator stud and the inflator on the back of the
driver airbag housing and disconnect the speed con-
trol switches (if equipped).
(4) Remove the four nuts that secure the trim
cover retainer to the studs on the back of the driver
airbag housing.
(5) Remove the horn switch ground pigtail wire
eyelet terminal from the upper left airbag housing
stud.
(6) Remove the trim cover retainer from the airbag
housing studs.
(7) Disengage the six trim cover locking blocks
from the lip around the outside edge of the driver
airbag housing and remove the housing from the
cover.
Fig. 2 DRIVER AIRBAG WIRE CONNECTIONS
1 - AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTORS
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG
3 - HORN/SPEED CONTROL CONNECTOR
4 - CLOCK SPRING
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSRS
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

panel roll down bolt. Install the smaller 10 mm bolt
first to align the instrument panel properly.
(9) Install three left side instrument panel A-pillar
retaining bolts and tighten the left instrument panel
roll down bolt. Install the smaller 10 mm bolt first to
align the instrument panel properly.
(10) Install seven lower instrument panel cover/
pad retaining screws.
(11) Install four screws along top front edge of
instrument panel cover/pad.
(12) Install one far left instrument panel speaker
retaining screw.
(13) Install wiring connectors to radio. Install
radio and four retaining screws.
(14) Connect glove box lamp wiring connector and
place right lower instrument panel trim (glove box
surround) into position.
(15) Install nineteen right lower instrument panel
trim (glove box surround) and install panel screws.
(16) Slide cup holder assembly into instrument
panel.
(17) Install center bezel wiring connectors to
HVAC control and switch assembly (hazard, rear
wiper/washer, heated seats).
(18) Install instrument panel center bezel by align-
ing slots and firmly snapping into place.
(19) Install two screws to instrument panel center
bezel.
(20) Align filler bezel above cup holder over retain-
ing slots and firmly snap into place.
(21) Place instrument panel top cover into position
and firmly snap down rear edge of top cover.
(22) Install glove box. Align hinges, snap into
place, roll glove box upwards and push in sides to
fully install.
(23) Align right side upper A-pillar trim over
retaining slots and firmly snap into place.
(24) Align right A-pillar lower extension trim over
retaining slots and firmly snap into place.
(25) Align right instrument panel end cap over
retaining slots and firmly snap into place.
(26) Align right cowl panel over retaining slots and
firmly snap into place.
(27) Align right front door sill plate over retaining
slots and firmly snap into place.
(28) Install two right side nuts at instrument
panel center stack support to floor.
(29) Install two left side nuts at instrument panel
center stack support to floor.
(30) Connect the two wiring connectors to lower
instrument panel cubby bin at bottom of center stack
and install six screws.
(31) Align left side upper A-pillar trim over retain-
ing slots and firmly snap into place.
(32) Install four nuts at brake pedal support
bracket to instrument panel.(33) Align left A-pillar lower extension trim over
retaining slots and firmly snap into place.
(34) Install knee blocker and retaining screws.
(35) Install Data Link Connector (DLC) into bot-
tom of knee blocker.
(36) Align parking brake lever and snap into place
on knee blocker reinforcement.
(37) Install lower steering column cover and four
retaining screws
(38) Align left cowl panel over retaining slots and
firmly snap into place.
(39) Align left front door sill plate over retaining
slots and firmly snap into place.
(40) Install center console bin between front seats.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
(41) Close hood.
(42) Verify system and vehicle operation.
SEAT AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The side impact airbag system Seat Airbags are
located in the outboard side of the front seat backs.
One in each front seat. The seat airbag inflator
assembly is within the airbag housing (Fig. 3). Each
airbag is mounted to the seat back frame. If deployed
or defective, the entire seat back assembly must be
replaced.
Fig. 3 SEAT AIRBAG - TYPICAL
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSRS
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

OPERATION
Only the Side Impact Airbag Control Module
(SIACM) can deploy the side airbags. When supplied
with the proper electrical signal, the seat airbag
inflator will produce a gas and discharge the bag
directly between the occupant and the side of the
vehicle, protecting the occupant. Upon deployment,
the seat back trim cover will tear open and allow the
side airbag to fully inflate and quickly deflate.
SEAT BELT BUCKLE - FRONT
INBOARD
REMOVAL
The seat belt tensioners are integral to the front
seat belt buckles. They are not serviceable and must
be replaced after a frontal impact event. The entire
front seat belt buckle assembly must be replaced as
an assembly.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Wait two minutes for the system reserve capac-
itor to discharge before beginning any airbag compo-
nent service procedure.
(3) Remove screws attaching front inboard side
cover to seat cushion frame.
(4) Remove side cover from vehicle.
(5) Disconnect the tensioner wire connector from
seat belt buckle.
(6) Remove bolt attaching seat belt buckle to front
seat track.
(7) Remove buckle from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
The seat belt tensioners are integral to the front
seat belt buckles. They are not serviceable and must
be replaced after a frontal impact event. The entire
front seat belt buckle assembly must be replaced as
an assembly.
(1) Place buckle into position.
(2) Install bolt attaching seat belt buckle to front
seat track. Torque bolt to 39 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the seat belt tensioner electrical con-
nector.
(4) Install side cover into position.
(5) Install screws attaching front inboard side
cover to seat cushion frame.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
SEAT BELT BUCKLE - FIRST
ROW INBOARD - QUAD
BUCKET
REMOVAL
(1) Remove seat from vehicle.
(2) Remove screws attaching inboard side cover to
seat cushion.
(3) Remove side cover from seat.
(4) Remove bolts attaching recliner bracket to seat
cushion.
(5) Remove recliner bracket from seat.
(6) Remove bolt attaching seat belt buckle to seat
track (Fig. 4).
(7) Remove buckle from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place buckle into position.
(2) Install bolt attaching seat belt buckle to seat
track. Torque bolt to 39 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install recliner bracket onto the seat.
(4) Install bolts attaching recliner bracket to seat
cushion.
(5) Install side cover from seat.
(6) Install screws attaching inboard side cover to
seat cushion.
(7) Install seat into position.
Fig. 4 SEAT BELT BUCKLE - FIRST ROW INBOARD
- QUAD BUCKET
1 - SEAT CUSHION
2 - SEAT BELT BUCKLE
3 - SEAT TRACK
RSRESTRAINTS8O-11
SEAT AIRBAG (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

FRONT WASHER PUMP
MOTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille so that the in-line
connector remains with the washer hose from the
fresh air plenum.
(4) Disconnect the washer hose from the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(5) Remove the filler tube screw.
(6) Hoist and support vehicle on hoist or jack
stands.
(7) Remove the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(8) Disconnect the left right front wheelhouse
splash shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).
(9) Drain washer fluid from the reservoir and into
a suitable clean container. This can be done by dis-
connecting the windshield washer hose from the
front (outboard) washer pump and allowing the
washer fluid to drain into a container through a tem-
porary jumper hose connected to the front washer
pump.
(10) Disconnect the electrical body harness connec-
tors to the washer pump motors and the fluid level
sensor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the
release position, then, depress the black tab and pull
the connector off the pump or sensor.
(11) Remove the two reservoir mounting screws.
(12) Disconnect the reservoir from the body mount
by raising the reservoir upward slightly and then
down so that the reservoir filler neck and front
washer hose pull through the opening in the front
fender side shield.
(13) Remove pump from reservoir by pulling pump
upper retention tab away from reservoir cavity and
then lifting pump up from mounting grommet. Do
not damage reservoir/pump sealing surface or punc-
ture reservoir during removal.
(14) Remove pump grommet and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Use new grommet when installing a new pump
assembly.
(2) Assure pump upper retention tab is pressed
into reservoir slot and that pump is rotated flatagainst the reservoir and that pump connector is fac-
ing up in the fully seated position. Assure the pump
is aligned to and fully seated in the reservoir cavity.
(3) Push filler neck and front washer hose through
the opening in the front fender side shield. Connect
the reservoir to the body mount by lowering the res-
ervoir down.
(4) Install the two reservoir mounting screws.
Torque screws to 8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the electrical body harness connectors
to the washer pump motors and the fluid level sen-
sor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the closed
or locked position.
(6) Assure that washer hose is properly routed to
prevent pinching and possible inoperative washers.
(7) Connect the left right front wheelhouse splash
shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Install the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(9) lower vehicle from hoist or jack stands.
(10) Install the filler tube screw. Torque screw to
8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(11) Connect the washer hose to the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(12) Connect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille.
(13) Install the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect the battery negative cable.
(15) Verify system operation.
FRONT WIPER ARMS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FRONT WIPER ARM
ALIGNMENT
(1) Verify wiper blade element condition and wiper
arm spring tension. Run wipers in low speed mode
while applying water to the windshield. Observe the
wiper blade that is chattering or skipping across the
windshield. If the wiper element is not rolling over
when the wiper direction reverses, align the wiper
arm. The extension bar portion of the wiper arm
must be twisted in the proper direction to allow the
wiper element to roll over when the direction
reverses.
(2) Place two small adjustable wrenches placed 50
mm (2 in.) apart on the wiper arm extension rod.
(3) Twist the extension rod slightly in the opposite
direction that the element is laying on the wind-
shield while holding the wrench closest to the pivot
stationary.
8R - 8 WIPERS/WASHERSRS
ProCarManuals.com

(12) Disconnect the reservoir from the body mount
by raising the reservoir upward slightly and then
down so that the reservoir filler neck and front
washer hose pull through the opening in the front
fender side shield.
(13) Remove pump from reservoir by pulling pump
upper retention tab away from reservoir cavity and
then lifting pump up from mounting grommet. Do
not damage reservoir/pump sealing surface or punc-
ture reservoir during removal.
(14) Remove pump grommet and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Use new grommet when installing a new pump
assembly.
(2) Assure pump upper retention tab is pressed
into reservoir slot and that pump is rotated flat
against the reservoir and that pump connector is fac-
ing up in the fully seated position. Assure the pump
is aligned to and fully seated in the reservoir cavity.
(3) Push filler neck and front washer hose through
the opening in the front fender side shield. Connect
the reservoir to the body mount by lowering the res-
ervoir down.
(4) Install the two reservoir mounting screws.
Torque screws to 8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the electrical body harness connectors
to the washer pump motors and the fluid level sen-
sor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the closed
or locked position.
(6) Assure that washer hose is properly routed to
prevent pinching and possible inoperative washers.
(7) Connect the left right front wheelhouse splash
shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Install the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(9) lower vehicle from hoist or jack stands.
(10) Install the filler tube screw. Torque screw to
8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(11) Connect the washer hose to the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(12) Connect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille.
(13) Install the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect the battery negative cable.
(15) Verify system operation.
REAR WIPER ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove arm nut cap.
(2) Remove wiper arm nut.
(3) Pull wiper from pivot by rocking back and
forth.
INSTALLATION
(1) Verify that wipers are in parked position.
(2) Position arm on pivot.
(3) Install wiper arm nut and torque to 20 N´m
(175 in. lbs.).
REAR WIPER MOTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove rear wiper arm. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/REAR WIPER ARM -
REMOVAL) in this section.
(3) Open liftgate.
(4) Remove liftgate trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect wire connector from rear wiper
motor.
(6) Remove screws holding rear wiper motor to lift-
gate (Fig. 4).
(7) Remove wiper motor from liftgate.
Fig. 4 REAR WINDOW WIPER MOTOR
1 - REAR WINDOW
2 - REAR WIPER MOTOR
3 - CHMSL
4 - WELL NUTS
8R - 14 WIPERS/WASHERSRS
REAR WASHER PUMP MOTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
(1) Use a new grommet when installing a new sen-
sor assembly.
(2) Assure that the flat of the sensor is aligned
under the ridge of the reservoir and that the sensor
connector is facing down in the fully seated position.
This will allow for proper operation of the sensor
float switch.
(3) Push filler neck and front washer hose through
the opening in the front fender side shield. Connect
the reservoir to the body mount by lowering the res-
ervoir down.
(4) Install the two reservoir mounting screws.
Torque screws to 8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the electrical body harness connectors
to the washer pump motors and the fluid level sen-
sor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the closed
or locked position.
(6) Assure that washer hose is properly routed to
prevent pinching and possible inoperative washers.
(7) Connect the left right front wheelhouse splash
shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Install the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(9) lower vehicle from hoist or jack stands.
(10) Install the filler tube screw. Torque screw to
8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(11) Connect the washer hose to the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(12) Connect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille.
(13) Install the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect the battery negative cable.
(15) Verify system operation.
WASHER HOSES
REMOVAL
(1) Remove washer reservoir from vehicle (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WASHER
RESERVOIR - REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect washer hose front the reservoir cav-
ity.
(3) Disconnect the washer hose from the reservoir
pump.
(4) Remove parts as necessary to replace washer
hose (engine compartment, interior components, etc.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install parts as necessary to after replacing
washer hose (engine compartment, interior compo-
nents, etc.).
(2) Connect the washer hose to the reservoir
pump.
(3) Connect washer hose to the reservoir cavity.
(4) Install the washer reservoir into vehicle (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WASHER
RESERVOIR - INSTALLATION).
WASHER RESERVOIR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille so that the in-line
connector remains with the washer hose from the
fresh air plenum.
(4) Disconnect the washer hose from the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(5) Remove the filler tube screw.
(6) Hoist and support vehicle on hoist or jack
stands.
(7) Remove the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(8) Disconnect the left right front wheelhouse
splash shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).
(9) Drain washer fluid from the reservoir and into
a suitable clean container. This can be done by dis-
connecting the windshield washer hose from the
front (outboard) washer pump and allowing the
washer fluid to drain into a container through a tem-
porary jumper hose connected to the front washer
pump.
(10) Disconnect the electrical body harness connec-
tors to the washer pump motors and the fluid level
sensor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the
release position, then, depress the black tab and pull
the connector off the pump or sensor.
(11) Remove the two reservoir mounting screws.
(12) Disconnect the reservoir from the body mount
by raising the reservoir upward slightly and then
down so that the reservoir filler neck and front
washer hose pull through the opening in the front
fender side shield.
8R - 16 WIPERS/WASHERSRS
WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
²Solvent or a commercially available gasket
remover
²Plastic or wood scraper (Fig. 3)
²Drill motor with 3M RolocŸ Bristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 3)
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or high RPM (beyond
the recommended speed), can damage the sealing
surfaces. The mild (white, 120 grit) bristle disc is
recommended. If necessary, the medium (yellow, 80
grit) bristle disc may be used on cast iron surfaces
with care.
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. 4). (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.
Fig. 3 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - ABRASIVE PAD
2 - 3M ROLOCŸ BRISTLE DISC
3 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 4 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 12 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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.
MOPARtGASKET MAKERis an anaerobic type
gasket material. The material cures in the absence of
air when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It
will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The
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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(4) 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. 69). (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.
(5) Remove the bearing cap and compare the width
of the flattened Plastigage (Fig. 70) with the scale
provided on the package. Locate the band closest to
the same width. This band shows the amount of
clearance in thousandths. Differences in readings
between the ends indicate the amount of taper
present. Record all readings taken. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)Plastigage gener-
ally is accompanied 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.
PLASTIGAGE METHODÐENGINE OUT-OF-VEHICLE
(1) With engine in the inverted position (crank-
shaft up) and mounted on a repair stand, remove
main journal cap.
(2) Remove oil from journal and bearing shell.
(3) Cut Plastigage to same length as width of the
bearing and place it in parallel with the journal axis
(Fig. 69).(4) Carefully install the main bearing cap and
tighten the bolts to specified torque.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the Plasti-
gage will be smeared.
(5) Carefully remove the bearing cap and measure
the width of the Plastigage at the widest part using
the scale on the Plastigage package (Fig. 70). Refer
to Engine Specifications for proper clearances (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). If the clearance
exceeds the specified limits, replace the main bear-
ing(s) with the appropriate size, and if necessary,
have the crankshaft machined to next undersize.
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
(1) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(2) Identify main bearing caps before removal.
(3) Remove bearing caps one at a time. Remove
upper half of bearing by inserting Special Main Bear-
ing Tool C-3059 (Fig. 71) into the oil hole of crank-
shaft.
(4) Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise, forcing out
upper half of bearing shell.
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
NOTE: One main bearing should be selectively fit-
ted while all other main bearing caps are properly
tightened.
Fig. 69 Plastigage Placed in Lower
1 - PLASTIGAGE
Fig. 70 Clearance Measurement
Fig. 71 Upper Main Bearing Removing/Installing
With Special Tool C-3059
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3059
2 - BEARING
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3059
4 - BEARING
9 - 124 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL, DASH
OR VEHICLE VIBRATES
DURING LOW SPEED OR
STANDSTILL STEERING
MANEUVERS.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Tires not properly inflated. 2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Excessive engine vibration. 3. Ensure that the engine is tuned properly.
4. Loose tie rod end jam nut. 4. Tighten the inner to outer tie rod jam nut
to the specified torque.
5.Overcharged air conditioning
system.5.Check air conditioning pump head
pressure and correct as necessary.
6. Grounded engine mount. 6. Repair as necessary.
7. Loose outer tie rod. 7. Replace outer tie rod.
STEERING CATCHES,
SURGES OR STICKS IN
CERTAIN POSITIONS OR
IS DIFFICULT TO TURN.
***1. Low power steering fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
specified level and check for leaks.
2. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Lack of lubrication in front lower
control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated-for-life type ball joint. If ball joint
is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace ball
joint.
4. Worn or binding lower control arm
ball joint.4. Replace lower control arm ball joint.
5. Lack of lubrication in steering gear
outer tie rod ends.5. Lubricate tie rod ends if they are not a
lubricated-for-life type. If tie rod end is a
lubricated-for-life type, replace tie rod end.
6. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.6. Tighten the power steering pump drive
belt to specifications or replace automatic
tensioner where applicable. If drive belt is
worn or glazed, replace belt.
7. Faulty power steering pump
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).7. Replace power steering pump.
8. Faulty power steering gear
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).8. Replace power steering gear.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft/coupler.9. Isolate and correct condition.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
11. Worn or binding seat and bearing
in front strut assembly.11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
19 - 6 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
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