change time CHRYSLER VOYAGER 2001 Service Manual

INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing pistons and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, ensure that compression
ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with
oil ring rail gap (Fig. 78).
(2) Before installing the ring compressor, ensure
the oil ring expander ends are butted and the rail
gaps located as shown in (Fig. 78).
(3) Lubricate the piston and rings with clean
engine oil. Position a ring compressor over the piston
and rings, and tighten the compressor (Fig. 79).Be
sure position of rings does not change during
this operation.(4) Position upper bearing onto connecting rod.
Lubricate bearing with oil.
(5) Install connecting rod bolt protectors (rubber
hose or equivalent) on the connecting rod bolts (Fig.
79).
(6) The pistons are marked with a ªFº located near
the piston pin. Install piston with this mark posi-
tioned to front of engine on both cylinder banks. The
connecting rod oil squirt hole faces the major thrust
(right) side of the engine block (Fig. 80).
(7) Rotate crankshaft until the connecting rod
journal is located in the center of the cylinder bore.
Insert connecting rod and piston into cylinder bore.
Carefully guide connecting rod over the crankshaft
journal (Fig. 79).
(8) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(9) Install lower bearing shell and connecting rod
cap (Fig. 79). Install nuts on cleaned and oiled rod
bolts and tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) PLUS
1¤4
turn.
(10) Repeat procedure for each piston and connect-
ing rod installation.
(11) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(13) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
(14) Connect negative cable to battery.Fig. 78 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER
2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
3 - PISTON PIN
4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER
5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
9 - 122 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL AND
FILTER CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in the Maintenance Schedule. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTE-
NANCE SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION)
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
Fig. 98 Engine Oiling System
1 - OIL SUPPLY FOR BALL SOCKET THROUGH PUSH ROD 7 - OUTER ROTOR
2 - OIL SUPPLY PASSAGE FROM SHAFT TO ROCKER ARM 8 - INNER ROTOR
3 - ROCKER SHAFT 9 - RELIEF VALVE
4 - OIL FLOWS TO ONLY ONE PEDASTAL ON EACH HEAD; THIRD
FROM REAR ON RIGHT HEAD, THIRD FROM FRONT ON LEFT
HEAD10 - OIL PAN
5 - ROCKER SHAFT TOWER 11 - OIL SCREEN
6 - CRANKSHAFT 12 - OIL PUMP CASE
Fig. 99 Checking Oil Pressure
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
9 - 132 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
LUBRICATION (Continued)

(2) Before installing the ring compressor, make
sure the oil ring expander ends are butted together.
(3) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston
and tighten (Fig. 56).Ensure position of rings
does not change during this operation.
(4) Face arrow on piston towards front of engine.
NOTE: Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(5) Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod
journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Insert
rod and piston into cylinder bore and guide rod over
the crankshaft journal.
(6) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(7) Install connecting rod caps (Fig. 57). Install rod
bolts and tighten to 30N´m (22 ft.lb.) plus 60É. Then
torque to 88N´m (65 ft.lb).
Fig. 54 PISTON RINGS-INSTALLATION
Fig. 55 PISTON RING GAP LOCATION
3 - TOP COMPRESSION RING GAP POSITION
1 - SECOND COMPRESSION RING GAP POSITION
2 - OIL CONTROL RING GAP POSITION
Fig. 56 PISTON INSTALLATION USING VM.1065
1 - PISTON
2 - VM.1065
3 - ENGINE BLOCK
Fig. 57PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD INSTALLATION
1 - PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY
2 - FOUR DIGIT NUMBER
3 - CONNECTING ROD BOLT
4 - FOUR DIGIT NUMBER
RGENGINE 2.5L TURBO DIESEL9a-41
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

FUEL INJECTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FUEL INJECTION
OPERATION.............................16
SPECIFICATIONS........................21
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................22
ACCELERATOR PEDAL
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................23
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................23
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................24
ENGINE SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................24
FUEL INJECTOR
DESCRIPTION...........................25
OPERATION.............................25
REMOVAL..............................25
INSTALLATION...........................26
FUEL PUMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................27
OPERATION.............................27
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR
DESCRIPTION...........................27
OPERATION.............................27
REMOVAL..............................28INSTALLATION...........................28
INLET AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................28
OPERATION.............................28
MAP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................29
REMOVAL..............................30
INSTALLATION...........................30
O2 SENSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................30
OPERATION.............................31
REMOVAL..............................32
INSTALLATION...........................33
THROTTLE BODY
DESCRIPTION...........................33
OPERATION.............................34
REMOVAL..............................34
INSTALLATION...........................34
THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE
REMOVAL..............................34
INSTALLATION...........................34
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................34
OPERATION.............................35
REMOVAL..............................35
INSTALLATION...........................35
FUEL INJECTION
OPERATION - INJECTION SYSTEM
All engines used in this section have a sequential
Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection system. The MPI
system is computer regulated and provides precise
air/fuel ratios for all driving conditions. The Power-
train Control Module (PCM) operates the fuel injec-
tion system.
The PCM regulates:
²Ignition timing
²Air/fuel ratio
²Emission control devices
²Cooling fan
²Charging system
²Idle speed
²Vehicle speed control
Various sensors provide the inputs necessary for
the PCM to correctly operate these systems. In addi-tion to the sensors, various switches also provide
inputs to the PCM.
The PCM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.
Fuel is injected into the intake port above the
intake valve in precise metered amounts through
electrically operated injectors. The PCM fires the
injectors in a specific sequence. Under most operat-
ing conditions, the PCM maintains an air fuel ratio
of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel by constantly adjust-
ing injector pulse width. Injector pulse width is the
length of time the injector is open.
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width by opening
and closing the ground path to the injector. Engine
RPM (speed) and manifold absolute pressure (air
density) are the primary inputs that determine injec-
tor pulse width.
OPERATION - MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the PCM change, the PCM
adjusts its response to output devices. For example,
14 - 16 FUEL INJECTIONRS

²The number of engine revolutions since cranking
was initiated
During Start-up the PCM maintains ignition tim-
ing at 9É BTDC.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
²Inlet/Intake air temperature (IAT)
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²A/C switch
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
²Speed control
²O2 sensors
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle
speed. Engine idle speed is adjusted through the idle
air control motor.
CRUISE OR IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising or idle
the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²Exhaust gas oxygen content
²A/C control positions
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed and ignition
timing. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio according
to the oxygen content in the exhaust gas (measured
by the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sen-
sor).
The PCM monitors for engine misfire. During
active misfire and depending on the severity, the
PCM either continuously illuminates or flashes the
malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine light on
instrument panel). Also, the PCM stores an engine
misfire DTC in memory.The PCM performs several diagnostic routines.
They include:
²Oxygen sensor monitor
²Downstream heated oxygen sensor diagnostics
during open loop operation (except for shorted)
²Fuel system monitor
²EGR monitor
²Purge system monitor
²All inputs monitored for proper voltage range.
²All monitored components (refer to the Emission
section for On-Board Diagnostics).
The PCM compares the upstream and downstream
heated oxygen sensor inputs to measure catalytic
convertor efficiency. If the catalyst efficiency drops
below the minimum acceptable percentage, the PCM
stores a diagnostic trouble code in memory.
During certain idle conditions, the PCM may enter
a variable idle speed strategy. During variable idle
speed strategy the PCM adjusts engine speed based
on the following inputs.
²A/C sense
²Battery voltage
²Battery temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine run time
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Vehicle mileageACCELERATION MODE
This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. The PCM recog-
nizes an abrupt increase in Throttle Position sensor
output voltage or MAP sensor output voltage as a
demand for increased engine output and vehicle
acceleration. The PCM increases injector pulse width
in response to increased fuel demand.
DECELERATION MODE
This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During decelera-
tion the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²A/C sense
²Battery voltage
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Exhaust gas oxygen content (upstream heated
oxygen sensor)
²Knock sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
²IAC motor control changes in response to MAP
sensor feedback
The PCM may receive a closed throttle input from
the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) when it senses an
abrupt decrease in manifold pressure. This indicates
a hard deceleration. In response, the PCM may
14 - 18 FUEL INJECTIONRS
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)

momentarily turn off the injectors. This helps
improve fuel economy, emissions and engine braking.
WIDE-OPEN-THROTTLE MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. During wide-open-
throttle operation, the following inputs are used by
the PCM:
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine speed
²Knock sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
When the PCM senses a wide-open-throttle condi-
tion through the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) it de-
energizes the A/C compressor clutch relay. This
disables the air conditioning system.
The PCM does not monitor the heated oxygen sen-
sor inputs during wide-open-throttle operation except
for downstream heated oxygen sensor and both
shorted diagnostics. The PCM adjusts injector pulse
width to supply a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When the operator turns the ignition switch to the
OFF position, the following occurs:
²All outputs are turned off, unless 02 Heater
Monitor test is being run. Refer to the Emission sec-
tion for On-Board Diagnostics.
²No inputs are monitored except for the heated
oxygen sensors. The PCM monitors the heating ele-
ments in the oxygen sensors and then shuts down.
FUEL CORRECTION or ADAPTIVE MEMORIES
DESCRIPTION
In Open Loop, the PCM changes pulse width with-
out feedback from the O2 Sensors. Once the engine
warms up to approximately 30 to 35É F, the PCM
goes into closed loopShort Term Correctionand
utilizes feedback from the O2 Sensors. Closed loop
Long Term Adaptive Memoryis maintained above
170É to 190É F unless the PCM senses wide open
throttle. At that time the PCM returns to Open Loop
operation.
OPERATION
Short Term
The first fuel correction program that begins func-
tioning is the short term fuel correction. This system
corrects fuel delivery in direct proportion to the read-
ings from the Upstream O2 Sensor.The PCM monitors the air/fuel ratio by using the
input voltage from the O2 Sensor. When the voltage
reaches its preset high or low limit, the PCM begins
to add or remove fuel until the sensor reaches its
switch point. The short term corrections then begin.
The PCM makes a series of quick changes in the
injector pulse-width until the O2 Sensor reaches its
opposite preset limit or switch point. The process
then repeats itself in the opposite direction.
Short term fuel correction will keep increasing or
decreasing injector pulse-width based upon the
upstream O2 Sensor input. The maximum range of
authority for short term memory is 25% (+/-) of base
pulse-width.
Long Term
The second fuel correction program is the long
term adaptive memory. In order to maintain correct
emission throughout all operating ranges of the
engine, a cell structure based on engine rpm and load
(MAP) is used.
Ther number of cells varies upon the driving con-
ditions. Two cells are used only during idle, based
upon TPS and Park/Neutral switch inputs. There
may be two other cells used for deceleration, based
on TPS, engine rpm, and vehicle speed. The other
twelve cells represent a manifold pressure and an
rpm range. Six of the cells are high rpm and the
other six are low rpm. Each of these cells is a specific
MAP voltage range .
As the engine enters one of these cells the PCM
looks at the amount of short term correction being
used. Because the goal is to keep short term at 0 (O2
Sensor switching at 0.5 volt), long term will update
in the same direction as short term correction was
moving to bring the short term back to 0. Once short
term is back at 0, this long term correction factor is
stored in memory.
The values stored in long term adaptive memory
are used for all operating conditions, including open
loop. However, the updating of the long term memory
occurs after the engine has exceeded approximately
17É F, with fuel control in closed loop and two min-
utes of engine run time. This is done to prevent any
transitional temperature or start-up compensations
from corrupting long term fuel correction.
Long term adaptive memory can change the pulse-
width by as much as 25%, which means it can correct
for all of short term. It is possible to have a problem
that would drive long term to 25% and short term to
another 25% for a total change of 50% away from
base pulse-width calculation.
RSFUEL INJECTION14-19
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)

FUEL INJECTOR
DESCRIPTION
The injectors are positioned in the intake manifold
with the nozzle ends directly above the intake valve
port (Fig. 6).
OPERATION
The fuel injectors are electrical solenoids (Fig. 7).
The injector contains a pintle that closes off an ori-
fice at the nozzle end. When electric current is sup-
plied to the injector, the armature and needle move a
short distance against a spring, allowing fuel to flow
out the orifice. Because the fuel is under high pres-
sure, a fine spray is developed in the shape of a hol-
low cone or two streams. The spraying action
atomizes the fuel, adding it to the air entering the
combustion chamber. Fuel injectors are not inter-
changeable between engines.
The PCM provides battery voltage to each injector
through the ASD relay. Injector operation is con-
trolled by a ground path provided for each injector by
the PCM. Injector on-time (pulse-width) is variable,
and is determined by the PCM processing all the
data previously discussed to obtain the optimum
injector pulse width for each operating condition. The
pulse width is controlled by the duration of the
ground path provided.
Fuel injectors are fired one crankshaft revolution
before TDC compression. When cylinder #4 is at TDC
compression the injector for cylinder #1 will be ener-
gized.
REMOVAL - 2.4L
The fuel rail must be removed first (Fig. 8). Refer
to Fuel Rail Removal in this section.
Fig. 6 Fuel Injector Location Typical
1 - FUEL RAIL
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
3 - FUEL INJECTORS
Fig. 7 FUEL INJECTOR TYPICAL
1 - FUEL INJECTOR
2 - NOZZLE
3 - TOP (FUEL ENTRY)
Fig. 8 FUEL RAIL AND INJECTORS 2.4L
1 - Fuel Injectors
2 - Fuel Rail
RSFUEL INJECTION14-25

PCM to vary the battery charging rate. System volt-
age will be higher at colder temperatures and is
gradually reduced at warmer temperatures.
The battery temperature information is also used
for OBD II diagnostics. Certain faults and OBD II
monitors are either enabled or disabled depending
upon the battery temperature sensor input (example:
disable purge, enable LDP). Most OBD II monitors
are disabled below 20ÉF.
MAP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The MAP sensor (Fig. 15) or (Fig. 16) mounts to
the intake manifold. The sensor is connects electri-
cally to the PCM.
OPERATION
The MAP serves as a PCM input, using a silicon
based sensing unit, to provide data on the manifold
vacuum that draws the air/fuel mixture into the com-
bustion chamber. The PCM requires this information
to determine injector pulse width and spark advance.
When MAP equals Barometric pressure, the pulse
width will be at maximum.
Also like the cam and crank sensors, a 5 volt ref-
erence is supplied from the PCM and returns a volt-
age signal to the PCM that reflects manifold
pressure. The zero pressure reading is 0.5V and full
scale is 4.5V. For a pressure swing of0Ð15psithe
voltage changes 4.0V. The sensor is supplied a regu-
lated 4.8 to 5.1 volts to operate the sensor. Like the
cam and crank sensors ground is provided through
the sensor return circuit.
The MAP sensor input is the number one contributor
to pulse width. The most important function of the MAP
sensor is to determine barometric pressure. The PCM
needs to know if the vehicle is at sea level or is it in
Denver at 5000 feet above sea level, because the air
density changes with altitude. It will also help to correct
for varying weather conditions. If a hurricane was com-
ing through the pressure would be very, very low or
there could be a real fair weather, high pressure area.
This is important because as air pressure changes the
barometric pressure changes. Barometric pressure and
altitude have a direct inverse correlation, as altitude
goes up barometric goes down. The first thing that hap-
pens as the key is rolled on, before reaching the crank
position, the PCM powers up, comes around and looks
at the MAP voltage, and based upon the voltage it sees,
it knows the current barometric pressure relative to
altitude. Once the engine starts, the PCM looks at the
voltage again, continuously every 12 milliseconds, and
compares the current voltage to what it was at key on.
The difference between current and what it was at key
on is manifold vacuum.
During key On (engine not running) the sensor
reads (updates) barometric pressure. A normal range
can be obtained by monitoring known good sensor in
you work area.
As the altitude increases the air becomes thinner
(less oxygen). If a vehicle is started and driven to a
very different altitude than where it was at key On
the barometric pressure needs to be updated. Any
time the PCM sees Wide Open throttle, based upon
TPS angle and RPM it will update barometric pres-
sure in the MAP memory cell. With periodic updates,
the PCM can make its calculations more effectively.
Fig. 15 MAP SENSOR - 2.4L
1 - MAP SENSOR
Fig. 16 MAP SENSOR - 3.3/3.8L
1 - MAP SENSOR
RSFUEL INJECTION14-29
INLET AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................1
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST........................1STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS....3
SPECIFICATIONS.........................9
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................9
COLUMN...............................10
GEAR.................................17
PUMP.................................24
STEERING
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
This vehicle comes with power steering as stan-
dard equipment and it is the only steering system
available. The power steering system consists of
these major components:
²POWER STEERING PUMP
²POWER STEERING GEAR
²POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
²POWER STEERING FLUID SUPPLY HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
For information on the first two components, refer
to their respective sections within this service man-
ual group. Information on all other components can
be found in POWER STEERING PUMP.
OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear
(side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the helical
pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the steering
gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to
change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
Power assist steering is provided by a belt driven
rotary type pump. It directs fluid through power
steering fluid hoses to the power steering gear where
it is used to assist the driver's turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be main-
tained if power steering assist is lost. However, under
this condition, steering effort is significantly increased.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
ALL ENGINES
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-sure. This test is to be performed any time a power
steering system problem is present to determine if
the power steering pump or power steering gear is
not functioning properly. The following flow and pres-
sure test is performed using the Power Steering Ana-
lyzer Kit, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 1), hoses, Special
Tools 6905 and 6959, and fittings from adapter kit,
Special Tool 6893.
Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer, Spe-
cial Tool 6815, as shown. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fitting on
Power Steering Analyzer. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on Pressure Hose, Special
Tool 6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959,
in the outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer.
Install the following adapters from Adapter Set,
Special Tool 6893 (Fig. 2), on the analyzer hose ends:
Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, on Pres-
sure Hose, Special Tool 6713. Install Adapter Fitting,
Special Tool 6826, on Pressure Hose, Special Tool
6959.
Fig. 1 Power Steering Analyzer With Hoses Installed
1 - OUTLET
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6815
3 - INLET
RSSTEERING19-1

FLUID
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 the
transaxle dipstick 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.
FLUID CONDITION
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 recondition 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.
Moparž ATF+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. A dark brown/black fluid
accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration
in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or
transmission component failure.
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 Moparž
ATF+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.
Fig. 165 Fluid Level Indicator Markings
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
21 - 98 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS