check engine DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual
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Page 916 of 1200

(8) Correctly route power steering pressure hose
avoiding tight bends or kinking of the hose. Install
power steering pressure hose to generator shield
routing clip attaching screw (Fig. 11)but do not
tighten at this time.
(9) Raise vehicle.
CAUTION: Hoses must remain away from exhaust
system, vehicle components and unfriendly sur-
faces causing possible damage to power steering
hoses.
(10) Route power steering pressure hose to pres-
sure port on power steering gear. Install power steer-
ing pressure hose, on steering gear and loosely
install tube nut into steering gear (Fig. 9).Tighten
and torque tube nut after routing bracket is
installed, correctly positioning hoses in vehicle.(11) Install the power steering pressure and return
hose routing clip on hoses (Fig. 8). Install bolt attach-
ing routing clip to front suspension crossmember.
Torque routing clip to front suspension crossmember
attaching bolt to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.)
(12) Torque power steering pressure hose to steer-
ing gear tube nut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install power steering pressure hose in rout-
ing clip on generator shield (Fig. 10).
(14) Lower Vehicle.
(15) Position locating pin on power steering pres-
sure hose banjo fitting so it is against power steering
pump mounting bracket (Fig. 12). While holding
locating pin against power steering pump bracket,
torque pump end Banjo bolt to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(16) Securely tighten bolt attaching power steering
pressure hose bracket to generator shield.
(17) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(18) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above pro-
cedure until the fluid level remains constant after
running the engine.
(19) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(20) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(21) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(22) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(23) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(24) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
(25) After hose is installed, check for leaks at all
hose connections.POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
CAUTION: Cap all open ends of hoses, power
steering pump fittings and steering gear ports to
prevent entry of foreign material into the compo-
nents.
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove hose clamp, attaching return hose to
steel tube at power steering gear (Fig. 15). Let power
Fig. 13 O-ring Installed On Power Steering Hose
Banjo Fitting
Fig. 14 O-ring Installed On Banjo Fitting Bolt
PLSTEERING 19 - 15
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 918 of 1200

installed on return hose past upset bead on
power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle.
(4) Clip power steering return hose and pressure
hose together (Fig. 17).
(5) Install power steering return hose on steel tube
at power steering gear (Fig. 15). Install hose clamp
on power steering return hose at power steering gear
(Fig. 15).Be sure hose clamp is installed on
return hose past upset bead on steel tube at
power gear.
(6) Install power steering return hose on routing
clip at generator shield (Fig. 16).
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(9) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(10) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(11) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(12) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(13) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(14) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(15) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
(16) After hose is installed, check for leaks at all
hose connections.
POWER STEERING FLUID SUPPLY HOSE
RESERVOIR TO POWER STEERING PUMP
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
REMOVE
CAUTION: Care must be used when removing the
power steering fluid supply hose from power steer-
ing fluid reservoir. If excessive force is used when
trying to remove hose from nipple on power steer-
ing fluid reservoir, nipple can break off of the res-
ervoir.
(1) Remove hose clamp, attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to power steering fluid reservoir(Fig. 19). Then remove power steering fluid supply
hose from power steering fluid reservoir.
(2) Remove hose clamp, attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to the power steering pump (Fig.
20). Then remove power steering fluid supply hose
from power steering pump fitting.
(3) Remove power steering fluid supply hose from
engine.INSTALL
(1) Install power steering fluid supply hose back
on engine making sure it is correctly routed.
CAUTION: Care must be used when installing
power steering fluid supply hose on power steering
fluid reservoir. If excessive force is used when try-
ing to install hose on nipple of power steering fluid
reservoir, nipple can be broken off the reservoir.
Fig. 19 Power Steering Fluid Supply Hose At
Reservoir
Fig. 20 Power Steering Fluid Supply Hose At Power
Steering Pump
PLSTEERING 19 - 17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 919 of 1200

(2) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering fluid reservoir fitting. Install hose
clamp on power steering fluid supply hose at power
steering fluid reservoir (Fig. 19).Be sure hose
clamp is installed on return hose past upset
bead on power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering pump fitting. Install hose clamp on
power steering fluid supply hose at power steering
pump fitting (Fig. 20).Be sure hose clamp is
installed on power steering fluid supply hose
past upset bead on power steering pump fit-
ting.
(4) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(5) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(6) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(7) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(8) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(9) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(10) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(11) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
(12) After hose is installed, check for leaks at all
hose connections.
POWER STEERING PUMP (ALL ENGINES)
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE COM-
PONENTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES, OR ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
The power steering pump removal procedure and
pump and bracket fastener locations are the same for
both engine applications used for this vehicle. The
front power steering pump bracket must be removed
as an assembly with the power steering pump and
removed from the pump after removing the pulley
from the power steering pump.
REMOVE
(1) Remove battery cable from (-) negative post on
battery.
(2) Remove Banjo Bolt and power steering fluid
pressure hose from pressure fitting on power steering
pump (Fig. 21).(3) Discard all used O-rings on the power steering
pressure hose Banjo fitting and Banjo bolt.
(4) Remove hose clamp attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to the power steering pump suction
fitting (Fig. 22). Remove power steering fluid supply
hose from power steering pump fitting.
(5) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See hoisting in the Lubrica-
tion And Maintenance Section of this service manual
for the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual over-
head cam engine, the bolt attaching the coolant
tube to the intake manifold needs to be removed.
Refer to following step for required procedure.
(6) Remove the bolt attaching the coolant tube
(Fig. 23) to the bottom of the intake manifold.The
Fig. 21 Power Steering Hose Attachment To Power
Steering Pump
Fig. 22 Power Steering Fluid Supply Hose At Power
Steering Pump
19 - 18 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 921 of 1200

drive belt tension. See Accessory Drive Belts in
Group 7 Cooling System of this service manual for
the correct drive belt tension specification. When cor-
rect drive belt tension is obtained torque the 2 bolts
at the power steering pump cast mounting bracket
(Fig. 24) to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.). Then torque the front
power steering pump mounting bracket bolt (Fig. 25)
to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install power steering supply hose on power
steering pump suction fitting (Fig. 22). Install hose
clamp on hose, being sure hose clamp is installed on
hose past upset bead on power steering pump tube.
(7) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean all open
power steering hose ends, and power steering pump
fittings.
(8) Install a new O-ring on the end of the power
steering pressure hose banjo fitting (Fig. 28).(9) Install a new O-ring (Fig. 29) on power steering
fluid pressure hose banjo fitting bolt.
(10) Lubricate both O-rings using fresh clean
power steering fluid.
(11) Install banjo bolt into the power steering pres-
sure hose banjo fitting.
(12) Attach power steering pressure hose on outlet
fitting of the power steering pump (Fig. 21).
(13) Position locating pin on power steering pres-
sure hose banjo fitting so it is against power steering
pump mounting bracket (Fig. 21). While holding
locating pin against power steering pump bracket,
torque pump end Banjo bolt to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid
in power steering system. Only use MoparT, Power
Steering Fluid, or equivalent.
(14) Fill power steering reservoir to correct fluid
level.
(15) Connect negative cable back on negative post
of battery.
(16) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(17) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above pro-
cedure until the fluid level remains constant after
running the engine.
(18) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(19) Start engine, then slowly turn steering wheel
right and left several times until lightly contacting
the wheel stops. Then turn the engine off.
(20) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(21) Lower the vehicle. Start engine again and
turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
(22) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
Fig. 27 Setting Power Steering Pump Drive Belt
Tension
Fig. 28 O-Ring Installed On Power Steering Hose
Banjo Fitting
Fig. 29 O-Ring Installed On Banjo Fitting Bolt
19 - 20 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 922 of 1200

(23) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
(24) After power steering pump is installed, check
for leaks at all hose connections and power steering
pump fittings.
POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jack stands or on a frame con-
tact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubrication And
Maintenance Section of this service manual for the
required lifting procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(2) Remove hose clamp, attaching return hose to
steel tube at power steering gear (Fig. 30). Let power
steering fluid drain from return hose and power
steering fluid reservoir, until reservoir is empty.
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Remove the coolant overflow hose from the
coolant recovery system (CRS) tank (Fig. 31).NOTE: Removal of the CRS tank improves access
to the power steering fluid reservoir attaching bolts.
(5) Remove the nut and screw attaching the CRS
tank to the dash panel (Fig. 32). Remove the CRS
tank from the dash panel and lower it down on top of
the steering gear toward the center of the vehicle.
CAUTION: Care must be used when removing and
installing power steering fluid hoses on the power
steering fluid reservoir. If excessive force is used
when trying to remove or install hoses on nipples
of power steering fluid reservoir, nipples can be
broken off the reservoir.
(6) Remove the power steering fluid return and
supply hose from the power steering fluid reservoir
(Fig. 33).
(7)If vehicle is equipped with the single over-
head cam engine,remove the 3 bolts (Fig. 34)
attaching the power steering fluid reservoir to the
cylinder head.
Fig. 30 Power Steering Return Hose At Steering
Gear
Fig. 31 Overflow Hose Connection At CRS Tank
Fig. 32 CRS Tank Mounting Bolt And Screw
Fig. 33 Power Steering Fluid Hoses At Reservoir
PLSTEERING 19 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 923 of 1200

(8)If vehicle is equipped with the dual over-
head cam engine,remove the 2 nuts (Fig. 35)
attaching the power steering fluid reservoir to the
cylinder head .
(9) Remove power steering fluid reservoir from
vehicle.
INSTALL
(1) Install power steering fluid reservoir on cylin-
der head. Install and securely tighten the power
steering fluid reservoir to cylinder head attaching
bolts (Fig. 34) or. (Fig. 35).
(2) Install the power steering fluid return and sup-
ply hose, on the power steering fluid reservoir fit-
tings (Fig. 33).Be sure both hose clamps are
installed on hose past upset bead on power
steering reservoir fittings.
(3) Install engine coolant recovery system tank on
dash panel of vehicle. Install and securely tighten
attaching bolts (Fig. 32).(4) Install the coolant overflow hose from the cool-
ant recovery system (CRS) tank (Fig. 31)
(5) Raise vehicle.
(6) Install power steering return hose, on the steel
tube at the power steering gear (Fig. 30).Be sure
hose clamp is installed on hose past upset bead
on power steering gear steel tube.
(7) Fill power steering pump fluid reservoir to the
proper level.
(8) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(9) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(10) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(11) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(12) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(13) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(14) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(15) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE PULLEY
The power steering pump must be removed from
the vehicle for removal of the power steering pump
pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pump Removal in the
Power Steering Pump Service Procedures section in
this group of the service manual.
REMOVE
(1) Remove power steering pump from engine.
Refer to Power Steering Pump Removal in the Power
Steering Pump Service Procedures section in this
group of the service manual for required procedure.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on power steering
pump pulley or shaft to remove power steering
pump pulley. This will damage the pulley and the
power steering pump.
(2) Mount power steering pump in a vise using the
power steering pump mounting bracket (Fig. 36).
Install Puller, Special Tool C-4333 or C- 4068 on
power steering pump pulley (Fig. 36). Remove the
power steering pump pulley from the power steering
pump shaft.
(3) Replace power steering pump pulley if bent,
cracked, or loose.
Fig. 34 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Hoses And
Mounting
Fig. 35 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Mounting
19 - 22 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 928 of 1200

However, under these conditions, steering effort will
be increased.
NOTE: The power steering gear (Fig. 1) should NOT
be serviced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak
occurs with the steering gear, the complete steering
gear needs to be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
POWER STEERING SYSTEM TEST PROCEDURE
The following procedure can be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on the 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 pressure and
flow test is performed using Pressure/Flow Tester,
Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 2).
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Check power steering pump drive belt tension
and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect power steering fluid pressure hose,
at power steering pump. Use a container for dripping
fluid.
(3) Connect Pressure Gauge, Special Tool from kit
6815 (Fig. 3) to both hoses using adapter fittings.
Connect spare pressure hose, to power steering pump
pressure hose banjo fitting.
(4) Completely open valve on Special Tool 6815
(Fig. 3).
(5) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
and get air out of fluid. Then shut off engine.(6) Check power steering fluid level, and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
(7) Pressure gauge should read below 862 kPa
(125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions
and repair as necessary. The initial pressure reading
should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.4
GPM
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing power steering pump maximum pressure
output and flow control valve operation. Do not
leave valve closed for more than 5 seconds as the
pump could be damaged.
(8) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time.All three read-
ings must be above specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 8240 to 8920 kPa (1195 to 1293 psi.).
²If power steering pump pressures above specifi-
cations but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other,
then replace power steering pump.
²If pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other but below specifications, then replace power
steering pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate
against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
(9) Open test valve. Turn steering wheel to the
extreme left and right positions until against the
stops, recording the highest indicated pressure at
each position. Compare pressure gauge readings to
power steering pump specifications. If highest output
Fig. 3 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
Connected To Power Steering Pump
Fig. 2 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
PLSTEERING 19 - 27
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Page 933 of 1200

(13) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(14) Add fluid if necessary.
(15) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(16) Start engine and turn steering wheel several
times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in sys-
tem. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect sys-
tem for leaks.Fill pump reservoir to correct
level with Mopart, Power Steering Fluid, or
equivalent.See Checking Fluid Level.
(17) Lower front wheels of vehicle back on the
ground.
CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the
steering gear inner tie rod boots to become twisted.
(See Wheel Alignment in the suspension section of
this service manual).
(18) Adjust the front Toe setting on the vehicle.
Refer to the Toe Setting Procedure in Front Suspen-
sion Service Procedures in this group of the service
manual. Refer to the Specifications Section at the
end of this group for the desired front Toe specifica-
tion.
(19) Tighten tie rod jam nut (Fig. 18) to 61 N´m
(45 ft.lbs.) torque.
(20) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie
rods.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
OUTER TIE ROD
DISASSEMBLE
(1) Loosen the inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam
nut (Fig. 19). Thread the jam nut far enough up the
inner tie rod to pull the collar (Fig. 19) away fromthe outer tie rod end. Pull the collar off the end of
the outer tie rod.
(2) Remove the nut attaching the outer tie rod end
to steering knuckle (Fig. 20).Nut is to be removed
from tie rod end using the following procedure,
hold tie rod end stud with a 11/32 socket while
loosening and removing nut with wrench.
(3) Remove tie rod end from steering knuckle
using Remover, Special Tool MB-991113 (Fig. 21) .
(4) Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod by un-
threading it from the inner tie rod.
ASSEMBLE
(1) Install the jam nut (Fig. 19) on inner tie rod
end.
Fig. 18 Outer Tie Rod End Jam Nut
Fig. 19 Outer Tie Rod
Fig. 20 Removing /Installing Tie Rod End Attaching
Nut
19 - 32 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 984 of 1200

NOTE: Transaxle operation requirements are differ-
ent for each vehicle and engine combination. 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 three 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 between the main rotating parts
in these three areas are held precise to maintain a
low noise level.
The torque converter, transaxle area, and differen-
tial are housed in an integral aluminum die casting.
The differential oil sump is common with the
transaxle sump. Separate filling of the differen-
tial is NOT necessary.
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 a remote cooler. There are two types of
coolers used. An oil-to-water type cooler located in
the radiator side tank and/or an oil-to-air heat
exchanger. 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 assembly.
Engine torque is transmitted to the torque con-
verter and 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 section.
The transaxle consists of:
²Two multiple-disc clutches
²An overrunning clutch
²Two servos
²A hydraulic accumulator
²Two bands
²Two planetary gear sets
This provides three forward ratios and a reverse
ratio. The common sun gear of the planetary gear
sets is connected to the front clutch by a driving
shell. The driving shell is splined to the sun gear and
front clutch retainer. The hydraulic system consists
of an oil pump and a single valve body which con-
tains 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 helical gears to
the transfer shaft. This gear set is a factor in the
transaxle final drive (axle) ratio. The shaft also car-
ries the governor and parking sprag. An integral heli-cal gear on the transfer shaft drives the differential
ring gear. The final drive gearing is completed with
one of two gear ratios; 2.98 or 3.19 depending on
model and application.
FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
NOTE: The transmission and differential sump have
a common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two.
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 accu-
rate.The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground. This will ensure complete oil
level stabilization between differential and
transmission.The fluid should be at normal operat-
ing temperature (approximately 82É C. or 180É F.).
The fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region
(cross-hatched area) on the dipstick.
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 will build up slowly.
Improper filling also can raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the
gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions
that 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 also can 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,
or 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.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT
It is important that the proper lubricant be used in
these transmissions. Mopar ATF PLUS 3 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid- type 7176) should be used to aid
in ensuring optimum transmission performance. 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
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
that fluid listed above. An exception to this policy is
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 41
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
Page 986 of 1200

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 (P) position.Do not apply
the parking lock until the vehicle has stopped;
otherwise, a severe banging noise will occur.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID WIRING
CONNECTOR
If the solenoid wiring connector is unplugged, the
torque converter will not engage (Fig. 2).
GOVERNOR
The governor can be serviced by removing the
transaxle oil pan and valve body assembly. The gov-
ernor can be unbolted from the governor support and
removed from the transaxle for reconditioning or
replacement.
When cleaning or assembling the governor, be sure
the governor valves move freely in the bores of the
governor body.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
THREE SPEED TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTS
Automatic transaxle malfunctions may be caused
by four general conditions:
(1) Poor engine performance
(2) Improper adjustments
(3) Hydraulic malfunctions
(4) Mechanical malfunctions
Diagnosis of these problems should always begin
by checking the easily accessible variables; fluid level
and condition, gearshift cable adjustment, and throt-
tle 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 per-
formed
31TH HYDRAULIC TROUBLE CODE CHARTS
The following charts should be used to help diag-
nose hydraulic or mechanical faults in the transaxle.
Fig. 1 Shifter Ignition Interlock System Components
Fig. 2 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Wiring
Connector
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 43
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)