engine DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.
(9) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at
normal operating temperature. The level should be in
the HOT range. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10
miles.
(10) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(11) Check for leaks around the transaxle oil pan
sealing surfaces.
(12) Recheck the fluid level. The level should be in
the HOT range.
SEVERE USAGE SERVICE
If the vehicle exhibits any of the following symp-
toms, it is recommended that the transaxle oil and
filter be replaced.
²Transaxle oil discolored
²Transaxle oil has high mileage
²Oil feels grimy when rubbed between fingertips
²Poor shift quality
²Delayed gear engagement
²Vehicle shudder between shifts
TRANSAXLE OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
This procedure involves changing the transaxle
fluid and filter, driving the vehicle for 10 miles and
changing the transaxle fluid a second time.
(1) Bring the vehicle up to normal operating tem-
perature. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
(2) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(3) Loosen the transaxle oil pan and drain the
fluid into a suitable container.
(4) Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the
pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the mag-
net and the inside of the pan.
(5) Separate the filter and O-ring from the valve
body. Inspect the O-ring for cuts or improper instal-
lation. This could lead to delayed garage shifts.
(6) Install a new filter. Replace the O-ring as nec-
essary.
(7) Apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar RTV Sealant to
the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply
RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts.
Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts
to 19 N²m (165 in. lbs.).
(8) Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of Mopar
ATF Plus 3 Type 7176 transaxle fluid.
(9) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(10) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.(11) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is
at normal operating temperature. The level should be
in the HOT range. Drive the vehicle a minimum of
10 miles.
(12) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(13) Remove the pan and clean all sealant from
the pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the
magnet and the inside of the pan.
(14) Separate the filter from the valve body to
allow additional fluid to drain from the transaxle.
Inspect the filter O-ring for any damage and replace
as necessary.
(15) After the transaxle has stopped draining,
reinstall the filter and O-ring.
(16) Apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar RTV Sealant
to the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan.
Apply RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching
bolts. Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the
bolts to 19 N²m (165 in. lbs.).
(17) Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of Mopar
ATF Plus 3 Type 7176 transaxle fluid.
(18) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(19) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.
(20) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is
at normal operating temperature. The level should be
in the HOT range.
FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist (See Group 0, Lubrica-
tion). Place a drain container, with a large opening,
under transaxle oil pan.
(2) Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner
to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove
the oil pan.
(3) Install a new filter and gasket on bottom of the
valve body and tighten retaining screws to 5 N´m (40
inch-pounds).
(4) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new sealant. Tighten oil pan bolts to 19 N´m
(165 in. lbs.).
(5) Pour four quarts of Mopar ATF PLUS 3 (Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid) type 7176 into the tran-
saxle filler tube.
(6) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes
applied, move selector lever momentarily to each
position, ending in the PARK or NEUTRAL position.
(7) Add sufficient fluid to bring level to 1/8 inch
below the ADD mark.
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 57
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(8) Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal
operating temperature. The level should be in the
HOT region.
ALUMINUM THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum tran-
saxle case and valve body can be repaired by the use
of Heli-Coils. This repair consists of drilling out the
worn-out or damaged threads. Then tap the hole with
a Heli-Coil tap, and install a Heli-Coil insert into the
hole. This brings the hole back to its original thread
size.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from most automotive parts suppliers.
FLUSHING COOLERS AND TUBES
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the oil cooler(s) must be flushed. The cooler
bypass valve in the transaxle must be replaced also.
The torque converter must also be replaced with an
exchange unit. This will ensure that metal particles
or sludged oil are not later transferred back into the
reconditioned (or replaced) transaxle.
The recommended procedure for flushing the cool-
ers and tubes is to use Tool 6906A Cooler Flusher.
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR THAT
MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA AND ANSI
Z87.1±1968. WEAR STANDARD INDUSTRIAL RUB-
BER GLOVES.
KEEP LIGHTED CIGARETTES, SPARKS, FLAMES,
AND OTHER IGNITION SOURCES AWAY FROM THE
AREA TO PREVENT THE IGNITION OF COMBUSTI-
BLE LIQUIDS AND GASES. KEEP A CLASS (B) FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN THE AREA WHERE THE
FLUSHER WILL BE USED.
KEEP THE AREA WELL VENTILATED.
DO NOT LET FLUSHING SOLVENT COME IN CON-
TACT WITH YOUR EYES OR SKIN: IF EYE CONTAM-
INATION OCCURS, FLUSH EYES WITH WATER FOR
15 TO 20 SECONDS. REMOVE CONTAMINATED
CLOTHING AND WASH AFFECTED SKIN WITH
SOAP AND WATER. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
COOLER FLUSH USING TOOL 6906A
(1) Remove cover plate filler plug on Tool 6906A.
Fill reservoir 1/2 to 3/4 full of fresh flushing solution.
Flushing solvents are petroleum based solutions gen-
erally used to clean automatic transmission compo-
nents.DO NOTuse solvents containing acids, water,
gasoline, or any other corrosive liquids.
(2) Reinstall filler plug on Tool 6906A.
(3) Verify pump power switch is turned OFF. Con-
nect red alligator clip to positive (+) battery post.
Connect black (-) alligator clip to a good ground.
(4) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.NOTE: When flushing transmission cooler and
lines, ALWAYS reverse flush.
(5) Connect the BLUE pressure line to the OUT-
LET (From) cooler line.
(6) Connect the CLEAR return line to the INLET
(To) cooler line
(7) Turn pump ON for two to three minutes to
flush cooler(s) and lines. Monitor pressure readings
and clear return lines. Pressure readings should sta-
bilize below 20 psi. for vehicles equipped with a sin-
gle cooler and 30 psi. for vehicles equipped with dual
coolers. If flow is intermittent or exceeds these pres-
sures, replace cooler.
(8) Turn pump OFF.
(9) Disconnect CLEAR suction line from reservoir
at cover plate. Disconnect CLEAR return line at
cover plate, and place it in a drain pan.
(10) Turn pump ON for 30 seconds to purge flush-
ing solution from cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(11) Place CLEAR suction line into a one quart
container of Mopar ATF Plus 3ttype 7176 automatic
transmission fluid.
(12) Turn pump ON until all transmission fluid is
removed from the one quart container and lines. This
purges any residual cleaning solvent from the trans-
mission cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(13) Disconnect alligator clips from battery. Recon-
nect flusher lines to cover plate, and remove flushing
adapters from cooler lines.
OIL PUMP VOLUME CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed, fill to the proper level with Mopar ATF
PLUS 3 (Type 7176) automatic transmission fluid.
The volume should be checked using the following
procedure:
(1) Disconnect theFrom coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat curb idle speed, with the
shift selector in neutral.
(3) If fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of ATF, discon-
nect theTo Coolerline at the transaxle.
(4) Refill the transaxle to proper level and recheck
pump volume.
(5) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
replace the cooler. Then fill transmission to the
proper level, using Mopar ATF PLUS 3 (Type 7176)
automatic transmission fluid.
21 - 58 TRANSAXLEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

quality, and part throttle downshift sensitivity. If the
setting is too long, early shifts and slippage between
shifts may occur. If the setting is too short, shiftsmay be delayed and part throttle downshifts may be
very sensitive.
(1) Perform transaxle throttle pressure cable
adjustment while engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
(2) Release cross-lock on the cable assembly (pull
cross-lock upward) See (Fig. 14).
(3) To insure proper adjustment, the cable must be
free to slide all the way toward the engine, against
its stop, after the cross-lock is released.
(4) Move transaxle throttle control lever fully
clockwise, against its internal stop, and press cross-
lock downward into locked position.
The adjustment is complete and transaxle throttle
cable backlash was automatically removed.
Test cable freedom of operation by moving the
transaxle throttle lever forward (counterclockwise).
Then slowly release it to confirm it will return fully
rearward (clockwise).
No lubrication is required for any component of the
throttle cable system.
SHIFTER IGNITION INTERLOCK CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate, the battery negative (-)
cable from the vehicle battery.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Pry up the adjuster lock on the shifter/ignition
interlock cable. Unsnap the shifter/ignition interlock
cable end fitting from the groove in the gearshift
mechanism (Fig. 16).
(6) Remove the cable core end from the plastic cam
of the shifter mechanism.
Fig. 13 Throttle Pressure Cable And Lever
Fig. 14 Throttle Pressure Cable Bracket
Fig. 15 Cable End At Throttle Linkage
Fig. 16 Shifter Ignition Interlock Cable
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 61
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR PINION GEAR
When the sensor is removed for any reason, a
NEW O-ring must be installed on its outside diame-
ter.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove harness connector from sensor. Be sure
weather seal stays on harness connector.
(2) Remove bolt securing the sensor in the exten-
sion housing.
(3) Carefully pull sensor and pinion gear assembly
out of extension housing.
(4) Remove pinion gear from sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install, reverse the above procedure. Be sure
extension housing and sensor flange are clean prior
to installation. Always use a NEW sensor O-ring.
(2) Tighten bolt to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.). Tighten
speedometer cable to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
PARK/NEUTRAL STARTING AND BACK-UP LAMP
SWITCH
TEST
The park/neutral starting switch is the center ter-
minal of the three terminal switch. It provides
ground for the starter solenoid circuit through the
selector lever in PARK and NEUTRAL positions only.
(1) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between center pin of
switch and transaxle case. Continuity should exist
only when transaxle is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
(2) Check gearshift cable adjustment before replac-
ing a switch that tests bad.
REMOVAL
(1) Unscrew switch from transaxle case allowing
fluid to drain into a container. Move selector lever to
PARK, then to NEUTRAL position, and inspect to see
the switch operating lever fingers are centered in
switch opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw the switch with a new seal into tran-
saxle case and tighten to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.). Retest
switch with the test lamp.
(2) Add fluid to transaxle to bring up to proper
level.
(3) The back-up lamp switch circuit is through the
two outside terminals of the three terminal switch.
(4) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between the two out-
side pins.
(5) Continuity should exist only with transaxle in
REVERSE position.(6) No continuity should exist from either pin to
the case.
TRANSAXLE
REMOVAL
NOTE: The transaxle can be removed from the
vehicle without having to remove the engine.
The transaxle and torque converter must be
removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque con-
verter drive plate, pump bushing, or oil seal may be
damaged. The drive plate will not support a load;
therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should
be allowed to rest on the plate during removal.
All transaxle components are serviced with the
transaxle out of the vehicle. The components that are
serviceable in the vehicle are:
²Axle shaft seals
²Back±up lamp switch
²End plate
²Extension housing
²Neutral safety switch
²Shift lever
²Transaxle oil pan
²Valve Body
²Vehicle speed sensor
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Pull Power Distribution Center up and out of
its holding bracket. Set Power Distribution Center
aside to gain clearance.
(3) Remove battery heat shield and remove battery
from engine compartment. Remove battery tray from
engine compartment. Disconnect cruise control (if
equipped).
(4) Remove vehicle speed sensor wiring.
(5) Disconnect neutral safety switch and torque
converter control wiring at transaxle.
CAUTION: Pry up with equal force on both sides of
shifter cable isolator bushing to avoid damaging
cable isolator bushing.
(6) Disconnect gear shift cable end from transaxle
shift lever (Fig. 22). Remove bracket bolt at transaxle
(Fig. 23).
(7) Remove throttle pressure control cable from
lever. Then remove bracket bolts at the transaxle
(Fig. 24).
(8) Remove dipstick tube.
(9) Remove transaxle cooler lines and plug lines
(Fig. 25).
(10) Remove throttle pressure control cable sup-
port bracket bolts. Remove upper bellhousing bolts
and upper starter bolt (Fig. 26).
21 - 64 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(11) Install engine bridge fixture and support
engine (Fig. 27).
(12) Lift vehicle on hoist and remove front wheels.(13) Remove both front driveshafts. Refer to Group
2, Suspension for procedure.
Fig. 22 Gearshift Cable
Fig. 23 Shifter Cable Bracket
Fig. 24 Bracket Removal
Fig. 25 Cooler Lines
Fig. 26 Starter and Bellhousing Bolts
Fig. 27 Engine Bridge Fixture
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 65
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: When reinstalling driveshafts, new drive-
shaft retaining clips must be used. Do not reuse old
clips. Failure to use new clips may result in disen-
gagement of inner constant±velocity joint.
CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be discon-
nected from the exhaust manifold anytime the
engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the
flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.
(14) Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to
exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(15) Remove transaxle to rear lateral bending
strut from engine and transaxle (Fig. 28).
(16) Remove front engine bracket through±bolt.
Remove front engine bracket bolts (Fig. 29).
(17) Remove lower starter bolt (Fig. 30).
(18) Remove lower dust shield screw.
(19) Rotate engine clockwise to gain access to con-
verter bolts (Fig. 31). Remove torque converter bolts
(Fig. 32). Mark converter to flex plate for reassembly
ease.
(20) Support transaxle with a transmission jack.
(21) Remove left mount through±bolt (Fig. 33).
Remove left mount bolts from transaxle (Fig. 34).
(22) Remove left transaxle mount from transaxle.
(23) Remove rear engine bolt at transaxle.
(24) Carefully work transaxle and torque converter
assembly rearward off engine block dowels. Disen-
gage converter hub from end of crankshaft.Attach a
small C-clamp to edge of bellhousing. This will
hold torque converter in place during transaxle
removal.Lower transaxle and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install transaxle, reverse removal procedure.(2) If torque converter was removed from transaxle
be sure to align pump inner gear pilot flats with
torque converter impeller hub flats.
(3) Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
(4) Refill transaxle with MOPARtATF PLUS 3
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) type 7176.
(5) Verify that vehicle's back-up lights and speed-
ometer are functioning properly.
Fig. 28 Bracket Removal
Fig. 29 Front Engine Bracket
Fig. 30 Starter Bolts
21 - 66 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

PUMP OIL SEAL
The pump oil seal can be replaced without remov-
ing the pump and reaction shaft support assembly
from the transaxle case.
REMOVAL
(1) Screw seal remover Tool C-3981-B into seal
(Fig. 35), then tighten screw portion of tool to with-
draw the seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install a new seal, place seal in opening of
the pump housing (lip side facing inward). Using Tool
C-4193 and Handle Tool C-4171, drive new seal into
housing until tool bottoms (Fig. 36).
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
TRANSAXLE
Prior to removing any transaxle parts, plug all
openings and clean the unit, preferably with steam.
When disassembling, each part should be washed in
a suitable solvent, then dried with compressed air.
Do not wipe parts with shop towels. All mating sur-
faces in the transaxles are accurately machined;
therefore, careful handling of all parts must be exer-
cised to avoid nicks or burrs.
Fig. 31 Rotate Engine
Fig. 32 Torque Converter Bolts
Fig. 33 Left Transaxle Mount Through±Bolt
Fig. 34 Left Mount Bolts
Fig. 35 Remove Pump Oil Seal
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 67
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

ADJUSTMENT
(1) Set parking brake.
(2) Remove floor console. Refer to Group 23, Body.
(3) Place gearshift lever in the (PARK) (P) posi-
tion.
(4) Push down on the tab and unsnap the collar at
the shifter cable to allow the cable to be adjusted
(Fig. 196).
(5) Move the gearshift lever on the transaxle to
the PARKposition.
(6) Verify the shift lever and transaxle are in the
PARK position. Rotate collar on the shift cable
adjuster end up until it seats against the plastic
housing. NOTE: If the collar will not rotate to the
fully detented lock position, rotate the collar back to
its initial unlocked position. Position the ATX in the
gated PARK position. Apply a slight load to the shift
lever, fore or aft in vehicle, while simultaneously
rotating the collar upward to the LOCK position. The
collar must seat against the plastic housing to
achieve the required detented lock position. The gear-
shift linkage should now be properly adjusted.
Check adjustment as follows:
(7) Detent position for NEUTRAL and DRIVE
should be within limits of hand lever gate stops.
(8) Key start must occur only when the shift lever
is in PARK or NEUTRAL positions.
THROTTLE PRESSURE CABLE ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE
The throttle pressure cable adjustment is very
important to proper transaxle operation. This adjust-
ment positions a valve which controls shift speed,
shift quality, and part throttle downshift sensitivity.
If the setting is too long, early shifts and slippage
between shifts may occur. If the setting is too short,
shifts may be delayed and part throttle downshifts
may be very sensitive.(1) Perform transaxle throttle pressure cable
adjustment while engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
(2) Release cross-lock on the cable assembly (pull
cross-lock upward) see (Fig. 197).
(3) To ensure proper adjustment, the cable must be
free to slide all the way toward the engine, against
its stop, after the cross-lock is released.
(4) Move transaxle throttle control lever fully
clockwise, against its internal stop, and press cross-
lock downward into locked position.
The adjustment is complete and transaxle throttle
cable backlash was automatically removed.
Test cable freedom of operation by moving the
transaxle throttle lever forward (counterclockwise).
Then slowly release it to confirm it will return fully
rearward (clockwise).
No lubrication is required for any component of the
throttle cable system.
SHIFTER/IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM
If ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, with shifter in PARK, an adjustment of the
Interlock System may be required. To adjust Shifter/
Ignition Interlock System, follow procedure listed
below.
(1) Disconnect and isolate, the battery negative (-)
cable from the vehicle battery.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Reinstall the gearshift knob.
(6) Place shifter in PARK.
(7) Turn ignition switch to the LOCK or ACCES-
SORY position. If cable has lost its adjustment, man-
ually position cable to get key into LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. Grasp slug on interlock cable
Fig. 196 Gearshift Cable Adjustment
Fig. 197 Throttle Pressure Cable Adjuster Lock
21 - 100 TRANSAXLEPL
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

TIRES AND WHEELS
CONTENTS
page page
TIRES.................................. 1WHEELS................................ 8
TIRES
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
RADIAL-PLY TIRES....................... 2
REPLACEMENT TIRES.................... 3
SPARE TIRE±TEMPORARY................. 2
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES.............. 2
TIRE INFORMATION...................... 1
TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEED
OPERATION........................... 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LEAD CORRECTION CHART................ 4
PRESSURE GAUGES..................... 3TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION................ 4
TIRE WEAR PATTERNS.................... 3
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS................ 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
REPAIRING TIRE LEAKS................... 4
TIRE AND WHEEL MATCH MOUNTING........ 6
TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION............... 4
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CLEANING TIRES........................ 7
SPECIFICATIONS
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS.................... 7
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
TIRE INFORMATION
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain, in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe application of brakes
²High-speed driving
²Taking turns at excessive speeds
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
²Operating vehicle with over or under inflated
tire pressures
Radial ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation. This will
help to achieve a greater tread-life potential.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 1).
Performance tires will have a speed rating letter
after the aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not
always printed on the tire sidewall. The letterSindi-
cates that the tire is speed rated up to 112 mph.
²Qup to 100 mph
²Tup to 118 mph
²Uup to 124 mph
²Hup to 130 mph
²Vup to 149 mph
²Zmore than 149 mph (consult the tire manu-
facturer for the specific speed rating)
An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M
&SorM-S(indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with this
vehicle to determine whether the use of tire chains is
permitted on this vehicle.
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 1

TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel
defects, or possibly tire imbalance.
To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibra-
tion, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying
speeds. Note the noise level during acceleration and
deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust
noises will change as speed varies, while the tire
noise will usually remain constant.
LEAD CORRECTION CHART
Use the following chart to diagnose a vehicle that
has a complaint of a drift or lead condition. The use
of the chart will help to determine if the lead condi-
tion is the result of a bad tire or is caused by the
front wheel alignment.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION
NON-DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to
develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be
reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of
rotation are especially worthwhile. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and
wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet
ride.
The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method (Fig. 6). This method takes
advantage of current tire industry practice whichallows rotation of radial-ply tires. Other rotation
methods may be used, but may not have all the ben-
efits of the recommended method.
NOTE: Only the 4 tire rotation method may be used
if the vehicle is equipped with a low mileage or tem-
porary spare tire.
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern. These
tires are designed to improve traction on wet pave-
ment. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the
tires must be installed so that they rotate in the cor-
rect direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls.
When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained.
Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
REPAIRING TIRE LEAKS
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 7). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire.Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Fig. 5 Tire Wear Patterns
22 - 4 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)