check engine DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION......................... 3
SCHEDULE ± A.......................... 3SCHEDULE ± B.......................... 4
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION............... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Service and maintenance procedures for compo-
nents and systems listed in Schedule ± A or B can be
found by using the Group Tab Locator index at the
front of this manual. If it is not clear which group
contains the information needed, refer to the index at
the back of this manual.
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service based on the conditions that the vehi-
cle is subjected to. Use the schedule that best
describes these conditions.
Schedule ±A, lists maintenance recommended for
vehicles used for general transportation.
Schedule ±B, lists maintenance recommended for
vehicles used under the following conditions:
²Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8
km)
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions
²Frequent trailer towing
²Extensive idling
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level, add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery, clean, and tighten terminals as
required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, power
steering and automatic transmission and add as
required.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ± A (7,500 miles) or every other
interval shown on schedule ± B (6,000 miles).
²Check coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level.
²If the mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000
km) yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil
change.
SCHEDULE ± A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change engine oil.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate front suspension ball joints.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 3

²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transmission fluid.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change engine oil.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace engine coolant at 36 months,
regardless of mileage.
52,500 Miles (84 000 km) or at 42 months
²Change engine oil.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if not done at
36 months.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check and replace, if necessary***, the PCV
valve.**
²Lubricate front suspension upper ball joints.
²Replace drive belts.
²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transmission fluid.
67,500 Miles (108 000 km) or at 54 months
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km) or at 60 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
82,500 Miles (132 000 km) or at 66 months
²Change engine oil.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km) or at 72 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check and replace, if necessary***, the PCV
valve.**
²Lubricate front suspension upper ball joints.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Replace air cleaner air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transmission fluid.
97,500 Miles (156 000 km) or at 78 months
²Change engine oil.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace engine timing belt
²Adjust drive belt tension.
SCHEDULE ± B
NOTE: * Follow this schedule if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following
conditions. Change the automatic transmission
fluid and filter every 15,000 miles (24 000 km) if you
usually operate your vehicle under one of the con-
ditions marked with an *.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
²Change engine oil
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake lining.
12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Inspect and replace, if required, the air
cleaner element.
²Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter.
Adjust the bands.*
18,000 Miles (29 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
21,000 Miles (34 000 km)
²Change engine oil
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

24,000 Miles (38 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
27,000 Miles (43 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV
valve.**
²Lubricate front suspension upper ball joints.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Adjust the bands.*
33,000 Miles (53 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
39,000 Miles (62 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
42,000 Miles (67 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
²Inspect and replace, if necessary, the air
cleaner element.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter.
Adjust the bands.*
48,000 Miles (77 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
51,000 Miles (82 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
54,000 Miles (86 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
57,000 Miles (91 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check and replace, if necessary***, the PCV
valve.**
²Lubricate front suspension upper ball joints.
²Replace drive belts.
²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter.
Adjust the bands.*
63,000 Miles (101 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
66,000 Miles (106 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
69,000 Miles (110 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
72,000 Miles (115 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Inspect and replace, if necessary, the air
cleaner element.
²Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter.
Adjust the bands.*
78,000 Miles (125 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
81,000 Miles (130 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
84,000 Miles (134 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
87,000 Miles (139 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
²Check and replace, if necessary***, the PCV
valve.**
²Lubricate front suspension upper ball joints.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter.
Adjust the bands.*
93,000 Miles (149 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
96,000 Miles (154 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
99,000 Miles (158 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
102,000 Miles (163 000km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000km)
²Replace the engine timing belt
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Inspect and replace, if necessary, the air
cleaner element.
NOTE: **This maintenance is recommended by
Chrysler to the owner but is not required to main-
tain the warranty on the PCV valve.
NOTE: ***This maintenance is not required if the
PCV valve was previously replaced.
0 - 6 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES POTENTIAL CORRECTIONS
Front End Whine On Turns 1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 2. Check And Reset Wheel
Alignment
3. Worn Tires 3. Replace Tires
Front End Growl Or Grinding On
Turns1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Engine Mount Grounding
Against Frame Or Body Of Vehicle.2. Check For Motor Mount Hitting
Frame Rail And Reposition Engine
As Required
3. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 3. Replace C/V Joint
4. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 4. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
5. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 5. Check And Reset Wheel
Alignment
6. Worn Tires 6. Replace Tires
Front End Clunk Or Snap On
Turns1. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 1. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
2. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 2. Replace C/V Joint
3. Worn Or Loose Tie Rod Or Ball
Joint3. Tighten Or Replace Tie Rod End
Or Ball Joint
4. Worn Control Arm Bushing 4. Replace Control Arm Bushing
5. Loose Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment5. Tighten Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment To Specified Torque
Front End Whine With Vehicle
Going Straight At A Constant
Speed1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 2. Check And Reset Wheel
Alignment
3. Worn Tires 3. Replace Tires
Front End Growl Or Grinding With
Vehicle Going Straight At A
Constant Speed1. Engine Mount Grounding 1. Reposition Engine As Required
2. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 2. Replace C/V Joint
Front End Whine When
Accelerating Or Decelerating1. Worn Or Defective Transaxle
Gears Or Bearings1. Replace Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings
Front End Clunk When
Accelerating Or Decelerating1. Worn Or Broken Engine Mount 1. Replace Engine Mount
2. Worn Or Defective Transaxle
Gears Or Bearings2. Replace Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings
3. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 3. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
4. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 4. Replace C/V Joint
5. Worn Or Loose Ball Joint 5. Tighten Or Replace Ball Joint
6. Worn Or Loose Control Arm
Bushing6. Tighten To Specified Torque Or
Replace Control Arm Bushing
7. Loose Crossmember Bolts 7. Tighten Crossmember Bolts To
Specified Torque
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 3

boosters differ at the interface to the master cylinder.
If the power brake booster requires replacement be
sure it is replaced with the correct part.
The power brake booster can be identified by the
tag attached to the body of the booster assembly (Fig.
16). This tag contains the following information: The
production part number of the power booster assem-
bly, the date it was built, who manufactured it, and
brake sales code.
NOTE: The power brake booster assembly is not a
repairable part and must be replaced as a complete
unit if it is found to be faulty in any way. The power
booster vacuum check valve is not repairable but
can be replaced as an assembly.The power brake booster reduces the amount of
force required by the driver to obtain the necessary
hydraulic pressure to stop vehicle.
The power brake booster is vacuum operated. The
vacuum is supplied from the intake manifold on the
engine through the power brake booster check valve
(Fig. 16).
As the brake pedal is depressed, the power booster
input rod moves forward (Fig. 17). This opens and
closes valves in the power booster, allowing atmo-
spheric pressure to enter on one side of a diaphragm.
Engine vacuum is always present on the other side.
This difference in pressure forces the output rod of
the power booster (Fig. 17) out against the primary
piston of the master cylinder. As the pistons in the
master cylinder move forward this creates the
hydraulic pressure in the brake system.
Different engine options available for this vehicle
require that different vacuum hose routings be used.
The power brake vacuum booster assembly mounts
on the engine side of the dash panel. It is connected
to the brake pedal by the input push rod (Fig. 17). A
vacuum line connects the power booster to the intake
manifold. The master cylinder is bolted to the front
of the power brake vacuum booster assembly.
RED BRAKE WARNING LAMP
The red Brake warning lamp is located in the
instrument panel cluster and is used to indicate a
low brake fluid condition or that the parking brake is
applied. In addition, the brake warning lamp is
turned on as a bulb check by the ignition switch
when the ignition switch is placed in the crank posi-
tion. Problems with this system will generally be of
the type where the warning lamp fails to turn on
when it should, or remains on when it should not.
The warning lamp bulb is supplied a 12 volt igni-
tion feed anytime the ignition switch is on. The bulb
is then illuminated by completing the ground circuit
Fig. 14 Master Cylinder For Antilock Brake
Equipped Vehicles
Fig. 15 Non-ABS Master Cylinder Primary And
Secondary Ports
Fig. 16 Power Brake Booster Identification
PLBRAKES 5 - 7
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

If old brake shoe return or hold down springs have
overheated or are damaged, replace. Overheating
indications are paint discoloration or distorted end
coils.
REAR DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER
With brake drums removed, inspect the wheel cyl-
inder boots for evidence of a brake fluid leak. Visu-
ally check the boots for cuts, tears, or heat cracks. If
any of these conditions exist, the wheel cylinders
should be completely cleaned, inspected and new
parts installed.
If a wheel cylinder is leaking and the brake lining
material is saturated with brake fluid, the brake
shoes must be replaced.
CHASSIS TUBES AND HOSES
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front and rear
brakes. Inspection of brake hoses should be per-
formed whenever the brake system is serviced and
every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes
first (every engine oil change). Inspect hydraulic
brake hoses for severe surface cracking, scuffing,
worn spots or physical damage. If the fabric casing of
the rubber hose becomes exposed due to cracks or
abrasions in the rubber hose cover, the hose should
be replaced immediately. Eventual deterioration of
the hose can take place with possible burst failure.
Faulty installation can cause twisting, resulting in
wheel, tire, or chassis interference.
The steel brake tubing should be inspected periodi-
cally for evidence of corrosion, physical damage or con-
tact with moving or hot components of the vehicle.
REAR WHEEL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
The rear hub and bearing assembly is designed for
the life of the vehicle and should require no mainte-
nance. The following procedure may be used for eval-
uation of bearing condition.
With wheel and brake drum removed, rotate
flanged outer ring of hub. Excessive roughness, lat-
eral play or resistance to rotation may indicate dirt
intrusion or bearing failure. If the rear wheel bear-
ings exhibit these conditions during inspection, the
hub and bearing assembly should be replaced.Damaged bearing seals and resulting excessive
grease loss may also require bearing replacement.
Moderate grease loss from bearing is considered nor-
mal and should not require replacement of the hub
and bearing assembly.
ADJUSTMENTS
STOP LAMP SWITCH
(1) Remove stop lamp switch from its bracket by
rotating it approximately 30É in a counter-clockwise
direction.
(2) Disconnect wiring harness connector from stop
lamp switch.
(3) Hold stop lamp switch firmly in one hand.
Then using other hand, pull outward on the plunger
of the stop lamp switch until it has ratcheted out to
its fully extended position.
(4) Install the stop lamp switch into the bracket
using the following procedure. Depress the brake
pedal as far down as possible. Then while keeping
the brake pedal depressed, install the stop lamp
switch into the bracket by aligning index key on
switch with slot at top of square hole in mounting
bracket. When switch is fully installed in the square
hole of the bracket, rotate switch clockwise approxi-
mately 30É to lock the switch into the bracket.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when pulling
back on brake pedal to adjust the stop lamp switch.
If too much force is used, damage to the vacuum
booster, stop lamp switch or striker (Fig. 185) can
result.
(5) Connect the wiring harness connector to the
stop lamp switch.
(6) Gently pull back on brake pedal until the pedal
stops moving. This will cause the switch plunger
(Fig. 185) to ratchet backward to the correct position.
REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Normally, self adjusting drum brakes will
not require manual brake shoe adjustment.
Although in the event of a brake reline it is advis-
able to make the initial adjustment manually to
speed up the adjusting time.
(1) Raise the vehicle so all wheels are free to turn.
See Hoisting Recommendations in the Lubrication
And Maintenance Section at the front of this service
manual.
(2) Remove rear brake adjusting hole rubber plug
(Fig. 186) from the rear brake shoe support plate.
Fig. 184 Adjuster Screw And Lever (Typical)
PLBRAKES 5 - 65
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

The clutch cable has a unique self-adjuster mecha-
nism built into the cable which compensates for
clutch disc wear. The cable requires no maintenance
or lubrication. There are no serviceable components
on the cable assembly.
The clutch pedal is connected to the cable through
a plastic spacer. The upper end of the clutch pedal
pivots in the pedal bracket on two nylon bushings
and a shaft. These bushings are greased at assembly
and do not require periodic lubrication.
CLUTCH DISC AND COVER APPLICATION
The 2.0 single overhead cam engine uses a 216 mm
(8.5 in.) clutch disc. The manual transaxle is avail-
able only with the 2.0 liter engine.
CLUTCH REPLACEMENT
The transaxle must be removed to service the
clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel/drive plate,
and/or clutch release bearing and lever.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CLUTCH CABLE
The manual transaxle clutch release system has a
unique self-adjusting mechanism to compensate for
clutch disc wear. This adjuster mechanism is located
within the clutch cable assembly. The preload spring
maintains tension on the cable. This tension keeps
the clutch release bearing continuously loaded
against the fingers of the clutch cover assembly.
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
The clutch pedal position switch functions as a
safety interlock device. It prevents possible engine
cranking with the clutch engaged.
The clutch pedal position switch is wired in series
between the starter relay coil and the ignition
switch.
The clutch pedal position switch is mounted to a
bracket located behind the clutch pedal. The switch
is held in place by four plastic wing tabs.The clutch pedal position switch IS NOT adjust-
able. The pedal blade contacts the switch in the down
position (Fig. 1).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION
SWITCH±ELECTRICAL TEST
Disconnect clutch pedal position switch harness
from instrument panel wiring harness. Using an
ohmmeter, check for continuity between the two ter-
minals in the connector on the switch harness. There
should be no continuity between the terminals when
the switch is in its normal (fully extended) position.
When the switch is depressed more than 1.25 mm
(0.050), the ohmmeter should show continuity (zero
ohms).
If ohmmeter readings do not fall within these
ranges, the switch is defective, and must be replaced.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS±CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE WON'T CRANK
WHEN CLUTCH PEDAL IS
PRESSED TO THE FLOORSwitch does not have continuity
when plunger is depressed 1.25
mmDefective switch. Replace switch.
Switch plunger is not depressed
when clutch pedal is pushed to the
floorFloor mat interferes with clutch pedal
movement. Move floor mat out of the way.
Problem is related to other
components in the starting circuitCheck other components in the starting
circuit. Refer to Section 8A, Battery/Starting/
Charging System.
Fig. 1 Clutch Pedal Position Switch and
Components
6 - 2 CLUTCHPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION
SWITCH±MECHANICAL TEST
With the park brake set and the vehicleIN NEU-
TRAL,turn the key to the start position. The vehicle
should not crank. If the vehicle cranks, the switch is
defective (shorted out) and must be replaced. If the
vehicle does not crank, proceed to the next step.
WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING THIS STEP, BE
SURE THAT THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE
IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS AND PEOPLE. VEHI-
CLE MAY MOVE WHEN PERFORMING THIS TEST.
With the park brake set and the vehicleIN GEAR,
turn the key to the start position and hold it there.
Slowly depress the clutch pedal and feel for any
vehicle motion when the starter is energized. If there
is no motion, the switch is working properly.
If motion is felt, check to see if the switch is mak-
ing contact when the pedal is between 25 mm (1.0
in.) and 6 mm (0.25 in.) from the floor. If this condi-
tion is met, then the problem is either the clutch orthe self-adjusting cable (See ªClutch Will Not Disen-
gage Properlyº). If this condition is not met, then the
switch mounting tab on the brake bracket is bent,
and the brake bracket must be replaced.
If vehicle will not crank, even with clutch pedal
pressed to the floor, refer to ªService Diagnosis-
Clutch Pedal Position Switchº chart in this section.
CLUTCH DIAGNOSIS
Problem diagnosis will generally require a road
test to determine the type of fault. Component
inspection will then determine the problem after road
testing.
Drive the vehicle at normal speeds during road
test. Shift the transaxle through all gear ranges and
observe clutch action. If chatter, grab, slip, or
improper release is experienced, remove and inspect
the clutch components. If the problem is noise or
hard shifting, further diagnosis may be needed. The
transaxle or other driveline components may actually
be at fault.
SERVICE DIAGNOSISÐCLUTCH GRAB/CHATTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC FACING
COVERED WITH OIL OR
GREASEOil leak at engine rear main or
transaxle input shaft sealCorrect leak and replace w/modular clutch
assembly
Too much grease applied to splines
of disc and input shaftApply lighter coating of grease to splines
NO FAULT FOUND WITH
CLUTCH
COMPONENTSProblem actually related to
suspension or driveline componentFurther diagnosis required. Check
engine/transmission mounts, suspension
attaching parts and other driveline
components as needed.
Engine related problems Check EFI and ignition systems
PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT
OF CLUTCH DISCClutch cover, spring, or release
fingers bent, distorted (rough
handling, improper assembly)Replace w/modular clutch assembly
Clutch disc damaged or distorted Replace w/modular clutch assembly
Clutch misalignment Check alignment and runout of flywheel,
disc, or cover. Check clutch housing to
engine dowels and dowel holes for damage.
Correct as necessary.
PLCLUTCH 6 - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

DRIVE PLATE MISALIGNMENT
Common causes of misalignment are:
²Heat warping
²Mounting drive plate on a dirty crankshaft
flange
²Incorrect bolt tightening
²Improper seating on the crankshaft shoulder
²Loose crankshaft bolts
Clean the crankshaft flange before mounting the
drive plate. Dirt and grease on the flange surface
may misalign the flywheel, causing excessive runout.
Use new bolts when mounting drive plate to crank-
shaft. Tighten drive plate bolts to specified torque
only. Over-tightening can distort the drive plate hub
causing excessive runout.
CLUTCH COVER AND DISC RUNOUT
Check condition of the clutch cover before installa-
tion. A warped cover or diaphragm spring will cause
grab and/or incomplete release or engagement. Use
care when handling the clutch assembly. Impact can
distort the cover, diaphragm spring, and release fin-
gers.
CLUTCH CHATTER COMPLAINTS
For all clutch chatter complaints, do the following:
(1) Check for loose, misaligned, or broken engine
and transmission mounts. If present, they should be
corrected at this time. Test vehicle for chatter. If
chatter is gone, there is no need to go any further. If
chatter persists:
(2) Check to see if clutch cable routing is correct
and operates smoothly.
(3) Check for loose connections in drive train. Cor-
rect any problems and determine if clutch chatter
complaints have been satisfied. If not:
(4) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(5) Check to see if the release bearing is sticky or
binding. Replace bearing, if needed.
(6) Check linkage for excessive wear on the pivot
stud and fork fingers. Replace all worn parts.
(7) Check clutch assembly for contamination (dirt,
oil). Replace clutch assembly, if required.
(8) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines are
damaged. Replace with new clutch assembly, if nec-
essary.
(9) Check input shaft splines for damage. Replace,
if necessary.
(10) Check for uneven wear on clutch fingers.
(11) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers. Replace with new clutch assembly, if
necessary.
CLASH±INTO±REVERSE COMPLAINTS
Certain NV T350 (A-578) manual transaxles are
equipped with a reverse brake. It prevents clash
when shifting into reverse, but only if the vehicle is
not moving. See Group 21, Transaxle for further
diagnosis.
(1) Depress clutch pedal to floor and hold. After
three seconds, shift to reverse. If clash is present,
clutch has excessive spin time, and the reverse brake
may not be functioning.
(2) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(3) Check the input shaft spline, clutch disc
splines, and release bearing for dry rust. If present,
clean rust off and apply a light coat of bearing grease
to the input shaft splines. Apply grease on the input
shaft splines only where the clutch disc slides. Verify
that the clutch disc slides freely along the input shaft
spline.
(4) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines are
damaged, and replace with new clutch assembly if
required.
(5) Check the input shaft for damaged splines.
Replace as necessary.
(6) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers.
(7) Install clutch assembly and transaxle.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CLUTCH CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Pull up and remove Power Distribution Center.
(2) Remove clutch cable inspection cover.
(3) Pull back on clutch cable housing and disen-
gage cable from housing (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Cable at Transaxle
6 - 6 CLUTCHPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)