No start DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

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 AND TORQUE CONVERTER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise hood.
(2) Disconnect both battery cables, remove battery
hold down clamp and bolt, and remove battery.
(3) Remove air cleaner/throttle body assy. (Fig. 45)
as follows:
(a) Disconnect proportional purge solenoid (PPS)
and crankcase vent hose from throttle body.
(b) Disconnect the Throttle Position Sensor
(TPS) and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors.
(c) Remove mounting bolt and nut (Fig. 45) and
partially remove air cleaner assembly.
(d) Disconnect accelerator, transaxle kickdown,
and speed control (if equipped) cables after the
assy. is removed from position. Remove air cleaner
assembly from vehicle.(4) Remove battery tray from bracket.
(5) Disconnect torque converter clutch solenoid and
neutral safety/back-up lamp switch connectors.
(6) Disconnect and plug transaxle oil cooler lines
(Fig. 46).
(7) Disconnect shifter cable from shift lever and
remove from bracket (Fig. 47). Secure cable out of the
way.
Fig. 45 Air Cleaner Assembly Removal/Installation
1 ± AIR CLEANER ASSY.
2 ± THROTTLE BODY DUCT
Fig. 46 Transaxle Oil Cooler Lines
1 ± RETURN
2 ± CLAMPS
3 ± PRESSURE
21 - 84 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(14) Remove structural collar (Fig. 51).
(15) Remove the left engine-to-transaxle lateral
bending brace (Fig. 51).
(16) Remove bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 51).
(17) Remove starter motor (Fig. 52).
(18) Remove drive plate to converter bolts (Fig.
54).
(19) Support engine at oil pan with screw jack and
wood block.
(20) Remove transaxle upper mount thru-bolt.
Gain access to this bolt through the driver's side
wheel house (Fig. 53).
(21) Carefully lower engine and transaxle on screw
jack until proper removal clearance is obtained.
(22) Obtain a helper to assist in holding transaxle
while removing transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts
(Fig. 54).
(23) Remove transaxle from vehicle (Fig. 54).
(24) Remove torque converter from front pump.
(25) If installing a new or replacement transaxle,
remove the upper mount and bracket as shown in
(Fig. 55), and transfer to the replacement unit and
torque all bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 51 Left Lateral Bending Brace and Structural
Collar
1 ± LATERAL BENDING BRACE
2 ± STRUCTURAL COLLAR
3 ± DUST COVER
Fig. 52 Starter Motor Removal/Installation
1 ± BOLT
2 ± GROUND
3±STARTER
4 ± BOLT
Fig. 53 Transaxle Upper Mount and Bracket
1 ± MOUNT BRACKET
2 ± BOLT
3 ± MOUNT
21 - 86 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install torque converter into front pump.
Rotate converter until the hub fully engages front
pump gear lugs.
(2) Install transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts (Fig.
54) and tighten to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Raise engine and transaxle with screw jack
until through hole in upper mount aligns with hole
in mount bracket. Install mount bolt and tighten to
108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 53).
(4) Remove screwjack.
(5) Install converter-to-drive plate bolts and torque
to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install starter motor and tighten bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque. Make sure to fasten ground
cable to upper starter bolt as shown in (Fig. 52).
(7) Connect starter electrical harness and tighten
positive cable nut to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 51).
(9) Install left engine-to-transaxle bending brace
(Fig. 51).
(10) Install structural collar (Fig. 51) as follows:
(a) Position collar and install all bolts finger
tight.
(b) Tighten the collar-to-oil pan bolts to 3 N´m
(30 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 54 Transaxle Removal/Installation
1 ± CLIP
2 ± BOLT (3)3 ± TRANSAXLE
4 ± CONVERTER BOLT (4)
Fig. 55 Transaxle Upper Mount and Bracket
1 ± MOUNT
2 ± TRANSAXLE
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 87
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Remove neutral starting and back-up lamp switch.
Measuring input shaft end play before disassembly
will usually indicate if a thrust washer change is
required (Fig. 66). The #3 thrust washer is located
between input and output shafts.
Move input shaft in and out to obtain end play
reading. End play specifications are 0.19 to 1.50 mm
(0.008 to 0.060 inch).
Record indicator reading for reference when reas-
sembling the transaxle.
Remove Number 6 thrust washer from sun
gear driving shell.
Fig. 62 Remove Parking Rod E-Clip
1 ± VALVE BODY
2 ± SCREWDRIVER
3 ± ªEº CLIP
4 ± PARKING ROD
Fig. 63 Parking Rod
1 ± VALVE BODY
2 ± PARKING ROD
Cooler Bypass Valve and SealÐIf Equipped
1 ± TRANSFER PLATE
2 ± BYPASS VALVE
3 ± SEAL
Fig. 64 Valve Body Attaching Bolts
1 ± VALVE BODY
2 ± VALVE BODY ATTACHING BOLTS (7)
3 ± GOVERNOR TUBES
21 - 90 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Fig. 182 Output Shaft and (Select) Shims in Position
1 ± BEARING CUP
2 ± (SELECT) SHIM
3 ± OUTPUT SHAFT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 183 Start Output Shaft Gear onto Output Shaft
1 ± OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 ± OUTPUT SHAFT
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4439
Fig. 184 Holding Output Shaft Gear
1 ± OUTPUT SHAFT
2 ± SCREW (2)
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4434 AND C-4658
4 ± WASHER
5 ± NUT
Fig. 185 Tighten Output Shaft Retaining Nut to 271
N´m (200 ft. lbs.)
1 ± OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4434 AND C-4658
3 ± SCREW (2)
Fig. 186 Checking Output Shaft End Play
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4432 AND C-4658
2 ± SCREW (2)
3 ± OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
4 ± STEEL BALL (GREASE IN PLACE)
5 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4438
6 ± DIAL INDICATOR
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 127
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

CLEANING AND INSPECTION
VALVE BODY
Allow all parts to soak a few minutes in a suitable
clean solvent. Wash thoroughly and blow dry with
compressed air. Be sure all passages are clean and
free from obstructions.
Inspect manual and throttle valve operating levers
and shafts for being bent, worn or loose. If a lever is
loose on its shaft, it should be replaced. Do not
attempt to straighten bent levers.
Inspect all mating surfaces for burrs, nicks and
scratches. Minor blemishes may be removed with cro-
cus cloth, using only a very light pressure. Using a
straightedge, inspect all mating surfaces for warpage
or distortion. Slight distortion may be corrected,
using a surface plate. Be sure all metering holes in
steel plate are open. Using a penlight, inspect bores
in valve body for scores, scratches, pits, and irregu-
larities.
Inspect all valve springs for distortion and col-
lapsed coils. Inspect all valves and plugs for burrs,
nicks, and scores. Small nicks and scores may be
removed with crocus cloth, providing extreme care is
taken not to round off sharp edges. The sharpness of
these edges is vitally important. It prevents foreign
matter from lodging between valve and valve body.
This reduces the possibility of sticking. Inspect all
valves and plugs for freedom of operation in valve
body bores.
When bores, valves, and plugs are clean and dry,
the valves and plugs should fall freely in the bores.
The valve body bores do not change their dimensions
with use. Therefore, a valve body that was function-
ing properly when vehicle was new, will operate cor-
rectly if it is properly and thoroughly cleaned. There
is no need to replace a valve body unless it is dam-
aged in handling.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE
Normal operation of the Park/Neutral Position
Switch provides a quick check to confirm proper link-
age adjustment. The engine starter should only oper-
ate when the transaxle shift lever is in the PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) positions.
If the engine starts in any other gear position, or
the vehicle rolls when the shifter is in gated PARK
(P), a gearshift cable adjustment is necessary.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter
handle (Fig. 214).(2) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 215).
(3)Adjust gearshift cable as follows:
(a) Place gearshift lever in the PARK (P) posi-
tion.
(b) Loosen shift cable adjustment screw (Fig.
216).
(c) Move transaxle manual lever to the PARK.
Verify transaxle is in PARK by attempting to roll
vehicle in either direction.
Fig. 214 Gearshift Knob Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER KNOB
2 ± SET SCREW
Fig. 215 Center Console Removal/Installation
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 135

(d) Tighten shift cable adjustment screw to 8
N´m (70 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Verify proper cable adjustment. Engine should
start with the shifter lever in PARK (P) and NEU-
TRAL (N) positions ONLY.
(5) Install center console assembly (Fig. 215).
(6) Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 214).
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE
The transmission throttle valve is operated by a
cam on the valve body throttle lever. The throttle
lever is actuated by a cable connected to the engine
throttle body lever.
The throttle valve is located within the transaxle
valve body and is responsible for transaxle shift
speed, shift quality, and part-throttle downshift sen-
sitivity. Proper cable adjustment is essential for
proper transaxle operation.
NOTE: The air cleaner/throttle body assembly must
be installed into position before making this adjust-
ment.
(1) Verify cable is routed properly with no kinked
or binding conditions.(2) Release adjustment locking clip on cable at
throttle body.It is not necessary to remove clip.
(3) Grab cable conduit near adjustment body, push
in towards throttle body, then release grip (Fig. 217).
This allows cable to self adjust.
(4) Press locking clip to secure cable position (Fig.
218).
(5) Road test vehicle to verify proper transaxle
operation.
Fig. 216 Gearshift Cable Adjustment Screw
1 ± GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT SCREW
Fig. 217 Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment
1 ± TAB UNLOCKED
Fig. 218 Cable Locking Clip
1 ± TAB LOCKED
2 ± THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
21 - 136 TRANSAXLEPL
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Reverse Band Shaft Plug...... 7N´m(60in.lbs.)
Ring Gear Screw............ 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
Speedo. To Ext. Hous. Screw . . . 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.)
Sprag Ret. To Transfer Case
Bolt................... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Starter To Trans. Bell Bolts . . . 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
Stirrup Strap Ret. Bolts..... 23N´m(200 in. lbs.)
Trans. To Cyl. Block Bolt...... 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
Transfer Shaft Nut........ 271N´m(200 ft. lbs.)
Transfer Gear Strap Bolts..... 23N´m(17ft.lbs.)
Valve Body Assy. To Case
Bolts.................. 12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
Valve Body Screw............ 5N´m(45in.lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Puller Press Extension C-293-3
Adapter Blocks C-293±36
Adapter Blocks C-293±52
Puller Press C-293±PA
Slide Hammer C-637
Pressure Gauge (Low) C-3292
Pressure Gauge (High) C-3293SP
Dial Indicator C-3339
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 151
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

Gear Checking Plate L-4432
Gear Removing Plate L-4434
Bearing Puller L-4435
Differential Tool L-4436A
Housing Remover Adapter L-4437
Starter Nut L-4439
Transfer Shaft Remover-Installer L-4512
Bearing Cup Remover L-4517
Special Jaw Set L-4518
Installer L-4520
21 - 154 TRANSAXLEPL
SPECIAL TOOLS (Continued)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)
REMOVE
NOTE: When unthreading the wheel cover retaining
nuts (Fig. 12) from the wheel nuts it is recom-
mended that a hand wrench be used and not an
impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench could
result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover retain-
ing nuts.
(1) Un-thread the 5 nuts (Fig. 12) attaching the
wheel cover to the wheel nuts.
(2) Grasp the wheel cover and pull straight out-
ward from the wheel. This will remove the wheel
cover from the wheel.
INSTALL
(1) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel (Fig. 12). Align the
wheel cover retaining nuts with the externally
threaded wheel nuts.
(2) By hand, start to thread all 5 of the wheel
cover retaining nuts onto the externally threaded
wheel nuts.
NOTE: When tightening the wheel cover retaining
nuts it is recommended that a hand wrench be used
and not an impact wrench. Use of an impact wrenchcould result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts.
(3) Tighten each of the wheel cover retaining nuts.
If the retaining nut ªjumpsº a thread (slips), which is
an override feature of the retaining nut, retighten
the retaining nut to a point just prior to this occur-
ring. To avoid rattling of the wheel cover be sure all
five retaining nuts are correctly tightened.
WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT
If a retaining nut for the lock-on wheel cover is
damaged, it can be replaced as a separate component
of the wheel cover. Use the following procedure for
replacing a wheel cover retaining nut.
REMOVE
(1) If required, remove the wheel cover from the
wheel. Refer to Wheel Cover Lock-On in the Removal
And Installation Section in this group of the service
manual for the procedure.
NOTE: The retaining nut flange can not be forced
past the large retaining tab. When removing retain-
ing nut from wheel cover, the flange on the retain-
ing nut must be forced past the 2 small retaining
tabs on wheel cover.
(2) From the back side of the wheel cover, push
outward and tilt the retaining nut sideways forcing
the flange on the retaining nut past the 2 small
retaining tabs in the retaining nut hole of the wheel
cover (Fig. 13).
Fig. 12 Wheel Cover Retaining Nuts
1 ± TIRE
2 ± VALVE STEM
3 ± LOCK-ON WHEEL COVER
4 ± WHEEL
5 ± WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUTS
Fig. 13 Wheel Cover Retaining Nut Retention
1 ± WHEEL COVER
2 ± WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT
3 ± SMALL RETAINING TABS
4 ± LARGE RETAINING TAB
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 15