check engine light DODGE NEON 2000 Service User Guide

COOLANTÐADDING ADDITIONAL
NOTE: The radiator cap should not be removed.
When additional coolant is needed, it should be
added to the coolant recovery/reserve container (Fig.17). Use only 50/50 concentration of ethylene glycol
type antifreeze and water
COOLANT LEVELÐSERVICING
NOTE: The cooling system is closed and designed
to maintain coolant level to the top of the radiator.
When servicing requires a coolant level check in
the radiator, the engine must beoffandnotunder
pressure. Drain several ounces of coolant from the
radiator drain cock while observing the Coolant
Recovery Container. Coolant level in the container
should drop slightly. Then remove the radiator cap,
(Fig. 17). The radiator should be full to the top. If
not, and the coolant level in the recovery container is
at the ADD mark there is a air leak in the recovery
system. Check hose or hose connections to the recov-
ery container, radiator filler neck or the pressure cap
seal to the radiator filler neck for leaks.
Fig. 17 Coolant Recovery Container and Pressure Cap Locations
1 ± ENGINE OIL FILL
2 ± ENGINE COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER3 ± ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
4 ± COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE CAP
Fig. 16 Coolant Level
1 ± COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER
7 - 18 COOLING SYSTEMPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

be checked. To determine if a high current draw con-
dition exists first check the vehicle with a test lamp.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
²Remove key from ignition switch
²Turn off all lights
²Trunk lid is closed
²Engine compartment hood lamp is disconnected
or lamp removed
²Map lamp on rear view mirror
²Glove box door is closed
²Sun visor vanity lights are OFF
²All doors are closed
²Allow the ignition key lamp system to time out
in approximately 30 seconds, if equipped.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 5).
(3) Connect a 12 Volt test lamp, with a cold resis-
tance of 5-7 ohms, between the battery negative cable
clamp and the negative post (Fig. 6). If test lamp
goes out system is OK. If test lamp lights and stays
ON, go to Test Lamp Stays ON procedure.
TEST LAMP STAYS ON
There is either a short circuit or a fault in an elec-
tronic module. Two fuses in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) feed the modules with ignition off
draw.
²Interior lamps fuse (10 Amp) (IOD) PDC
²Fuel pump fuse (20 Amp) in PDC.
(1) Remove interior lamp and fuel pump fuses. By
removing these fuses all ignition off draw from thevehicle electronics will be disconnected. The test
lamp should go out. If test lamp goes out go to Step
2. If test lamp does not go out there is a current
draw or short circuit. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Dia-
grams.
(2) Install the fuel pump fuse. If test lamp lights,
there is a current draw or short circuit in the A14
wiring circuit feed.
(a) Disconnect Powertrain Control Module.
(b) If test lamp goes out, replace Powertrain
Control Module.
(c) If test lamp does not go out, there is a cur-
rent draw or short circuit in the A14 circuit feed.
Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(3) Install the interior lamp fuse. If test lamp
lights, there is a current draw or short circuit in the
M01 circuit. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams. If
test lamp stays out, go to Step 4.
(4) Use a multi-meter that has at least a range of
200 milliamperes. Install meter between the battery
negative cable and battery negative post (Fig. 7).
Carefully remove the test lamp without disconnecting
the meter. After all modules time-out the total vehi-
cle IOD should be less than 10 milliamperes. If igni-
tion off draw is more than 10 milliamperes go to Step
5.
(5) Remove both fuses from the Power Distribution
Center:
²Fuel pump fuse (20 Amp)
²Interior lamps fuse (10 Amp)
(6) If there is any reading with fuses removed
there is a current draw or short circuit in the wiring.
Fig. 5 Disconnect and Isolate Battery Negative
Cable
1 ± NEGATIVE CABLE
2 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY POST
Fig. 6 Ignition OFF (IOD) Test
1 ± NEGATIVE TERMINAL
2 ± 12 VOLT TEST LIGHT
3 ± PDC
4 ± AIR CLEANER HOUSING
5 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY POST
PLBATTERY 8A - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

FEED CIRCUIT
The following procedure will require a suitable
volt-ampere tester (Fig. 8).
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
(1) Connect a volt-ampere tester to the battery ter-
minals (Fig. 9). Refer to the operating instructions
provided with the tester being used.(2) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(3) Verify that all lights and accessories are OFF,
and the transmission shift selector is in the PARK
position or with the clutch pedal depressed and SET
parking brake.
CAUTION: Do not overheat the starter motor or
draw the battery voltage below 9.6 volts during
cranking operations.
(4) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Observe the volt-ampere tester (Fig.
8).
²If voltage reads above 9.6 volts, and amperage
draw reads above 280 amps, check for engine seizing
or faulty starter.
²If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amper-
age reads 0 to 10 amps, check for corroded cables
and/or bad connections.
²If voltage is below 9.6 volts and amperage draw
is above 300 amps, the problem is the starter.
Replace the starter. Refer to Starter Removal and
Installation in this section.
(5) After the starting system problems have been
corrected, verify the battery state-of-charge and
charge battery if necessary. Disconnect all testing
equipment and connect the ASD relay. Start the vehi-
cle several times to assure the problem has been cor-
rected.
Fig. 7 Battery Positive Cable Resistance
1 ± VOLTMETER
Fig. 8 Volt Ampere Tester - Typical
Fig. 9 Volt-Ampere Tester Connections - Typical
1 ± POSITIVE CLAMP
2 ± NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 ± INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
HEADLAMP SWITCH
The headlamp switch is part of the Multi-Function
Switch. Refer to Group 8J, Turn Signal and Flasher
for the Multi-Function Switch Test, Removal and
Installation procedures.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
There are two conventional instrument cluster
assemblies available. The clusters electronically drive
the speedometer, odometer, gauges, and tachometer
(if equipped). Refer to (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3).
The instrument cluster controls the courtesy
lamps, it receives and sends messages to other mod-
ules via the PCI bus circuit, it controls all the instru-
ment illumination and the chime is also an integral
part of the cluster. The front turn signals are wired
through the cluster and then go to the front lamps.
The reason being that the DRL module is built into
the cluster (if equipped).
All gauges in the electronic clusters are the analog
type gauges. When the ignition switch is moved to
the OFF position, the cluster drives each gauge to its
lowest position. The individual gauges are not servi-
cable and require complete replacement of the cluster
if one or more gauges are inoperable.
One button is used to switch the display from trip
to total mileage. Holding the button when the display
is in the trip mode will reset the trip mileage. This
button is also used to put the cluster in self-diagnos-
tic mode. Refer to Service Procedures, Cluster Self-
Diagnostics in this section. Most of the indicators will
come on briefly for a bulb heck when the ignition is
turned from OFF to ON. All of the LED's are replace-
able.
In the event that the instrument cluster looses
communication with all other modules on the PCI
bus, the cluster will display ªnobusº in the VF dis-
play. The VF display also displays ªDoorº, ªCruiseº,
ªTracº, and odometer trip or total.
If the cluster does not detect voltage on the cour-
tesy lamp circuit, the message ªFUSEº will alternate
with the odometer/trip odometer for 30 seconds after
the ignition is turned on and for 15 seconds after the
vehicle is first moved. The lack of voltage can be due
to the M1 Fused B(+) (IOD) fuse being open, a bad or
missing courtesy lamp bulb, or a circuit problem.
WARNING AND INDICATOR LAMPS
The instrument cluster has warning lamps and
indicators for the following systems:
²Airbag
²Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) if equipped
²Brake warning
²Charging System²Front fog lamps (if equipped)
²High beam indicator
²Low fuel (premium cluster only)
²Low oil pressure
²Malfunction indicator (service engine soon) lamp
²Right and left turn signals
²Seat belt warning
²Security system
²Trac-Off (ABS equipped vehicles only)
The instrument cluster has a Vacuum Fluorescent
(VF) display for the following systems:
²Cruise
²Door (ajar)
²Odometer
²Set (cruise)
²Trac
²Trip
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AIRBAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Pas-
sive Restraint Systems.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST
The brake warning lamp illuminates when the
parking brake is applied with ignition switch turned
to the ON position. The same lamp will also illumi-
nate if one of the two service brake systems fail the
when brake pedal is applied.
To test the system:
²As the ignition switch is turned to the start posi-
tion the lamp should light.
²Turn ignition switch to the ON position and
apply the parking brake. The lamp should light.
If lamp fails to light inspect for:
²A burned out lamp
²Loose, corroded or damaged socket
²A damaged circuit board
²A broken or disconnected wire at the switch
²Defective switch
To test the service brake warning system, refer to
Group 5, Brakes, Hydraulic System Control Valves.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LAMPS
Every time the vehicle is switched to the START/
RUN position, the cluster goes through a BULB
CHECK. This tests most of the indicator lamps and
Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) displays. If only one lamp
is out, remove the instrument cluster and replace the
defective bulb or Light Emitting Diode (LED). If
some or all of the lamps fail to light, refer to the
proper Body Diagnostics Procedures Manual.
8E - 2 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMSPL

To diagnose the cluster lamps first place the clus-
ter in self-diagnostic mode. With the ignition switch
in the off position, press the trip odometer reset but-
ton down. Simultaneously turn the ignition key to
the ON position and release the trip reset button. All
the indicator lamps and VF displays should illumi-
nate except for the fog lamp, turn signal, and high
beam select indicators. Refer to (Fig. 2), (Fig. 3), and
the Cluster Identification table.
1 ± FOG LAMP
2 ± BRAKE**
3 ± TRAC OFF**
4 ± ABS**
5 ± SPEEDOMETER
6 ± LEFT/RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
7 ± HIGH BEAM
8 ± TACHOMETER
9 ± OIL PRESSURE**
10 ± SEAT BELT**
11 ± BATTERY**
12 ± AIR BAG**
13 ± SECURITY*
14 ± FUEL FILLER DOOR LOCATOR
15 ± FUEL GAUGE
16 ± LOW FUEL*
17 ± MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)**
18 ± TRIP RESET BUTTON
19 ± TRAC**
20 ± ODOMETER**
21 ± DOOR (AJAR)**
22 ± SET CRUISE*
23 ± TRIP**
24 ± CRUISE*
25 ± TEMPERATURE GAUGE
*ILLUMINATE DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
**ILLUMINATE DURING BULB CHECK AND SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LAMP TEST
The low oil pressure warning lamp will illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position
without engine running. The lamp also illuminates if
the engine oil pressure drops below a safe oil pres-
sure level.To test the system, turn the ignition switch to the
ON position. If the lamp fails to light, inspect for a
broken or disconnected wire at the oil pressure
switch, located at the front of the engine (Fig. 4). If
the wire at the connector checks good, pull the con-
nector loose from the switch and with a jumper wire,
ground the connector to the engine. With the ignition
switch turned to the ON position, check the warning
lamp. If the lamp still fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp or disconnected socket in the clus-
ter.
Fig. 2 Base Instrument Cluster Without Tachometer
Fig. 3 Premium Instrument Cluster With Tachometer
1 ± FOG LAMP
2 ± BRAKE**
3 ± TRAC OFF**
4 ± ABS**
5 ± SPEEDOMETER
6 ± LEFT/RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
7 ± HIGH BEAM
8 ± TACHOMETER
9 ± OIL PRESSURE**
10 ± SEAT BELT**
11 ± BATTERY**
12 ± AIR BAG**
13 ± SECURITY*
14 ± FUEL FILLER DOOR LOCATOR
15 ± FUEL GAUGE
16 ± LOW FUEL*
17 ± MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)**
18 ± TRIP RESET BUTTON
19 ± TRAC**
20 ± ODOMETER**
21 ± DOOR (AJAR)**
22 ± SET CRUISE*
23 ± TRIP**
24 ± CRUISE*
25 ± TEMPERATURE GAUGE
*ILLUMINATE DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
**ILLUMINATE DURING BULB CHECK AND SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS 8E - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

MULTIPLE/INDIVIDUAL GAUGES INOPERATIVE
Test speedometer, tachometer and other gauges for
malfunction:
(1) Remove the cluster. Refer to Cluster Removal
and Installation.
(2) Check for ignition voltage at Pin 15 of the clus-
ter wire harness connector (Fig. 5). Check for battery
voltage at Pin 21 of the connector. If no voltage,
repair as necessary.
(3) Check Pin 10 of the connector for continuity to
ground. If no ground, repair as necessary.
(4) If the voltage and ground are OK, and the pins
or the connectors are not distorted, replace the
instrument cluster.
(5) Install cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster
Removal and Installation in this section.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
To put the cluster in self-diagnostics mode press
the trip reset button down and then turn the ignition
to the RUN position simultaneously, then release the
button. The gauges will increment to selected stoops
and all indicators will light with the exception of the
turn signals, high beam, and fog lamp indicators.
The oil lamp will come on when the ignition is
turned ON and the engine is OFF.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ACCESSORY SWITCH/POWER OUTLET BEZEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Remove the instrument panel center bezel.
Refer to Instrument Panel Center Bezel Removal and
Installation in this section.
(3) Remove four screws retaining accessory switch/
power outlet bezel (Fig. 7).(4) Disconnect the harness connectors to the fol-
lowing:
²Rear Window Defogger Switch (if equipped)
²Traction Control Switch (if equipped)
²Cigar Lighter/Power Outlet
Fig. 5 Cluster Wire Harness Connector
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONNECTOR PIN
CALL-OUT
PIN DESCRIPTION PIN DESCRIPTION
1 REAR FOG
LAMP FEED14 PARK LAMP
SWITCH
OUTPUT
2 PCI BUS 15 FUSED IGNITION
SWITCH
OUTPUT
(RUN-START)
3 COURTESY
LAMPS DRIVER16 DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
4 FOG LAMP
SWITCH
OUTPUT17 DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
5 VTSS
INDICATOR
DRIVER18 LEFT TURN
SIGNAL
6 PANEL LAMPS
DIMMER
SIGNAL19 RIGHT TURN
SIGNAL
7 FUEL LEVEL
SENSOR
SIGNAL20 DIMMER
SWITCH LOW
BEAM OUTPUT
8 NOT USED 21 FUSED B+
9 NOT USED 22 RED BRAKE
WARNING
INDICATOR
DRIVER
10 GROUND 23 KEY-IN IGNITION
SWITCH SENSE
11 NOT USED 24 DRIVER DOOR
AJAR SWITCH
SENSE
12 PANEL LAMPS
DRIVER25 SEAT BELT
SWITCH SENSE
13 KEYLESS
ENTRY SIGNAL26 DIMMER
SWITCH HIGH
BEAM OUTPUT
Fig. 4 Oil Pressure Switch
8E - 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

AUDIO SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION..........................1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
INTERFERENCE ELIMINATION...............1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AUDIO DIAGNOSTIC TEST PROCEDURES......1
TESTING................................1
BENCH TEST FOR ANTENNA MALFUNCTION...7REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CD CHANGER............................7
FRONT DOOR SPEAKER....................8
INSTRUMENT PANEL SPEAKER(S)...........8
MAST and ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.............8
RADIO..................................9
REAR SHELF SPEAKER(S).................10
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Operating instructions for the factory installed
audio systems can be found in the Owner's Manual
provided with the vehicle.
The vehicles are equipped with an Interior (Igni-
tion Off Draw) fuse in the Power Distribution Center
located in the engine compartment. After the Interior
(IOD) fuse or battery has been disconnected the clock
will require resetting. The radio station presets have
a nonvolatile memory and will retain the preset sta-
tions after a battery disconnect.
The available radio options are:
²AM/FM Stereo Cassette w/Clock
²AM/FM/CD
²AM/FM Cassette w/CD Changer Controls and
Display
²CD/4 Disc Changer - In-Dash (used w/Radio CD
Changer Controls)
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
INTERFERENCE ELIMINATION
The radio utilizes a ground wire plugged on to a
blade terminal and is bolted to the radio chassis.
Both connector and terminal should be securely
attached. The engine has two separate ground straps
to suppress ignition noise which may interfere with
radio reception.
²Left engine mount clip on strap
²Engine to shock tower reinforcement
Inductive type spark plug cables in the high ten-
sion circuit of the ignition system complete the inter-
ference suppression. Faulty or deteriorated spark
plug wires should be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AUDIO DIAGNOSTIC TEST PROCEDURES
CAUTION: The CD player will only operate between
approximate temperatures of -23ÉC and +65ÉC (-10ÉF
and +145ÉF).
Whenever a radio malfunction occurs;
(1) First check FUSES:
(a) Power Distribution Center (PDC), Interior
lamp fuse, M1 - Radio Memory Feed
(b) Fuse Block:
(I) Fuse 12, Illumination in the fuse block
(II) Fuse 16, Ignition feed in the fuse block
NOTE: The vehicles are shipped with the INTERIOR
LAMP fuse disconnected.
(2) Verify, the radio wire harness are properly con-
nected before starting normal diagnosis and repair
procedures. Refer to Audio Diagnostic Charts and/or
Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams, Radio Section.
TESTING
The antenna has a short cable which connects into
the instrument panel harness. The connection is
made on the right side of the instrument panel.
Antenna performance may be tested by substitut-
ing a known good antenna. It is also possible to
check short or open circuits with an ohmmeter or
continuity light once the antenna cable is discon-
nected from the radio as follows:
(1) Continuity should be present between the
antenna mast and radio end pin of antenna cable
plug (Fig. 1).
(2) No continuity should be observed or a very
high resistance of several megohms between the
ground shell of the connector and radio end pin.
PLAUDIO SYSTEM 8F - 1

CAUTION: Do not drive cup plug into the casting
as restricted cooling can result and cause serious
engine problems.
INSTALLATION
Thoroughly clean all debris/rust from inside of cup
plug hole in cylinder block or head. Be sure to
remove old sealer. Lightly coat inside of cup plug hole
with MopartStud and Bearing Mount Adhesive.
Make certain the new plug is cleaned of all oil or
grease. Using a proper driver, drive plug into hole so
that the sharp edge of the plug is at least 0.5 mm
(0.020 inch.) inside the lead in chamfer (Fig. 3).
It is not necessary to wait for curing of the sealant.
The cooling system can be refilled and the vehicle
placed in service immediately.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
If a loss of performance is noticed, timing belt or
chain may have skipped one or two teeth. Camshaft
and crankshaft timing should be checked. Refer to
Group 9, Engine Timing belt or chain installation.
It is important that the vehicle is operating to it's
optimum performance level to maintain fuel economy
and lowest vehicle emissions. If vehicle is not operat-ing to these standards, refer to Engine Diagnosis in
this section. The following procedures can assist in
achieving the proper engine diagnosis.
(1) Test cranking amperage draw. Refer to Group
8B, Starting.
(2) Check intake manifold for vacuum leaks.
(3) Perform cylinder compression pressure test.
Refer to Engine Diagnosis in this section.
(4) Clean or replace spark plugs as necessary and
adjust gap as specified in Group 8D, Ignition System.
Tighten to specifications.
(5) Test resistance of spark plug cables. Refer to
Group 8D, Ignition System.
(6) Test ignition coils primary and secondary resis-
tance. Replace parts as necessary. Refer to Group 8D,
Ignition System.
(7) Check fuel pump pressure at idle and different
RPM ranges. Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for
specifications.
(8) The air filter elements should be replaced as
specified in Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance.
(9) Inspect crankcase ventilation system. Refer to
Group 25, Emission Control Systems.
(10) Road test vehicle as a final test.HONING CYLINDER BORES
(1) Used carefully, the cylinder bore resizing hone,
recommended tool C-823 or equivalent, equipped
with 220 grit stones, is the best tool for this honing
procedure. In addition to deglazing, it will reduce
taper and out-of-round as well as removing light
scuffing, scoring or scratches. Usually a few strokes
Fig. 2 Access Plug
1 ± CRANKSHAFT BOLT ACCESS PLUG
2 ± RIGHT MOUNT BOLT ACCESS PLUG
3 ± FASCIA
4 ± SPLASH SHIELD
Fig. 3 Core Hole Plug Removal
1 ± CYLINDER BLOCK
2 ± REMOVE PLUG WITH PLIERS
3 ± STRIKE HERE WITH HAMMER
4 ± DRIFT PUNCH
5 ± CUP PLUG
PLENGINE 9 - 3
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

will clean up a bore and maintain the required lim-
its.
(2) Deglazing of the cylinder walls may be done
using a cylinder surfacing hone, recommended tool
C-3501 or equivalent, equipped with 280 grit stones,
if the cylinder bore is straight and round. 20±60
strokes depending on the bore condition, will be suf-
ficient to provide a satisfactory surface. Inspect cyl-
inder walls after each 20 strokes, using a light
honing oil.Do not use engine or transmission oil,
mineral spirits or kerosene.
(3) Honing should be done by moving the hone up
and down fast enough to get a cross-hatch pattern.
When hone marksintersectat 50-60 degrees, the
cross hatch angle is most satisfactory for proper seat-
ing of rings (Fig. 4).
(4) A controlled hone motor speed between
200±300 RPM is necessary to obtain the proper cross-
hatch angle. The number of up and down strokes per
minute can be regulated to get the desired 50±60
degree angle. Faster up and down strokes increase
the cross-hatch angle.
(5) After honing, it is necessary that the block be
cleaned again to remove all traces of abrasive.
CAUTION: Ensure all abrasives are removed from
engine parts after honing. It is recommended that a
solution of soap and hot water be used with a
brush and the parts then thoroughly dried. The bore
can be considered clean when it can be wiped
clean with a white cloth and cloth remains clean.
Oil the bores after cleaning to prevent rusting.MEASURING WITH PLASTIGAGE
PLASTIGAGE METHOD
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
NOTE: The total clearance of the main bearings can
only be determined by removing the weight of the
crankshaft. This can be accomplished by either of
two methods:
PREFERRED METHOD
Shim the bearings adjacent to the bearing to be
checked in order to remove the clearance between
upper bearing shell and the crankshaft. This can be
accomplished by placing a minimum of 0.254 mm
(0.010 in.) shim (e. g. cardboard, matchbook cover,
etc.) between the bearing shell and the bearing cap
on the adjacent bearings and tightening bolts to
14-20 N´m (10-15 ft. lbs.). The number of main bear-
ing will vary from engine to engine.
ENGINE WITH 5 MAIN BEARINGS
²When checking #1 main bearing shim #2 main
bearing.
²When checking #2 main bearing shim #1 & 3
main bearing.
²When checking #3 main bearing shim #2 & 4
main bearing.
²When checking #4 main bearing shim #3 & 5
main bearing.
²When checking #5 main bearing shim #4 main
bearing.
ENGINE WITH 4 MAIN BEARING
²When checking #1 main bearing shim # 2 main
bearing.
Fig. 4 Cylinder Bore Cross-Hatch Pattern
1 ± CROSS-HATCH PATTERN
Fig. 5 Plastigage Placed in Lower Shell
1 ± PLASTIGAGE
9 - 4 ENGINEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair per service manual instructions.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(5)If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (makeup air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
²Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and CCV hose. Proceed to next step.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of theengine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing
cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak. If a leak is
present in this area remove transmission for further
inspection.
(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates
seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,
possible causes are a porous block, oil galley cup
plug, bedplate to cylinder block mating surfaces
and seal bore. See proper repair procedures for
these items.
(4) If no leaks are detected, pressurized the crank-
case as previously described.
CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).
(5) If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the
crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is
detected between the crankshaft and seal while
slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the
crankshaft seal surface is damaged. The seal area on
the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches
that can be polished out with emery cloth.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft
polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks and
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is especially
machined to complement the function of the rear oil
seal.
(6) For bubbles that remain steady with shaft
rotation, no further inspection can be done until dis-
assembled.
(7) After the oil leak root cause and appropriate
corrective action have been identified, refer to Crank-
shaft Oil SealÐRear for proper replacement proce-
dures.
9 - 10 ENGINEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)