lock DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install
the pinch bolt retainer pin.
(11) Install the upper and lower steering column
shrouds onto the steering column (Fig. 9). Snap the
two shrouds together and then install and tighten
the two screws securing the shrouds to the column.
(12) Install the steering column cover that mounts
below the steering column on the instrument panel
by first aligning the retainer clips and snapping the
cover into place. Install the two screws along the bot-
tom of the steering column cover.
(13) Align the clips along the outer edge of the
instrument cluster bezel with the mounting holes in
the instrument panel and install the bezel.
(14) Align the clips on the bottom of the instru-
ment panel top cover with the mounting holes in the
instrument panel and install the top cover by push-
ing it down into place.
(15) Install the screw securing the left end of the
top cover to the instrument panel.
CAUTION: If there is any question as to whether
the clockspring is in the centered position, the
clock spring needs to be recentered before install-
ing the steering wheel. If the clockspring is not cen-
tered, it may be overextended, causing the
clockspring to become inoperative.
(16) Center the clockspring using the following
procedure:
²Using your fingers, rotate the clockspring rotor
in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION to the end of the
travel. Do not apply excessive torque.
²From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two full
turns and an additional half turn in the counter-
clockwise direction. (The wires should end up at the
bottom of the clockspring).
CAUTION: Do not install the steering wheel onto
the shaft of the steering column by driving it onto
the shaft.
(17) Feed the clockspring wiring leads through the
hole in the steering wheel (Fig. 6). Align the steering
wheel's wide mounting spline with the steering col-
umn shaft missing spline area and push the wheel
onto the shaft. Make sure the clockspring squares up
with the back of the wheel and does not bind.
(18) Install the steering wheel retaining nut and
tighten it until the steering wheel is fully installed
on shaft. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut to
a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(19) Connect the clockspring electrical leads to the
speed control switches and reinstall the switches on
the steering wheel (Fig. 6).
(20) Install the airbag electrical lead from the
clockspring into the connector on the back of the air-bag module (Fig. 6). Be sure electrical connector from
clockspring is securely latched into airbag module
connector.
(21) Connect the horn switch electrical lead to the
connector on the back of the airbag module (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: The fasteners originally used for the air-
bag components are specifically designed for the
airbag system. They must never be replaced with
any substitutes. Anytime a new fastener is needed,
replace it with only the correct fastener listed in the
parts book.
(22) Install the airbag module into the center of
the steering wheel. Align the airbag module mount-
ing holes with the bolt holes in steering wheel (Fig.
6). Install only the two original or identical replace-
ment airbag module mounting screws. Tighten the
two air bag module attaching bolts to a torque of 10
N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(23) Install the airbag mounting screw trim caps
on the steering wheel rear cover (Fig. 7). One belongs
on each side of the steering wheel.
NOTE: When reconnecting the battery on a vehicle
that has had the airbag module removed, the fol-
lowing procedure should be used.
(24) Reconnect the ground cable to the negative
post of the battery in the following manor:
²Connect a scan tool (DRBIIIt) to the data link
diagnostic connector located below the steering col-
umn.
²Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Exit
the vehicle with the scan tool leaving the scan tool
harness plugged in.
²Ensuring that there are no occupants in the
vehicle, connect the ground (-) cable to the negative
post of the battery.
²Using the scan tool, read and record any fault
codes. Refer to the DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR-
BAG SYSTEM diagnostic manual if any faults are
found.
²Erase any stored faults if there are no active
fault codes. If a problem exists, the fault code will
not erase.
²Reach around the back of the steering wheel (in
front of the instrument cluster) and turn the ignition
key to OFF, then back ON while observing the
instrument cluster airbag lamp. It should go on for
six to eight seconds, then go out. This will indicate
that the airbag system is functioning normally. If air-
bag warning lamp fails to light, blinks on and off, or
goes on and stays on, there is an airbag system mal-
function. Refer to the BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCE-
DURES manual to diagnose the system malfunction.
PLSTEERING 19 - 37
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(25) Turn the key to OFF and remove the scan tool
from the vehicle.
(26) Test the operation of the horn, wipers and any
other functions that are steering column operated. If
applicable, reset the radio and the clock.
(27) If the steering column is a tilt column, verify
the tilt mechanism operates properly.
(28) Road test the vehicle to ensure proper opera-
tion of the steering system and the speed control sys-
tem.
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section and in STEERING
GEAR.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the steering wheel in the STRAIGHT-
AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holder, lock
the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating
(Fig. 21). This keeps the clockspring in the proper
orientation.
(2) Inside the passenger compartment, remove the
steering column coupling retainer pin, back off the
pinch bolt nut, and remove the steering column cou-
pling pinch bolt (Fig. 22) (the pinch bolt nut is caged
to the coupling and is not removable). Separate the
upper and lower steering column couplings.
(3) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.(4) Release the locking tab on the wiring harness
connector for the power steering fluid pressure
switch before connector removal. Remove the wiring
harness connector from the power steering fluid pres-
sure switch (Fig. 23).
(5) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 24).
Fig. 21 Steering Wheel Holder
1 ± STEERING WHEEL
2 ± STEERING WHEEL HOLDER
3 ± DRIVERS SEAT
Fig. 22 Steering Column Couplings
1 ± STEERING COLUMN UPPER COUPLING
2 ± PINCH BOLT
3 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
4 ± BRAKE PEDAL
5 ± NUT
6 ± RETAINER PIN
Fig. 23 Power Steering Fluid Pressure Switch
1 ± WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
3 ± POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE SWITCH
4 ± REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
19 - 38 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

against the body and frame rails of the vehicle. As
the crossmember is raised, carefully guide the steer-
ing column lower coupling up through its hole in the
dash panel.
(4) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 24). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
(5) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 25). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember mounting bolts to
a torque of 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the
front two crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(6) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right for-
ward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 24). Follow the proce-
dure described in the ENGINE service manual group
to properly align and tighten the torque strut mount-
ing bolts.
(7) Reconnect the wiring harness connector to the
power steering fluid pressure switch (Fig. 23). Be
sure the locking tab on the wiring harness connector
is securely latched.
(8) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
(9) Install the dash-to-lower coupling seal in place
over the lower coupling's plastic collar.
NOTE: Verify that grease is present on the lip of
the dash-to-coupling seal where it contacts the cou-
pling's plastic collar.
(10) Inside the passenger compartment, reconnect
the steering column lower coupling to the steering
column upper coupling (Fig. 22). Install the coupling
pinch bolt an tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install the pinch bolt retainer
pin.
(11) Remove the steering wheel holder.
(12) While looking under the instrument panel at
the lower coupling, rotate the steering wheel back-
and-forth to verify that the lower coupling does not
squeak against the dash-to-coupling seal.
Fig. 26 Crossmember Lowered
1 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
4 ± TRANSMISSION JACK
Fig. 27 Coupling Roll Pin
1 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT
3 ± ROLL PIN
4 ± ROLL PIN PUNCH
19 - 40 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

TRANSAXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE........ 131TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE.............. 54
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
NV T350 (A578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE.........1
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION................2
FLUID REQUIREMENTS....................2
SPECIAL ADDITIVES.......................2
SEALANTS..............................2
GEAR RATIOS............................2
GEARSHIFT PATTERN......................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COMMON PROBLEM CAUSES...............3
HARD SHIFTING..........................3
NOISY OPERATION........................3
SLIPS OUT OF GEAR......................3
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL....................4
FLUID LEAKS............................4
CLUTCH PROBLEMS.......................4
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID DRAIN AND FILL.....................4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEARSHIFT KNOB........................4
GEARSHIFT BOOT........................5
GEARSHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY..............6
GEARSHIFT MECHANISM REPLACEMENT......9
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR AND DRIVE
PINION...............................11
BACK-UP LAMP SWITCH...................12CROSSOVER LEVER......................12
SELECTOR LEVER.......................12
AXLE SHAFT SEALS......................13
SHIFT SHAFT SEALS......................13
TRANSAXLE............................14
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
TRANSAXLE............................18
INPUT SHAFT...........................31
OUTPUT SHAFT.........................36
DIFFERENTIAL..........................36
SYNCHRONIZER.........................41
SHIFT RAILS OVERHAUL..................42
TRANSAXLE CASE OVERHAUL..............42
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
TRANSAXLE............................48
SYNCHRONIZER.........................48
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CROSSOVER CABLE...........49
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE........50
DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD
ADJUSTMENT..........................50
SPECIFICATIONS
NV T350 (A-578) SPECIFICATIONS...........51
SPECIAL TOOLS
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE........52
GENERAL INFORMATION
NV T350 (A578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle is a fully synchro-
nized (except reverse), constant-mesh transaxle. The
transaxle case is constructed of die-cast aluminum,
and is a two-piece design (bell housing case half and
rear housing case half) with a steel end plate bearing
cover. All forward gears are in constant-mesh witheach other, which eliminates the need to move gears
together for engagement. This feature improves
response and eliminates gear ªclashº noises. The
reverse idler gear is supported and rotates on a spin-
dle idler shaft. Depending on application, a reverse
gear brake/blocking ring is available on some units
for shifting ease.
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle also incorporates an
open differential, which converts power from the output
shaft pinion gear to the differential ring gear. The dif-
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 1

LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
Insufficient transaxle lubricant is usually the
result of leaks, or inaccurate fluid level check or refill
method. Leakage is evident by the presence of oil
around the leak point. If leakage is not evident, the
condition is probably the result of an underfill.
If air±powered lubrication equipment is used to fill
a transaxle, be sure the equipment is properly cali-
brated. Equipment out of calibration can lead to an
underfill condition.
FLUID LEAKS
Fluid leaks can occur around the input shaft seal,
axleshaft seals, case split lines, and the end cover. Be
careful not to misdiagnose an input shaft seal leak
for an engine rear main seal leak. Also, the transaxle
case sealer (split line) will accumulate dirt and look
like an oil leak.
CLUTCH PROBLEMS
Worn, damaged, or misaligned clutch components
can cause difficult shifting, gear clash, and noise.
A worn or damaged clutch disc, pressure plate, or
release bearing can cause hard shifting and gear
clash.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID DRAIN AND FILL
All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a fill plug. The fill plug is located on the left side of
the transaxle differential area (Fig. 3). The fluid level
should be within 3/16 inch from the bottom of the
transaxle fill hole (vehicle must be level when check-
ing).All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a drain plug. The drain plug is located on the lower
right side of the transaxle differential housing (Fig.
4). Tighten drain plug to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
Dry fill lubricant capacity is approximately 1.9-2.2
liters (4.0-4.6 pints). Wipe the outside of the tran-
saxle if any lubricant spills.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEARSHIFT KNOB
REMOVAL
(1)Pull shifter boot down and away from shifter knob.
(2) Push down on knob and rotate clockwise to
remove (Fig. 5).
Fig. 3 Fill Plug Location
1 ± RUBBER FILL PLUG
2 ± LEFT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
Fig. 4 Drain Plug Location
1 ± RIGHT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
2 ± DRAIN PLUG
Fig. 5 Gearshift Knob Removal
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
21 - 4 TRANSAXLEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install knob to shifter lever, align knob to three
o'clock position, push knob down to engage spring
and rotate counter clockwise (Fig. 6).
(2) Return shifter boot to its original position
(seated around knob lip).
GEARSHIFT BOOT
REMOVAL
(1) Pull shifter boot down and away from shifter
knob.
(2) Push down on knob and rotate clockwise to
remove (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 8).(4) Separate shifter boot from shifter assembly
(Fig. 9). Boot is retained to shifter by three push-pin
retainers.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install boot to the shifter assembly (Fig. 9).
Fasten boot to shifter with the three retainers.
(2) Install center console assembly (Fig. 8). Verify
that boot is not pinched at console opening before
tightening.
(3) Install knob to shifter lever, align knob to three
o'clock position, push knob down to engage spring
and rotate counter clockwise (Fig. 10).
Fig. 6 Gearshift Knob Installation
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
2 ± SPRING
Fig. 7 Gearshift Knob Removal
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
Fig. 8 Center Console Removal/InstallationÐTypical
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
Fig. 9 Gearshift Boot Removal/Installation
1 ± BOOT
2 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Return shifter boot to its original position
(seated around knob lip).
GEARSHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The crossover and selector cables are man-
ufactured as a cable ªassemblyº and cannot be ser-
viced individually.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise hood and disconnect battery negative
cable.
(2) Pull shifter boot down and away from shifter
knob.
(3) Push down on knob and rotate clockwise to
remove (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 12).
(5) Separate shifter boot from shifter assembly
(Fig. 13). Boot is retained to shifter by three push-pin
retainers.
(6) Remove crossover cable retaining clip and dis-
connect from shift lever (Fig. 14).
(7) Remove selector cable retaining clip and dis-
connect from shift lever (Fig. 15).
(8) Remove three grommet plate-to-floor pan
attaching nuts (Fig. 14).
(9) Remove air cleaner/throttle body assy. (Fig. 16)
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) Disconnect throttle body air duct from intake
manifold.
(d) Remove mounting bolt and nut (Fig. 16) and
partially remove air cleaner assembly.
(e) Disconnect accelerator and speed control (if
equipped) cables after the assy. is removed from
position. Remove air cleaner assembly from vehi-
cle.
(10) Disconnect cables from the shift levers at the
transaxle (Fig. 17).
CAUTION: Pry up with equal force on both sides of
shifter cable isolator bushings to avoid damaging
cable isolator bushings.
Fig. 10 Gearshift Knob Installation
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
2 ± SPRING
Fig. 11 Gearshift Knob Removal
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
Fig. 12 Center Console Removal/InstallationÐ
Typical
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
21 - 6 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(6) Install gearshift cables to mounting bracket
and fasten with NEW clips (Fig. 17). Make sure clips
are installed flush to bracket.
(7) Connect gearshift selector and crossover cable
to shift levers at transaxle (Fig. 17).
(8) Install and tighten the three grommet plate-to-
floor pan nuts to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install selector cable to shifter lever and secure
cable to shifter bracket. Install clip (Fig. 15).
(10) Install crossover cable to shifter lever and
secure cable to shifter bracket. Install clip (Fig. 14).NOTE: Only the crossover cable is adjustable. The
selector cable does not have any adjustment capa-
bilities.
(11)Adjust crossover cable as follows:
(a) Loosen adjusting screw on crossover cable at
shifter (Fig. 20).
(b) Pin transaxle crossover lever in 3-4-N posi-
tion using a 1/4 inch drill bit. Align hole in cross-
over lever with the hole in the boss on the
transaxle case (Fig. 21). Be sure drill bit goes into
transaxle case at least one half inch.
(c) The shifter is spring±loaded and self±center-
ing. Allow shifter to rest in its neutral position.
Torque adjustment screw to 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.).
Care must be taken to avoid moving the shift
mechanism off-center during screw tightening.
(d) Remove drill bit from transaxle case and per-
form functional check by shifting transaxle into all
gears.
(12) Install boot to the shifter assembly (Fig. 13).
Fasten boot with the three retainers.
(13) Install center console assembly (Fig. 12). Ver-
ify that boot is not pinched at console opening before
tightening.
(14) Install knob to shifter lever, align knob to
three o'clock position, push knob down to engage
spring and rotate counter clockwise (Fig. 22).
(15) Return shifter boot to its original position
(seated around knob lip).
(16) Install the air cleaner/throttle body assy. (Fig.
16) as follows:
Fig. 17 Shift Cables at Transaxle
1 ± SHIFT CABLES
2 ± CLIPS
3 ± BRACKET
Fig. 18 Converter Heat Shield Removal/Installation
1 ± CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD
Fig. 19 Shift Cable Assembly at Floor Pan
1 ± CABLE ASSEMBLY
2 ± GROMMET PLATE
21 - 8 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(a) Connect the accelerator and speed control (if
equipped) cables to the air cleaner/throttle body
assy.
(b) Install assy into position, making sure the
air cleaner locating slot is engaged to the battery
bracket tab, and tighten fasteners to 14 N´m (120
in. lbs.) torque.
(c) Verify throttle body duct is fully seated to
intake manifold and tighten clamp to 5 N´m (40 in.
lbs.) torque.(d) Connect the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors.
(e) Connect proportional purge solenoid (PPS)
and crankcase vent hose from throttle body.
(17) Connect battery negative cable.
GEARSHIFT MECHANISM REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Pull shifter boot down and away from shifter
knob.
(2) Push down on knob and rotate clockwise to
remove (Fig. 23).
Fig. 20 Crossover Cable Adjustment Screw
1 ± CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENT SCREW
Fig. 21 Crossover Lever Pin Procedure
1±1¤488DRILL BIT
2 ± SELECTOR CABLE
3 ± CROSSOVER CABLE
Fig. 22 Gearshift Knob Installation
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
2 ± SPRING
Fig. 23 Gearshift Knob Removal
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Install center console assembly (Fig. 24). Verify
that boot is not pinched at console opening before
tightening.
(6) Install knob to shifter lever, align knob to three
o'clock position, push knob down to engage spring
and rotate counter clockwise (Fig. 29).
(7) Return shifter boot to its original position
(seated around knob lip).
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR AND DRIVE PINION
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Disconnect the speed sensor connector (Fig.
30).
CAUTION: Clean area around speed sensor before
removing to prevent dirt from entering the transaxle
during speed sensor removal.
(3) Remove speed sensor retaining bolt (Fig. 30).
(4) Remove speed sensor from transaxle.
CAUTION: Carefully remove vehicle speed sensor
so that sensor drive gear does not fall into tran-
saxle. Should sensor drive gear fall into the tran-
saxle during sensor removal, drive gear must be
reattached to sensor.
(5) Remove speed sensor drive gear from speed
sensor.
Fig. 28 Shifter Assy. Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 29 Gearshift Knob Installation
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
2 ± SPRING
Fig. 30 Speed Sensor and PinionÐRemoval/
Installation
1 ± CONNECTOR
2 ± SENSOR
3 ± O-RING
4 ± SPEEDO PINION
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 11
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)