DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

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)

SPECIFICATIONS
STEERING COLUMN FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
STEERING WHEEL:
Retaining Nut............ 61N´m(45ft.lbs.)
Airbag Mounting Screws.... 10N´m(90in.lbs.)
Speed Control Switch Screws . 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.)
STEERING COLUMN:
Mounting Nuts.......... 17N´m(150 in. lbs.)
SKIM Mounting Screws..... 3N´m(25in.lbs.)
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING:
Pinch Bolt.............. 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
PLSTEERING 19 - 41

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

ferential case transfers torque from the ring gear to the
drive axles by means of differential side gears.
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle internal components
can only be serviced by separating the case halves.
CAUTION: The transaxle output shaft is serviced as
a unit. No disassembly and reassembly is possible.
Damage to the transaxle may result.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION
The transaxle model, part number, build sequence
and date are shown on a bar code label that is
attached to the front of the transaxle. This informa-
tion is also shown on a metal I.D. tag that is
attached to the end cover of the transaxle (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Transaxles use various final drive gear
ratios in different vehicle applications. Therefore, it
is necessary that the correct transaxle assembly
number is used when ordering service parts.
NOTE: There are three different versions of this
transaxle. There are no external differences
between the models. Refer to the identification tag
on the transaxle to determine which transaxle the
vehicle is equipped with.
FLUID REQUIREMENTS
NV T350 (A-578) transaxles use MopartManual
Transaxle Lubricant (MS-9417).Hypoid gear lube,
engine oil, and/or automatic transmission fluid
should not be used in this transaxle.Hard shift-
ing effort, bearing, gear, and/or synchronizer failure
may occur if incorrect fluid is used.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
The addition of any fluids to the transaxle, other
than the fluid listed above, is not recommended. An
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided, since they may adversely
affect seals.
SEALANTS
The sealant used to seal the transaxle case halves
and input bearing is MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet
518, or equivalent. The sealant used for the bearing
end plate cover is MopartRTV.
GEAR RATIOS
CAUTION: All gears and shafts must not be inter-
changed with other transaxles; they will not func-
tion correctly.The differential is a conventional arrangement of
gears that is supported by tapered roller bearings.
The final output gear turns the ring gear and differ-
ential assembly, thereby turning the drive axle
shafts.
All transaxles have a torque capacity of 136 lb. ft.
The gear ratios of each transaxle are shown in the
following chart. The chart also shows which transax-
les are available with the reverse±input shaft brake.
This brake allows easier shifting into reverse and
helps eliminate reverse gear clash.
Fig. 1 NV T350 (A-578) Transaxle Identification
1 ± LAST 3 DIGITS OF PART #
2 ± DATE CODE
3 ± PRODUCTION LINE SEQUENCE CODE
4 ± FULL PART #
5 ± END COVER
6 ± METAL TAG
7 ± NVG MODEL #
8 ± LABEL
21 - 2 TRANSAXLEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

ENGINE 2.0 SOHC EUROPE AND
U. S.1.8 BUX or 2.0L SALES
CODE ACR1.8 RIGHT HAND DRIVE
ONLY
GEAR
1st 3.54 3.54 3.54
2nd 2.13 2.13 2.13
3rd 1.36 1.36 1.36
4th 1.03 1.03 1.03
5th 0.72 0.81 0.81
FINAL DRIVE 3.55 3.94 3.94
REVERSE BRAKE NO YES YES
CLUTCH RELEASE
SYSTEMCABLE CABLE HYDRAULIC
GEARSHIFT PATTERN
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle shift pattern is a
modified H±pattern (Fig. 2). Overdrive fifth and
reverse gears are in±line and outboard of the first
through fourth gear positions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COMMON PROBLEM CAUSES
The majority of transaxle malfunctions are a result
of:
²Insufficient lubrication
²Incorrect lubricant
²Misassembled or damaged internal components
²Improper operation
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting may be caused by a misadjusted
crossover cable. If hard shifting is accompanied by
gear clash, synchronizer clutch and stop rings, or
gear teeth may be worn or damaged.Misassembled synchronizer components also cause
shifting problems. Incorrectly installed synchronizer
sleeves, struts, or springs can cause shift problems.
NOISY OPERATION
Before removing a transaxle to diagnose and repair
a noisy condition, verify the correct level and type of
fluid is installed in the transaxle. Abnormal wear
and damage to the internal components is frequently
the end result of insufficient/improper lubricant.
Refer to Fluid Requirements in this group.
Transaxle noise is most often a result of worn or
damaged components. Chipped, pitted, spalled and
broken gears or synchronizer teeth can cause noise.
Brinnelled or spalled bearings will generate noise.
Improperly assembled (missing, loose, or improp-
erly installed parts, etc) transaxles are likely to gen-
erate abnormal noise.
Squealing noises are commonly caused by defective
clutch release bearings and the reverse brake (if
equipped). Inspect the bearing cage and reverse cone
for signs of heat damage.
Gear rattle, gear clash, hard shifts, and premature
clutch disc wear can result from misalignment of the
transmission to the engine. Inspect for excessive
clutch dust in the clutch housing and oblonged
(mushroomed) dowel holes.
SLIPS OUT OF GEAR
Transaxle disengagement may be caused by mis-
aligned or damaged shift components, manufacturing
burrs on the gear teeth, or worn teeth on the drive
gears or synchronizer components. Incorrect assem-
bly, such as missing snap rings, also causes gear dis-
engagement.
Fig. 2 NV T350 (A-578) Shift Pattern
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 3
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

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)

Remove cable retaining clips and remove cables
from bracket (Fig. 17).
(11) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(12) Remove converter heat shield (Fig. 18).
(13) Remove remaining grommet plate-to-floor pan
screw (Fig. 19).
(14) Remove cable assembly from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Gearshift cable bushings must not be
lubricated or the bushings will swell and split.(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Install cable assembly through floor pan open-
ing and secure to floor pan with grommet plate and
one screw (Fig. 19). Make sure the three grommet
plate studs protrude through cable assembly and
floor pan and tighten screw to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Route transaxle end of cable assembly into
engine compartment and over transaxle assembly.
(4) Install converter heat shield (Fig. 18).
(5) Lower vehicle.
Fig. 13 Gearshift Boot Removal/Installation
1 ± BOOT
2 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 14 Crossover Cable at Shifter Assembly
1 ± GROMMET PLATE NUT
2 ± SHIFTER
3 ± CROSSOVER CABLE
4 ± CLIP
Fig. 15 Selector Cable at Shifter Assembly
1 ± SHIFTER
2 ± CLIP
3 ± SELECTOR CABLE
Fig. 16 Air Cleaner Assembly Removal/Installation
1 ± AIR CLEANER ASSY.
2 ± THROTTLE BODY DUCT
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)