check engine DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual

the PCM must calculate a different injector pulse
width and ignition timing for idle than it does for
Wide Open Throttle (WOT). There are several differ-
ent modes of operation that determine how the PCM
responds to the various input signals.
There are two different areas of operation, OPEN
LOOP and CLOSED LOOP.
During OPEN LOOP modes the PCM receives
input signals and responds according to preset PCM
programming. Inputs from the upstream and down-
stream heated oxygen sensors are not monitored dur-
ing OPEN LOOP modes, except for heated oxygen
sensor diagnostics (they are checked for shorted con-
ditions at all times).
During CLOSED LOOP modes the PCM monitors
the inputs from the upstream and downstream
heated oxygen sensors. The upstream heated oxygen
sensor input tells the PCM if the calculated injector
pulse width resulted in the ideal air-fuel ratio of 14.7
to one. By monitoring the exhaust oxygen content
through the upstream heated oxygen sensor, the
PCM can fine tune injector pulse width. Fine tuning
injector pulse width allows the PCM to achieve opti-
mum fuel economy combined with low emissions.
For the PCM to enter CLOSED LOOP operation,
the following must occur:
(1) Engine coolant temperature must be over 35ÉF.
²If the coolant is over 35É the PCM will wait 44
seconds.
²If the coolant is over 50ÉF the PCM will wait 38
seconds.
²If the coolant is over 167ÉF the PCM will wait
11 seconds.
(2) For other temperatures the PCM will interpo-
late the correct waiting time.
(3) O2 sensor must read either greater than 0.745
volts or less than 0.1 volt.
(4) The multi-port fuel injection systems has the
following modes of operation:
²Ignition switch ON (Zero RPM)
²Engine start-up
²Engine warm-up
²Cruise
²Idle
²Acceleration
²Deceleration
²Wide Open Throttle
²Ignition switch OFF
(5) The engine start-up (crank), engine warm-up,
deceleration with fuel shutoff and wide open throttle
modes are OPEN LOOP modes. Under most operat-
ing conditions, the acceleration, deceleration (with
A/C on), idle and cruise modes,with the engine at
operating temperatureare CLOSED LOOP modes.IGNITION SWITCH ON (ZERO RPM) MODE
When the ignition switch activates the fuel injec-
tion system, the following actions occur:
²The PCM monitors the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor and throttle position sensor input. The
PCM determines basic fuel injector pulse width from
this input.
²The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to modify injector pulse
width.
When the key is in the ON position and the engine
is not running (zero rpm), the Auto Shutdown (ASD)
and fuel pump relays de-energize after approximately
1 second. Therefore, battery voltage is not supplied to
the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors and heated
oxygen sensors.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. If the vehicle is in
park or neutral (automatic transaxles) or the clutch
pedal is depressed (manual transaxles) the ignition
switch energizes the starter relay. The following
actions occur when the starter motor is engaged.
²If the PCM receives the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor signals, it energizes
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay.
If the PCM does not receive both signals within
approximately one second, it will not energize the
ASD relay and fuel pump relay. The ASD and fuel
pump relays supply battery voltage to the fuel pump,
fuel injectors, ignition coil and heated oxygen sen-
sors.
²The PCM energizes the injectors (on the 69É
degree falling edge) for a calculated pulse width until
it determines crankshaft position from the camshaft
position sensor and crankshaft position sensor sig-
nals. The PCM determines crankshaft position within
1 engine revolution.
²After determining crankshaft position, the PCM
begins energizing the injectors in sequence. It adjusts
injector pulse width and controls injector synchroni-
zation by turning the individual ground paths to the
injectors On and Off.
²When the engine idles within664 RPM of its
target RPM, the PCM compares current MAP sensor
value with the atmospheric pressure value received
during the Ignition Switch On (zero RPM) mode.
Once the ASD and fuel pump relays have been
energized, the PCM determines injector pulse width
based on the following:
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine RPM
²Inlet/Intake air temperature (IAT)
²MAP
²Throttle position
RSFUEL INJECTION14-17
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)
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²The number of engine revolutions since cranking
was initiated
During Start-up the PCM maintains ignition tim-
ing at 9É BTDC.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
²Inlet/Intake air temperature (IAT)
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²A/C switch
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
²Speed control
²O2 sensors
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle
speed. Engine idle speed is adjusted through the idle
air control motor.
CRUISE OR IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising or idle
the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²Exhaust gas oxygen content
²A/C control positions
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed and ignition
timing. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio according
to the oxygen content in the exhaust gas (measured
by the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sen-
sor).
The PCM monitors for engine misfire. During
active misfire and depending on the severity, the
PCM either continuously illuminates or flashes the
malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine light on
instrument panel). Also, the PCM stores an engine
misfire DTC in memory.The PCM performs several diagnostic routines.
They include:
²Oxygen sensor monitor
²Downstream heated oxygen sensor diagnostics
during open loop operation (except for shorted)
²Fuel system monitor
²EGR monitor
²Purge system monitor
²All inputs monitored for proper voltage range.
²All monitored components (refer to the Emission
section for On-Board Diagnostics).
The PCM compares the upstream and downstream
heated oxygen sensor inputs to measure catalytic
convertor efficiency. If the catalyst efficiency drops
below the minimum acceptable percentage, the PCM
stores a diagnostic trouble code in memory.
During certain idle conditions, the PCM may enter
a variable idle speed strategy. During variable idle
speed strategy the PCM adjusts engine speed based
on the following inputs.
²A/C sense
²Battery voltage
²Battery temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine run time
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Vehicle mileageACCELERATION MODE
This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. The PCM recog-
nizes an abrupt increase in Throttle Position sensor
output voltage or MAP sensor output voltage as a
demand for increased engine output and vehicle
acceleration. The PCM increases injector pulse width
in response to increased fuel demand.
DECELERATION MODE
This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During decelera-
tion the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²A/C sense
²Battery voltage
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Exhaust gas oxygen content (upstream heated
oxygen sensor)
²Knock sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
²IAC motor control changes in response to MAP
sensor feedback
The PCM may receive a closed throttle input from
the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) when it senses an
abrupt decrease in manifold pressure. This indicates
a hard deceleration. In response, the PCM may
14 - 18 FUEL INJECTIONRS
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)
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TYPICAL ADAPTIVE MEMORY FUEL CELLS
Open
ThrottleOpen
ThrottleOpen
ThrottleOpen
ThrottleOpen
ThrottleOpen
Throttle Idle Decel
Vacuum 20 17 13 9 5 0
Above 1,984
rpm1 3 5 7 9 11 13 Drive 15
Below 1,984
rpm02 4 6 8 1012
Neutral14
MAP volt =0 1.4 2.0 2.6 3.3 3.9
Fuel Correction Diagnostics
There are two fuel correction diagnostic routines:
²Fuel System Rich
²Fuel System Lean
A DTC is set and the MIL is illuminated if the
PCM detects either of these conditions.
PROGRAMMABLE COMMUNICATIONS
INTERFACE (PCI) BUS
DESCRIPTION
The Programmable Communication Interface Mul-
tiplex system (PCI Bus) consist of a single wire. The
Body Control Module (BCM) acts as a splice to con-
nect each module and the Data Link Connector
(DLC) together. Each module is wired in parallel to
the data bus through its PCI chip set and uses its
ground as the bus reference. The wiring is a mini-
mum 20 gage wire.
OPERATION
Various modules exchange information through a
communications port called the PCI Bus. The Power-
train Control Module (PCM) transmits the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Lamp (Check Engine) On/Off signaland engine RPM on the PCI Bus. The PCM receives
the Air Conditioning select input, transaxle gear
position inputs over the PCI Bus. The PCM also
receives the air conditioning evaporator temperature
signal from the PCI Bus.
The following components access or send informa-
tion on the PCI Bus.
²Instrument Panel
²Body Control Module
²Air Bag System Diagnostic Module
²Full ATC Display Head
²ABS Module
²Transmission Control Module
²Powertrain Control Module
²Overhead Travel Module
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
OPERATION
The PCM can test many of its own input and out-
put circuits. If the PCM senses a fault in a major
system, the PCM stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) in memory.
For DTC information see On-Board Diagnostics.
14 - 20 FUEL INJECTIONRS
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)
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(1) Disconnect injector wiring connector from injec-
tor.
(2) Position fuel rail assembly so that the fuel
injectors are easily accessible (Fig. 9).
(3) Rotate injector and pull injector out of fuel rail.
The clip will stay on the injector.
(4) Check injector O-ring for damage. If O-ring is
damaged, it must be replaced. If injector is reused, a
protective cap must be installed on the injector tip to
prevent damage. Replace the injector clip if it is dam-
aged.
(5) Repeat for remaining injectors.
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the Intake Manifold, (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect injector wiring connector from injec-
tor.
(4) Position fuel rail assembly so that the fuel
injectors are easily accessible (Fig. 9).
(5) Rotate injector and pull injector out of fuel rail.
The clip will stay on the injector.
(6)
Check injector O-ring for damage. If O-ring is
damaged, it must be replaced. If injector is reused, a
protective cap must be installed on the injector tip to
prevent damage. Replace the injector clip if it is dam-
aged.
(7) Repeat for remaining injectors.
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The fuel rail must be removed first. Refer to Fuel
Injector Rail Removal in this section.
(1) Before installing an injector the rubber O-ring
must be lubricated with a drop of clean engine oil to
aid in installation.
(2) Install injector clip by sliding open end into the
top slot of the injector. The edge of the receiver cup
will slide into the side slots of clip.
(3) Install injector top end into fuel rail receiver
cap. Be careful not to damage O-ring during installa-
tion (Fig. 10).
(4) Repeat steps for remaining injectors.
(5) Connect fuel injector wiring.
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Before installing an injector the rubber O-ring
must be lubricated with a drop of clean engine oil to
aid in installation.
(2) Install injector clip by sliding open end into the
top slot of the injector. The edge of the receiver cup
will slide into the side slots of clip (Fig. 9).
(3) Install injector top end into fuel rail receiver
cap. Be careful not to damage O-ring during installa-
tion (Fig. 9).
(4) Repeat steps for remaining injectors.
(5) Install fuel rail, refer to Fuel Rail in the Fuel
Delivery section.
(6) Connect fuel injector wiring.
(7) Install the Intake Manifold, (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 9 FUEL INJECTOR AND RAIL TYPICAL
1 - FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY
2 - FUEL INJECTOR
3 - FUEL RAIL RECEIVER
Fig. 10 SERVICING FUEL INJECTOR TYPICAL
1 - FUEL INJECTOR
2 - LOCKING SLOT
3 - FUEL RAIL RECEIVER CUP
14 - 26 FUEL INJECTIONRS
FUEL INJECTOR (Continued)
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INSTALLATION - FUEL RAIL
(1) Install fuel rail to intake manifold/cylinder
head cover (Fig. 2). Torque retaining bolts to
27.5N´m.
(2) Install engine electrical harness retainers from
the fuel rail retaining bolts/studs. (Fig. 2)
(3) Connect fuel rail high pressure sensor electri-
cal connector. (Fig. 2)
(4) Connect fuel rail return line. (Fig. 2)
(5) Connect fuel rail supply line. (Fig. 2)
(6) Connect fuel injector high pressure lines. (Fig.
2)
(7) Install engine cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
INSTALLATION) .
(8) Connect negative battery cable.
FUEL FILTER / WATER
SEPARATOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel filter/water separator assembly is located
under the vehicle in front of the rear axle assembly
(Fig. 3). The assembly also includes the fuel heater
and Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor.
OPERATION
The fuel filter/water separator protects the fuel
injection pump by removing water and contaminants
from the fuel. The construction of the filter/separator
allows fuel to pass through it, but helps prevent
moisture (water) from doing so. Moisture collects at
the bottom of the canister.
Fig. 2 FUEL RAIL COMPONENTS
1 - FUEL INJECTOR RETURN LINE
2 - FUEL INJECTOR SUPPLY LINE
3 - OIL SEPARATOR
4 - FUEL INJECTOR
5 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
6 - BOOST PRESSURE/INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
7 - EGR SOLENOID
8 - FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
9 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER/INTAKE MANIFOLD
10 - FUEL RAIL
11 - WIRING HARNESS RETAINING CLIPS
Fig. 3 FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
1 - LIFT PUMP RETAINING BOLTS
2 - LIFT PUMP
3 - FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR HOUSING
4 - FUEL HEATER
5 - CHECK BALL
6 - O-RING
7 - FLOW DIVERTER
8 - FUEL FILTER
9 - O-RING
10 - FUEL FILTER BOWL ASSEMBLY
14a - 4 FUEL DELIVERYRG
FUEL RAIL (Continued)
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Refer to the maintenance schedules for the recom-
mended fuel filter replacement intervals.
For draining of water from canister, refer to Fuel
Filter/Water Separator Removal/Installation section.
A Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is part of the fuel fil-
ter cap. Refer to Water-In-Fuel Sensor Description/
Operation.
The fuel heater is installed into the filter/separator
housing above the fuel filter. Refer to Fuel Heater
Description/Operation.
FUEL LINES
DESCRIPTION
All fuel lines up to the fuel injection pump are con-
sidered low-pressure. This includes the fuel lines
from: the fuel tank to the fuel transfer pump, and
the fuel transfer pump to the fuel injection pump.
The fuel return lines and the fuel drain lines are also
considered low-pressure lines. High-pressure lines
are used between the fuel injection pump and the
fuel injectors. Also refer to High-Pressure Fuel Lines
Description/Operation.
DESCRIPTIONÐHIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES
The high-pressure fuel lines are the 4 lines located
between the fuel injection pump and the fuel injec-
torsctor tubes. All other fuel lines are considered low-
pressure lines.
OPERATIONÐHIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines cannot con-
tact each other or other components. Do not
attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to repair
lines that are damaged. If lines are ever kinked or
bent, they must be replaced. Use only the recom-
mended lines when replacement of high-pressure
fuel line is necessary.
High-pressure fuel lines deliver fuel under
extremely high pressure from the injection pump to
the fuel injectors. The lines expand and contract from
the high-pressure fuel pulses generated during the
injection process. All high-pressure fuel lines are of
the same length and inside diameter. Correct high-
pressure fuel line usage and installation is critical to
smooth engine operation.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
INSPECTING FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS.
INSPECT FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH
A SHEET OF CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION
PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF
CONTACT IS MADE WITH THE SKIN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HIGH-PRESSURE
FUEL LINE LEAKS
High-pressure fuel line leaks can cause starting
problems and poor engine performance.
WARNING: DUE TO EXTREME FUEL PRESSURES,
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING FOR
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS. DO NOT GET YOUR
HAND NEAR A SUSPECTED LEAK. INSPECT FOR
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH A SHEET OF
CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION PRESSURE
CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF CONTACT IS
MADE WITH THE SKIN.
Start the engine. Move the cardboard over the
high-pressure fuel lines and check for fuel spray onto
the cardboard (Fig. 4). If a high-pressure line connec-
tion is leaking, bleed the system and tighten the con-
nection. Refer to the Air Bleed Procedure in this
group for procedures. Replace damaged, restricted or
leaking high-pressure fuel lines with the correct
replacement line.
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines cannot con-
tact each other or other components. Do not
attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to repair
lines that are damaged. Only use the recommended
lines when replacement of high-pressure fuel line is
necessary.
Fig. 4 Typical Test for Leaks with Cardboard
1 - HIGH-PRESSURE LINE
2 - CARDBOARD
3 - FITTING
RGFUEL DELIVERY14a-5
FUEL FILTER / WATER SEPARATOR (Continued)
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FUEL TRANSFER PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The fuel transfer pump (fuel lift pump) is located
under the vehicle in front of the rear axle assembly
(Fig. 5). The 12±volt electric vane-type pump is oper-
ated and controlled by the Engine Control Module
(ECM) .
OPERATION
The purpose of the fuel transfer pump is to supply
(transfer) a low-pressure fuel source:fromthe fuel
tank,throughthe fuel filter/water separator andto
the fuel injection pump. Here, the low-pressure is
raised to a high-pressure by the fuel injection pump
for operation of the high-pressure fuel injectors.The fuel transfer pump is controlled by the Engine
Control Module(ECM). The ECM turns the fuel
transfer pump on for 30 seconds when the ignition
ket is turned ªONº.
With the ignition ªONº and fuel tranfer pump run-
ning, the low-pressure fuel pressure should be 13-17 psi.
FUEL INJECTION PUMP
DESCRIPTION
A radial-piston pump is used as the high pressure
pump for fuel pressure generation (Fig. 6).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove engine cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove air cleaner housing assembly.
(4) Remove power steering belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(6) Support engine and remove right engine mount
assembly.
(7) Remove outer timing belt cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(8) Using special tool VM.1055, remove injection
pump sprocket retaining nut (Fig. 7).
Fig. 5 FUEL TRANSFER(LIFT) PUMP LOCATION
1 - LIFT PUMP RETAINING BOLTS
2 - LIFT PUMP
3 - FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR HOUSING
4 - FUEL HEATER
5 - CHECK BALL
6 - O-RING
7 - FLOW DIVERTER
8 - FUEL FILTER
9 - O-RING
10 - FUEL FILTER BOWL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 6 FUEL INJECTION PUMP
1 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP
2 - INJECTION PUMP PRESSURE SOLENOID
14a - 6 FUEL DELIVERYRG
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CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, safety gog-
gles should be worn at all times when performing
any test procedures on the power steering pump or
power steering gear.
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on the vehi-
cle.
(1) Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect the power steering fluid pressure
hose from the power steering pump (Fig. 3) (Fig. 4).
(3) Connect Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844,
attached to pressure hose from inlet (gauge end) ofPower Steering Analyzer to the pressure fitting on
the power steering pump.
(4) Connect vehicle power steering fluid pressure
hose to Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6826, which
should be already installed in the outlet hose (valve
end) of Power Steering Analyzer.
(5) Completely open valve on Power Steering Ana-
lyzer.
(6) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through the analyzer and
hoses, until the air is out of the fluid. Shut off
engine.
(7) Check power steering fluid level and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
(8) Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi). If
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range
of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi). The flow meter should
read between 1.3 and 1.9 GPM.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than five seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
Fig. 2 Power Steering Analyzer Adapters 6893
Fig. 3 Pressure Hose Connection To Power Steering
Pump - 2.4L
1 - POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP
3 - POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
Fig. 4 SUPPLY & PRESSURE HOSES AT PUMP -
3.3L/3.8L
1 - PRESSURE HOSE AND FITTING
2 - SUPPLY HOSE AND CLAMP
3 - POWER STEERING PUMP
19 - 2 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: * There is some noise in all power steering
systems. One of the most common is a hissing
sound evident when turning the steering wheel
when at a standstill or when parking and the steer-
ing wheel is at the end of its travel. Hiss is a very
high frequency noise similar to that experienced
while slowly closing a water tap. The noise is
present in every valve and results when high veloc-ity fluid passes valve orifice edges. There is no
relationship between this noise and the perfor-
mance of the steering system.
NOTE: ** Power steering pump growl results from
the development of high pressure fluid flow. Nor-
mally this noise level should not be high enough to
be objectionable.
STEERING WHEEL FEEL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL/
COLUMN CLICKING,
CLUNKING OR RATTLING.1. Loose steering coupling pinch
bolt.1. Replace pinch bolt and torque to
specifications.
2. Steering column bearings. 2. Replace steering column.
STEERING WHEEL HAS
FORE AND AFT
LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel retaining nut not
properly tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut
to its specified torque.
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
3. Loose steering column to
instrument panel fasteners.3. Tighten fasteners to specified torque.
STEERING WHEEL OR
DASH VIBRATES DURING
LOW SPEED OR
STANDSTILL STEERING
MANEUVERS.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Tires not properly inflated. 2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Excessive engine vibration. 3. Ensure that the engine is running
properly.
4. Loose tie rod end jam nut. 4. Tighten the inner to outer tie rod jam nut
to the specified torque.
5.Overcharged air conditioning
system.5.Check air conditioning pump head
pressure and correct as necessary.
STEERING CATCHES,
STICKS IN CERTAIN
POSITIONS OR IS
DIFFICULT TO TURN.1. Low power steering fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
specified level and check for leaks.
2. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Lack of lubrication in front lower
control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated-for-life type ball joint. If ball joint
is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace ball
joint.
4. Worn or binding lower control arm
ball joint.4. Replace lower control arm ball joint.
RSSTEERING19-5
STEERING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

ing gear. This travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to
change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
Power assist steering provided by the power steer-
ing pump is controlled by an open center, rotary type
control valve which directs oil from the pump to
either side of the integral rack piston upon demand.
Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion
bar which initially steers the vehicle. As required
steering effort increases, as in a turn, the torsion bar
twists, causing relative rotary motion between the
rotary valve body and the valve spool. This move-
ment directs oil behind the integral rack piston
which, in turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and
assists in the turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be main-
tained if power steering assist is lost. However,
under this condition, steering effort is significantly
increased.
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
REMOVAL - GEAR
CAUTION: Positioning the steering column in the
locked position will prevent the clockspring from
being accidentally over-extended when the steering
column is disconnected from the intermediate
steering coupler.
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much fluid as
possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) With the ignition key in the locked position
turn the steering wheel to the left until the steering
wheel is in the locked position.
(4) With the vehicle on the ground, disconnect the
steering column shaft coupler from the steering gear
intermediate coupler (Fig. 2).(5) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this service man-
ual, for the required lifting procedure to be used for
this vehicle.
(6) Remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
(7) Remove hoses at power steering cooler and
allow fluid to drain.
(8) On both sides of vehicle, remove nut attaching
outer tie rod end to steering knuckle (Fig. 3).
Remove nut by holding tie rod end stud with a
socket while loosening and removing nut with
wrench.
(9) Remove both tie rod ends from steering knuck-
les, using Puller, Special Tool C-3894±A (Fig. 4).
(10) Remove the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts located on each side of each lower con-
trol arm rear bushing.
NOTE: The bolts fastening the cradle crossmember
reinforcement are of two different thread sizes. Note
the location of the various sizes.
(11) Remove the bolts attaching the cradle cross-
member reinforcement to the front suspension cradle
crossmember (Fig. 5). Remove the 2 bolts fastening
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
the body of the vehicle. Remove the reinforcement.
(12) If the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel-
Drive, remove the power transfer unit (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/POWER TRANSFER
UNIT - REMOVAL).
Fig. 2 Steering Column Shaft To Intermediate Shaft
Attachment
1 - STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLER
2 - NUT
3 - SAFETY PIN
4 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
5 - PINCH BOLT
19 - 18 GEARRS
GEAR (Continued)
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