oil pressure DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual

NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
GEAR LUBRICATION ± RATINGS
SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear
lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISPOSE OF
GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROPERLY, CONTACT
YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR
LOCATION OF COLLECTION CENTER IN YOUR
AREA. DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN
THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR
HOT UNDER PRESSURE, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT. AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED SERVICE IS
PERFORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Use of Propylene Glycol based coolants
is not recommended, as they provide less freeze
protection and less corrosion protection.
The cooling system is designed around the coolant.
The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in
the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and
engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the
radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the
heat to the air.
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equivalent
ethylene glycol base coolant with organic corrosion
inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology) is recommended. This coolant offers the
best engine cooling without corrosion when mixed
with 50% Ethylene Glycol and 50% distilled water to
obtain a freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it loses color
or becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace
with fresh properly mixed coolant solution.CAUTION: MoparTAntifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769) may not be mixed
with any other type of antifreeze. Doing so will
reduce the corrosion protection and may result in
premature water pump seal failure. If non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.
DESCRIPTION - LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
When service is required, DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration recommends that only Mopartbrand parts,
lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopartprovides
the best engineered products for servicing
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles.
Only lubricants bearing designations defined by
the following organization should be used to service a
Chrysler Corporation vehicle.
²Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
²American Petroleum Institute (API) (Fig. 6)
²National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
(Fig. 7)
SAE VISCOSITY RATING
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the vis-
cosity of engine oil. These are specified with a dual
SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot
temperature viscosity range. Example SAE 5W-30 =
multiple grade engine oil.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation only recommends
multiple grade engine oils.
API QUALITY CLASSIFICATION
This symbol (Fig. 6) on the front of an oil container
means that the oil has been certified by the Ameri-
can Petroleum Institute (API) to meet all the lubri-
cation requirements specified by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation.
GEAR LUBRICANTS
SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear
lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage. Such as API GL-5 and SAE 80W-
90.
Fig. 6 API Symbol
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCERS
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
symbol (Fig. 7) on the label. At the bottom NLGI
symbol is the usage and quality identification letters.
Wheel bearing lubricant is identified by the letter
ªGº. Chassis lubricant is identified by the latter ªLº.
The letter following the usage letter indicates the
quality of the lubricant. The following symbols indi-
cate the highest quality.
OPERATION
The cooling system is designed around the coolant.
The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in
the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and
engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the
radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the
heat to the air.
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISPOSE OF
GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROPERLY, CONTACT
YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR
LOCATION OF COLLECTION CENTER IN YOUR
AREA. DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN
THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR
HOT UNDER PRESSURE, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT. AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED SERVICE IS
PERFORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The fluid check/fill points and lubrication locations
are located in each applicable Sections.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule ±A. It lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is Schedule ±B. It is a schedule for vehi-
cles that are operated under the following conditions:
²Frequent short trip driving less than 10 miles
(16.2 km)
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions
²Frequent off-road or desert operation
²Frequent trailer towing
²Day and night temperatures are below freezing
²Frequent long periods of engine idling
²Frequent stop and go driving
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)*
²Taxi, police or delivery service
²If equipped for and operation with E-85
(ethanol) fuel.
DESCRIPTION
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission.
Add fluid as required.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change oil filter
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponent boots and seals.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ± A (7,500 miles - 12 000 km) or
Fig. 7 NLGI Symbol
1 - WHEEL BEARINGS
2 - CHASSIS LUBRICATION
3 - CHASSIS AND WHEEL BEARINGS
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-7
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
symbol (Fig. 4) on the label. At the bottom NLGI
symbol is the usage and quality identification letters.
Wheel bearing lubricant is identified by the letter
ªGº. Chassis lubricant is identified by the latter ªLº.
The letter following the usage letter indicates the
quality of the lubricant. The following symbols indi-
cate the highest quality.
SPECIALIZED LUBRICANTS AND OILS
Some maintenance or repair procedures may
require the use of specialized lubricants or oils. Con-
sult the appropriate sections in this manual for the
correct application of these lubricants.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISPOSE OF
GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROPERLY, CONTACT
YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR
LOCATION OF COLLECTION CENTER IN YOUR
AREA. DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN
THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR
HOT UNDER PRESSURE, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT. AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED SERVICE IS
PERFORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Use of Propylene Glycol based coolants
is not recommended, as they provide less freeze
protection and less boiling protection.The cooling system is designed around the coolant.
The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in
the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and
engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the
radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the
heat to the air.
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equiva-
lent ethylene glycol base coolant with hybrid organic
corrosion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% Ethylene Glycol and 50% distilled
water to obtain a freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it
loses color or becomes contaminated, drain, flush,
and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solu-
tion.
The green coolantMUST NOT BE MIXEDwith
the orange or magenta coolants. When replacing cool-
ant the complete system flush must be performed
before using the replacement coolant.
CAUTION: MoparTAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769) may not be
mixed with any other type of antifreeze. Doing so
will reduce the corrosion protection and may result
in premature water pump seal failure. If non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules for the
recommended maintenance (fluid/filter change)
intervals for this transaxle.
NOTE: For fluid level checking procedures, (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
NOTE: The 31TH transaxle has a common transmis-
sion and differential sump. Filling the transaxle
accommodates the differential as well.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) is required in this transaxle. Substitute
fluids can induce torque converter clutch shudder.
Fig. 4 NLGI Symbol
1 - WHEEL BEARINGS
2 - CHASSIS LUBRICATION
3 - CHASSIS AND WHEEL BEARINGS
RGLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE - RG - 2.5 L TURBO DIESEL0a-3
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The fluid check/fill points and lubrication locations
are located in each applicable service manual section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - DIESEL ENGINE
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for the vehicle.
First is ScheduleªAº. It lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is ScheduleªBº. It is a schedule for vehi-
cles that are operated under the conditions listed at
the beginning of the schedule.
Use the schedule that best describes the driving
conditions.
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level, add as required.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check the tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten termi-
nals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Check the rubber seals on each side of the radi-
ator for proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Replace the engine oil filter at each oil change.
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on schedule ªAº 20 000 km or every other
interval shown on schedule ªBº 20 000 km.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake linings, hoses and calipers.
²Inspect engine accessory drive belts.
²Inspect for presence of water in fuel filter/water
separator, drain if necessary.
SCHEDULE ªAº
20 000 km (12 000 miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
40 000 km (24 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
60 000 km (37 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
80 000 km (49 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
100 000 km (62 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
120 000 km (75 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
140 000 km (86 000 miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
Fig. 6 Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation ±
Diesel Engines
RGLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE - RG - 2.5 L TURBO DIESEL0a-5
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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CAUTION: When removing the nut from the stud of
the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud to
rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined
into the stud (Fig. 42).
(5) Remove the stabilizer bar link from the bracket
on the strut assembly (Fig. 42). To do so, place an
open-end wrench on the flat machined into the link's
mounting stud, then remove the nut while holding
the wrench in place. Push the stud out of the
bracket.
CAUTION: The steering knuckle to strut assembly
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Remove nuts while holding bolts
stationary in the steering knuckles.
(6) Remove the 2 strut assembly clevis bracket to
steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 43).
(7) Remove the 3 nuts attaching the strut assem-
bly upper mount to the strut tower (Fig. 44) and
remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
(8) To disassemble the strut assembly, (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/STRUT - DISASSEMBLY).
DISASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY
The strut assembly must be removed from the
vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use of Strut Spring Compressor, Pentastar
Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equiva-
lent, is recommended to compress the coil spring.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT
NUT BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COMPRESSED.
THE COIL SPRING IS HELD UNDER PRESSURE
AND MUST BE COMPRESSED, REMOVING SPRING
TENSION FROM THE UPPER MOUNT AND PIVOT
BEARING, BEFORE THE SHAFT NUT IS REMOVED.
Fig. 42 Stabilizer Bar Link To Strut Attachment
1 - NUT
2 - STRUT
3 - STABILIZER BAR LINK
Fig. 43 Strut Damper Attachment To Steering
Knuckle
1 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 - ATTACHING BOLTS
3 - TIE ROD END
4 - ROTOR
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 44 Strut Assembly To Strut Tower Attaching
Nuts (Typical)
1 - WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE
2 - STRUT TOWER
3 - STRUT MOUNT ATTACHING BOLTS
4 - UPPER STRUT MOUNT
RSFRONT2-21
STRUT (Continued)
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CAUTION: Do not twist front inner tie rod to steer-
ing gear rubber boots during front wheel Toe
adjustment.
(2) Loosen front inner to outer tie rod end jam
nuts (Fig. 12). Grasp inner tie rods at serrations and
rotate inner tie rods of steering gear (Fig. 12) to set
front toe to the preferred toe specification. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(3) Tighten tie rod jam nuts (Fig. 12) to 75 N´m
(55 ft. lbs.) torque.(4) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at the
inner tie rod.
(5) Remove steering wheel clamp.
(6) Remove the alignment equipment.
(7)
Road test the vehicle to verify the steering wheel
is straight and the vehicle does not wander or pull.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, the maximum left-to-right
differential is not to exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to the specifica-
tions listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECI-
FICATIONS chart.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15754 mm610 mm 770 mm610 mm
29.68 in.60.39 in. 30.31 in.60.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16755 mm610 mm 771 mm610 mm
29.72 in.60.39 in. 30.35 in.60.39 in.
TTU / 215/60 R 17758 mm610 mm 774 mm610 mm
29.84 in.60.39 in. 30.47 in.60.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - SHORT WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15755 mm610 mm 770 mm610 mm
29.72 in.60.39 in. 30.31 in.60.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16756 mm610 mm 771 mm610 mm
29.76 in.60.39 in. 30.35 in.60.39 in.
Fig. 12 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
1 - INNER TIE ROD SERRATION
2 - OUTER TIE ROD JAM NUT
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - INNER TIE ROD
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 54 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................3CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT............3
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehiclefor bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, the maximum left-to-right
differential is not to exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to the specifica-
tions listed in the following Curb Height Specifica-
tions charts.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES WITH SDF SUSPENSION
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.772mm 10mm
30.39 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES WITH SDF + SER
SUSPENSION
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.771mm 10mm
30.35 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - SHORT WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16755mm 10mm
29.72 in.   0.39 in.770mm 10mm
30.31 in.   0.39 in.
RGWHEEL ALIGNMENT2a-3
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COOLING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLING
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
COOLING SYSTEM LEAK TEST.............3
COOLING SYSTEM FLOW CHECK..........3
COOLING SYSTEM AERATION.............3
COOLING SYSTEM DEAERATION...........3
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................4COOLING SYSTEM - DRAINING............4
COOLING SYSTEM - REFILLING............4
COOLANT - ADDING ADDITIONAL...........4
COOLANT LEVEL CHECK - ROUTINE........5
SPECIFICATIONS.........................6
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................6
ACCESSORY DRIVE.......................7
ENGINE................................13
TRANSMISSION.........................36
COOLING
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system components consist of a radia-
tor, electric fan motors, shroud, pressure cap, thermo-
stat, transmission oil cooler, water pump, hoses,
clamps, coolant, and a coolant reserve system to com-
plete the circuit.
DESCRIPTION - HOSE CLAMPS
The cooling system uses spring type hose clamps.
If a spring type clamp replacement is necessary,
replace with the original Mopartequipment spring
type clamp.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only a original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter (Fig. 1).
OPERATION - COOLING SYSTEM
The engine cooling systems primary purpose is to
maintain engine temperature in a range that will
provide satisfactory engine performance and emission
levels under all expected driving conditions. It also
provides hot water (coolant) for heater performance
and cooling for automatic transmission oil. It does
this by transferring heat from engine metal to cool-
ant, moving this heated coolant to the radiator, and
then transferring this heat to the ambient air.²When engine is cold: thermostat is closed, cool-
ing system has no flow through the radiator. The
coolant bypass flows through the engine only.
²When engine is warm: thermostat is open, cool-
ing system has bypass flow and coolant flow through
radiator.
Coolant flow circuits for the 2.4L and 3.3/3.8L
engines are shown in (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Spring Clamp Size Location
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
RSCOOLING7-1
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OPERATION - HOSE CLAMPS
The spring type hose clamp applies constant ten-
sion on a hose connection. To remove a spring type
hose clamp, use Special Tool 6094 or equivalent, con-
stant tension clamp pliers (Fig. 3) to compress the
hose clamp.
Fig. 2 Cooling System Flow
1 - HEATER - REAR (3.3/3.8L OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT) 6 - WATER PUMP
2 - HEATER - FRONT 7 - RADIATOR
3 - ENGINE 8 - COOLANT RECOVERY/RESERVE CONTAINER
4 - THERMOSTAT 9 - COOLANT FLOW - PRESSURE CAP VACUUM
5 - ENGINE OIL COOLER (3.3/3.8L OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT) 10 - COOLANT FLOW - PRESSURE CAP RELIEF
Fig. 3 Hose Clamp Tool
1 - HOSE CLAMP TOOL 6094
2 - HOSE CLAMP
7 - 2 COOLINGRS
COOLING (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
LEAK
WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS ªDO NOT OPEN
HOTº ON THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP IS A
SAFETY PRECAUTION. WHEN HOT, PRESSURE
BUILDS UP IN COOLING SYSTEM. TO PREVENT
SCALDING OR INJURY, THE RADIATOR CAP
SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED WHILE THE SYSTEM
IS HOT OR UNDER PRESSURE.
With engine not running, remove radiator pressure
cap and wipe the radiator filler neck sealing seat
clean. The radiator should be full.
Attach the Cooling System Tester 7700 or equiva-
lent to the radiator, as shown in (Fig. 4) and apply
104 kPa (15 psi) pressure. If the pressure drops more
than 13.8 kPa (2 psi) in 2 minutes, inspect all points
for external leaks.
All radiator and heater hoses should be shaken
while at 104 kPa (15 psi), since some leaks occur only
while driving due to engine movement.
If there are no external leaks, after the gauge dial
shows a drop in pressure, detach the tester. Start
engine and run until the thermostat opens, allowing
the coolant to expand. Reattach the cooling system
tester. If the needle on the dial fluctuates it indicates
a combustion leak, usually a head gasket leak.
WARNING: WITH TOOL IN PLACE, PRESSURE WILL
BUILD UP FAST. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP,
BY CONTINUOUS ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BERELEASED TO A SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER
PERMIT PRESSURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
If the needle on the dial does not fluctuate, raise
the engine rpm a few times. If an abnormal amount
of coolant or steam emits from the tailpipe, it may
indicate a coolant leak caused by a faulty head gas-
ket, cracked engine block, or cracked cylinder head.
There may be internal leaks that can be deter-
mined by removing the oil dipstick. If water globules
appear intermixed with the oil it will indicate an
internal leak in the engine. If there is an internal
leak, the engine must be disassembled for repair.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
FLOW
To determine whether coolant is flowing through
the cooling system, use the following procedures:
(1) If engine is cold, idle engine until normal oper-
ating temperature is reached. Then feel the upper
radiator hose. If it is hot, coolant is circulating.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLING SYS-
TEM PRESSURE CAP WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND
UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS
FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
(2) Remove pressure cap when engine is cold,
remove small amount of coolant Idle engine until
thermostat opens, you should observe coolant flow
while looking down the filler neck. Once flow is
detected install the pressure cap.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
AERATION
Low coolant level in a cross flow radiator will
equalize in both tanks with engine off. With engine
at running and at operating temperature, the high
pressure inlet tank runs full and the low pressure
outlet tank drops, resulting in cooling system aera-
tion. Aeration will draw air into the water pump
resulting in the following:
²High reading shown on the temperature gauge.
²Loss of coolant flow through the heater core.
²Corrosion in the cooling system.
²Water pump seal may run dry, increasing the
risk of premature seal failure.
²Combustion gas leaks into the coolant can also
cause the above problems.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
DEAERATION
As air is removed from the cooling system, it gath-
ers in the coolant bottle. This pressure is released
into the atmosphere through the pressure valve
located in the pressure cap when pressure reaches 96
Fig. 4 Pressure Testing
RSCOOLING7-3
COOLING (Continued)
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