DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2004 Service Manual

CLUTCH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION..........................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH
SYSTEM.............................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVE PLATE
MISALIGNMENT.......................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH
COVER AND DISC RUNOUT..............6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH
CHATTER COMPLAINTS.................6
SPECIAL TOOLS - T850 TRANSAXLE........6
CLUTCH RELEASE LEVER AND BEARING
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................7
MASTER CYLINDER - RHD
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
MASTER CYLINDER - LHD
REMOVAL.............................9INSTALLATION.........................10
MODULAR CLUTCH ASSY - 2.4L GAS
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
SLAVE CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE - 2.5L TD
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
FLYWHEEL
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
CLUTCH PEDAL INTERLOCK SWITCH
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................14
CLUTCH PEDAL UPSTOP SWITCH
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
CLUTCH COMPONENTS
Models equipped with a 2.4L Gas engine utilize a
modular clutch assembly (Fig. 1). The modular clutch
consists of a single, dry-type clutch disc, a diaphragm
style clutch cover, and an integrated flywheel. The
clutch cover (pressure plate) is riveted to the fly-
wheel, and therefore can only be serviced as an
assembly.
Models equipped with the 2.5L Turbo Diesel engine
utilize a conventional clutch system (Fig. 2). This
system consists of a flywheel, clutch disc, and clutch
cover (pressure plate), which is fastened to the fly-
wheel, capturing the clutch disc within. Each compo-
nent is individually serviceable, however it ishighly
recommended that the clutch cover and disc be
replaced as a set.
Fig. 1 Modular Clutch AssemblyÐ2.4L Gas Engines
1 - MODULAR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
RSCLUTCH6-1

Fig. 2 Clutch Disc and Pressure PlateÐ2.5L TD Engines
1 - FLYWHEEL
2 - DISC
3 - PRESSURE PLATE
6 - 2 CLUTCHRS
CLUTCH (Continued)

RELEASE SYSTEM
All models utilize a hydraulic clutch release sys-
tem, conisting of a clutch master cylinder attached to
the clutch pedal (Fig. 3), and a slave cylinder fas-
tened to the transaxle which operates the clutch
release lever (Fig. 4). When the driver depresses the
clutch pedal, the master cylinder pushrod travels
through the cylinder bore, displacing fluid through
the master cylinder plumbing. This fluid displace-
ment forces the slave cylinder piston to travel, forc-
ing the clutch release bearing into the clutch
diaphragm spring via the release lever and leverage
(Fig. 5). This releases the clamping force on the
clutch disc, allowing the engine crankshaft to rotate
independently from the transaxle input shaft.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH SYSTEM
Clutch problem diagnosis will generally require a
road test to determine the type of fault. Component
inspection will then determine the problem after road
testing.
Drive the vehicle at normal speeds during road
test. Shift the transaxle through all gear ranges and
observe clutch action. If chatter, grab, slip, or
improper release is experienced, remove and inspectthe clutch components. If the problem is noise or
hard shifting, further diagnosis may be needed. The
transaxle or other driveline components may actually
be at fault.
Fig. 3 Clutch Master Cylinder - Typical
1 - CLUTCH PEDAL
2 - BUSHING
3 - GROMMET
4 - MASTER CYLINDER
5-STOP
Fig. 4 Slave Cylinder Removal/Installation
1 - MOUNTING HOLE
2 - SLAVE CYLINDER
3 - ACCESS HOLE
4 - NYLON ANTI-ROTATION TAB
Fig. 5 Release Bearing and Lever
1 - RELEASE LEVER
2 - RELEASE BEARING
RSCLUTCH6-3
CLUTCH (Continued)

SERVICE DIAGNOSIS - CLUTCH GRAB/CHATTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC FACING
COVERED WITH OIL OR
GREASEOil leak at engine rear main or
transaxle input shaft seal.Correct leak and replace modular clutch
assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover and disc
(2.5L TD).
Too much grease applied to splines
of disc and input shaft.Apply lighter coating of grease to splines.
NO FAULT FOUND WITH
CLUTCH
COMPONENTSProblem actually related to
suspension or driveline component.Further diagnosis required. Check engine/
transmission mounts, suspension attaching
parts and other driveline components as
needed.
Engine related problems. Check EFI and ignition systems.
PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT
OF CLUTCH DISCClutch cover, spring, or release
fingers bent, distorted (rough
handling, improper assembly).Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Clutch disc damaged or distorted. Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Clutch misalignment. Verify modular clutch pilot plate alignment to
crankshaft. Replace the modular clutch
assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover and disc
(2.5L TD) if the pilot plate is loose or bent.
Improper transaxle-to-engine
installation.Verify transaxle is properly installed to
engine.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS - CLUTCH SLIPS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DISC FACING WORN
OUTNormal wear. Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Driver frequently rides (slips) clutch,
results in rapid wear, overheating.Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Insufficient clutch cover diaphragm
spring tensionReplace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
CLUTCH DISC FACING
CONTAMINATED WITH
OIL OR GREASELeak at rear main oil seal or
transaxle input shaft sealReplace leaking seals. Replace modular
clutch assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover
and disc (2.5L TD).
Excessive amount of grease applied
to input shaft splinesApply less grease to input shaft. Replace
modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch
cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Road splash, water entering housing Seal housing. Inspect clutch assembly.
CLUTCH IS RUNNING
PARTIALLY
DISENGAGEDRelease bearing sticking or binding,
does not return to normal running
position.Verify that bearing is actually binding. Then,
replace bearing and transmission front
bearing retainer if sleeve surface is
damaged.
Clutch pedal not returning to static
position.Inspect pedal assembly for damage and/or
obstructions. Replace componnents as
necessary.
Clutch master cylinder or pushrod
damaged causing high preload.Replace clutch master cylinder assembly.
Slave cylinder binding or stuck. Replace slave cylinder.
6 - 4 CLUTCHRS
CLUTCH (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC FACINGS
HAVE FRACTURED
INTO SMALL PIECESLeak at rear main or transaxle input
shaft sealReplace seal. Replace modular clutch
assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover and disc
(2.5L TD)..
Excessive heat from slippage Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS - IMPROPER CLUTCH RELEASE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC BINDS
ON INPUT SHAFT
SPLINESClutch disc hub splines damaged
during installationClean, smooth, and lubricate disc and shaft
splines. Replace modular clutch assembly, or
clutch disc, and/or input shaft if splines are
severely damaged.
Input shaft splines rough, damaged. Clean input shaft splines. Then lube.
Corrosion or rust formations on
splines of input shaft and discClean input shaft splines and disc splines,
then lube
CLUTCH DISC RUSTED
TO FLYWHEEL AND/OR
PRESSURE PLATEOccurs in vehicles stored or not
driven for extended period of time.
Also occurs after steam cleaning if
vehicle is not used for extended
period.Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
CLUTCH WILL NOT
DISENGAGE PROPERLYDisc bent, distorted during transaxle
installationReplace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Clutch cover diaphragm spring
damaged during transaxle installationReplace modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas)
or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Release fork bent, loose, or
damagedReplace fork if worn or damaged
Air in clutch hydraulic circuit. Allow system to self-bleed or replace
hydraulic components.
Leak in clutch hydraulic circuit. Replace worn/damaged/leaking hydraulic
components.
Clutch pedal requires
excessive force (high
release load).Clutch disc is worn. Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L
models) or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD
models).
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS - CLUTCH PEDAL NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH PEDAL
SQUEAKS WHEN
DEPRESSED TO FLOORPedal bushings worn out or
inadequate lubricationReplace or lubricate bushings at clutch pedal
pivot or master cylinder pushrod.
Clutch pedal return spring worn out Lubricate or replace return spring
CLUTCH PEDAL
SQUEAKS DURING
OPERATIONClutch release lever pivot stud has
inadequate lubricationLubricate or replace clutch release lever
RSCLUTCH6-5
CLUTCH (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVE PLATE
MISALIGNMENT
Common causes of misalignment are:
²Heat warping
²Mounting drive plate on a dirty crankshaft
flange
²Incorrect bolt tightening
²Improper seating on the crankshaft shoulder
²Loose crankshaft bolts
Clean the crankshaft flange before mounting the
drive plate. Dirt and grease on the flange surface
may misalign the flywheel, causing excessive runout.
Use new bolts when mounting drive plate to crank-
shaft. Tighten drive plate bolts to specified torque
only. Over-tightening can distort the drive plate hub
causing excessive runout.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH COVER
AND DISC RUNOUT
Check condition of the clutch cover before installa-
tion. A warped cover or diaphragm spring will cause
grab and/or incomplete release or engagement. Use
care when handling the clutch assembly. Impact can
distort the cover, diaphragm spring, and release fin-
gers.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH CHATTER
COMPLAINTS
For all clutch chatter complaints, perform the fol-
lowing:
(1) Check for loose, misaligned, or broken engine
and transmission mounts. If present, they should be
corrected at this time. Test vehicle for chatter. If
chatter is gone, there is no need to go any further.
(2) If chatter persists, check hydraulic clutch
release system is functioning properly.
(3) Check for loose connections in drivetrain. Cor-
rect any problems and determine if clutch chatter
complaints have been satisfied. If not:
(a) Remove transaxle.
(b) Check to see if the release bearing is sticky
or binding. Replace bearing, if needed.
(c) Check linkage for excessive wear on the pivot
stud and fork fingers. Replace all worn parts.
(d) Check clutch assembly for contamination
(dirt, oil). Replace clutch assembly, if required.
(e) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines
are damaged. Replace with new clutch assembly, if
necessary.
(f) Check input shaft splines for damage.
Replace, if necessary.
(g) Check for uneven wear on clutch fingers.
(h) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers. Replace with new clutch assembly,
if necessary.
SPECIAL TOOLS - T850 TRANSAXLE
CLUTCH RELEASE LEVER AND
BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle assembly. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove modular clutch assembly from input
shaft (2.4L Gas models only).
(3) Grasp clutch release lever and bearing (Fig. 6)
with both hands and pull outward using moderate
pressure to release lever from pivot ball.
(4) Separate release bearing from lever.
NOTE: Remove release lever pivot ball(s) ONLY if
replacement is necessary.
Disconnect Tool, 6638A
Remover/Installer, 6891
6 - 6 CLUTCHRS
CLUTCH (Continued)

(5) Remove pivot ball(s) using slide hammer
C-3752 and remover/installer 6891 (Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) If removed, installnewrelease lever pivot
ball(s) using slide hammer C-3752 and remover/in-
staller 6891 (Fig. 8) (Fig. 9).
Fig. 6 Release Bearing and Lever
1 - RELEASE LEVER
2 - RELEASE BEARING
Fig. 7 Pivot Ball Removal/Installation
1 - C-3752 SLIDE HAMMER
2 - REMOVER/INSTALLER 6891
3 - PIVOT BALL
Fig. 8 Pivot Ball Removal/Installation
1 - C-3752 SLIDE HAMMER
2 - REMOVER/INSTALLER 6891
3 - PIVOT BALL
Fig. 9 Pivot Ball Position
1 - PIVOT BALL (1)
RSCLUTCH6-7
CLUTCH RELEASE LEVER AND BEARING (Continued)

(2) Install clutch release bearing to lever. Apply
grease to interface points. Make sure release bearing
retainers engage lever pocket as shown in (Fig. 10).
(3) Apply grease to pivot ball, and on release lever
at slave cylinder contact point.
(4) Install clutch release bearing/lever assembly
into position by sliding bearing onto input bearing
retainer, and using moderate hand pressure to seat
release lever to pivot ball(s) (Fig. 11). A ªpopº sound
should be heard. Verify proper engagement by lightly
pulling outward on lever at pivot ball location, and
then actuating lever and bearing to ensure proper
operation.
MASTER CYLINDER - RHD
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove master cylinder to clutch pedal pin
retainer clip. Disengage pushrod from clutch pedal
pin (Fig. 13).
(3) Disengage master cylinder grommet from cowl
panel.
(4) Remove battery and tray.
(5)Diesel models:Remove windshield wiper mod-
ule assembly. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS/WIPER MODULE - REMOVAL)
(6) Discharge Air Conditioning system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)(7) Remove suction/discharge line from evaporator
junction block.
(8) Using tool 6638A, disconnect clutch hydraulic
ªquick-connectº fitting (Fig. 12).
(9) Remove clutch master cylinder tubing from
retainers in engine compartment.
(10) Remove clutch master cylinder from dash
panel/clutch pedal bracket by rotating 45É clockwise
and pulling outward towards engine (Fig. 13).
(11) Carefully guide clutch master cylinder and
hydraulic plumbing from engine compartment.
Fig. 10 Release Bearing-to-Lever
1 - RETAINER (2)
2 - RELEASE LEVER
3 - RELEASE BEARING
Fig. 11 Release Bearing and Lever
1 - RELEASE LEVER
2 - RELEASE BEARING
Fig. 12 Disconnect Quick-Connect Using Tool 6638A
1 - QUICK CONNECT FITTING
2 - TOOL 6638A
6 - 8 CLUTCHRS
CLUTCH RELEASE LEVER AND BEARING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Carefully route master cylinder plumbing into
engine compartment as removed and position master
cylinder to dash panel hole.
(2) Rotate master cylinder 45É clockwise, insert
into dash panel hole, engaging clutch pedal bracket.
Rotate master cylinder 45É counter-clockwise, secur-
ing it to pedal bracket (Fig. 13).
(3) Install and secure grommet to dash panel.
(4) Connect pushrod to clutch pedal pin. Install
retainer clip (Fig. 13).
(5) Secure master cylinder plumbing to retainers
in engine compartment.
(6) Connect clutch master cylinder plumbing to
slave cylinder ªquick connectº fitting. An audible
ªclickº should be heard. Verify connection by pulling
outward.
(7) Connect A/C suction/discharge line to evapora-
tor junction block.
(8)Diesel models:Install wiper module assembly.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER MODULE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install battery and tray.
(10) Connect battery negative cable
(11) Charge Air Conditioning system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/RE-
FRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
MASTER CYLINDER - LHD
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery cables.
(2) Remove instrument panel lower silencer (Fig.
14).
(3) Remove knee bolster (Fig. 15).
(4) Remove clutch master cylinder pushrod
retainer clip (Fig. 16).
(5) Disconnect pushrod from clutch pedal (Fig. 16).
(6) Remove battery shield.
(7) Remove battery.
(8) Remove battery tray.
(9) Remove windshield wiper module assembly
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER MODULE - REMOVAL).
Fig. 13 Clutch Master Cylinder at Pedal Bracket
1 - CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER
2 - RETAINER CLIP
3 - CLUTCH PEDAL PIN
4 - PUSH RODFig. 14 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 15 Knee Bolster
1 - KNEE BOLSTER
RSCLUTCH6-9
MASTER CYLINDER - RHD (Continued)