-37ÉC (-35ÉF) to -59ÉC (-50ÉF). If it looses color or
becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with
fresh properly mixed solution.
SERVICE
Coolant should be changed at 52,500 miles or three
years, whichever occurs first, then every two years or
30,000 miles.
ROUTINE LEVEL CHECK
Do not remove radiator cap for routine coolant
level inspections. The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level without re-
moving the radiator cap. Simply observe, with the
engine idling and warmed up to normal operating
temperature, that the level of the coolant in the reserve
tank (Figs. 5 and 6) is between the minimum and
maximum marks.
ADDING ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The radiator cap should not be removed. When
additional coolant is needed to maintain this level, it
should be added to the coolant reserve tank. Use only
50/50 concentration of ethylene glycol type antifreeze
and water.
SERVICE COOLANT LEVEL
The cooling system is closed and designed to main-
tain coolant level to the top of the radiator. When servicing requires a coolant level check in the
radiator, the engine must be offand notunder pres-
sure. Drain several ounces of coolant from the radiator
drain cock while observing the Coolant Recovery Sys-
tem (CRS) Tank. Coolant level in the CRS tank should
drop slightly. Then remove the radiator cap. The radia-
tor should be full to the top. If not, and the coolant level
in the CRS tank is at the MIN mark there is a air leak
in the CRS system. Check hose or hose connections to
the CRS tank, radiator filler neck or the pressure cap
seal to the radiator filler neck for leaks.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL AERATION
Low coolant level in a cross flow radiator will equal-
ize in both tanks with engine off. With engine at
running operating temperature the high pressure inlet
tank runs full and the low pressure outlet tank drops.
If this level drops below the top of the transmission oil
cooler, air will be sucked into the water pump:
² Transmission oil will become hotter.
² High reading shown on the temperature gauge.
² Air in the coolant will also cause loss of flow through
the heater.
² Exhaust gas leaks into the coolant can also cause the
same problems.
DEAERATION
Air can only be removed from the system by gather-
ing under the pressure cap. On the next heat up it will
be pushed past the pressure cap into the CRS tank by
thermal expansion of the coolant. It then escapes to the
atmosphere in the CRS tank and is replaced with solid
coolant on cool down.
COOLING SYSTEM DRAIN, CLEAN, FLUSH AND
REFILL
Drain, flush, and fill the cooling system at the
mileage or time intervals specified in the Maintenance
Schedule in this Group. If the solution is dirty or rusty
or contains a considerable amount of sediment, clean
and flush with a reliable cooling system cleaner. Care
should be taken in disposing of the used engine coolant
from your vehicle. Check governmental regulations for
disposal of used engine coolant.
DRAINING
To drain cooling system move temperature selector
for heater to full heat with engine running (to provide
vacuum for actuation). Without removing radiator
pressure cap and with system not under pres-
sure, Shut engine off and open draincock. The coolant
reserve tank (Fig. 5) should empty first, then remove
radiator pressure cap. (if not, see Testing Cooling
System for leaks). To vent 2.2/2.5L engines remove the
plug above thermostat housing (Fig. 1). For Turbo III
engines remove coolant temperature sensor in the
thermostat housing (Fig. 2). For 3.3L /3.8L engine
remove the engine temperature sending unit (Fig. 3).
Removal of a plug or other component is required
because the thermostat has no air vent and prevents
air flow through it. This allows the coolant to drain
from the engine block.
Fig. 1 Thermostat Housing Drain/Fill PlugÐ2.2/2.5L Engines
Ä COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 15
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
Radiators are equipped with a pressure cap which
releases pressure at some point within a range of
97-124 kPa (14-18 psi) (Fig. 7). The system will operate at higher than atmospheric
pressure which raises the coolant boiling point allow-
ing increased radiator cooling capacity. There is also a vent valve in the center of the cap that
allows a small coolant flow to the CRS tank. If valve is
stuck shut, the radiator hoses will be collapsed
on cool down. Clean the vent valve (Fig. 7) to
ensure proper sealing when boiling point is
reached.
There is also a gasket in the cap to seal to the top of
the filler neck so that vacuum can be maintained for
drawing coolant back into the radiator from the coolant
reserve system tank.
RADIATOR CAP TO FILLER NECK SEAL PRES- SURE RELIEF CHECK
The pressure cap upper gasket (seal) pressure relief
can be checked by removing the overflow hose at the
radiator filler neck nipple (Fig. 7). Attach the Radiator
Pressure Tool to the filler neck nipple and pump air
into the radiator. Pressure cap upper gasket should
relieve at 69-124 kPa (10-18 psi) and hold pressure at
55 kPa (8 psi) minimum.
WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS DO NOT OPEN
HOT 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 AND/OR UNDER PRESSURE.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap at any
time except for the following purposes:
(1) Check and adjust antifreeze freeze point.
(2) Refill system with new antifreeze.
(3) Conducting service procedures.
(4) Checking for vacuum leaks.
WARNING: IF VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUN RECENTLY,
WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING CAP. THEN PLACE A SHOP TOWEL OVER THE CAP AND WITH-
OUT PUSHING DOWN ROTATE IT COUNTER-
CLOCKWISE TO THE FIRST STOP. ALLOW FLUIDS
TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE OVERFLOW TUBE AND
WHEN THE SYSTEM STOPS PUSHING COOLANT
AND STEAM INTO THE CRS TANK AND PRESSURE
DROPS PUSH DOWN AND REMOVE THE CAP COM-
PLETELY. SQUEEZING THE RADIATOR INLET HOSE
WITH A SHOP TOWEL (TO CHECK PRESSURE) BE-
FORE AND AFTER TURNING TO THE FIRST STOP IS
RECOMMENDED.
PRESSURE TESTING RADIATOR CAPS
Dip the pressure cap in water, clean any deposits off
the vent valve or its seat and apply cap to end of
Radiator Pressure Tool. Working the plunger, bring the
pressure to 104 kPa (15 psi) on the gauge. If the
pressure cap fails to hold pressure of at least 97 kPa
(14 psi) replace cap. See CAUTION
If the pressure cap tests properly while positioned on
Radiator Pressure Tool, but will not hold pressure or
vacuum when positioned on the radiator. Inspect the
radiator filler neck and cap top gasket for irregularities
that may prevent the cap from sealing properly.
CAUTION: Radiator Pressure Tool is very sensitive to
small air leaks which will not cause cooling system
problems. A pressure cap that does not have a
history of coolant loss should not be replaced just
because it leaks slowly when tested with this tool.
Add water to the tool. Turn tool upside down and
recheck pressure cap to confirm that cap is bad.
INSPECTION
Hold the cap in hand, right side up(Fig. 7). The
vent valve at the bottom of the cap should open. If the
rubber gasket has swollen and prevents the valve from
opening, replace the cap. Hold the cleaned cap in hand upside down.If any
light can be seen between vent valve and rubber
gasket, replace cap. Do not use a replacement cap
that has a spring to hold the vent shut. Replacement cap must be of the type designed for
coolant reserve systems. This design assures coolant
return to radiator.
RADIATORS
The radiators are crossflow types (horizontal tubes)
with design features that provide greater strength as
well as sufficient heat transfer capabilities to keep the
engine satisfactorily cooled.
CAUTION: Plastic tanks, while stronger then brass
are subject to damage by impact, such as wrenches.
Fig. 7 Radiator Pressure Cap Filler Neck
7 - 18 COOLING SYSTEM Ä
FAN SHROUD
All vehicles have fan shrouds to improve fan air
flow efficiency. These fan shrouds cover less than full
radiator frontal area to prevent the shroud from re-
stricting air flow at high speeds. The shroud supports the electric fan motor and fan.
For removal and installation see Radiator Section.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLERS
Oil coolers are internal oil to coolant type, mounted
in the radiator left tank (Fig. 16). Rubber oil lines
feed the oil cooler and the automatic transmission.
Use only approved transmission oil cooler hose. Since
these are molded to fit space available, molded hoses
are recommended. Tighten Oil Cooler Hose Clamps
to4N Im (35 in. lbs.).
Fig. 15 Engine Controller 60-Way Connector from
Terminal End
Fig. 16 Transmission Oil Cooler
Ä COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 23
Light scaling of the terminals can be cleaned with
a sharp knife. If the terminals are heavily scaled, re-
place the distributor cap. A cap that is greasy, dirty or has a powder-like
substance on the inside should be cleaned with a so-
lution of warm water and a mild detergent. Scrub
the cap with a soft brush. Thoroughly rinse the cap
and dry it with a clean soft cloth.
ROTOR
Replace the rotor if it is cracked, the tip is exces-
sively burned or heavily scaled (Fig. 4). If the spring
terminal does not have adequate tension, replace the
rotor.
SPARK PLUG CABLES
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires. They transfer electrical cur-
rent from the distributor to individual spark plugs at
each cylinder. 2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI, Turbo
III and 3.0L engines use resistance type cables. The
cables suppress radio frequency emissions from the
ignition system. Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil and distributor cap towers and at
the spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated.
The nipples and spark plug covers should be in good condition. Nipples should fit tightly on the coil and
distributor cap towers and spark plug cover should fit
tight around spark plug insulators. Loose cable connec-
tions can cause ignition malfunctions by permitting
water to enter the towers, corroding, and increasing
resistance. To maintain proper sealing at the ter-
minal connections, the connections should not
be broken unless testing indicates high resis-
tance, an open circuit or other damage.
CAUTION: Do not pull spark plug cables from dis-
tributor cap of four cylinder engines. The cables must
be released from inside the distributor cap (Fig. 5).
Clean high tension cables with a cloth moistened
with a non-flammable solvent and wipe dry. Check for
brittle or cracked insulation.
Fig. 2 Engine Firing OrderÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI and Turbo III Engines
Fig. 3 Engine Firing OrderÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 4 Rotor InspectionÐTypical
Fig. 5 Spark Plug Cable Removal/InstallationÐ2.2L and 2.5L TBI Engines
8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä
When testing secondary cables for punctures and
cracks with an oscilloscope follow the equipment
manufacturers instructions. If an oscilloscope is not available, secondary cables
can be tested as follows:
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected any longer than necessary during test-
ing. Excessive heat could damage the catalytic con-
verter. Total test time must not exceed ten minutes.
(a) With the engine not running, connect one end
of a test probe to a good ground. Use a probe made of
insulated wire with insulated alligator clips on each
end. (b) With engine running, move test probe along
entire length of all cables (approximately 0 to 1/8
inch gap). If punctures or cracks are present there
will be a noticeable spark jump from the faulty area
to the probe. Check the coil cable the same way.
Replace cracked, leaking or faulty cables.
When replacing cables, install the new high
tension cable and nipple assembly over cap or
coil tower. When entering the terminal into the
tower, push lightly, then pinch the large diam-
eter of nipple to release air trapped between the
nipple and tower. Continue pushing on the cable
and nipple until cables are properly seated in the
cap towers. A snap should be heard as terminal
goes into place. Use the same procedure to install cable in coil tower.
Wipe the spark plug insulator clean before reinstalling
cable and cover. Use the following procedure when removing the high
tension cable from the spark plug. First, remove the
cable from the retaining bracket. Then grasp the ter-
minal as close as possible to the spark plug. Rotate the
cover and pull the cable straight back. Pulling on the
cable itself will damage the conductor and termi-
nal connection. Do not use pliers and do not pull
the cable at an angle. Doing so will damage the
insulation, cable terminal or the spark plug in-
sulator. Wipe spark plug insulator clean before
reinstalling cable and cover. Resistance type cable is identified by the words
Electronic Suppression printed on the cable jacket.
Use an ohmmeter to check resistance type cable for
open circuits, loose terminals or high resistance as
follows: (a) Remove cable from spark plug.
(b) Lift distributor cap from distributor with
cables intact. Do not remove cables from cap. The
cables must be removed from the spark plugs. (c) Connect the ohmmeter between spark plug end
terminal and the corresponding electrode inside the
cap, make sure ohmmeter probes are in good contact.
Resistance should be within tolerance shown in the cable resistance chart. If resistance is
not within tolerance, remove cable at cap tower
and check the cable. If resistance is still not within
tolerance, replace cable assembly. Test all spark
plug cables in same manner.
To test coil to distributor cap high tension cable,
remove distributor cap with the cable intact. Do not
remove cable from the cap. Connect the ohmmeter
between center contact in the cap and remove the ca-
ble at coil tower and check cable resistance. If resis-
tance is not within tolerance, replace the cable.
SPARK PLUGS
Resistor spark plugs are used in all engines and
have resistance values of 6,000 to 20,000 ohms when
checked with at least a 1000 volt tester. Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indi-
cates that a problem exists in the corresponding
cylinder. Replace spark plugs at the intervals recom-
mended in Group O. Undamaged low milage spark plugs can be cleaned
and reused. Refer to the Spark Plug Condition sec-
tion of this group. After cleaning, file the center elec-
trode flat with a small point file or jewelers file.
Adjust the gap between the electrodes (Fig. 6) to the
dimensions specified in the chart at the end of this
section. Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion and change
spark plug gap. Tighten spark plugs to 28 N Im (20 ft.
lbs.) torque.
SPARK PLUG CONDITION
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
The few deposits present will be probably light tan
or slightly gray in color with most grades of commer-
cial gasoline (Fig. 7). There will not be evidence of
electrode burning. Gap growth will not average more
than approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 1600 km
(1000 miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have nor-
mal wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed and regapped, and then reinstalled. Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
CABLE RESISTANCE CHART
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 3
nal. From the pick-up signal, the PCM determines
engine speed and ignition timing (coil dwell). If the
PCM does not receive a distributor signal when the
ignition switch is in the Run position, it will de-en-
ergize both relays. When the relays are de-energized,
battery voltage is not supplied to the fuel injector, ig-
nition coil, fuel pump and oxygen sensor heating el-
ement. On AC, AG, AJ and AY models, the ASD relay and
fuel pump relay are located in the power distribution
center (Fig. 24, 25, 26, or 27). On AA and AP models, the ASD relay and fuel
pump relay are mounted on the drivers side fender
well, next to the strut tower (Fig. 28).
IGNITION COIL
The 2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI and 3.0L en-
gines use an epoxy type coil. The coils are not oil
filled. The windings are embedded in a heat and vi-
bration resistant epoxy compound. The powertrain control module (PCM) operates the
ignition coil through the auto shutdown (ASD) relay. When the relay is energized by the PCM, battery
voltage is connected to the ignition coil positive ter-
minal. The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it
does not receive an input from the distributor pick-
Fig. 22 MAP SensorÐ2.5L MPI (Flexible Fuel AA-Body) Engines
Fig. 23 MAP SensorÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 24 Power Distribution Center (PDC) (AC Body)
Fig. 25 Relay Identification (AC Body)
Fig. 26 Power Distribution Center (PDC) (AG and AJ Body)
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 9
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES
CONTENTS
page page
AA BODY .............................. 1
AC AND AY BODIES .................... 23 AG AND AJ BODIES
.................... 42
AP BODY ............................. 58
AA BODY INDEX
page page
Cluster and Gauge Service and Testing ........ 2
Electronic Cluster ........................ 13
Fuel GaugeÐFlexible Fuel .................. 2
Gauges ................................. 7
General Information ........................ 1 Instrument Panel
......................... 21
Interior Lamp Replacement ................. 21
Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Removal ......... 5
Switch and Panel Component Service ......... 15
GENERAL INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
There are three instrument cluster assemblies. The
mechanical clusters incorporate magnetic type
gauges. The electronic instrument cluster incorpo-
rates, a digital speedometer/odometer and electronic
analog gauges. The mechanical Lo-Line instrument cluster has
magnetic type gauges for coolant temperature, fuel
level and charging system voltage (Fig. 1).
The mechanical Hi-Line instrument cluster has
magnetic type gauges for oil pressure, coolant tem-
perature, charging system voltage and fuel level. The
premium instrument cluster also has a tachometer
(Fig. 2). If the ignition switch is in the OFF position each
gauge will show a reading, except for the volt gauge. However the readings are only accurate when the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
TACHOMETER DRIVE MODULE
The tachometer drive module is an electronic mod-
ule used to drive a magnetic tachometer in a conven-
tional instrument cluster.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time
keeping is accurately maintained.
MESSAGE CENTER
The message center includes the graphic display of
the car with illuminating graphics for: low wind-
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster With Tachometer
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 1
AC AND AY BODIES INDEX
page page
Electronic Cluster ........................ 34
Gauges ................................ 28
General Information ....................... 23
Interior Lamp Replacement ................. 41 Mechanical Cluster and Gauge Service
........ 24
Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Removal ........ 25
Switch and Panel Component Service ......... 37
GENERAL INFORMATION
MECHANICAL CLUSTER
The mechanical cluster includes a fuel, oil pres-
sure, coolant temperature, and voltmeter gauges. All
incorporate magnetic type gauges. When the ignition
switch is in the OFF position, the gauges will show a
reading; however, the readings are only accurate
when the ignition switch is in the ON position. The mechanical cluster also includes an electric
speedometer, driven by pulses from the vehicle speed
sensor (Fig. 1).
ELECTRONIC CLUSTER
The electronic cluster is easily distinguished from
the mechanical cluster by its digital and linear dis-
play. The electronic cluster includes:
² Oil pressure gauge
² Coolant temperature gauge
² Voltmeter
² Fuel gauge
The electronic cluster receives virtually all of its
information to display from the body controller and
powertrain control module via the Chrysler Collision
Detection (CCD) Serial Data Bus. The odometer
memory is no longer retained in the cluster. This is
now retained in the body controller (Fig. 2).
ELECTRONIC CLUSTER DIMMING
The electronic cluster display is dimmed from day-
time to night time intensity when the headlamp
switch is turned on. This intensity can be controlled
using the headlamp switch rheostat. An additional detent on the headlamp switch rheo-
stat will allow daytime intensity while driving with
headlamps on during the daytime.
WARNING LAMPS
The mechanical instrument cluster will have warn-
ing lamps for six systems. These include brake sys-
tem, air bag, seat belt, low fuel, anti-lock for optional
anti-lock brake system, and malfunction indicator
(check engine) lamp. The cluster also includes check
gages indicator which will illuminate in a warning
situation. This will notify driver to check for a prob-
lem in coolant temperature, oil pressure, or electrical
systems. The electronic cluster will have warning indicator
lamps for eight different systems. These include:
² Air Bag
² Low washer fluid
² Door/deck lid ajar
² Malfunction Indicator (Check engine) Lamp
² Brake system
² Seat belt
² Anti-lock (ABS) for optional anti-lock brake sys-
tem
² Check gages, monitors engine coolant, oil pressure
and electrical charging system failures. In addition, ISO symbol will flash to notify the
driver in event of:
² Low fuel
² High temperature
² Low oil pressure
² Charging system failure
Fig. 1 Mechanical Cluster
Fig. 2 Electronic Cluster
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 23