1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM automatic transmission

GOVERNOR
To service the governor assembly in the vehicle, it
is not necessary to remove the transfer gear cover,
transfer gear, and governor support. The governor
may be serviced by removing the transaxle oil pan
and valve body assembly. With the oil pan and valve
body removed, the governor may be unbolted from
the governor support and removed. When cleaning or assembling the governor, make
sure the governor valves move freely in the bores of
the governor body.
ALUMINUM THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum tran-
saxle case and valve body can be repaired by the use
of Heli-Coils, or equivalent. This repair consists of
drilling out the worn-out damaged threads. Then tap-
ping the hole with a Heli-Coil tap, or equivalent, and
installing a Heli-Coil insert, or equivalent, into the
hole. This brings the hole back to its original thread
size. Heli-Coil, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppli-
ers.
OIL COOLERS AND TUBES REVERSE FLUSHING
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the oil cooler(s) must be flushed. The torque
converter must be replaced with an exchange unit.
This will insure that metal particles or sludged oil
are not transferred back into the reconditioned (or
replaced) transaxle.
CAUTION: If vehicle is equipped with two oil cool-
ers (one in the radiator tank, one in front of the ra-
diator) they must be flushed separately. Do not
attempt to flush both coolers at one time.
(1) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.
(2) Using a hand suction gun filled with mineral
spirits, reverse flush the cooler. Force mineral spirits
into the From Cooler line of the cooler (Fig. 9) and
catch the exiting spirits from the To Coolerline.
Observe for the presence of debris in the exiting
fluid. Continue until fluid exiting is clear and free
from debris. (3) Using compressed air in intermittent spurts,
blow any remaining mineral spirits from the cooler,
again in the reverse direction. (4) To remove any remaining mineral spirits from
the cooler, one (1) quart of automatic transmission
fluid should be pumped through the cooler before re-
connecting. (5) If at any stage of the cleaning process, the
cooler does not freely pass fluid, the cooler must be
replaced.
OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed and filled to the proper level with auto-
matic transmission fluid. The flow should be checked
using the following procedure: (1) Disconnect the From coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line. (2) Run the engine at curb idle speed , with the
shift selector in neutral. (3) If the fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of automatic
transmission fluid, the cooler should be replaced.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(4) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
reconnect the cooler line. Then fill transmission to
the proper level, using the approved type of auto-
matic transmission fluid.
TRANSAXLE AND TORQUE CONVERTER REMOVAL
Transaxle removal does NOT require engine
removal. (1) The transaxle and torque converter must be re-
moved as an assembly; otherwise, the torque con-
verter drive plate, pump bushing, or oil seal may be
damaged. The drive plate will not support a load;
therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should
be allowed to rest on the plate during removal. (2) Disconnect battery negative cable .
(3) Disconnect throttle linkage and shift linkage
from transaxle.
Fig. 9 Cooler Line Identification
21 - 48 TRANSAXLE Ä

41TE FOUR SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE INDEX
page page
41TE Transaxle General Diagnosis ........... 88
Aluminum Thread Repair ................... 98
Bearing Adjustment Procedure .............. 141
Clutch Air Pressure Tests .................. 95
Coolers and Tubes Reverse Flushing ......... 98
Diagnosis Chart ``B'' ....................... 90
Diagnosis Trouble Code Chart ``A'' ............ 89
Differential Repair ....................... 136
Fluid and Filter Changes ................... 93
Fluid Drain and Refill ..................... 93
Fluid Leakage-Torque Converter Housing Area . . 97
Fluid Level and Condition .................. 93
Gearshift Linkage Adjustment ............... 98
General Information ....................... 85
Hydraulic Pressure Tests ................... 94
Input Clutches-Recondition ................ 121
Oil Cooler Flow Check .................... 99 Oil Pump Seal Replace
................... 136
Park/Neutral Position Switch ............... 102
Pinion Factor Procedure .................. 104
Road Test .............................. 93
Selection of Lubricant ..................... 93
Solenoid Assembly-Replace ................ 101
Special Additives ......................... 93
Speed Sensor-Input ...................... 102
Speed Sensor-Output .................... 103
Torque Converter Clutch Break-In Procedure . . . 104
Transaxle Quick Learn Procedure ........... 103
Transaxle Recondition .................... 105
Transaxle Removal and Installation ........... 99
Transmission Control Module ............... 103
Transmission Range Switch ................ 102
Valve Body-Recondition ................... 132
GENERAL INFORMATION
The 41TE four-speed FWD transaxle uses fully-
adaptive controls. Adaptive controls are those which
perform their functions based on real-time feedback
sensor information. The transaxle uses hydraulically
applied clutches to shift a planetary gear train.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION
The 41TE transaxle identification code is printed
on a label. The label is located on the transaxle case
next to the solenoid assembly (Fig. 1). Refer to Figure 2 for an internal view of the tran-
saxle assembly.
Fig. 1 Identification Tag Location
Ä TRANSAXLE 21 - 85

ing to each new reading. This provides the precise
and sophisticated friction element control needed to
make smooth clutch-to-clutch shifts for all gear
changes. The use of overrunning clutches or other
shift quality aids are not required. As with most au-
tomatic transaxles, all shifts involve releasing one el-
ement and applying a different element. In simplified
terms, the upshift logic allows the releasing element
to slip back wards slightly to ensure that it does not
have excess capacity; the apply element is filled until
it begins to make the speed change to the higher
gear; its apply pressure is then controlled to main-
tain the desired rate of speed change until the shift
is complete. The key to providing excellent shift
quality is precision; for example, as mentioned, the
release element for upshifts is allowed to slip back-
wards slightly; the amount of that slip is typically
less than a total of 20 degrees. To achieve that pre-
cision, the transmission control module learns the
characteristics of the particular transaxle that it is
controlling. It learns the release rate of the releasing
element and the apply time of the applying element.
It also learns the rate at which the apply element
builds pressure sufficient to begin making the speed
change. This method achieves more precision than
would be possible with exacting tolerances. It can
also adapt to any changes that occur with age or en-
vironment, for example, altitude, temperature, en-
gine output, etc. For kickdown shifts, the control logic allows the re-
leasing element to slip and then controls the rate at
which the input (and engine) accelerate; when the
lower gear speed is achieved, the releasing element
reapplies to maintain that speed until the apply ele-
ment is filled. This provides quick response since the
engine begins to accelerate immediately and a
smooth torque exchange since the release element
can control the rate of torque increase. This control
can make any powertrain feel more responsive with-
out in creasing harshness. Adaptive controls respond to input speed changes. They compensate for changes in engine or friction el-
ement torque and provide good, consistent shift qual-
ity for the life of the transaxle.
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
These controls provide comprehensive, on-board
transaxle diagnostics. The information available can
aid in transaxle diagnosis. For example, apply ele-
ment buildup rate indicates solenoid performance.
Also included are self diagnostic functions. Self diag-
nostics allow the technician to test the condition of
the electronic controls. The transmission control
module continuously monitors its critical functions.
It also records any malfunctions, and the number of
engine starts since the last malfunction. This allows
the technician to use the information in the event of
a customer complaint.
41TE TRANSAXLE GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
CAUTION: Before attempting any repair on a 41TE
four speed automatic transaxle, check for diagnos-
tic trouble codes with the DRB II scan tool. Always
use the Powertrain Diagnostic Test Procedure Man-
ual.
Transaxle malfunctions may be caused by these
general conditions:
² Poor engine performance
² Improper adjustments
² Hydraulic malfunctions
² Mechanical malfunctions
² Electronic malfunctions
Diagnosis of these problems should always begin
by checking the easily accessible variables: fluid
level and condition, gearshift cable adjustment. Then
perform a road test to determine if the problem has
been corrected or that more diagnosis is necessary. If
the problem exists after the preliminary tests and
corrections are completed, hydraulic pressure checks
should be performed.
21 - 88 TRANSAXLE Ä

FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
The transmission and differential sump have a
common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two. The torque converter fills in both the PPark and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in PPark to
check the fluid level. The engine should be running
at idle speed for at least one minute, with the
vehicle on level ground. This will assure com-
plete oil level stabilization between differential
and transmission. The fluid should be at normal
operating temperature (approximately 82 C. or 180 F.).
The fluid level is correct if it is in the HOTregion
(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with the
fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles make the
fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be low and build
up slowly. Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the gears
churn up foam and cause the same conditions which
occur with a low fluid level. In either case, the air bubbles can cause over heat-
ing, fluid oxidation, and varnishing, which can inter-
fere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator opera-
tion. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the
transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak. Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transaxle overhaul is needed. Be
sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely. If
there is any doubt about its condition, drain out a
sample for a double check. After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT
It is important that the proper lubricant be used in
the 41TE transaxle. MOPAR tATF PLUS (Automatic
Transmission FluidÐtype 7176) should be used to aid
in assuring optimum transmission performance. Flu-
ids of the type labeled DEXRON II Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid are not recommended . DEXRON II
can be used only if the recommended fluid is not
available. If more than a small amount of DEXRON II
is used shudder or shift quality problems may result. It
is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluids.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
Chrysler Corporation does not recommend the addi-
tion of any fluids to the transaxle, other than the
automatic transmission fluid listed above. An excep- tion to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided, since they may adversely affect
seals.
FLUID AND FILTER CHANGES
When the factory fill fluid is changed, only fluids
labeled MOPAR tATF PLUS (Automatic Transmis-
sion fluid) Type 7176 should be used. A filter change
should be made at the time of the oil change. Also
the magnet (on the inside of the oil pan) should be
cleaned with a clean, dry cloth. If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist (See Lubrication,
Group 0). Place a drain container with a large open-
ing, under transaxle oil pan. (2) Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner
to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove
the oil pan. (3) Install a new filter and O-ring on bottom of the
valve body. (4) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new MOPAR tAdhesive Sealant. Tighten oil
pan bolts to 19 N Im (165 in. lbs.).
(5) Pour four quarts of MOPAR tATF PLUS (Au-
tomatic Transmission Fluid) Type 7176 through the
fill tube. (6) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes ap-
plied, move selector lever momentarily to each posi-
tion, ending in the park or neutral position. (7) Add sufficient fluid to bring level to 1/8 inch
below the ADD mark. Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal op-
erating temperature. The level should be in the HOT
region (Fig. 3).
To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make cer-
tain that dipstick is seated into the dipstick fill tube
(Fig. 4).
ROAD TEST
Prior to performing a road test, be certain that the
fluid level and condition, and control cable adjust-
ment have been checked and approved.
Fig. 3 Oil Level Indicator
Ä TRANSAXLE 21 - 93

CAUTION: If the vehicle is equipped with two oil
coolers (one in the radiator tank, one in front of the
radiator) they must be flushed separately. Do not
attempt to flush both coolers at one time. (1) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.
(2) Using a hand suction gun filled with mineral
spirits, reverse flush the cooler. Force mineral spirits
into the From Cooler line of the cooler (Fig. 7) and
catch the exiting spirits from the To Coolerline.
Observe for the presence of debris in the exiting
fluid. Continue until fluid exiting is clear and free
from debris.
(3) Using compressed air in intermittent spurts,
blow any remaining mineral spirits from the cooler,
again in the reverse direction. (4) To remove any remaining mineral spirits from
the cooler, one (1) quart of automatic transmission
fluid should be pumped through the cooler before re-
connecting. (5) If at any stage of the cleaning process, the
cooler does not freely pass fluid, the cooler must be
replaced.
OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed, filled to the proper level with automatic
transmission fluid. The flow should be checked using
the following procedure: (1) Disconnect the From coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line. (2) Run the engine at curb idle speed , with the
shift selector in neutral. (3) If the fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of automatic
transmission fluid, the cooler should be replaced. CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(4) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
reconnect the cooler line. Then fill transmission to
the proper level, using the approved type of auto-
matic transmission fluid.
TRANSAXLE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Transaxle removal does NOT require engine re-
moval. See Group 7-Cooling, to drain engine cooling sys-
tem and remove coolant return extension (3.0 liter
engine only). (1) The transaxle and torque converter must be re-
moved as an assembly; otherwise, the torque con-
verter drive plate, pump bushing or oil seal may be
damaged. The drive plate will not support a load;
therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should
be allowed to rest on the drive plate during removal. (2) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(3) Disconnect transaxle shift linkage.
(4) Install engine support fixture and support en-
gine (Fig.1).
(5) Remove upper bell housing upper bolts.
(6) Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels. Refer to
Suspension, Group 2 to remove wheel hub nut and
both drive shafts. (7) Remove left plastic splash to gain access to the
transaxle (Fig. 2). (8) Remove torque converter dust shield to gain ac-
cess to torque converter bolts (Fig. 3). (9) Mark torque converter and drive plate with
chalk, for reassembly. Remove torque converter
mounting bolts. (10) Disconnect electrical connectors at transmis-
sion range switch and Park/Neutral Position Switch
(Fig. 4).
Fig. 7 Cooler Line Location
Fig. 1 Engine Support Fixture (Typical)
Ä TRANSAXLE 21 - 99

SPEED SENSOR-OUTPUT
CAUTION: When disconnecting speed sensor con-
nector, be sure that the weather seal does not fall
off or remain in old sensor. The output speed sensor is located to the left of the
manual shift lever (Fig. 8).
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
When replacing a transmission control module, do
not interchange transmission control modules with
previous year transmission control modules. If a
same year transmission control module is being used
from a different vehicle, the following procedures
must be performed before operating the transaxle:
² Quick Learn Procedure
² Torque Converter Clutch Break-in Procedure
² Electronic Pinion Procedure
The transmission control module is located on the
passenger side of the engine compartment. It is held
in place by four mounting screws. If the transmission control module has been
replaced, the following procedures must be per-
formed:
² ``Quick Learn Procedure''. This procedure will al-
low the transmission control module to learn the
characteristics of the vehicle.
² ``Electronic Pinion Procedure''. This procedure will
reprogram settings within the transmission control
module to compensate for different tire sizes and fi-
nal drive ratios.
² ``Converter Clutch Break-In Procedure'' This proce-
dure will reset the torque converter clutch status.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
(1) Loosen 60 way retaining screw, located in the
center of the 60 way connector. Then disconnect the
60 way connector on transmission control module. (2) Remove transmission control module mounting
screws and lift module from vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure.
TRANSAXLE QUICK LEARN PROCEDURE
The quick learn procedure requires the use of the
DRB II scan tool and the 1993 DRB II scan tool car-
tridge. This program allows the electronic transaxle sys-
tem to recelebrate itself to provide the best possible
transaxle operation. The quick learn procedure
should be performed if any of the following proce-
dures are performed:
² Transaxle Assembly Replacement
² Transmission Control Module Replacement
² Solenoid Pack Replacement
² Clutch Plate and/or Seal Replacement
² Valve Body Replacement or Recondition
(1) Plug the DRB II scan tool into the blue CCD
Buss connector. The connector is located under the
instrument panel on the drivers side of the vehicle. (2) Insert the 1993 DRB II scan tool cartridge into
the DRB II scan tool. (3) The red and green lights on the DRB II scan
tool will light up and then begin flashing. Wait until
the lights stop flashing before continuing with this
procedure. (4) Press the number 4 key on the DRB II scan
tool key pad. Item number 4 will not appear on the
DRB II scan tool screen unless you scroll down. It is
not necessary to scroll down to be able to choose item
4. (5) Press the number 2 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Transmission). (6) Press the number 1 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad. Wait for the DRB II scan tool to perform the
following three tests before continuing (These tests
are done automatically by the DRB II scan tool).
² Buss Test
² Initialize
² Controller Part Number
Fig. 7 Park/Neutral Position Switch
Fig. 8 Output Speed Sensor
Ä TRANSAXLE 21 - 103

(7) Press the number 5 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Adjustments). (8) Press the number 3 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Quick Learn). Then follow the instructions
on the DRB II scan tool screen.
PINION FACTOR PROCEDURE
The vehicle speed readings for the speedometer are
taken from the output speed sensor. Because of dif-
ferent tire sizes and final drive ratios, the transmis-
sion control module must be calibrated to reflect the
different combinations of equipment. A procedure has
been developed called Pinion Factor. It allows the
technician to set the transmission control module ini-
tial setting so that the speedometer readings will be
correct. Failure to perform this procedure will cause a ``No
Speedometer Operation'' condition. This procedure must be performed if the transmis-
sion control module has been replaced. To properly read or reset the Pinion Factor, it is
necessary to use a DRB II scan tool. Perform the fol-
lowing steps with the DRB II scan tool to read or re-
set the Pinion Factor: (1) Plug the DRB II scan tool into the blue CCD
Bus connector. The connector is located under the in-
strument panel on the drivers side of the vehicle. (2) Insert the 1993 DRB II scan tool cartridge into
the DRB II scan tool. (3) The red and green lights on the DRB II scan
tool will light up and then begin flashing. Wait until
the lights stop flashing before continuing with this
procedure. (4) Press the number 4 key (Select System) on the
DRB II scan tool key pad. Item number 4 will not ap-
pear on the DRB II scan tool screen unless you scroll
down. It is not necessary to scroll down to be able to
choose item 4. (5) Press the number 2 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Transmission). (6) Press the number 1 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad. Wait for the DRB II scan tool to perform the
following three tests before continuing (These tests
are done automatically by the DRB II scan tool).
² Bus Test
² Initialize
² Transmission Control Module Part Number
(7) Press the number 5 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Adjustments). (8) Press the number 2 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Pinion Factor). Then follow the instructions
on the DRB II scan tool screen.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH BREAK-IN
PROCEDURE
A torque converter clutch break-in program is be-
ing used on all models with a 41TE. This program
will properly condition the torque converter clutch. This will eliminate shudder during partial torque
converter clutch operation on a new torque converter.
If the torque converter is replaced, the new clutch
within the torque converter will require break-in.
The current break-in status stored in the transmis-
sion control module will have to be reset to the start
of break-in with the DRB II scan tool. If a new transmission control module is put on the
vehicle, the status will be at the start of break-in.
This status is acceptable regardless of the mileage on
the torque converter. No modification of the break-in
status is required. To properly service these vehicles, it is necessary to
use a DRB II scan tool to read or reset the break-in
status. Perform the following steps with the DRB II
scan tool to reset the break-in status: (1) Plug the DRB II scan tool into the blue CCD
Bus connector. The connector is located under the in-
strument panel on the drivers side of the vehicle. (2) Insert the 1993 DRB II scan tool cartridge into
the DRB II scan tool. (3) The red and green lights on the DRB II scan
tool will light up and then begin flashing. Wait until
the lights stop flashing before continuing with this
procedure. (4) Press the number 4 key (Select System) on the
DRB II scan tool key pad. Item number 4 will not ap-
pear on the DRB II scan tool screen unless you scroll
down. It is not necessary to scroll down to be able to
choose item 4. (5) Press the number 2 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Transmission). (6) Press the number 1 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad. Wait for the DRB II scan tool to perform the
following three tests before continuing (These tests
are done automatically by the DRB II scan tool).
² Bus Test
² Initialize
² Transmission Control Module Part Number
(7) Press the number 5 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Adjustments). (8) Press the number 1 on the DRB II scan tool
key pad (Reset LU Clutch). The DRB II scan tool will
display one of three screens. (a) LU Clutch Break-in Status: Start
(b) LU Clutch Break-in Status: In-progress
Press ENTER to Reset Break-in status (c) LU Clutch Break-in Status: CompletePress
ENTER to Reset Break-in status
If screen (a) appears, the transmission control mod-
ule is at the beginning of its break-in program. No
further action is required. If screen (b) appears, the transmission control mod-
ule is in the middle of a its break-in program. Press
the enter key on the DRB II scan tool key pad to re-
turn the status to the start of break-in.
21 - 104 TRANSAXLE Ä