(12) Align transfer case and transmission shafts
and install transfer case. Tighten transfer case-to-
transmission nuts/bolts to 35 Nzm (26 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Remove jack stand from under engine and re-
position jack under transmission. Then remove trans-
mission jack.
(14) Connect transfer case vent hose and shift link-
age. Check and adjust linkage if necessary.
(15) Connect transmission and transfer case vent
hoses.
(16) Connect backup light switch wires.
(17) Connect vehicle speed sensor wires.
(18) Install and connect crankshaft position sensor
if equipped.
(19) Install rear crossmember, or skid plate (Fig. 5).
On XJ, tighten crossmember-to-frame bolts to 41 Nzm
(31 ft. lbs.) torque. Then tighten transmission-to-rear
support bolts/nuts to 45 Nzm (33 ft. lbs.) torque. On YJ,
tighten bolts/nuts to indicated torque (Fig. 5).
(20) Align and install front/rear propeller shafts.
Tighten shaft U-joint clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (170 in.
lbs.) torque.
(21) On XJ, install skid plate, if removed. Tighten
bolts to 42 Nzm (31 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten stud nuts
to 17 Nzm (150 in. lbs.) torque.
(22) Top off transmission and transfer case lubri-
cant levels.
(23) Lower vehicle.
TRANSMISSION DISASSEMBLY AND OVERHAUL
ADAPTER HOUSING AND FRONT BEARING
RETAINER REMOVAL
(1) Drain transmission lubricant.
(2) Remove concentric bearing.
(3) Remove clutch housing bolts and remove housing.
(4) On 2-wheel drive models, remove vehicle speed
sensor, speedometer adapter and speedometer driven
gear. Then remove extension housing seal (Fig. 9).(5) Remove detent spring and ball. Remove detent
plug (Fig. 10) and remove detent spring and ball
with pencil magnet.
(6) Remove shift arm set bolt (Fig. 11) and remove
bolt and lockplate.
Fig. 10 Detent Ball Plug Location
Fig. 11 Set Bolt Removal
Fig. 9 Removing 2-Wheel Drive Extension Housing Seal
JAX 4/5 MANUAL TRANSMISSION 21 - 5
AX 15 MANUAL TRANSMISSION
INDEX
page page
General Information....................... 32
Service Diagnosis........................ 33
Transmission Assembly and Adjustment....... 51
Transmission Disassembly and Overhaul....... 36
Transmission Gear Ratios.................. 33
Transmission Identification.................. 32Transmission InstallationÐAX 15............. 35
Transmission Lubricant.................... 33
Transmission RemovalÐAX 15.............. 34
Transmission Shift Pattern.................. 33
Transmission Switch and Plug Locations....... 33
GENERAL INFORMATION
The AX 15 is a 5-speed, synchromesh, manual
transmission. Fifth gear is an overdrive range with a
ratio of 0.79:1. The shift mechanism is integral and
mounted in the shift tower portion of the adapter
housing (Fig. 1).
An adapter housing is used to attach the transmis-
sion to the transfer case on 4-wheel drive models. A
standard extension housing is used on 2-wheel drive
models.
The AX 15 is used in XJ and YJ models with a
4.0L engine. The AX 15 is designed for use with ei-
ther two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive applica-
tions.
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
The AX 15 identification code numbers are on the
bottom surface of the transmission gear case (Fig. 2).
The first number is year of manufacture. The sec-
ond and third numbers indicate month of manufac-ture. The next series of numbers is the transmission
serial number.
Fig. 1 AX 15 Manual Transmission
Fig. 2 Identification Code Number Location
21 - 32 AX 15 MANUAL TRANSMISSIONJ
(9) Reach up and around transmission case and
unseat shift lever dust boot from transmission shift
tower (Fig. 2). Move boot upward on shift lever for
access to lever retainer.
(10) Disengage shift lever as follows:
(a) Reach up and around transmission case and
press shift lever retainer downward with your fin-
gers.
(b) Turn retainer counterclockwise to release it.
(c) Lift lever and retainer out of shift tower (Fig.
2).It is not necessary to remove shift lever
from floorpan boot. Simply leave lever in
place for later installation.
(11) Mark front and rear propeller shafts for in-
stallation alignment (Fig. 3). Then remove both
shafts.
(12) Remove crankshaft position/engine timing sen-
sor (Fig. 4).
(13) Disconnect transmission and transfer case
vent hoses.
(14) Remove slave cylinder from clutch housing.(15) Support transmission-transfer case assembly
with transmission jack. Secure assembly to jack with
safety chains.
(16) Reposition adjustable jack stand under engine.
Be sure to place wood block between jack and oil
pan.
(17) Remove clutch housing brace rod.
(18) Remove clutch housing-to-engine bolts and re-
move transmission-transfer case assembly.
(19) Remove bolts attaching transmission to trans-
fer case and separate components.
(20) Remove release bearing, fork and retainer
clip.
(21) Remove clutch housing from transmission.
TRANSMISSION INSTALLATIONÐAX 15
(1) Install clutch housing on transmission. Tighten
housing bolts to 37 Nzm (27 ft-lbs) torque.
(2) Lubricate contact surfaces of release fork, lever
and pivot ball stud. Then install bearing, fork and
clip in clutch housing.
(3) Mount transmission on transmission jack. Se-
cure transmission with safety chains.
(4) Lightly lubricate pilot bearing and transmis-
sion input shaft splines with Mopar high tempera-
ture grease.
(5) Align transmission input shaft and clutch disc
splines and install transmission.
(6) Install and tighten clutch housing-to-engine
bolts to 38 Nzm (28 ft. lbs.) torque.Be sure housing
is properly seated on engine before tightening
bolts.
(7) Lower transmission no more than 7.6 cm (3 in.)
for access to the shift tower.
(8) Reach up and around the transmission and in-
sert shift lever in shift tower. Press lever retainer
downward and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Then install lever dust boot on shift tower.
(9) Connect engine timing sensor.
Fig. 2 Removing/Installing Shift Lever
Fig. 3 Marking Propeller Shaft And Axle Yoke
Fig. 4 Timing Sensor Location
JAX 15 MANUAL TRANSMISSION 21 - 35
(10) Remove jack from under transmission and
mount transfer case on jack.
(11) Align transfer case and transmission shafts
and install transfer case. Tighten transfer case-to-
transmission nuts/bolts to 35 Nzm (26 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Move jack stand from under engine and repo-
sition it under transmission. Then remove transmis-
sion jack.
(13) Connect transfer case vacuum hoses and link-
age. Check and adjust linkage if necessary.
(14) Connect transmission and transfer case vent
hoses and backup light switch wires.
(15) Install clutch sleeve cylinder.
(16) Connect vehicle speed sensor and wires.
(17) On XJ, install rear crossmember and attach
cushion and bracket. Tighten crossmember-to-frame
bolts to 41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten transmis-
sion-to-rear cushion and bracket bolts/nuts to 45 Nzm
(33 ft. lbs.) torque.
(18) On YJ, install rear cushion and bracket and
skid plate. Tighten attaching bolts/nuts to indicated
torque (Fig. 1).
(19) Align and install front/rear propeller shafts.
Tighten shaft U-joint clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (170 in.
lbs.) torque.
(20) On XJ, install skid plate if removed. Tighten
bolts to 42 Nzm (31 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten stud nuts
to 17 Nzm (150 in. lbs.) torque.
(21) Top off transmission and transfer lubricant
levels.
(22) Remove supports and lower vehicle.
TRANSMISSION DISASSEMBLY AND OVERHAUL
ADAPTER/EXTENSION HOUSING REMOVAL
(1) Remove release bearing, fork, retainer clip and
clutch housing from transmission. Also remove shift
lever if not previously removed.
(2) On 2-wheel drive models, remove extension
housing seal (Fig. 1).(3) Remove shift tower bolts and remove tower
from adapter or extension housing (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove gasket from shift tower (Fig. 3).
(5) Remove shift arm retainer bolt (Fig. 4).
Fig. 1 Removing Extension Housing Seal
Fig. 2 Shift Tower Removal/Installation
Fig. 3 Shift Tower Gasket Removal/Installation
Fig. 4 Shift Arm Retainer Bolt Removal/Installation
21 - 36 AX 15 MANUAL TRANSMISSIONJ
30RH/32RH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INDEX
page page
General Information....................... 66
Parts Interchangeability.................... 66
Recommended Fluid...................... 66
Specifications and Band Adjustments......... 66Torque Converter........................ 66
Transmission Application................... 66
Transmission Controls and Components....... 66
Transmission Identification.................. 66
GENERAL INFORMATION
TRANSMISSION APPLICATION
Chrysler 30RH and 32RH automatic transmissions
are used in XJ/YJ models. Both transmissions are
three speed, automatics with a gear-type oil pump,
two clutches and bands and a planetary gear system
(Fig. 1). The 30RH is used with 2.5L engines and the
32RH is used with 4.0L engines.
TORQUE CONVERTER
A three element, torque converter is used for all
applications. The converter consists of the impeller,
stator, and turbine.
The converter used with all 30RH/32RH transmis-
sions is equipped with a converter clutch. The clutch
is engaged by an electrical solenoid and mechanical
clutch module on the valve body. The solenoid is op-
erated by the powertrain control module.
The impeller is connected to the engine crankshaft
through the front cover which is welded to the impel-
ler. The turbine is splined to the transmission input
shaft and the stator is splined to the transmission re-
action shaft.
The torque converter is a welded assembly and is
not a repairable component. The converter is serviced
as an assembly.
RECOMMENDED FLUID
The recommended (and preferred) fluid for 30RH/
32RH transmissions is Mopar ATF Plus, Type 7176.
Mopar Dexron II can be used but only if ATF Plus
is not available.
Transmission fluid capacity is approximately 17
pints (7.9 liters). This is the approximate amount of
fluid required to fill the transmission and torque con-
verter after overhaul.
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
The transmission identification numbers are
stamped on the left side of the case just above the oil
pan gasket surface (Fig. 2). The first set of numbers
is the transmission part number. The next set of code
numbers set is the date of build. The final set of code
numbers represents the transmission serial number.
SPECIFICATIONS AND BAND ADJUSTMENTS
Service specifications and torque values are located
at the end of this group. Refer to the specifications
during service operations.
The band adjustment specifications for 1994
transmissions are different. Refer to the front
and rear band adjustment procedures in the In-
Vehicle Service section for details.
PARTS INTERCHANGEABILITY
The 1994 version of the 30RH (A904) transmission
is similar to previous models in appearance only. The
current 30RH is quite different and interchanging
new/old parts is definitely not recommended. Differ-
ent component dimensions, fluid passages, input/out-
put shafts, cases, bands, valve bodies and governor
assemblies are just a few of the changed items. The
32RH transmission is also different from previous
models and the same recommendations apply here as
well.
CAUTION: On YJ models with a 2.5L engine and
30RH transmission, special bolts are used to attach
the driveplate to the crankshaft. These bolts have a
smaller hex head for torque converter clearance.
DO NOT interchange these bolts with similar size
bolts for any reason.
TRANSMISSION CONTROLS AND COMPONENTS
The transmission hydraulic control system per-
forms five basic functions, which are:
²pressure supply
²pressure regulation
²flow control
²clutch/band apply and release
²lubrication
Pressure Supply And Regulation
The oil pump generates the fluid working pressure
needed for operation and lubrication. The pump is
driven by the torque converter. The converter is con-
nected to the engine crankshaft through the drive-
plate.
The pressure regulator valve maintains operating
(line) pressure. The regulator valve is located in the
valve body. The amount of line pressure developed is
21 - 66 30RH/32RH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONJ
controlled by throttle pressure, which is dependent
on the degree of throttle opening.
The governor valve is operated by the transmission
output shaft. Governor pressure increases in propor-
tion to vehicle speed.
The throttle valve determines line pressure and
shift speed. The throttle valve also controls upshift
and downshift speeds by regulating pressure in con-
junction with throttle position.
Shift Valves
The manual valve is operated by the gearshift link-
age and provides the operating range selected by the
driver.
The 1-2 shift valve provides automatic 1-2 or 2-1
shifts and the 2-3 shift valve provides automatic 2-3
or 3-2 shifts. The kickdown valve provides forced 3-2
or 3-1 downshifts depending on vehicle speed. Down-
shifts occur when the throttle is opened beyond
downshift detent position which is just before wide
open throttle.
The 2-3 valve throttle pressure plug provides 3-2
downshifts with varying throttle openings and de-
pending on vehicle speed. The 1-2 shift control valve
transmits 1-2 shift pressure to the accumulator pis-
ton to control kickdown band capacity on 1-2 upshifts
and 3-2 downshifts.The shuttle valve has two functions. First is fast
front band release and smooth engagement during
lift-foot 2-3 upshifts. The second is to regulate front
clutch and band application during 3-2 downshifts.
Clutches-Bands-Servos-Accumulator
The front/rear clutch pistons and servo pistons are
actuated by line pressure. When line pressure is re-
moved, the pistons are released by spring tension.
On 2-3 upshifts, the front servo piston is released
by spring tension and hydraulic pressure. The accu-
mulator controls hydraulic pressure on the apply side
of the front servo during 1-2 upshifts and at all
throttle openings.
Converter Clutch Controls
Converter clutch operation is controlled by the
power train control module, and by the solenoid and
clutch module on the valve body. The solenoid is op-
erated by a relay on the engine compartment side of
the dash panel.
Activating the solenoid opens a vent allowing fluid
to flow into the clutch module. When line pressure
exceeds tension of the module valve springs, the
module valves open. This allows fluid to be chan-
neled to the converter clutch through the reaction
shaft support and transmission shaft.
Gearshift And Parking Lock Controls
The gearshift lever provides six operating posi-
tions: Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and the D,
2 and 1 forward drive ranges.
Manual 1 position provides first gear only. Overrun
braking occurs in 1 range when the throttle is re-
leased. Upshifts are not provided in 1 range.
Manual 2 range provides first and second gear. A
1-2 upshift will take place but a 2-3 upshift will not
occur.
D position provides 1-2, 2-3 upshifts and 3-2 and
3-1 downshifts.
Park position allows the park rod to move the park
pawl into engagement with the park gear. This pre-
vents rotation of the transmission output shaft. The
park lock mechanism is only engaged when the shift
lever is in the Park detent.
A park/neutral position switch controls engine
starting. The switch is designed to allow engine
starts only in park or neutral positions.
Fig. 2 Transmission Identification
21 - 68 30RH/32RH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONJ
30RH/32RH TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
Air Pressure Test........................ 73
Analyzing the Road Test................... 70
Converter Housing Leak Diagnosis........... 73
Converter Stall Test...................... 72
Diagnosis Guides and Charts............... 76
Fluid Level and Condition.................. 69Gearshift Linkage........................ 70
General Information....................... 69
Hydraulic Pressure Test................... 71
Preliminary Diagnosis..................... 69
Road Test.............................. 70
Transmission Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment . . 70
GENERAL INFORMATION
Automatic transmission problems are generally the
result of:
²poor engine performance
²incorrect fluid level
²incorrect cable/linkage adjustment
²incorrect band adjustment
²incorrect hydraulic control pressure adjustments
²hydraulic component malfunctions
²mechanical component malfunctions.
Begin diagnosis by checking the easily accessible
items such as fluid level, fluid condition and control
linkage adjustment. A road test will determine if fur-
ther diagnosis is necessary.
Procedures outlined in this section should be per-
formed in the following sequence to realize the most
accurate results:
²Preliminary diagnosis
²Check fluid Level and condition
²Check control linkage Adjustment
²Road test
²Stall test
²Hydraulic pressure test
²Air pressure tests
²Leak Tests
²Analyze test results and consult diagnosis charts
PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS
Two basic procedures are required. One procedure
for vehicles that are driveable and an alternate pro-
cedure for disabled vehicles (will not back up or
move forward).
Vehicle Is Driveable
(1) Check fluid level and condition.
(2) Adjust throttle cable and gearshift linkage if
complaint was based on delayed, erratic, or harsh
shifts.
(3) Road test vehicle and note transmission operat-
ing characteristics.
(4) Perform stall test if complaint is based on slug-
gish, low speed acceleration or abnormal throttle
opening needed to maintain normal speeds with
properly tuned engine.
(5) Perform hydraulic pressure tests.(6) Perform air pressure test to check clutch-band
operation.
Vehicle Is Disabled
(1) Check fluid level and condition.
(2) Check for broken, disconnected throttle link-
age.
(3) Check for cracked, leaking cooler lines, or
loose, missing pressure port plugs.
(4) Raise vehicle, start engine, shift transmission
into gear and note following:
(a) If propeller shafts turn but wheels do not,
problem is with differential or axle shafts.
(b) If propeller shafts do not turn and transmis-
sion is noisy, stop engine. Remove oil pan, and
check for debris. If pan is clear, remove transmis-
sion and check for damaged drive plate, converter,
oil pump or input shaft.
(c) If propeller shafts do not turn and transmis-
sion is not noisy, perform hydraulic pressure test to
determine if problem is a hydraulic or mechanical.
FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
(1) Position vehicle on level surface. This is impor-
tant in obtaining an accurate fluid level check.
(2) To avoid false readings, which could produce
under or over fill condition, do not check level until
fluid is at normal operating temperature.
(3) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Operate engine at curb idle speed.
WARNING: WHEN PERFORMING UNDERHOOD OP-
ERATIONS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, KEEP
YOUR HANDS WELL AWAY FROM HOT OR ROTAT-
ING ENGINE COMPONENTS. DO NOT WEAR
LOOSE ARTICLES OF CLOTHING WHICH COULD
BECOME ENTANGLED IN ENGINE COMPONENTS
OR ACCESSORIES.
(6) Clean dipstick filler cap and tube before remov-
ing dipstick.
(7) Remove dipstick and inspect fluid level.
²Correct level is to FULL mark
²Acceptable level is between ADD and FULL marks
J30RH/32RH TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS 21 - 69
(8) Check fluid condition. Fluid should be dark to
light red in color and free of dirt or debris.
(9) If fluid is discolored or smells burned but trans-
mission operation was OK, check cooler flow, flush
cooler and lines and change fluid and filter. Then
road test again to confirm proper operation.
(10) If fluid is black or dark brown, burned/turned
to sludge, contains large quantities of metal or fric-
tion material particles, transmission will need over-
haul. Especially if problems were evident during
road test and preliminary diagnosis. Fluid cooler
should also be flow tested and flushed if necessary.
EFFECTS OF INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn
the fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid causing
the same conditions that occur with a low level.
In either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating,
oxidation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve, clutch and servo operation. Foaming also
causes fluid expansion which can result in fluid over-
flow from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid
overflow can easily be mistaken for a leak if inspec-
tion is not careful.
TRANSMISSION THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
ADJUSTMENT
Throttle cable adjustment is important to proper
operation. This adjustment positions the throttle
valve which controls shift speed, quality and part
throttle downshift sensitivity.
If cable adjustment setting is too short, early shifts
and slippage between shifts may occur. If the setting
is too long, shifts may be delayed and part throttle
downshifts may be very sensitive. Refer to the In-Ve-
hicle Service section for adjustment procedure.
GEARSHIFT LINKAGE
Gearshift linkage adjustment is important because
it positions the valve body manual valve. Incorrect
adjustment will cause creeping in Neutral, prema-
ture clutch wear, delayed engagement in any gear, or
a no-start in Park or Neutral position.
Proper operation of the neutral start switch will
provide a quick check of linkage adjustment. Refer to
the In-Vehicle Service section for adjustment proce-
dure.
ROAD TEST
Before road testing, be sure the fluid level and all
linkage adjustments have been checked and adjusted
if necessary.
Observe engine performance during the road test.
A poorly tuned engine will not allow an accurate
analysis of transmission operation.Operate the transmission in all gear ranges. Check
for slippage and shift variations. Note whether the
shifts are harsh, spongy, delayed, early, or if part
throttle downshifts are sensitive.
Watch closely for slippage or engine flare which
usually indicates clutch, band or overrunning clutch
problems. If the condition is advanced, an overhaul
may be necessary to restore normal operation.
A slipping clutch or band can often be determined
by comparing which internal units are applied in the
various gear ranges. The Clutch and Band Applica-
tion chart (Fig. 3) provides a basis for analyzing road
test results.
ANALYZING THE ROAD TEST
Refer to the Clutch and Band Application chart
(Fig. 3) and note which elements are in use in the
various gear ranges.
The rear clutch is applied in all forward ranges (D,
2, 1). The overrunning clutch is applied in first gear
(D and 2 range only). The rear band is applied in 1
and R range only.
For example: If slippage occurs in first gear in D
and 2 range but not in 1 range, the overrunning
clutch is slipping. Similarly, if slippage occurs in any
two forward gears, the rear clutch is slipping.
Applying the same method of analysis, note that
both clutches are applied in D range third gear only.
If the transmission slips in third gear, either the
front clutch or the rear clutch is slipping. By select-
ing another gear which does not use one of these
units, the slipping clutch can be determined.
Although road test analysis will help determine
the slipping unit, the actual cause of a malfunction
may not be determined until hydraulic and air pres-
sure tests are performed. Practically any condition
Fig. 3 Clutch And Band Application Chart
21 - 70 30RH/32RH TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSISJ