
If the transmission is warm, lube oil could
drip out of the fill hole. This is acceptable but
the lube oil should not gush out of the fill hole.
(2) If not acceptable, raise the lube oil level to the
bottom edge of the transmission fill hole.
Add lube oil in small amounts to raise the
level.
(3) Install the fill-hole plug in the transmission.
Tighten the plug with 37 Nzm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
LUBE OIL CHANGE
When it becomes necessary to change manual
transmission lube oil, use the following procedure.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill-hole plug from the transmis-
sion.
(3) Place a container to collect the lube oil under
the transmission drain-hole plug.
(4) Remove the drain-hole plug and drain the lube
oil from the transmission into the container.
Care should be exercised when disposing
used lube oil after it has been drained from a
transmission.
(5) Install the drain-hole plug in the transmission.
Tighten the plug with 37 Nzm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Fill the transmission until the lube oil begins to
drip out of the fill hole.
(7) Install the fill-hole plug in the transmission.
Tighten the plug with 37 Nzm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The automatic transmission fluid should be
changed and bands adjusted at the intervals de-
scribed in the Maintenance Schedules section of this
Group. The automatic transmission should be in-
spected for fluid leaks and proper fluid level whenother under hood service is performed. Refer to
Group 21, Transmission for proper service proce-
dures.
CAUTION: To minimize fluid contamination, verify
that dipstick is seated in the fill tube after fluid level
reading is taken.
TO INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID
LEVEL
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE DRIVE BELT, PULLEYS OR FAN
BLADE. DO NOT STAND IN A DIRECT LINE WITH
THE FAN BLADE.
(1) Be sure transmission fluid is at normal operat-
ing temperature. Normal operating temperature is
reached after approximately 15 miles (25km) of oper-
ation.
(2) Position the vehicle on a level surface. This is
important for an accurate fluid level check.
(3) While sitting in driver seat, apply brakes and
place gear selector in each position, then move the
selector to:
²XJ vehicles-P (Park).
²YJ vehicles-N (Neutral).
(4) Apply parking brake.
(5) Raise hood and wipe off dipstick handle to pre-
vent dirt from entering fill tube. Then remove trans-
mission fluid level indicator (dipstick) and wipe clean
with a wiping cloth.
(6) Install dipstick and verify it is seated in fill
hole or tube.
(7) Remove dipstick, with handle above tip, take
fluid level reading. If the vehicle has been driven for
at least 15 minutes before inspecting fluid level,
transmission can be considered hot and reading
should be in the OK area. If vehicle has run for less
than 15 minutes and more than 60 seconds transmis-
sion can be considered warm and reading should be
above MIN mark. Add fluid only if level is below
MIN mark on dipstick when transmission is warm
(Fig. 4).
CAUTION: Do not overfill automatic transmission,
leakage or damage can result.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
SPECIFICATION
When it becomes necessary to add fluid or when
the ATF is replaced, use:
²MOPAR Dexron IIE/Mercon ATFonlyfor AW-4
automatic transmissions (XJ vehicles).
²MOPAR ATF PLUS type 7176 (YJ vehicles).
Fig. 3 Manual Transmission Fill- & Drain-Hole
PlugsÐTypical
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 23

AW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONTENTS
page page
AW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION........ 165
AW-4 IN-VEHICLE SERVICE.............. 182
AW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS......... 176
AW-4 TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL......... 201AW-4 TRANSMISSION REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION....................... 198
GENERAL INFORMATION................ 165
GENERAL INFORMATION
INDEX
page page
Components and Operation................. 166
Description............................. 165
First/Second/Third/Reverse Components....... 168
Fourth Gear Overdrive Components.......... 167
Geartrain Operation and Application Charts..... 169Hydraulic System........................ 169
Recommended Fluid and Capacity........... 166
Torque Converter........................ 167
Transmission Identification.................. 166
Transmission Ranges and Shift Lever Positions . . 166
DESCRIPTION
AW-4 Transmission Overhaul
The AW-4 is a 4-speed, electronically controlled au-
tomatic transmission (Fig. 1). The AW-4 is used in XJ
models with a 4.0L engine.
Running gear consists of an oil pump, planetary
gear sets, clutch and brake units, hydraulic accumu-
lators, a valve body with electrical solenoids and a
transmission control module (TCM). Cables are usedfor shift and throttle pressure control. A park/neutral
position switch permits engine starting in Park and
Neutral range only.
The valve body solenoids are controlled by signals
from the transmission control module (TCM). Signal
sequence is determined by vehicle speed and throttle
position.
Fourth gear is an 0.75:1 ratio overdrive range.
First, second, third and reverse gear are conventional
Fig. 1 AW-4 Automatic Transmission
JAW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 21 - 165

ranges. Third gear ratio is 1:1. A separate planetary
gear set provides overdrive operation in fourth gear.
TRANSMISSION RANGES AND SHIFT LEVER
POSITIONS
The AW-4 transmission has six ranges and shift le-
ver positions. Park, Reverse and Neutral are conven-
tional and mechanically operated. The 1-2, 3 and D
ranges provide electronically controlled shifting.
The 1-2 position provides first and second gear
only. The 3 position provides first, second and third
gear.
The D range provides first through fourth gear.
Overdrive fourth gear range is available only when
the shift lever is in D position (Fig. 2).
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
The transmission I.D. plate is attached to the case
(Fig. 3). The plate contains the transmission serial
and model numbers. Refer to the information on this
plate when ordering service parts.
RECOMMENDED FLUID AND CAPACITY
Recommended and preferred fluid for the AW-4
transmission is Mopar Dexron IIE/Mercon.
Mopar Dexron II can be used but only in emer-
gency situations where Mercon fluid is not available.
Approximate refill capacity for the AW-4 is 8.0 li-
ters (16.9 pints or 8.45 quarts).
COMPONENTS AND OPERATION
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
The AW-4 is electronically controlled in 1, 2, 3 and
D ranges. Controls consist of the transmission control
module (TCM), valve body solenoids and various sen-
sors. The sensors monitor vehicle speed, throttle
opening, shift lever position and brake pedal applica-
tion.
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
The module determines shift and converter clutch
engagement timing based on signals from sensors.
The valve body solenoids are activated, or deacti-
vated accordingly.
The TCM has a self diagnostic program. Compo-
nent and circuitry malfunctions can be diagnosed
with the DRB scan tool. Once a malfunction is noted
and stored in control module memory, it is retained
even after the problem has been corrected. To cancel
a stored malfunction, disconnect and reconnect the
9Trans.9fuse in the module harness.
TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY SOLENOIDS
The solenoids are mounted on the valve body and
operated by the TCM. The solenoids control operation
of the converter clutch and shift valves in response to
input signals from the module.
SENSORS
Sensors include:
²throttle position sensor (TPS)
²transmission speed sensor
²vehicle speed sensor
²park/neutral position switch
²brake switch
The throttle position sensor is mounted on the
throttle body. It electronically determines throttle po-
sition and relays this information to the transmission
control module to determine shift points and con-
verter clutch engagement.
Fig. 2 AW-4 Shift Lever Positions And Transmission
Ranges
Fig. 3 Transmission Identification
21 - 166 AW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONJ

The transmission speed sensor consists of a rotor
and magnet on the transmission output shaft and a
switch in the extension housing or adapter. The sen-
sor switch is activated each time the rotor and mag-
net complete one revolution. Sensor signals are sent
to the transmission control module.
The park/neutral position switch is mounted on the
valve body manual shaft. The switch signals shift
linkage and manual valve position to the transmis-
sion control module through an interconnecting har-
ness. The switch prevents engine starting in all gears
other than Park or Neutral.
The brake switch is in circuit with the torque con-
verter clutch solenoid. The switch disengages the
converter clutch whenever the brakes are applied.
The switch is mounted on the brake pedal bracket
and signals the transmission control module when
the pedal is pressed or released.
TORQUE CONVERTER
A three element torque converter is used for all ap-
plications. The converter contains an impeller, stator,
and turbine.
The AW-4 converters are all equipped with a con-
verter clutch mechanism. The clutch consists of a
sliding clutch piston, clutch springs and the clutch
disc material (Fig. 4). The clutch provides optimum
torque transfer and economy when engaged.
The clutch disc is attached to the converter front
cover. The clutch piston and clutch springs are at-
tached to the turbine hub. The springs dampen en-
gine firing impulses and loads during the initial
phase of converter clutch engagement.
Clutch engagement is controlled by transmission
valve body solenoid number three and by the con-
verter clutch relay valve. The solenoid channels line
pressure to the clutch through the relay valve at
clutch engagement speeds.Torque converter clutch engagement occurs in sec-
ond gear in 1-2 position; third gear in 3 position and
third and fourth gear in D position.
FOURTH GEAR OVERDRIVE COMPONENTS
The overdrive system consists of the input shaft,
one-way clutch, planetary sun gear, ring gear, plane-
tary carrier, clutch and overdrive brake (Fig. 5). The
overdrive elements are controlled and applied
through transmission valve body solenoid number
two.
In overdrive fourth gear, the brake prevents the
overdrive sun gear from turning. During operation,
the overdrive elements operate as follows:
Fig. 4 Torque Converter (With Clutch)
Fig. 5 Fourth Gear Overdrive Components
JAW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 21 - 167

The overdrive input shaft and planetary carrier ro-
tate as a unit. The sun gear and overdrive direct
clutch drum are in mesh and operate as a single
unit. The direct clutch splines function as the hub for
the overdrive brake. The one-way clutch outer race is
in mesh with the planetary carrier. The inner race is
fixed to the sun gear shaft.
FIRST/SECOND/THIRD/REVERSE COMPONENTS
First, third and reverse gear components are out-
lined in Figure 6.
The input shaft is meshed with the direct clutch
hub and the forward clutch drum. These elements ro-tate as a unit. The forward clutch hub rotates as a
unit with the front planetary ring gear. The direct
clutch drum is meshed with the forward end of the
planetary sun gear.
The second brake hub serves as the outer race of
one-way clutch No. 1. The clutch inner race is locked
with the front/rear sun gear. The inner race of one-
way clutch No. 2 is splined to the transmission case
and is locked. The outer race rotates as a unit with
the rear planetary carrier.
Fig. 6 First, Second, Third And Reverse Gear Components
Fig. 7 Component Function Chart
21 - 168 AW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONJ

The rear planetary ring gear is splined to the out-
put shaft. The front planetary carrier and rear car-
rier ring gear are meshed and rotate as a unit with
the output shaft.
GEARTRAIN OPERATION AND APPLICATION
CHARTS
Operation and application of the first through
fourth and reverse gear elements are outlined in the
function and application charts.
The Component Function Chart (Fig. 7) describes
basic function of various geartrain elements. The
Component Application Chart (Fig. 8) indicates
which elements (including valve body solenoids), are
applied in the various gear ranges.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
The hydraulic system consists of the pump, valve
body and solenoids, and four hydraulic accumulators.
The oil pump provides lubrication and operating
pressure.
The valve body controls application of the clutches,
brakes, second coast band, and the converter clutch.
The valve body solenoids control sequencing of the
1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 shift valves. The solenoids are acti-
vated by signals from the transmission control mod-
ule.
The accumulators are used in the clutch and brake
feed circuits to control initial apply pressure. Spring
loaded accumulator pistons modulate the initial
surge of apply pressure for smooth engagement.
OIL PUMP
A gear-type oil pump is used. The pump gears are
mounted in the pump body. The pump drive gear isoperated by the torque converter hub. Drive tangs on
the hub engage in drive slots in the drive gear.
TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY COMPONENTS
Transmission operating pressure is supplied to the
clutch and brake apply circuits through the transmis-
sion valve body. The valve body consists of an upper
body, lower body, separator plate and upper and
lower gaskets (Fig. 9). The various spool valves,
sleeves, plugs and springs are located within the two
body sections.
Fig. 8 Component Application Chart
Fig. 9 Two-Section Transmission Valve Body
JAW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 21 - 169

The manual valve, 1-2 shift valve, primary regula-
tor valve, accumulator control valve, check balls, so-
lenoids and oil strainers are located in the lower
body section (Fig. 10). The remaining control and
shift valves plus check balls and one additional oil
strainer are located in the upper body section (Fig.
11).
Manual Valve
The manual valve is operated by the gearshift link-
age. The valve diverts fluid to the apply circuits ac-
cording to shift lever position.Primary Regulator Valve
The primary regulator valve (Fig. 13) modulates
line pressure to the clutches and brakes according to
engine load. The valve is actuated by throttle valve
pressure.
During high load operation, the valve increases line
pressure to maintain positive clutch and brake en-
gagement. At light load, the valve decreases line
pressure just enough to maintain smooth engage-
ment.
Fig. 10 Upper Body Components
Fig. 11 Lower Body Components
21 - 170 AW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONJ

Throttle Valve and Downshift Plug
The throttle valve and downshift plug (Fig. 14) con-
trol throttle pressure to the primary regulator valve.
The downshift plug and throttle valve are operated
by the throttle valve cam and throttle cable in re-
sponse to engine throttle position. Throttle valve
pressure is also modulated by the cut-back valve in
second, third and fourth gear ranges.Cut-Back Valve
The cut-back valve (Fig. 15) helps prevent exces-
sive pump pressure buildup in second, third and
fourth gear. The valve is actuated by throttle pres-
sure and by line pressure from the second brake. The
valve also helps regulate line pressure by controlling
the amount of cut-back pressure to the throttle valve.
Fig. 12 Manual Valve
Fig. 13 Primary Regulator Valve
Fig. 14 Throttle Valve And Downshift Plug
Fig. 15 Cut-Back Valve
JAW-4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 21 - 171