GENERAL INFORMATION
The airbag system is a standard equipment safety
device on XJ (Cherokee) models. It is designed to pro-
tect the driver from serious injury, caused by a fron-
tal impact of the vehicle. If the airbag module
assembly is defective and non-deployed, refer to
Chrysler Corporation current return list for proper
handling procedures.
ARMING/DISARMING MECHANISM
BEFORE SERVICING A COLUMN EQUIPPED
WITH AIR BAG, REFER TO GROUP 8M, ELEC-
TRICAL FOR PROPER AND SAFE PROCE-
DURES.
The steering wheel hub incorporates an airbag
Arming/Disarming mechanism and a specially de-
signed nut-blocker. The nut-blocker serves as a safety
to prevent removal of the airbag module until the
unit has been disarmed. A removable plastic cover
plug on the top, outer hub of the steering wheel al-
lows access to the arming screw.
When the airbag module is disarmed, the arming
screw extends upward from the steering wheel hub.
This will prevent installation of the plastic cover
plug. Also, the nut-blocker is retracted to allow ac-
cess to the two upper airbag module mounting nuts.
When the airbag module is armed, the plastic cover
plug will install flush with the outer surface of the
steering wheel hub. In addition, the nut-blocker will
prevent access to the two upper airbag module
mounting nuts.THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIG-
INALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS,
HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS. THIS HARDWARE IS
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG
SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED
WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SER-
VICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS IN THE PARTS
BOOK.
The Acustar columns (Fig. 1) have been designed to
be serviced as an assembly; less wiring, switches,
shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column
components can be serviced without removing the
column from the vehicle. For additional information
on electrical components refer to Group 8, Electrical.
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on the
steering column shaft must be avoided during all
service procedures.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery before servicing any component on the
column.
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when involved with steering column service.
Fig. 1 Acustar Steering Column
19 - 48 STEERINGJ
AIRBAG MODULE REMOVEÐINSTALL
WARNING: THIS AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPT-
ING TO REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL AND
STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISARM THE AIRBAG FIRING MECHANISM.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDEN-
TAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL IN-
JURY.
When removing a deployed airbag module,
rubber gloves, eye protection and long-sleeved
shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on
the airbag module and other interior surfaces,
which can cause irritation to the skin and eyes
in large doses.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
(2) Using a small screwdriver, remove plastic cover
plug from top outer surface of steering wheel hub
(Fig 2). Exit vehicle and disarm airbag by reaching
through driver's side window and turning arming
screw counter-clockwise to its travel limit (Fig 3 and
4 ). This is done using an 8mm socket and manual
drive. DO NOT USE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS.
(3) From back side of steering wheel, remove 4
nuts attaching airbag module to steering wheel (Fig.
5). This is done using a 10mm socket and manual
drive. DO NOT USE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS.
(4) Remove airbag module from steering wheel.
(5) Reverse removal procedures to install. Tighten
airbag module attaching nuts to 9 to 11 Nzm (80 to
100 in. lbs.). Exit vehicle and arm airbag by reaching
through driver's side window and turning arming
screw clockwise to its travel limit. Arming screw
torque should not exceed 1.1 to 1.7 Nzm (10-15 in.
lbs.). Reinstall plastic cover plug in steering wheel
hub.
STEERING WHEEL
WARNING: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE OR
INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED
STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN COM-
PONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISARM THE AIRBAG
FIRING MECHANISM. WHEN SERVICING AIR BAG
SYSTEM, REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (-) CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHI-
CLE BATTERY. YOU MUST DISARM THE AIRBAG
FIRING MECHANISM. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE INJURY. WHEN AN UNDEPLOYED
AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IS TO BE REMOVED FROM
THE STEERING WHEEL, DISCONNECT THE BAT-
TERY GROUND CABLE AND ISOLATE. THE ARMING
SCREW MUST BE USED TO DISARM THE AIRBAG.
REMOVAL
(1) Make sure the front wheels are in thestraight
aheadposition and steering column locked in place.
Fig. 2 Plastic Cover Plug for Airbag Arming/
Disarming Bolt
Fig. 3 Arming/Disarming Bolt
Fig. 4 Airbag Bolt
JSTEERING 19 - 49
STEERING RHD
GENERAL SERVICE PROCEDURE INFORMATION
Right hand drive service procedures and torque
specifications involving steering; linkage, gear and
column are the same as left hand drive vehicles ex-
cept where shown. Refer to appropriate service pro-
cedures regarding each component in the system.
The steering linkage consists of a pitman arm, drag
link, and tie rod. Adjustment sleeves are used on the
tie rod and drag link for toe and steering wheel
alignment (Fig. 1).
RECIRCULATING-BALL POWER STEERING GEARS
The steering gears can be adjusted and internally
serviced. The components CANNOT be interchanged
with those of a left hand drive vehicle.
The steering gear has a 17.5:1 ratio.
POWER STEERING PUMP
PRESSURE AND RETURN LINE
REPLACEMENT
Cap hose open ends and pump/steering gear fit-
tings to prevent entry of foreign material.
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID (AND PUMP
COMPONENTS) AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN
BE EXTREMELY HOT IF THE ENGINE HAS BEEN
RECENTLY OPERATING. DO NOT START THE EN-
GINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DISCONNECTED
HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW THE LINES TO TOUCH A
HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD.REMOVAL
(1) Place a drain pan under the pump and gear.
(2) Disconnect the pressure and return line from
the steering gear (Fig. 2, 3).
(3) Disconnect the pressure and return line from
the pump (Fig. 4). Drain the fluid from pump and
reservoir.
Fig. 1 RHD Steering Linkage
Fig. 2 Fluid Lines On Steering Gear
19 - 74 STEERINGJ
(21) Remove clutch release bearing, release fork
and retainer clip.
(22) Remove clutch housing from transmission.
TRANSMISSION INSTALLATION
(1) Install clutch housing on transmission. Tighten
housing bolts to 37 Nzm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Lubricate contact surfaces of release fork pivot
ball stud and release fork with high temp grease.
Then install release bearing, fork and retainer clip.
(3) Mount transmission on transmission jack.
(4) Lightly lubricate pilot bearing and transmis-
sion input shaft splines with Mopar high temp
grease.
(5) Align transmission input shaft, release bearing,
and clutch disc splines. Then slide transmission into
place.
(6) Install and tighten clutch housing-to-engine
bolts to 38 Nzm (28 ft. lbs.) torque.Be sure the
housing is properly seated on engine block be-
fore tightening bolts.
(7) Lower transmission approximately 7-8 cm (3
in.) for access to shift tower. Be sure transmission is
in first or third gear.
(8) Reach up and around transmission and insert
shift lever in shift tower. Press lever retainer down-
ward and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. Then
install lever dust boot on shift tower.
(9) Install slave cylinder in clutch housing.
(10) Align and install transfer case on and trans-
mission. Tighten transfer case-to-transmission nuts
to 35 Nzm (26 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Connect transfer case vent hose and shift link-
age. Check and adjust linkage if necessary.
(12) Connect transfer case vent hose.
(13) Secure wire harnesses in clips/tie straps on
transmission and transfer case.
(14) Connect backup light switch wires.
(15) Connect vehicle speed sensor wires.
(16) Install and connect crankshaft position sensor.
(17) Install rear crossmember (Fig. 5). On XJ,
tighten crossmember-to-frame bolts to 41 Nzm (31 ft.
lbs.) torque. Then tighten transmission-to-rear sup-
port bolts/nuts to 45 Nzm (33 ft. lbs.) torque. On YJ,
tighten bolts/nuts to indicated torque (Fig. 5).
(18) Remove jack stand.
(19) Align and install front/rear propeller shafts.
Tighten shaft U-joint clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (170 in.
lbs.) torque.
(20) Install skid plate, if equipped. 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 case lubri-
cant levels.
(22) Lower vehicle.
TRANSMISSION DISASSEMBLY AND OVERHAUL
ADAPTER HOUSING AND FRONT BEARING
RETAINER REMOVAL
(1) Drain transmission lubricant.
(2) Remove release bearing and lever.
(3) Remove clutch housing bolts and remove hous-
ing.
(4) On 2-wheel drive models, remove vehicle speed
sensor, speedometer adapter and speedometer driven
gear. Then remove extension housing seal (Fig. 1).
(5) Remove detent spring and ball. Remove detent
plug (Fig. 2) and remove detent spring and ball with
pencil magnet.
Fig. 1 Removing 2-Wheel Drive Extension Housing
Seal
Fig. 2 Detent Ball Plug Location
JAX 4/5 MANUAL TRANSMISSION 21 - 5
(10) Install lock ball and spring in housing. Then
apply sealer to ball plug and install plug (Fig. 91).
Tighten plug to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install reverse pins in housing (Fig. 92).
Tighten pins to 27 Nzm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.(12) Install shift tower and new gasket on housing
(Fig. 93). Tighten tower bolts to 18 Nzm (13 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(13) Install backup lamp switch (Fig. 93). Tighten
switch to 37 Nzm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
(14) On 2-wheel drive models, install new seal in
extension housing (Fig. 94).
(15) Install vehicle speed sensor. Refer to proce-
dure in In-Vehicle Service section.
(16) Install clutch housing, release bearing, release
fork and retainer clip.
Fig. 91 Installing Ball Plug
Fig. 92 Install Reverse Pins
Fig. 93 Installing Shift Tower And Backup Lamp
Switch
Fig. 94 Extension Housing Seal InstallationÐ2WD
Models
21 - 32 AX 4/5 MANUAL TRANSMISSIONJ
AX 15 MANUAL TRANSMISSION
INDEX
page page
General Information....................... 33
Service Diagnosis......................... 34
Transmission Assembly and Adjustment......... 52
Transmission Disassembly and Overhaul........ 37
Transmission Gear Ratios................... 34
Transmission Identification.................. 33Transmission Installation.................... 36
Transmission Lubricant..................... 34
Transmission Removal..................... 35
Transmission Shift Pattern................... 34
Transmission Switch and Plug Locations........ 34
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 used for two and four-wheel
drive applications.
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
The AX 15 identification code numbers are on the
bottom surface of the transmission gear case (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 AX 15 Manual Transmission
Fig. 2 Identification Code Number Location
JAX 15 MANUAL TRANSMISSION 21 - 33
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.
TRANSMISSION SHIFT PATTERN
The AX 15 shift pattern is shown in Figure 3. First
and second and third and fourth gear ranges are in
line for improved shifting. Fifth and reverse gear
ranges are also in line at the extreme right of the
pattern (Fig. 3).
The AX 15 is equipped with a reverse lockout
mechanism. The shift lever must be moved through
the Neutral detent before making a shift to reverse.
TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT
Recommended lubricant for AX 15 transmissions is
Mopar 75W-90, API Grade GL-5 gear lubricant, or
equivalent.
Correct lubricant level is from the bottom edge, to
no more than 6 mm (1/4 in.) below the bottom edge of
the fill plug hole.
Approximate dry fill lubricant capacity is:
²3.10 liters (3.27 qts.) in 4-wheel drive models
²3.15 liters (3.32 qts.) in 2-wheel drive models
TRANSMISSION SWITCH AND PLUG LOCATIONS
The fill plug is at the driver side of the gear case
(Fig. 4).
The drain plug and backup light switch are on the
passenger side of the gear case (Fig. 5).
TRANSMISSION GEAR RATIOS
AX 15 gear ratios are:
First gear - 3.83:1
Second gear - 2.33:1
Third gear - 1.44:1
Fourth gear - 1.00:1
Fifth gear - 0.79:1
Reverse - 4.22:1
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
A low transmission lubricant level is generally the
result of a leak, inadequate lubricant fill, or an incor-
rect lubricant level check.
Leaks can occur at the mating surfaces of the gear
case, intermediate plate and adapter or extension
housing, or from the front/rear seals. A suspected
leak could also be the result of an overfill condition.
Leaks at the rear of the extension or adapter hous-
ing will be from the housing oil seals. Leaks at com-
ponent mating surfaces will usually be the result of
inadequate sealer, gaps in the sealer, incorrect bolt
tightening, or use of a non-recommended sealer.
A leak at the front of the transmission will be from
either the front bearing retainer or retainer seal. Lu-
bricant may be seen dripping from the clutch housing
after extended operation. If the leak is severe, it may
also contaminate the clutch disc causing slip, grab
and chatter.
Transmissions filled from air or electrically pow-
ered lubricant containers can be underfilled. This
Fig. 3 AX 15 Shift Pattern
Fig. 4 Fill Plug Location
Fig. 5 Drain Plug/Backup Light Switch Location
21 - 34 AX 15 MANUAL TRANSMISSIONJ
30RH/32RH TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
Air Pressure Test......................... 74
Analyzing the Road Test.................... 71
Converter Housing Leak Diagnosis............ 75
Converter Stall Test........................ 74
Diagnosis Guides and Charts................ 77
Effects of Incorrect Fluid Level............... 71
Fluid Level Check......................... 70Gearshift Cable/Linkage Adjustment........... 71
General Information....................... 70
Hydraulic Pressure Test.................... 72
Preliminary Diagnosis...................... 70
Road Test............................... 71
Transmission Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment.... 71
GENERAL INFORMATION
Automatic transmission problems are generally a
result of:
²poor engine performance
²incorrect fluid level
²incorrect throttle valve cable 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 test
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 linkage.
(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 CHECK
Transmission fluid level should be checked monthly
under normal operation. If the vehicle is used for
trailer towing or similar heavy load hauling, check
fluid level and condition weekly.
Fluid level is checked with the engine running at
curb idle speed, the transmission in Neutral and the
transmission fluid at normal operating temperature.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK PROCEDURE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operating
temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive ve-
hicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82ÉC (180ÉF).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface. This is ex-
tremely important for accurate fluid level check.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
21 - 70 30RH/32RH TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSISJ