CONVERTER STALL TEST
Stall testing involves determining maximum engine
rpm obtainable at full throttle with the rear wheels
locked and the transmission in D range. This test
checks the holding ability of the converter overrun-
ning clutch and both of the transmission clutches.
When stall testing is completed, refer to the Stall
Speed Specifications chart and Stall Speed Diagnosis
guides.
WARNING: NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO STAND IN
FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DURING A STALL TEST.
ALWAYS BLOCK THE FRONT WHEELS AND APPLY
THE SERVICE AND PARKING BRAKES DURING
THE TEST.
STALL TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Connect tachometer to engine.
(2) Check and adjust transmission fluid level.
(3) Start and run engine until transmission fluid
reaches normal operating temperature.
(4) Block front wheels.
(5) Fully apply service and parking brakes.
(6) Open throttle completely and record maximum
engine rpm registered on tachometer. It will take
from 3 to 10 seconds to reach maximum rpm. How-
ever, once maximum rpm has been achieved,do not
hold wide open throttle for more than 5 sec-
onds.
CAUTION: Stalling the converter causes a rapid in-
crease in fluid temperature. To avoid fluid overheat-
ing, hold wide open throttle for no more than 5
seconds after reaching peak rpm. In addition, if
more than one stall test is required, run the engine
at 1000 rpm with the transmission in Neutral for at
least 20 seconds to cool the fluid.
(7) Stall speeds should be in 1700-2150 rpm range.
CAUTION: If engine exceeds 2150 rpm, release ac-
celerator pedal immediately as transmission clutch
slippage is occurring.
(8) Shift transmission into Neutral. Run engine for
20-30 seconds at 1000 rpm to cool fluid. Then stop
engine, shift transmission into Park and release
brakes.
(9) Refer to Stall Test Diagnosis.
STALL TEST DIAGNOSIS
Stall Speed Too Low
Low stall speeds with a properly tuned engine in-
dicate a torque converter overrunning clutch prob-
lem. The condition should be confirmed by road
testing prior to converter replacement.The converter overrunning clutch is slipping when
stall speeds are 250 to 350 rpm below specified min-
imum.
A converter overrunning clutch failure will result
in sluggish acceleration in all speed ranges. It will
also require greater than normal throttle opening to
maintain cruising speeds.
Stall Speed Too High
If stall speed exceeds 2150 rpm, transmission
clutch slippage is occurring.
Stall Speed Normal But Acceleration Is Sluggish
If stall speeds are within specified range but abnor-
mal throttle opening is required for acceleration, or
to maintain cruise speeds, the converter overrunning
clutch is seized. The torque converter will have to be
replaced.
Converter Noise During Test
A whining noise caused by fluid flow is normal dur-
ing a stall test. However, loud metallic noises indi-
cate a damaged converter. To confirm that noise is
originating from the converter, operate the vehicle at
light throttle in Drive and Neutral on a hoist and lis-
ten for noise from the converter housing.
AIR PRESSURE TEST
Air pressure testing can be used to check clutch
and band operation with the transmission either in
the vehicle, or on the work bench as a final check af-
ter overhaul.
Air pressure testing requires that the oil pan and
valve body be removed from the transmission.
The servo and clutch apply passages are shown in
Figure 8.
Air Test Procedure
(1) Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing
and apply air pressure through front clutch apply
passage (Fig. 8). Piston movement can be felt and a
soft thud heard as the clutch applies.
(2) Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing
and apply air pressure through rear clutch apply
passage (Fig. 8). Piston movement can be felt and a
soft thud heard as the clutch applies.
(3) Apply air pressure to the front servo apply pas-
sage. The servo rod should extend and cause the
band to tighten around the drum. Spring tension
should release the servo when air pressure is re-
moved.
(4) Apply air pressure to the rear servo apply pas-
sage. The servo rod should extend and cause the
band to tighten around the drum. Spring tension
should release the servo when air pressure is re-
moved.
21 - 74 30RH/32RH TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSISJ
30RH/32RH IN-VEHICLE SERVICE
INDEX
page page
Converter Drainback Check Valve Service...... 113
Fluid and Filter Replacement................. 99
Fluid Level Check......................... 99
Front Band Adjustment.................... 102
Governor and Park Gear Service............. 105
Oil Filter Replacement..................... 103
Park Interlock Cable Adjustment (XJ).......... 101
Park Lock Component Replacement.......... 108
Park/Neutral Position Switch Service.......... 109
Rear Band Adjustment.................... 103
Recommended Fluid....................... 99Refilling After Overhaul or Fluid/Filter Change . . . 100
Shift Cable Adjustment (XJ)................. 100
Shift Linkage Adjustment (YJ)............... 100
Speedometer Service..................... 109
Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment (XJ/YJ)....... 101
Transmission Cooler Flow Testing............ 113
Transmission Cooler Line and Fitting Service.... 111
Transmission Cooler Reverse Flushing......... 114
Valve Body Installation.................... 104
Valve Body Removal...................... 104
Valve Body Service....................... 104
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Recommended (and preferred) fluid for 30RH/32RH
transmissions is Mopar ATF Plus, type 7176.
Dexron II is not really recommended and should
only be used when ATF Plus is not available.
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.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to Neutral.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep dirt
from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick and check fluid level as fol-
lows:
(a) Dipstick has three fluid level indicator levels
(Fig. 1) which are a MIN dot, an OK crosshatch
area, and a MAX fill arrow.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark. Correct acceptable level is to OK mark in
crosshatch area.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN dot.
(d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopar ATF
Plus restore correct level. Do not overfill.CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission. Overfill-
ing may cause leakage out the pump vent which
can be mistaken for a pump seal leak. Overfilling
will also cause fluid aeration and foaming as the ex-
cess fluid is picked up and churned by the gear
train. This will reduce fluid life significantly.
FLUID AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
NORMAL CHANGE INTERVAL
The fluid and filter should be changed (and the
bands adjusted) at recommended maintenance inter-
vals, or whenever the transmission has been disas-
sembled for any reason.
Refer to the Driveline section in Group O, Lubrica-
tion and Maintenance for recommended change inter-
vals. Refer to the fluid/filter replacement and band
adjustment procedures in this section.
SEVERE USAGE CHANGE INTERVAL
Under severe usage, the fluid and filter should be
changed and the bands adjusted at 12,000 mile (19
000 Km) intervals.
Severe usage is defined as:
(a) More than half of vehicle operation occurs in
heavy city traffic during hot weather (above 90É F).
(b) Vehicle is used for taxi, police, limousine, or
similar commercial operation.
Fig. 1 Fluid Level Marks On Transmission Dipstick
J30RH/32RH IN-VEHICLE SERVICE 21 - 99
(c) Vehicle is used for trailer towing or heavy
load hauling.
FLUID/FILTER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove oil pan and drain fluid.
(3) Clean oil pan and pan magnet. Then clean re-
maining gasket material from gasket surface of
transmission case.
(4) Remove fluid filter screws and remove filter.
(5) Position new filter on valve body and install fil-
ter screws. Tighten screws to 4 Nzm (35 in. lbs.)
torque.
(6) Adjust rear band at this time if required.
(7) Position new gasket on oil pan and install pan
on transmission. Tighten pan bolts to 150 in. lbs. (17
Nzm) torque.
(8) Adjust front band at this time if required.
(9) Lower vehicle and refill transmission with Mo-
par ATF Plus, type 7176 fluid.
REFILLING AFTER OVERHAUL OR FLUID/FILTER
CHANGE
The most effective way to avoid overfilling after a
fluid change or overhaul is as follows:
(1) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(2) Add following initial quantity of Mopar ATF
Plus to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add3
pints (1-1/2 quarts)of ATF Plus to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled
and torque converter was replaced or drained, add
10 pints (5 quarts)of ATF Plus to transmission.
(3) Apply parking brakes.
(4) Start and run engine at normal curb idle speed.
(5) Apply service brakes, shift transmission
through all gear ranges then back to Neutral, and
leave engine running at curb idle speed.
(6) Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid
level. Add only enough fluid to bring level toMIN
dot mark on dipstick.
(7) Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at nor-
mal operating temperature. Then recheck fluid level
as described in next step.
(8) Leave engine running at curb idle speed, shift
into Neutral, and check fluid level again. This time,
add just enough fluid to bring level up toMAX ar-
row mark but do not overfill.
(9) When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, re-
lease park brake, remove funnel, and reseat dipstick
in fill tube.
SHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT (YJ)
(1) Check linkage adjustment by starting engine in
Park and Neutral.(2) Adjustment is OK if engine starts only in park
and Neutral. Adjustment is incorrect if engine starts
in one but not both positions.
(3) If engine starts in any position other than Park
or Neutral, or if engine will not start at all, park/
neutral position switch may be faulty.
(4) Shift transmission into Park.
(5) Raise vehicle.
(6) Check condition of shift rods, bellcrank,
bellcrank brackets and linkage bushings/grommets
(Fig. 2). Tighten, repair, replace worn, damaged
parts. Do not attempt adjustment if linkage compo-
nents are worn or damaged.
(7) Loosen shift rod trunnion lock bolt or nut. Be
sure upper shift rod slides freely in trunnion (Fig. 2).
Also be sure shift rods and bellcrank rotate freely
and do not bind at any point.
(8) Verify that manual lever is in Park detent (Fig.
2). Move lever all the way rearward to be sure it is in
Park.
(9) Check for positive engagement of park lock by
attempting to rotate propeller shaft. Shaft will not
turn when park pawl is engaged.
(10) Adjust shift rod trunnion to a obtain free pin
fit in bellcrank arm and tighten trunnion lock bolt or
nut. Prevent shift rod from turning while tightening
bolt or nut. Gearshift linkage lash must be elimi-
nated to obtain proper adjustment. Eliminate lash by
pulling downward on shift rod and pressing upward
on bellcrank.
(11) Confirm proper adjustment by starting engine
in Park and Neutral. Engine should start in these
positions only.If engine starts in any position
other than Park or Neutral, adjustment is in-
correct or neutral switch is faulty.
(12) Lower vehicle and verify that steering lock op-
erates correctly.
SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT (XJ)
(1) Shift transmission into Park.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Release cable adjuster clamp to unlock cable
(Figs. 3 and 4). Clamp is at transmission end of ca-
ble.
(4) Unsnap cable from transmission cable bracket.
(5) Move transmission shift lever fully rearward to
Park detent. Lever is on manual valve shaft at driver
side of case.
(6) Verify positive engagement of park lock by at-
tempting to rotate propeller shaft. Shaft will not ro-
tate when park lock is engaged.
(7) Snap cable into cable bracket.
(8) Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster
clamp down until it snaps into place.
(9) Check engine starting. Engine should start only
in Park and Neutral.
(10) Lower vehicle.
21 - 100 30RH/32RH IN-VEHICLE SERVICEJ
(7) Align valve body and seat it on case. Be sure
manual lever shaft and accumulator spring are prop-
erly seated.
(8) Hold valve body in position and install one or
two attaching bolts to hold valve body in place.
(9) Install remaining valve body bolts. Tighten all
bolts evenly in a diagonal pattern to 12 Nzm (105 in-
lbs) torque.
(10) Install new oil filter and tighten filter screws
to4Nzm (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Connect converter solenoid wire to case con-
nector.
(12) Install manual and throttle levers on throttle
lever shaft. Tighten lever clamp screws and check for
free operation. Shaft and levers must operate freely
without any bind.
(13) Install oil pan and new gasket. Tighten pan
bolts to 17 Nzm (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
(14) Install seal on neutral switch, install switch in
case, and connect switch wires.
(15) Lower vehicle.
(16) Fill transmission with Mopar ATF Plus, Type
7176 fluid.
(17) Adjust gearshift linkage and throttle valve
(kickdown) cable if necessary.
GOVERNOR AND PARK GEAR SERVICE
GOVERNOR/PARK GEAR REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Mark both propeller shaft yokes for assembly
reference and disconnect propeller shafts at transfer
case.
(3) Disconnect speed sensor wires and remove
speedometer adapter and sensor.
(4) Position support stand under transmission con-
verter housing.
(5) Remove rear crossmember.
(6) Disconnect parking brake cable at equalizer
and disconnect exhaust components as necessary.
(7) Support transfer case with jack.
(8) Remove bolts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission adapter housing and remove transfer case.
(9) Remove bolts attaching adapter, or extension
housing to transmission and remove adapter/housing.
(10) Loosen but do not remove bolts that attach
governor body to park gear.
(11) Rotate transmission output shaft until gover-
nor weight assembly is accessible. Then remove
E-clip at this end of governor shaft.
(12) Remove governor valve and shaft from gover-
nor body (Fig. 13).
(13) Remove snap rings and washers that retain
governor body and park gear assembly on output
shaft (Fig. 14).
(14) Remove governor body-park gear assembly
from output shaft (Fig. 15).
GOVERNOR BODY/PARK GEAR DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove bolts attaching governor body to park
gear; then separate body from gear.
Fig. 13 Governor Valve And Shaft Removal
Fig. 14 Governor Body/Park Gear Retaining Snap
Rings And Thrust Washer Position
Fig. 15 Governor Body And Park Gear Removal/
Installation
J30RH/32RH IN-VEHICLE SERVICE 21 - 105
(2) Verify transmission throttle cable operation.
Repair or replace cable if necessary.
(3) Check engine throttle operation. Operate accel-
erator pedal and observe injector throttle plate move-
ment. Adjust linkage if throttle plate does not reach
wide open position.
(4) Check transmission fluid level when fluid is at
normal operating temperature. Start engine. Shift
transmission through all gear ranges then back to
Neutral. Correct level is to Full or Add mark on dip-
stick with engine at curb idle speed.
(5) Check and adjust park/neutral position switch
if necessary.
(6) Check throttle position sensor adjustment and
operation. Adjust the sensor if necessary.
MANUAL SHIFTING TEST
(1) This test determines if problem is related to
mechanical or electrical component.
(2) Stop engine and disconnect transmission con-
trol module or module fuse.
(3) Road test vehicle. Shift transmission into each
gear range. Transmission should operate as follows:
²lock in Park
²back up in Reverse
²not move in Neutral
²provide first gear only with shift lever in 1-2 posi-
tion
²operate in third gear only with shift lever in 3 po-
sition
²operate in overdrive fourth gear in D position
(4) If transmission operates as described, proceed
to next step. However, if forward gear ranges were
difficult to distinguish (all feel the same), or vehicle
would not back up, refer to diagnosis charts. Do not
perform stall or time lag tests.
CAUTION: Do not overspeed the engine during the
next test step. Ease off the throttle and allow the
vehicle to slow before downshifting.
(5) Continue road test. Manually downshift trans-
mission from D to 3, and from 3 to 1-2 position. Then
manually upshift transmission through forward
ranges again.
(6) If transmission operation is OK, perform stall,
time lag and pressure tests. If transmission shifting
problem is encountered, refer to diagnosis charts.
(7) If a problem still exists, continue testing with
DRB scan tool.
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TEST
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Connect pressure test gauge to test port on pas-
senger side of transmission. Use Adapter 7554 to con-
nect gauge. Be sure test gauge has minimum
capacity of 300 psi (2100 kPa).(2) Be sure transmission fluid is at normal operat-
ing temperature.
(3) Apply parking brakes and block wheels.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO STAND
AT THE FRONT OR REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING STEPS IN THE
PRESSURE TEST.
(4) Check and adjust engine curb idle speed.
(5) Apply (and hold) service brakes.
(6) Shift transmission into D range and note line
pressure with engine at curb idle speed. Pressure
should be 61-to-70 psi (421-to-481 kPa).
(7) Press accelerator pedal to wide open throttle
position and note line pressure. Pressure should be
173-to-209 psi (1196-to-1442 kPa).
CAUTION: Do not hold wide open throttle for more
than 3-4 seconds at a time.
(8) Shift transmission into Reverse and note line
pressure with engine at curb idle speed. Pressure
should be 75-to-90 psi (519-to-618 kPa).
(9) Press accelerator to wide open throttle position
and note line pressure in Reverse. Pressure should
be 213-to-263 psi (1471-to-1814 kPa).
CAUTION: Do not hold wide open throttle for more
than 4 seconds.
(10) If line pressure is not within specifications,
adjust transmission throttle cable and repeat pres-
sure test.
Fig. 27 Pressure Test Gauge Connection
JAW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS 21 - 177
PRESSURE TEST ANALYSIS
If pressures in D and Reverse are higher than
specified in test, check for the following:
²throttle cable loose, worn, binding or out of adjust-
ment
²throttle valve, downshift plug, throttle cam, or pri-
mary regulator valve are sticking, worn or damaged
If pressures in D and Reverse are lower than spec-
ified in test, check for following:
²throttle cable loose, worn, binding or out of adjust-
ment
²throttle valve, downshift plug, or throttle cam
sticking, worn or damaged
²primary regulator valve sticking, worn, or dam-
aged
²oil pump gears or housing worn, or damaged
²overdrive clutch worn, or damaged
If pressures are low in D range only, check for fol-
lowing:
²forward clutch worn or damaged
²fluid leakage in D range circuit (component seal
and O-rings)
If pressures are low in Reverse only, check for fol-
lowing:
²shift cable and manual valve out of adjustment
²fluid leakage in reverse circuit (component seal
and O-rings)
²direct clutch worn or damaged
²first/reverse brake worn or damaged
TORQUE CONVERTER STALL TEST
Stall testing checks the holding ability of the trans-
mission clutches and brakes and of the torque con-
verter stator overrunning clutch.Stall speeds are
checked in both Drive and Reverse ranges with
the AW-4 transmission.
(1) Before starting test, be sure fluid level is cor-
rect and fluid is at normal operating temperature.
(2) Connect tachometer to engine. Position tachom-
eter so it can be viewed from drivers seat.
(3) Apply parking brakes and block wheels.
(4) Apply and hold service brakes.
(5) Shift transfer case into 2H position.
(6) Start engine.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO STAND AT
THE FRONT OR REAR OF THE VEHICLE DURING
THE TEST.
(7) Shift transmission into D range.
(8) Open throttle completely and record maximum
engine rpm registered on tachometer. It takes any-
where from 4 to 10 seconds to reach maximum rpm.
However, once maximum rpm has been achieved,do
not hold wide open throttle for more than 3-4
seconds.CAUTION: Stalling the converter causes a rapid in-
crease in fluid temperature. To avoid fluid overheat-
ing, hold wide open throttle for no more than 4
seconds after reaching peak rpm. In addition, if
more than one stall test is required, run the engine
at 1000 rpm with the transmission in Neutral for at
least 20 seconds to cool the fluid.
(9) Stall speed should be in 2100-2400 rpm range
in Drive.
(10) Release throttle, shift transmission into Neu-
tral, and run engine for 20-30 seconds to cool fluid.
(11) Shift transmission into Reverse.
(12) Repeat stall test described in step (8).
(13) Stall speed in Reverse should also be in 2100-
2400 rpm range.
(14) Release accelerator pedal, shift transmission
into Neutral, and run engine for 20-30 seconds to
cool fluid.
STALL SPEED TEST ANALYSIS
If engine rpm is lower than specified in D and Re-
verse, check for the following:
²engine output/performance insufficient
²stator overrunning clutch in torque converter not
holding if engine speed was 1500 rpm or less.
If stall speed in D range is higher than specified,
check for the following:
²line pressure low
²forward clutch slipping
²No. 2 one-way clutch not holding
²overdrive one-way clutch not holding
If stall speed in Reverse was higher than specified,
check for the following:
²line pressure low
²direct clutch slipping
²first/ reverse brake slipping
²overdrive one-way clutch not holding
If stall speeds were higher than specified in both D
and Reverse, check for the following:
²low fluid level
²line pressure low
²overdrive one-way clutch not holding
TIME LAG TEST
This test checks general condition of the overdrive
clutch, forward clutch, rear clutch and first/reverse
brake. Condition is indicated by the amount of time
required for clutch/brake engagement with the en-
gine at curb idle speed. Engagement time is mea-
sured for D and Reverse positions. A stop watch is
recommended for test accuracy.
TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Check and adjust transmission fluid level if
necessary.
(2) Bring transmission to normal operating tem-
perature.
21 - 178 AW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSISJ
(3) Apply parking brakes and turn off air condi-
tioning unit.
(4) Shift transfer case into 2H range.
(5) Start engine and check curb idle speed. Adjust
speed if necessary. Curb idle must be correct to en-
sure accurate test results.
(6) Shift transmission into Neutral and set stop
watch.
(7) During following test steps, start stop watch as
soon as shift lever reaches D and Reverse ranges.
(8) Shift transmission into D range and record
time it takes for engagement. Repeat test two more
times.
(9) Reset stop watch and shift transmission back to
Neutral.
(10) Shift transmission into Reverse and record
time it takes for engagement. Repeat test two more
times.(11) Engagement time in D range should be a max-
imum of 1.2 seconds. Engagement time for Reverse
should be a maximum of 1.5 seconds.
TIME LAG TEST ANALYSIS
If engagement time is longer than specified for D
range, check for the following:
²shift cable misadjusted
²line pressure low
²forward clutch worn
²overdrive clutch worn or damaged
If engagement time is longer than specified for Re-
verse, check for the following:
²shift cable misadjusted
²line pressure low
²direct clutch worn
²first/reverse brake worn
²overdrive clutch worn or damaged
JAW-4 TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS 21 - 179
AW-4 IN-VEHICLE SERVICE
INDEX
page page
Accumulator Pistons and Springs............. 189
Adapter Housing Seal Replacement........... 191
Checking Fluid Level and Condition........... 182
Manual Valve Shaft Seal Replacement......... 187
Park Interlock Cable Adjustment............. 195
Park Rod and Pawl Service................. 190
Park/Neutral Position Switch................ 183
Refilling After Overhaul or Fluid/Filter Change . . . 182
Second Coast Brake Servo................. 190
Shift Cable Adjustment.................... 195
Speed Sensor........................... 192Speed Sensor RotorÐSpeedometer Drive Gear . . 193
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Service........ 193
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Service.... 183
Transmission Cooler Line Fittings............ 197
Transmission Cooler Service................ 196
Transmission Throttle Cable Adjustment........ 194
Transmission Throttle Cable Replacement...... 193
Transmission Valve Body Installation.......... 187
Transmission Valve Body Removal........... 186
Transmission Valve Body Solenoids........... 184
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
Recommended fluid for AW-4 transmissions is Mo-
par Dexron IIE/Mercon.
Mopar Dexron II can also be used but only when
Mercon fluid is not available.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
(1) Be sure transmission fluid is at normal operat-
ing temperature. Normal operating temperature is
reached after approximately 15 miles (25 km) of op-
eration.
(2) Position vehicle on level surface. This is impor-
tant for an accurate fluid level check.
(3) Shift transmission through all gear ranges and
back to Park.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Verify that transmission is in Park.
(6) Wipe off dipstick handle to prevent dirt from
entering fill tube. Then remove dipstick and check
fluid level and condition.
(7) Correct fluid level isto FULL mark on dip-
stick when fluid is at normal operating temper-
ature(Fig. 1).
(8) If fluid level is low, top off level with Mopar
Dexron IIE/Mercon. Mopar Dexron II can be used but
only if Mercon is not available.Do not overfill
transmission. Add only enough fluid to bring
level to Full mark.
(9) If too much fluid was added, excess amount can
be removed with suction gun and appropriate diame-
ter plastic tubing. Tubing only has to be long enough
to extend into oil pan.
CHECKING FLUID CONDITION
Inspect the appearance of the fluid during the fluid
level check. Fluid color should range from dark red to
pink and be free of foreign material, or particles. If
the fluid is dark brown or black in color and smells
burnt, the fluid has been overheated and must be
changed.Transmission operation should also be checked if
the fluid is severely discolored and contains quanti-
ties of foreign material, metal particles, or clutch disc
friction material.
A small quantity of friction material or metal
particles in the oil pan is normal. The particles
are usually generated during the break-in pe-
riod and indicate normal seating of the various
transmission components.
REFILLING AFTER OVERHAUL OR FLUID/FILTER
CHANGE
The best way to refill the transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul is as follows:
(1) If transmission has been overhauled, install
transmission in vehicle.
(2) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(3) Add following initial quantity of Mopar Dexron
IIE/Mercon to transmission:
(a) If fluid/filter change was performed, add4
pints (2 quarts)of fluid to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled
and torque converter was replaced or drained, add
10 pints (5 quarts)of fluid to transmission.
(c) Remove funnel and install dipstick.
(4) Operate vehicle until fluid reaches normal op-
erating temperature.
(5) Apply parking brakes.
Fig. 1 Transmission Fluid Level
21 - 182 AW-4 IN-VEHICLE SERVICEJ