CAUTION: Be sure that the tapped holes maintain
the original centerline.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from automotive parts jobbers.
HYDROSTATIC LOCKED ENGINE
When an engine is suspected to be hydrostatically
locked, regardless of what caused the problem, these
steps should be used.
CAUTION: Do Not Use Starter Motor To Rotate
Engine, severe damage may occur.
(1) Inspect air cleaner, induction system and
intake manifold to insure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(2) Remove negative battery cable.
(3) Place a shop towel around the spark plugs
when removing them from the engine. This will catch
any fluid that may possibly be in the cylinder under
pressure.
(4) With all spark plugs removed, rotate engine
crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket.
(5) Identify the fluid in the cylinder(s) (i.e., cool-
ant, fuel, oil or other).
(6) Make sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders. Inspect engine for damage (i.e., Connecting
Rods, Pistons, Valves etc.)
(7) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from occurring again.
CAUTION: Squirt approximately 1 teaspoon of oil
into cylinders, rotate engine to lubricate the cylin-
der walls to prevent damage on restart.
(8) Install new spark plugs.
(9) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(10) Fill engine with specified amount of approved
oil and install new oil filter.
(11) Connect negative battery cable.
(12) Start engine and check for any leaks.
ENGINE OIL
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil
must be maintained at the correct level. Check the
oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the oil level is about 5 min-
utes after a fully warmed-up engine is shut off, or
before starting the vehicle after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground, will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings. For 2.4L, 3.3L and 3.8L engines, maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on
the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the read-ing is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading
on these engines. For the 3.0L engine, add one full
quart when the level on the dipstick is at or below
the ADD mark.
ENGINE OIL SERVICE
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
ENGINE OIL SPECIFICATION
CAUTION: Do not use non-detergent or straight
mineral oil when adding or changing crankcase
lubricant. Engine failure can result.
NSENGINE 9 - 5
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
API SERVICE GRADE CERTIFIED
Use an engine oil that is API Service Grade Certi-
fied. MOPARtprovides engine oils that conforms to
this service grade.
SAE VISCOSITY
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the vis-
cosity of engine oil. Use only, engine oils with multi-
ple viscosities such as 5W-30 or 10W-30. These are
specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indi-
cates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range.
Select an engine oil that is best suited to your par-
ticular temperature range and variation (Fig. 5).
ENERGY CONSERVING OIL
An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for
gasoline engines. They are designated as either
ENERGY CONSERVING or ENERGY CONSERV-
ING II.
CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION
Standard engine oil identification notations have
been adopted to aid in the proper selection of engine
oil. The identifying notations are located on the label
of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of engine oil
cans (Fig. 6).
ENGINE OIL CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in the Maintenance Schedule.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Run engine until achieving normal operating tem-
perature.
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn
engine off.
(2) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
Refer to Hoisting and Jacking Recommendations.
(3) Remove oil fill cap.
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase
drain.
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase and allow
oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for
stretching or other damage. Replace drain plug and
gasket if damaged.
(6) Install drain plug in crankcase.
(7) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified
type and amount of engine oil described in this sec-
tion.
(8) Install oil fill cap.
(9) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(10) Stop engine and inspect oil level.
Fig. 5 Temperature/Engine Oil Viscosity
Fig. 6 Engine Oil Container Standard Notations
9 - 6 ENGINENS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
HYDRAULIC TAPPETS
Before disassembling any part of the engine to cor-
rect tappet noise, check the oil pressure. If vehicle
has no oil pressure gauge, install a reliable gauge at
the pressure sending unit. The pressure should be
between 3.5 bars to 5.0 bars at 4000 RPM.
Check the oil level after the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. Allow 5 minutes to stabilize
oil level, check dipstick. The oil level in the pan
should never be above the FULL mark or below the
ADD OIL mark on dipstick. Either of these 2 condi-
tions could be responsible for noisy tappets.
OIL LEVEL HIGH
If oil level is above the FULL mark, it is possible
for the connecting rods to dip into the oil. With the
engine running, this condition could create foam in
the oil pan. Foam in oil pan would be fed to the
hydraulic tappets by the oil pump causing them to
lose length and allow valves to seat noisily.
OIL LEVEL LOW
Low oil level may allow oil pump to take in air.
When air is fed to the tappets, they lose length which
allows valves to seat noisily. Any leaks on intake side
of oil pump through which air can be drawn will cre-
ate the same tappet action. Check the lubrication
system from the intake strainer to the pump cover,
including the relief valve retainer cap. When tappet
noise is due to aeration, it may be intermittent or
constant, and usually more than 1 tappet will be
noisy. When oil level and leaks have been corrected,
operate the engine at fast idle. Run engine for a suf-
ficient time to allow all of the air inside the tappets
to be bled out.
TAPPET NOISE DIAGNOSIS
(1) To determine source of tappet noise, operate
engine at idle with cylinder head covers removed.
(2) Feel each valve spring or rocker arm to detect
noisy tappet. The noisy tappet will cause the affected
spring and/or rocker arm to vibrate or feel rough in
operation.
NOTE: Worn valve guides or cocked springs are
sometimes mistaken for noisy tappets. If such is
the case, noise may be dampened by applying side
thrust on the valve spring. If noise is not apprecia-
bly reduced, it can be assumed the noise is in the
tappet. Inspect the rocker arm push rod sockets
and push rod ends for wear.
(3) Valve tappet noise ranges from light noise to a
heavy click. A light noise is usually caused by exces-
sive leak down around the unit plunger or by the
plunger partially sticking in the tappet body cylinder.
The tappet should be replaced. A heavy click iscaused by a tappet check valve not seating or by for-
eign particles becoming wedged between the plunger
and the tappet body. This will cause the plunger to
stick in the down position. This heavy click will be
accompanied by excessive clearance between the
valve stem and rocker arm as valve closes. In either
case, tappet assembly should be removed for inspec-
tion and cleaning.
(4) The valve train generates a noise very much
like a light tappet noise during normal operation.
Care must be taken to ensure that tappets are mak-
ing the noise. In general, if more than one tappet
seems to be noisy, its probably not the tappets.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil
must be maintained at the correct level. Check the
oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the oil level is about 5 min-
utes after a fully warmed-up engine is shut off, or
before starting the vehicle after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground, will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings (Fig. 4).
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Change engine oil and filter at mileage and time
intervals described in the Maintenance Schedule.
Fig. 4 Checking Engine Oil
NS/GSENGINE 9 - 47
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM.................. 4
FUEL INJECTORS........................ 5
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR..................... 5
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR.............. 5
FUEL PUMP MODULE..................... 4
FUEL TANK............................. 5
PRESSURE-VACUUM FILLER CAP........... 6
QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS................ 6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
FUEL INJECTORS........................ 9
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR..................... 9
FUEL PUMP PRESSURE TEST 2.4/3.3/3.8L..... 6
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDUREÐ2.4/3.3/3.8L............... 11
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDUREÐ3.0L ENGINE............. 11
HOSES AND CLAMPS.................... 12QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS............... 12
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ACCELERATOR PEDAL................... 26
FUEL FILTER........................... 12
FUEL INJECTOR RAILÐ2.4L............... 18
FUEL INJECTOR RAILÐ3.0L............... 19
FUEL INJECTOR RAILÐ3.3/3.8L............ 21
FUEL INJECTORSÐ3.0L.................. 25
FUEL INJECTORÐ2.4L................... 24
FUEL INJECTORÐ3.3/3.8L................. 26
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR.................... 15
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR............. 14
FUEL PUMP INLET STRAINER............. 15
FUEL PUMP MODULE.................... 13
FUEL TANK............................ 17
THROTTLE CABLE...................... 27
SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL TANK CAPACITY................... 28
TORQUE.............................. 28
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM
The front wheel drive van uses a plastic fuel tank
located on the left side of the vehicle.
The Fuel Delivery System consists of: the electric
fuel pump module, fuel filter, tubes/lines/hoses, fuel
rail, and fuel injectors.
The in-tank fuel pump module contains the fuel
pump and pressure regulator. The pump is serviced
as part of the fuel pump module. Refer to Fuel Pump
Module.
The fuel filter is a replaceable in-line filter. The fil-
ter attaches to a bracket mounted on top of the fuel
tank. Refer to the Maintenance Schedules in the
Introduction section of this manual for recommended
fuel filter replacement intervals.
A returnless fuel system is used on all vehicles.
Fuel is returned through the fuel pump module and
back to the fuel tank. A separate fuel return line
from the tank to the engine is no longer used.
FUEL PUMP MODULE
The fuel pump module is installed in the top of the
fuel tank (Fig. 1). The fuel pump module contains the
following:
²Electric fuel pump
²Fuel pump reservoir
²Inlet strainer²Fuel pressure regulator
²Fuel gauge sending unit
²Fuel supply line connection
The inlet strainer, fuel pressure regulator
and fuel level sensor are the only serviceable
items. If the fuel pump or electrical wiring har-
ness requires service, replace the fuel pump
module.
ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP
The electric fuel pump is located in and is part of
the fuel pump module. It is a positive displacement,
gerotor type, immersible pump with a permanent
magnet electric motor. The pump draws fuel through
a strainer and pushes it through the motor to the
outlet. The pump contains one check valve. The
Fig. 1 Fuel Pump Module
14 - 4 FUEL SYSTEMNS
²High±pressure fuel line connections are loosened
or lines replaced
²Initial engine start±up or start±up after an
extended period of no engine operation
²Running fuel tank empty
FUEL INJECTION PUMP BLEEDING
(1) If the fuel injection pump has been replaced,
air should be bled at the overflow valve before
attempting to start engine.
(a) Loosen the overflow valve (Fig. 25) at the
rear of the injection pump.
(b) Place a towel below the valve.
WARNING: WHEN CRANKING THE ENGINE TO
BLEED AIR FROM THE INJECTION PUMP, THE
ENGINE MAY START. PLACE THE TRANSMISSION
IN NEUTRAL OR PARK AND SET PARKING BRAKE
BEFORE ENGAGING THE STARTER MOTOR.
CAUTION: Do not engage the starter motor for
more than 30 seconds at a time. Allow 2 minutes
between cranking intervals.
(2) Crank the engine for 30 seconds at a time to
allow air trapped in the injection pump to vent out
the fuel injector drain tubes. Continue this procedure
until the engine starts. Observe the previous WARN-
ING and CAUTION.
(3) Tighten overflow valve.
HIGH±PRESSURE FUEL LINE BLEEDING
WARNING: THE INJECTION PUMP SUPPLIES HIGH-
±PRESSURE FUEL OF APPROXIMATELY 59,000 KPA
(8,557 PSI) TO EACH INDIVIDUAL INJECTOR
THROUGH THE HIGH±PRESSURE LINES. FUEL
UNDER THIS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE CAN PENE-
TRATE THE SKIN AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES AND ADEQUATE PRO-
TECTIVE CLOTHING AND AVOID CONTACT WITH
FUEL SPRAY WHEN BLEEDING HIGH±PRESSURE
FUEL LINES.
WARNING: DO NOT BLEED AIR FROM THE FUEL
SYSTEM OF A HOT ENGINE. DO NOT ALLOW FUEL
TO SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHEN
BLEEDING AIR FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Bleed air from one injector at time.
(1) Loosen the high±pressure fuel line fitting at
the injector (Fig. 26).
(2) Crank the engine until all air has been bled
from the line.Do not operate the starter motor
for longer than 30 seconds. Wait 2 minutes
between cranking intervals.
(3) Start the engine and bleed one injector at a
time until the engine runs smoothly.
FUEL INJECTION PUMP TIMING
Refer to Removal/Installation and Adjusting Fuel
Pump Timing in this Group.
Fig. 25 Overflow Valve
Fig. 26 Bleeding High±Pressure Fuel LineÐTypical
NS/GSFUEL SYSTEMÐ2.5L DIESEL ENGINE/2.0L GAS ENGINE 14 - 15
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROLS
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CRANKCASE VENT FILTER................ 16
EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEM......... 13
EVAPORATIVE (EVAP) CANISTER........... 13
LEAK DETECTION PUMP................. 14
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV)
SYSTEMS............................ 15
PRESSURE-VACUUM FILLER CAP.......... 14
PROPORTIONAL PURGE SOLENOID......... 13ROLLOVER VALVE....................... 13
VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
LABEL............................... 16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LEAK DETECTION PUMP................. 16
PCV VALVE TEST....................... 16
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
LEAK DETECTION PUMP REPLACEMENT.... 16
ROLLOVER VALVES..................... 17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEM
The evaporation control system prevents the emis-
sion of fuel tank vapors into the atmosphere. When
fuel evaporates in the fuel tank, the vapors pass
through vent hoses or tubes to a charcoal filled evap-
orative canister. The canister temporarily holds the
vapors. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) allows
intake manifold vacuum to draw vapors into the com-
bustion chambers during certain operating condi-
tions.
All engines use a duty cycle purge system. The
PCM controls vapor flow by operating the duty cycle
EVAP purge solenoid. Refer to Duty Cycle EVAP
Purge Solenoid in this section.
NOTE: The evaporative system uses specially man-
ufactured hoses. If they need replacement, only use
fuel resistant hose.
ROLLOVER VALVE
All vehicles have a rollover valve. The valve also
prevents fuel flow through the fuel tank vent valve
hoses should the vehicle rollover. All vehicles pass a
360É rollover.
The charcoal filled evaporative canister stores the
vapors. The rollover valve is not a serviceable item.
EVAPORATIVE (EVAP) CANISTER
All vehicles use a sealed, maintenance free, evapo-
rative (charcoal) canister. The canister is attached to
the frame under the driver's seat (Fig. 1).
Fuel tank vapor vents into the canister. The canis-
ter temporarily holds the fuel vapors until intake
manifold vacuum draws them into the combustion
chamber. The canister proportional purge solenoidallows the canister to be purged at predetermined
intervals and engine conditions.
PROPORTIONAL PURGE SOLENOID
All vehicles use a Proportional purge solenoid. The
solenoid regulates the rate of vapor flow from the
EVAP canister to the throttle body. The PCM oper-
ates the solenoid.
During the cold start warm-up period and the hot
start time delay, the PCM does not energize the sole-
noid. When de-energized, no vapors are purged. The
PCM de-energizes the solenoid during open loop oper-
ation.
Fig. 1 Evaporative Canister
NSEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 13