DIPSTICK TUBE FLUID SUCTION METHOD
(1) When performing the fluid suction method,
make sure the transaxle is at full operating temper-
ature.
(2) To perform the dipstick tube fluid suction
method, use a suitable fluid suction device (Vaculay
or equivalent).
(3) Insert the fluid suction line into the dipstick
tube.
NOTE: Verify that the suction line is inserted to the
lowest point of the transaxle oil pan. This will
ensure complete evacuation of the fluid in the pan.
(4) Follow the manufacturers recommended proce-
dure and evacuate the fluid from the transaxle.
(5) Remove the suction line from the dipstick tube.
(6) Add 4 Quarts of Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176
transaxle fluid.
(7) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(8) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.
(9) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at
normal operating temperature. The level should be in
the HOT range.
TRANSAXLE OIL PAN DROP METHOD
This procedure involves removing the transaxle oil
pan to drain the transaxle fluid.
(1) Bring the vehicle up to normal operating tem-
perature. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
(2) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(3) Loosen the transaxle oil pan and drain the
fluid into a suitable container.
(4) Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the
pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the mag-
net and the inside of the pan.
(5) Apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar RTV Sealant to
the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply
RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts.
Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts
to 19 N²m (165 in. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of Mopar
ATF Plus 3 Type 7176 transaxle fluid.
(7) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(8) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid levelto 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.
(9) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at
normal operating temperature. The level should be in
the HOT range. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10
miles.
(10) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(11) Check for leaks around the transaxle oil pan
sealing surfaces.
(12) Recheck the fluid level. The level should be in
the HOT range.
SEVERE USAGE SERVICE
If the vehicle exhibits any of the following symp-
toms, it is recommended that the transaxle oil and
filter be replaced.
²Transaxle oil discolored
²Transaxle oil has high mileage
²Oil feels grimy when rubbed between fingertips
²Poor shift quality
²Delayed gear engagement
²Vehicle shudder between shifts
TRANSAXLE OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
This procedure involves changing the transaxle
fluid and filter, driving the vehicle for 10 miles and
changing the transaxle fluid a second time.
(1) Bring the vehicle up to normal operating tem-
perature. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
(2) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(3) Loosen the transaxle oil pan and drain the
fluid into a suitable container.
(4) Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the
pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the mag-
net and the inside of the pan.
(5) Separate the filter and O-ring from the valve
body. Inspect the O-ring for cuts or improper instal-
lation. This could lead to delayed garage shifts.
(6) Install a new filter. Replace the O-ring as nec-
essary.
(7) Apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar RTV Sealant to
the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply
RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts.
Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts
to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).
(8) Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of Mopar
ATF Plus 3 Type 7176 transaxle fluid.
(9) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(10) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.
21 - 80 TRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNITNS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
(11) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is
at normal operating temperature. The level should be
in the HOT range. Drive the vehicle a minimum of
10 miles.
(12) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(13) Remove the pan and clean all sealant from
the pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the
magnet and the inside of the pan.
(14) Separate the filter from the valve body to
allow additional fluid to drain from the transaxle.
Inspect the filter O-ring for any damage and replace
as necessary.
(15) After the transaxle has stopped draining,
reinstall the filter and O-ring.
(16) Apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar RTV Sealant
to the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan.
Apply RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching
bolts. Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the
bolts to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).
(17) Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of Mopar
ATF Plus 3 Type 7176 transaxle fluid.
(18) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(19) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.
(20) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is
at normal operating temperature. The level should be
in the HOT range.
FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist (See Group 0, Lubrica-
tion). Place a drain container with a large opening,
under transaxle oil pan.
(2) Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner
to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove
the oil pan.
(3) Install a new filter and O-ring on bottom of the
valve body.
(4) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new MOPARtRTV sealant. Tighten oil pan
bolts to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).
(5) Pour four quarts of MOPARtATF PLUS 3
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 7176 through
the fill tube.
(6) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes
applied, move selector lever momentarily to each
position, ending in the park or neutral position.(7) Add sufficient fluid to bring level to 1/8 inch
below the ADD mark.
CAUTION: Do not overfill transaxle. Do not add oil
if level is between: Lower holes for warm oil
(100ÉF). Upper holes for hot oil (180ÉF).
(8) Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal
operating temperature. The level should be in the
HOT region (Fig. 5).
(9) To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make
certain that dipstick is seated into the dipstick fill
tube.
ALUMINUM THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum tran-
saxle case and valve body can be repaired by the use
of Heli-Coils, or equivalent. This repair consists of
drilling out the worn-out damaged threads. Then tap
the hole with a special Heli-Coil tap, or equivalent,
and installing a Heli-Coil insert, or equivalent, into
the hole. This brings the hole back to its original
thread size.
Heli-Coil, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppli-
ers.
FLUSHING COOLERS AND TUBES
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the oil cooler(s) must be flushed. The cooler
bypass valve in the transaxle must be replaced also.
The torque converter must also be replaced with an
exchange unit. This will insure that metal particles
or sludged oil are not later transferred back into the
reconditioned (or replaced) transaxle.
The recommended procedure for flushing the tran-
saxle cooler is to use Tool 6906A Cooler Flusher.
Fig. 5 Oil Level Indicator
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 81
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR THAT
MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA AND ANSI
Z87.1±1968. WEAR STANDARD INDUSTRIAL RUB-
BER GLOVES.
KEEP LIGHTED CIGARETTES, SPARKS, FLAMES,
AND OTHER IGNITION SOURCES AWAY FROM THE
AREA TO PREVENT THE IGNITION OF COMBUSTI-
BLE LIQUIDS AND GASES. KEEP A CLASS (B) FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN THE AREA WHERE THE
FLUSHER WILL BE USED.
KEEP THE AREA WELL VENTILATED.
DO NOT LET FLUSHING SOLVENT COME IN CON-
TACT WITH YOUR EYES OR SKIN: IF EYE CONTAM-
INATION OCCURS, FLUSH EYES WITH WATER FOR
15 TO 20 SECONDS. REMOVE CONTAMINATED
CLOTHING AND WASH AFFECTED SKIN WITH
SOAP AND WATER. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
COOLER FLUSH USING TOOL 6906A
(1) Remove cover plate filler plug on Tool 6906A.
Fill reservoir 1/2 to 3/4 full of fresh flushing solution.
Flushing solvents are petroleum based solutions gen-
erally used to clean automatic transmission compo-
nents.DO NOTuse solvents containing acids, water,
gasoline, or any other corrosive liquids.
(2) Reinstall filler plug on Tool 6906A.
(3) Verify pump power switch is turned OFF. Con-
nect red alligator clip to positive (+) battery post.
Connect black (-) alligator clip to a good ground.
(4) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.
NOTE: When flushing transmission cooler and
lines, ALWAYS reverse flush.
(5) Connect the BLUE pressure line to the OUT-
LET (From) cooler line.
(6) Connect the CLEAR return line to the INLET
(To) cooler line
(7) Turn pump ON for two to three minutes to
flush cooler(s) and lines. Monitor pressure readings
and clear return lines. Pressure readings should sta-
bilize below 20 psi. for vehicles equipped with a sin-
gle cooler and 30 psi. for vehicles equipped with dual
coolers. If flow is intermittent or exceeds these pres-
sures, replace cooler.
(8) Turn pump OFF.
(9) Disconnect CLEAR suction line from reservoir
at cover plate. Disconnect CLEAR return line at
cover plate, and place it in a drain pan.
(10) Turn pump ON for 30 seconds to purge flush-
ing solution from cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(11) Place CLEAR suction line into a one quart
container of MopartATF PLUS 3 Type 7176 auto-
matic transmission fluid.
(12) Turn pump ON until all transmission fluid is
removed from the one quart container and lines. Thispurges any residual cleaning solvent from the trans-
mission cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(13) Disconnect alligator clips from battery. Recon-
nect flusher lines to cover plate, and remove flushing
adapters from cooler lines.
OIL PUMP VOLUME CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed, fill to the proper level with Mopar ATF
PLUS 3 (Type 7176) automatic transmission fluid.
The volume should be checked using the following
procedure:
(1) Disconnect theFrom coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat curb idle speed, with the
shift selector in neutral.
(3) If fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of ATF, discon-
nect theTo Coolerline at the transaxle.
(4) Refill the transaxle to proper level and recheck
pump volume.
(5) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
replace the cooler. Then fill transmission to the
proper level, using Mopar ATF PLUS 3 (Type 7176)
automatic transmission fluid.
(6) If fluid flow is still found to be inadequate,
check the line pressure using the Transaxle Hydrau-
lic Pressure Test procedure.
(7) Check the cooler for debris on the external sur-
faces. Clean as necessary.
TRANSAXLE QUICK LEARN PROCEDURE
The quick learn procedure requires the use of the
DRBIII scan tool.
This program allows the electronic transaxle sys-
tem to recalibrate itself. This will provide the best
possible transaxle operation. The quick learn proce-
dure should be performed if any of the following pro-
cedures are performed:
²Transaxle Assembly Replacement
²Transmission Control Module Replacement
²Solenoid Pack Replacement
²Clutch Plate and/or Seal Replacement
²Valve Body Replacement or Recondition
To perform the Quick Learn Procedure, the follow-
ing conditions must be met:
²The brakes must be applied
²The engine speed must be above 500 rpm
²The throttle angle (TPS) must be less than 3
degrees
21 - 82 TRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNITNS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
SOLENOID ASSEMBLY-REPLACE
To install solenoid assembly, reverse removal pro-
cedure. Tighten screws to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
The transmission range sensor is located within
the transaxle. To remove the TRS the transaxle oil
pan and valve body must be removed.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove engine air cleaner and tube.
(3) Remove gearshift cable (Fig. 17).
(4) Remove manual valve lever.
(5) Disconnect transmission range sensor connec-
tor.
(6) Hoist vehicle.
(7) Carefully remove transaxle oil pan and drain
fluid.
(8) Remove transaxle oil filter. Let transaxle oil
drain fully.
(9) Remove valve body retaining bolts.
(10) Extract park rod from guide bracket and
remove valve body from transaxle.
(11) Place valve body on workbench (Fig. 18).
(12) Remove TRS retaining screw (Fig. 19).
Fig. 12 Manual Valve Lever (Shift Lever)
Fig. 13 Remove Input Speed Sensor
Fig. 14 Remove Sound Cover
Fig. 15 Remove Attaching Screws
Fig. 16 Remove Solenoid Assembly
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 85
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
INSTALLATION
To install valve body, reverse removal procedure
CAUTION: The valve body manual shaft pilot may
distort and bind the manual valve if the valve body
is mishandled or dropped.
NOTE: To ease installation of the valve body, turn
the manual valve lever fully clockwise.
Guide park rod rollers into guide bracket, while
shifting manual lever assembly out of the installation
position.
TRANSAXLE
Transaxle removal does NOT require engine
removal.
See Group 7, Cooling to drain engine cooling sys-
tem and remove coolant return extension (3.0 liter
engine only).The transaxle and torque converter must be
removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque con-
verter drive plate, pump bushing or oil seal may be
damaged. The drive plate will not support a load;
therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should
be allowed to rest on the drive plate during removal.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove air cleaner duct. Disconnect transaxle
shift linkage at manual valve lever (Fig. 34).
(3) Squeeze grommet clips and remove cable at
transaxle bracket (Fig. 35) (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove 16±way engine harness connector from
dipstick tube bracket. Remove dipstick tube bracket
nut at cylinder head. Remove dipstick tube.
(5) Remove transaxle cooler lines.
(6) Remove connector at transaxle solenoid pack.
(7) Remove input and output speed sensor wiring
connectors (Fig. 37) (Fig. 38).
Fig. 32 Remove Valve Body
Fig. 33 Valve Body Removed
Fig. 34 Shift Linkage At Manual Valve Lever
Fig. 35 Grommet Clips
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 89
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
NOTE: Dependent on engine application, some
accumulators will have two springs and others will
have one spring. The springs are color coded for
application and year.NOTE: To ease installation of the valve body, turn
the manual valve fully clockwise.
Fig. 271 Install Oil Pump
Fig. 272 Install Pump Attaching Bolts
Fig. 273 Install Low/Reverse Accumulator
Fig. 274 Install Low/Reverse Accumulator Plug
(Cover)
Fig. 275 Install Low/Reverse Accumulator Snap
Ring
Fig. 276 Accumulator (Underdrive)
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 137
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
FLUID LEAK DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing fluid leaks on the Power Transfer
Unit two weep holes are provided to diagnose certainseal leaks. These holes are located on the bottom side
of the assembly (Fig. 6).
If fluid leak is detected from either weep hole, seal
replacement is necessary.Do not attempt to repair
the leak by sealing weep holes,they must be kept
clear of sealants for proper seal operation.
If fluid is leaking from weep hole A (Fig. 6) the
type of fluid leaking will determine which seal needs
to be replaced. If the fluid leaking is red in color
(transmission fluid) this indicates that the Transmis-
sion differential carrier seal should be replaced. If
the fluid leaking is light brown (gear lube) this indi-
cates that the Power Transfer Unit input seal should
be replaced. For replacement of these seals refer to
Power Transfer Unit Service Procedures.
If fluid is leaking from weep hole B (Fig. 6) the
type of fluid leaking will determine which seal is
leaking. If the fluid leaking is red in color (transmis-
sion fluid) this indicates that the input shaft end seal
should be replaced. If the fluid leaking is light brown
(gear lube) this indicates that the half shaft inner
seal and P.T.U. input shaft cover seal should be
replaced. For replacement of these seals refer to
Power Transfer Unit Service Procedures.
Before condemning any seal or gasket be sure that
the rear rocker arm cover on the engine is not the
cause of the oil leak. Oil leaking from the rocker arm
cover is easily mistaken for a leaking Power Transfer
Unit.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
POWER TRANSFER UNIT (P.T.U.)
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and remove front wheels.
Fig. 3 Seal Location
Fig. 4 Seal Location
Fig. 5 Seal Location
Fig. 6 Weep Hole Locations
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 167
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
GENERAL INFORMATION
A-598 MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when working on these transaxles.The A-598
manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30 engine oil, meet-
ing SG and/or SG-CD qualifications, as the factory
fill lubricant. SAE G5 10W-40 engine oil is a suitable
service fill alternative.
This transaxle combines gear reduction, ratio selec-
tion, and differential functions in one unit. It is
housed in a die-cast aluminum case.
A-558 MANUAL TRANSAXLEÐRHD VEHICLES
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when working on these transaxles.The A-558
manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30 engine oil, meet-
ing SG and/or SG-CD qualifications, as the factory
fill lubricant. SAE G5 10W-40 engine oil is a suitable
service fill alternative.
This transaxle combines gear reduction, ratio selec-
tion, and differential functions in one unit. It is
housed in a die-cast aluminum case.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
The A-598 transaxle model, assembly number,
build date, and final-drive ratio are stamped on a tag
that is attached to the top of the transaxle (Fig. 1).
The last eight digits of the Vehicle Identification
Number (V.I.N.) are stamped on a raised boss on top
of the clutch housing area.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATIONÐRHD
VEHICLES
The A-558 transaxle model, assembly number,
build date, and final-drive ratio are stamped on a tag
that is attached to the top of the transaxle (Fig. 2).NOTE: Certain transaxle assemblies utilize high-
strength steel in various gears. It is imperative that
the correct transaxle assembly number is utilized
when ordering service parts. Do not remove this
tag, so the information is available for future ser-
vice.
The last eight digits of the Vehicle Identification
Number (V.I.N.) are stamped on a raised boss on top
of the clutch housing area.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT
The A-598 manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30
engine oil, meeting SG and/or SG-CD qualifications,
as the factory fill lubricant. G5 SAE 10W-40 engine
oil is a suitable service fill alternative.Hypoid gear
lube, manual transmission fluid, and/or auto-
matic transmission fluid should not be used in
this transaxle.Hard shifting effort, bearing, gear,
and/or synchronizer failure may occur if incorrect
fluid is used.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANTÐRHD VEHICLES
The A-558 manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30
engine oil, meeting SG and/or SG-CD qualifications,
as the factory fill lubricant. G5 SAE 10W-40 engine
oil is a suitable service fill alternative.Hypoid gear
lube, manual transmission fluid, and/or auto-
matic transmission fluid should not be used in
this transaxle.Hard shifting effort, bearing, gear,
and/or synchronizer failure may occur if incorrect
fluid is used.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
The addition of any fluids to the transaxle, other
than the fluid listed above, is not recommended. An
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
Fig. 1 Transaxle Identification
Fig. 2 Transaxle Identification
21 - 2 A±598 MANUAL TRANSAXLENS/GS