GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication and Maintenance
2Suspension
5Brakes
6Clutch
7Cooling System
8ABattery
8BStarting System
8EInstrument Panel and Systems
8HVehicle Speed Control System
8KWiper and Washer Systems
8LLamps
8QVehicle Theft/Security Systems
8UChime Warning/Reminder System
8WWiring Diagrams
9Engine
13Frame and Bumpers
14Fuel SystemÐ2.5L Diesel Engine/2.0L Gas Engine
19Steering
21AÐ598 Manual Transaxle
23Body
24Heating and Air Conditioning
25Emission Control System
Camber adjustment is allowed in the event that a
vehicle is involved in an accident and after repairs
are made meeting manufacturers tolerance specifica-
tions, the camber setting will not meet manufactur-
ers specifications. If camber adjustment is required,
refer to the following Service Camber Adjustment
Procedure for the required steps to be followed.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to modify any suspen-
sion or steering components to meet vehicle align-
ment specifications, by heating and or bending.
Alignment checks and adjustments should be made
in the following sequence.
(1) Camber
(2) ToeCamberis the number of degrees the top of the
wheel and tire assembly is tilted inboard or outboard
from a true vertical line. Inboard tilt is negative cam-
ber. Outboard tilt is positive camber (Fig. 1).
Excessive camber is a tire wear factor: negative
camber causes wear on the inside of the tires tread
surface, while positive camber causes wear to the
outside of the tires tread surface. See Front Wheel
Drive Specifications forCamber.settings.
To eis measured in degrees or inches and is the
distance the front edges of the tires are closer (or far-
ther apart) than the rear edges. See Front Wheel
Drive Specifications forToe.settings.
Fig. 1 Front Suspension Alignment Angles
2 - 2 SUSPENSIONNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
mounting location of the vehicle's suspension compo-
nents throughout the design and assembly processes
of the vehicle. This is called a Net Build vehicle and
results in no normal requirement to adjustment the
Caster and Camber after a vehicle is built or when
servicing the suspension components. Thus Caster
and Camber are not normally considered an adjust-
able specification when performing an alignment on
this vehicle. Though Caster and Camber are not
adjustable they should be checked during the align-
ment procedure to ensure they meet the manufactur-
ers specifications.
If front camber does not meet the vehicle align-
ment specifications, it can be adjusted using a Mopar
Service Kit developed to allow for camber adjust-
ment. If a vehicle's front camber does not meet
required specifications, the vehicles suspension com-
ponents should be inspected for any signs of damage
or bending and the vehicle ride height should be
checked to verify it is within required specification.
This inspection must be done before using the
Mopar Service Kit for setting camber to the
vehicle specification.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the vehicles
Caster or Camber by heating, bending or by per-
forming any other modification to the vehicle's front
suspension components.
(1) Correctly position the vehicle on the alignment
rack. Then install all required alignment equipment
on the vehicle, per the alignment equipment manu-
facturers specifications.
NOTE: Prior to reading each alignment specifica-
tion, front and rear of vehicle should be jounced an
equal number of times. Induce jounce (rear first
then front) by grasping center of bumper and jounc-
ing each end of vehicle an equal number of times.
Bumper should always be released when vehicle is
at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(2) Correctly jounce vehicle and then read the
vehicle's current front and rear alignment settings.
Compare the vehicle's current alignment settings to
the vehicle specifications for camber, caster and Toe-
in. See Alignment Specifications in this group of the
service manual for the required specifications.If
front and rear camber readings are within
required specifications proceed to step Step 3
for the Toe-in adjustment procedure if
required. If Camber readings are not within
specifications refer to step Step 1 in the front
camber adjustment cam bolt adjustment proce-
dure.CAMBER ADJUSTMENT CAM BOLT PACKAGE INSTALLATION
PROCEDURE
(1) If the front camber readings obtained are not
within the vehicle's specifications, use the following
procedure and the Mopar Clevis Bolt Service Kit to
provide camber adjustment. The kit contains 2 flange
bolts, 2 cam bolts, and 2 dog bone washers. These
components of the service kit are necessary to assem-
ble the strut to the steering knuckle, after modifica-
tion of the strut clevis bracket.
(2) Verify that the strut and steering knuckle are
not bent or otherwise damaged. If either component
is bent or show other signs of damage, replace
required component(s) and check the camber setting
again. Refer to Strut Damper Assembly Service in
this group of the service manual for the required
strut replacement procedure.
(3) If no component is bent or damaged, use the
following procedure for modifying the strut clevis
bracket and adjusting the camber setting.
(4) Raise front of vehicle until tires are not sup-
porting the weight of the vehicle. Then remove wheel
and tire assembly from the location on the vehicle
requiring the strut to be modified.
CAUTION: When removing the steering knuckle
from the strut clevis bracket, do not put a strain on
the brake flex hose. Also, do not let the weight of
the steering knuckle assembly be supported by the
brake flex hose when removed from the strut
assembly. If necessary use a wire hanger to sup-
port the steering knuckle assembly or if required
remove the brake flex hose from the caliper assem-
bly.
CAUTION: The steering knuckle strut assembly
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Remove nuts while holding bolts
stationary in the steering knuckles.
(5) Remove the top and bottom, strut clevis
bracket to steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 2)
and discard. Separate the steering knuckle from the
strut clevis bracket and position steering knuckle so
it is out of the way of the strut.
CAUTION: When slotting the bottom mounting
hole on the strut clevis bracket, do not enlarge the
hole beyond the indentations (Fig. 3) on the sides
of the strut clevis bracket.
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 5
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
CLUTCH DIAGNOSIS
Problem diagnosis will generally require a road
test to determine the type of fault. Component
inspection will then determine the problem after road
testing.
Drive the vehicle at normal speeds during road
test. Shift the transaxle through all gear ranges andobserve clutch action. If chatter, grab, slip, or
improper release is experienced, remove and inspect
the clutch components. If the problem is noise or
hard shifting, further diagnosis may be needed. The
transaxle or other driveline components may actually
be at fault.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS±CLUTCH GRAB/CHATTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC FACING
COVERED WITH OIL OR
GREASEOil leak at engine rear main or transaxle
input shaft sealCorrect leak and replace clutch assembly
NO FAULT FOUND WITH
CLUTCH
COMPONENTSProblem actually related to suspension
or driveline componentFurther diagnosis required. Check
engine/transmission mounts, suspension
attaching parts and other driveline
components as needed.
Engine related problems Check EFI and ignition systems
PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT
OF CLUTCH DISCClutch cover, spring, or release fingers
bent, distorted (rough handling, improper
assembly)Replace clutch assembly
Clutch disc damaged or distorted Replace clutch assembly
Clutch misalignment Check alignment and runout of flywheel,
disc, or cover. Check clutch housing to
engine dowels and dowel holes for
damage. Correct as necessary.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS±CLUTCH SLIPS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DISC FACING WORN
OUTNormal wear. Replace clutch assembly.
Driver frequently rides (slips) clutch,
results in rapid wear overheating.Replace clutch assembly
Insufficient clutch cover diaphragm
spring tensionReplace clutch assembly
CLUTCH DISC FACING
CONTAMINATED WITH
OIL OR GREASELeak at rear main oil seal or transaxle
input shaft sealReplace leaking seals. Replace clutch
assembly.
Road splash, water entering housing Seal housing. Inspect clutch assembly.
CLUTCH IS RUNNING
PARTIALLY
DISENGAGEDRelease bearing sticking or binding,
does not return to normal running
position.Verify that bearing is actually binding.
Then, replace bearing and transmission
front bearing retainer if sleeve surface is
damaged.
Cable self-adjuster mechanism sticking
or binding causing high preload (LHD
Applications only)Verify that self-adjuster is free to move
(LHD Applications only)
CLUTCH DISC FACINGS
HAVE FRACTURED INTO
SMALL PIECESDriver performs a 5-1 downshift at
vehicle speed in excess of 60 miles per
hourAlert driver to problem cause. Replace
clutch assembly.
Excessive heat from slippage Replace clutch assembly
6 - 6 CLUTCHNS/GS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
If the gasket is dirty or damaged, a vacuum
may not be achieved, resulting is loss of coolant
and eventual overheating due to low coolant
level in radiator and engine.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
The engine block heater is available as an optional
accessory on all models. The heater is operated by
ordinary house current (110 Volt A.C.) through a
power cord located behind the radiator grille. This
provides easier engine starting and faster warm-up
when vehicle is operated in areas having extremely
low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole (in place of a core hole plug) in the engine block,
with the heating element immersed in coolant.
Fig. 7 Cooling ModuleÐ3.0L (Front A/C Only)
Fig. 8 Cooling ModuleÐ3.0/3.3/3.8L (With Rear A/C)
Fig. 9 Radiator Pressure Cap Filler Neck
NSCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 5
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
RADIATOR COOLANT FLOW TEST
To determine whether coolant is flowing through
the cooling system, use the following procedure:
(1) If engine is cold, idle engine until normal oper-
ating temperature is reached. Then feel the upper
radiator hose. If it is hot, coolant is circulating.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR PRES-
SURE CAP WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
(2) Remove radiator pressure cap when engine is
cold, idle engine until thermostat opens, you should
observe coolant flow while looking down the filler
neck. Once flow is detected install radiator pressure
cap.
RADIATOR FAN CONTROL
Fan control is accomplished two ways. A pressure
transducer on the compressor discharge line sends a
signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
which will activate the fan. In addition to this con-
trol, the fan is turned on by the temperature of the
coolant which is sensed by the coolant temperature
sensor which sends the message to the PCM. The fan
will not run during cranking until the engine starts
no matter what the coolant temperature is.
CAUTION: The solid state fan relay is attached to
the left frame rail near the lower radiator support.
The relay bracket, and fastener are used to dissi-
pate heat from the relay. Ensure the relay is prop-
erly attached to prevent the following:
²Intermittent engine overheating.
²Relay ªthermalº shutdown, or relay damage.
ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR TEST
Refer to Powertrain Diagnostic Manual for proce-
dure.
TESTING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
With engine not running, wipe the radiator filler
neck sealing seat clean. The radiator should be full.
Attach the Radiator Pressure Tool to the radiator,
as shown in (Fig. 12) and apply 104 kPa (15 psi)
pressure. If the pressure drops more than 2 psi in 2
minutes, inspect all points for external leaks.
All radiator and heater hoses should be shaken
while at 104 kPa (15 psi), since some leaks occur only
while driving due to engine movement.
If there are no external leaks, after the gauge dial
shows a drop in pressure, detach the tester. Start
engine and run the engine up to normal operating
temperature to open the thermostat and allow the
coolant to expand. Reattach the tester. If the needleon the dial fluctuates it indicates a combustion leak,
usually a head gasket leak.
RADIATOR FAN OPERATION
Radiator Fan Control A/C Pressure
Fan
Operation
Low
Fan
Speed
30%High
Fan
Speed
100%Low
Fan
Speed
30%High
Fan
Speed
100%
On: 104ÉC
(220ÉF)110ÉC
(230ÉF)
Fan
Speed
Duty-
Cycles
(Ramps-
up) from
31% to
99%1,724
Kpa
(250
psi)2,068
Kpa
(300
psi)Fan
Speed
Duty-
Cycles
(Ramps-
up) from
31% to
99%
Off: 101ÉC
(214ÉF)Fan
Speed
Duty-
Cycles
(Ramps-
down)
from
99% to
31%1,710
Kpa
(248
psi)Fan
Speed
Duty-
Cycles
(Ramps-
down)
from
99% to
31%
Fig. 12 Pressure Testing Cooling System
7 - 14 COOLING SYSTEMNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
NOTE: Do not use any type of tool when tighten-
ing the cap. Hand tighten only (approximately 5 N´m
or 44 in. lbs.) torque.
COOLANT PERFORMANCE
ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon the climate and vehicle oper-
ating conditions. The recommended mixture of 50/50
ethylene-glycol and water will provide protection
against freezing to -37 deg. C (-35 deg. F). The anti-
freeze concentrationmust alwaysbe a minimum of
44 percent, year-round in all climates.If percentage
is lower than 44 percent, engine parts may be
eroded by cavitation, and cooling system com-
ponents may be severely damaged by corrosion.
Maximum protection against freezing is provided
with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which
prevents freezing down to -67.7 deg. C (-90 deg. F). A
higher percentage will freeze at a warmer tempera-
ture.100 Percent Ethylene-GlycolÐShould Not Be Used in
Chrysler Vehicles
Use of 100 percent ethylene-glycol will cause for-
mation of additive deposits in the system, as the cor-
rosion inhibitive additives in ethylene-glycol require
the presence of water to dissolve. The deposits act as
insulation, causing temperatures to rise to as high as
149 deg. C (300) deg. F). This temperature is hot
enough to melt plastic and soften solder. The
increased temperature can result in engine detona-
tion. In addition, 100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes
at 22 deg. C (-8 deg. F ).
Propylene-glycol FormulationsÐShould Not Be Used in
Chrysler Vehicles
Propylene-glycol formulations do not meet
Chrysler coolant specifications.It's overall effec-
tive temperature range is smaller than that of ethyl-
ene-glycol. The freeze point of 50/50 propylene-glycol
and water is -32 deg. C (-26 deg. F). 5 deg. C higher
than ethylene-glycol's freeze point. The boiling point
(protection against summer boil-over) of propylene-
glycol is 125 deg. C (257 deg.F)at96.5 kPa (14 psi),
compared to 128 deg. C (263 deg. F) for ethylene-gly-
col. Use of propylene-glycol can result in boil-over or
freeze-up in Chrysler vehicles, which are designed for
ethylene-glycol. Propylene glycol also has poorer heat
transfer characteristics than ethylene glycol. This
can increase cylinder head temperatures under cer-
tain conditions.
Propylene-glycol/Ethylene-glycol MixturesÐShould Not Be
Used in Chrysler Vehicles
Propylene-glycol/ethylene-glycol Mixtures can
cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibi-
tors, causing damage to the various cooling system
components. Also, once ethylene-glycol and propy-
lene-glycol based coolants are mixed in the vehicle,
conventional methods of determining freeze point will
not be accurate. Both the refractive index and spe-
cific gravity differ between ethylene glycol and propy-
lene glycol.
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
BELT TENSION
Correct accessory drive belt tension is required to
be sure of optimum performance of belt driven engine
accessories. If specified tension is not maintained,
belt slippage may cause; engine overheating, lack of
power steering assist, loss of air conditioning capac-
ity, reduced generator output rate and greatly
reduced belt life.
Fig. 11 Coolant Tank Pressure/Vent Cap
NS/GSCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 5
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Clean Spark Plug cables with a cloth moistened
with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry.
Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
SPARK PLUG CABLESÐ3.3/3.8L
The spark plug cables and spark plug boots are
made from high temperature silicone materials. The
spark plug boots utilize metal heat shields for ther-
mal protection from the exhaust manifold. The heat
shields slide over the spark plug boots. The notches
on the heat shields ensure the spark plug boot and
shield twist together during spark plug boot removal.
They also identify proper heat shield installation on
the boot for service.Refer to 3.3/3.8L Spark Plug
Cable removal and installation.All spark plug
cable leads are properly identified with cylinder num-
bers. The inside of the spark plug boot is coated with
a special high temperature silicone grease for greater
sealing and to minimize boot bonding to the spark
plug insulator. The convoluted tubing on the rear
plug cables are made of a high temperature plastic
material. Under normal driving conditions, the spark
plug cables have a recommended service life of a
100,000 miles. The spark plugs have a recommended
service life of 75,000 miles for severe driving condi-
tions per schedule B in this manual.
The spark plug heat shield can be reused if an
ignition cable is replaced due to failure. Never reuse
heat shield's that have heat shield anti-twist, side or
spark plug attachment tabs bent or missing. Ensure
that the heat shield is properly attached to the spark
plug to avoid RFI problems. The bottom of the spark
plug heat shield must make contact with the spark
plug hex.
The front ignition cables must not make contact
with the oil dip stick tube and #5 cable must not
touch the coil mounting bolt to avoid abrasion/dielec-
tric failures.
IGNITION COIL
WARNING: THE DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM GEN-
ERATES APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VOLTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT
WITH THIS SYSTEM.
The ignition coil assembly consists of 3 indepen-
dent coils molded together (Fig. 4). The coil assembly
is mounted on the intake manifold. Spark plug cables
route to each cylinder from the coil. The coil fires two
spark plugs every power stroke. One plug is the cyl-
inder under compression, the other cylinder fires on
the exhaust stroke. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) determines which of the coils to charge and
fire at the correct time.
Coil 1 fires cylinders 1 and 4, coil 2 fires cylinders
2 and 5, coil 3 fires cylinders 3 and 6.The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil
primary transfers to the secondary causing the
spark. The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it
does not receive the crankshaft position sensor and
camshaft position sensor inputs. Refer to Auto Shut-
down (ASD) RelayÐPCM Output, in this section for
relay operation.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) operates
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay by switching the
ground path on and off.
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage to the fuel
injectors, electronic ignition coil and the heating ele-
ments in the oxygen sensors.
The PCM controls the relay by switching the
ground path for the solenoid side of the relay on and
off. The PCM turns the ground path off when the
ignition switch is in the Off position unless the 02
Heater Monitor test is being run. Refer to Group 25,
On-Board Diagnostics. When the ignition switch is in
the On or Crank position, the PCM monitors the
crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sen-
sor signals to determine engine speed and ignition
timing (coil dwell). If the PCM does not receive the
crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sen-
sor signals when the ignition switch is in the Run
position, it will de-energize the ASD relay.
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). The PDC is located on the driver's
side inner fender well (Fig. 5). A label on the under-
side of the PDC cover identifies the relays and fuses
in the PDC.
Fig. 4 Ignition Coil Pack
8D - 4 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)