1999 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

CAUTION: When reinstalling driveshafts, new drive-
shaft retaining clips must be used. Do not reuse old
clips. Failure to use new clips may result in disen-
gagement of inner constant±velocity joint.
CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be discon-
nected from the exhaust manifold anytime the
engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the
flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.
(14) Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to
exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(15) Remove transaxle to rear lateral bending
strut from engine and transaxle (Fig. 28).
(16) Remove front engine bracket through±bolt.
Remove front engine bracket bolts (Fig. 29).
(17) Remove lower starter bolt (Fig. 30).
(18) Remove lower dust shield screw.
(19) Rotate engine clockwise to gain access to con-
verter bolts (Fig. 31). Remove torque converter bolts
(Fig. 32). Mark converter to flex plate for reassembly
ease.
(20) Support transaxle with a transmission jack.
(21) Remove left mount through±bolt (Fig. 33).
Remove left mount bolts from transaxle (Fig. 34).
(22) Remove left transaxle mount from transaxle.
(23) Remove rear engine bolt at transaxle.
(24) Carefully work transaxle and torque converter
assembly rearward off engine block dowels. Disen-
gage converter hub from end of crankshaft.Attach a
small C-clamp to edge of bellhousing. This will
hold torque converter in place during transaxle
removal.Lower transaxle and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install transaxle, reverse removal procedure.(2) If torque converter was removed from transaxle
be sure to align pump inner gear pilot flats with
torque converter impeller hub flats.
(3) Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
(4) Refill transaxle with MOPARtATF PLUS 3
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) type 7176.
(5) Verify that vehicle's back-up lights and speed-
ometer are functioning properly.
Fig. 28 Bracket Removal
Fig. 29 Front Engine Bracket
Fig. 30 Starter Bolts
21 - 66 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

PUMP OIL SEAL
The pump oil seal can be replaced without remov-
ing the pump and reaction shaft support assembly
from the transaxle case.
REMOVAL
(1) Screw seal remover Tool C-3981-B into seal
(Fig. 35), then tighten screw portion of tool to with-
draw the seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install a new seal, place seal in opening of
the pump housing (lip side facing inward). Using Tool
C-4193 and Handle Tool C-4171, drive new seal into
housing until tool bottoms (Fig. 36).
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
TRANSAXLE
Prior to removing any transaxle parts, plug all
openings and clean the unit, preferably with steam.
When disassembling, each part should be washed in
a suitable solvent, then dried with compressed air.
Do not wipe parts with shop towels. All mating sur-
faces in the transaxles are accurately machined;
therefore, careful handling of all parts must be exer-
cised to avoid nicks or burrs.
Fig. 31 Rotate Engine
Fig. 32 Torque Converter Bolts
Fig. 33 Left Transaxle Mount Through±Bolt
Fig. 34 Left Mount Bolts
Fig. 35 Remove Pump Oil Seal
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 67
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
Remove all old sealant before applying new seal-
ant.
Use only MopartSilicone Rubber Sealant or equiv-
alent when installing oil pan.
Put sealant on the oil pan flange (Fig. 38) and on
all oil pan bolts (underside of bolt head).
Remove neutral starting and back-up lamp switch.
Measuring input shaft end play before disassembly
will usually indicate if a thrust washer change is
required. The thrust washer is located between input
and output shafts.
Attach a dial indicator to transaxle bell housing
with its plunger seated against end of input shaft
(Fig. 45).
Move input shaft in and out to obtain end play
reading. End play specifications are 0.19 to 1.50 mm
(0.008 to 0.060 inch).
Fig. 36 Install Pump Oil Seal
Fig. 37 Transaxle Oil Pan Bolts
Fig. 38 Transaxle Oil Pan
Fig. 39 Oil Filter Screws
Fig. 40 Oil Filter
21 - 68 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Record indicator reading for reference when reas-
sembling the transaxle.
Fig. 41 Remove Parking Rod E-Clip
Fig. 42 Parking Rod
Fig. 43 Valve Body Attaching Bolts
Fig. 44 Valve Body and Governor Tubes
Fig. 45 Measure Input Shaft End Play
Fig. 46 Loosen Lock Nut and Tighten Kickdown
Band Adjusting Screw
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 69
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Fig. 47 Pump Attaching Bolts
Fig. 48 Install Tool C-3752 with Adapters L-4437
Fig. 49 Oil Pump with No. 1 Thrust Washer
Fig. 50 Oil Pump Gasket
Fig. 51 Loosen Kickdown Band Adjusting Screw
Fig. 52 Kickdown Band and Strut
21 - 70 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Fig. 53 Front Clutch Assembly
Fig. 54 No. 2 Thrust Washer and Rear Clutch
Fig. 55 No. 3 Thrust Washer
Fig. 56 Front Planetary Gear Snap Ring
Fig. 57 Front Planetary Gear Assembly
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 71
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Remove Number 6 thrust washer from sun
gear driving shell.
Fig. 58 Sun Gear Driving Shell
Fig. 59 Sun Gear Driving Shell Components
Fig. 60 No. 9 Thrust Washer
Fig. 61 Rear Planetary Gear Assembly
Fig. 62 No. 10 Thrust Washer
Fig. 63 Overrunning Clutch Cam Assembly
21 - 72 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Fig. 64 Overrunning Clutch Rollers and Spring
Fig. 65 Loosen or Adjust Low/Reverse Band
Fig. 66 Low/Reverse Band and Strut
Fig. 67 No. 11 Thrust Washer
Fig. 68 Install Overrunning Clutch Rollers and
Springs
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 73
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)