1999 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

DRIVE PLATE MISALIGNMENT
Common causes of misalignment are:
²Heat warping
²Mounting drive plate on a dirty crankshaft
flange
²Incorrect bolt tightening
²Improper seating on the crankshaft shoulder
²Loose crankshaft bolts
Clean the crankshaft flange before mounting the
drive plate. Dirt and grease on the flange surface
may misalign the flywheel, causing excessive runout.
Use new bolts when mounting drive plate to crank-
shaft. Tighten drive plate bolts to specified torque
only. Over-tightening can distort the drive plate hub
causing excessive runout.
CLUTCH COVER AND DISC RUNOUT
Check condition of the clutch cover before installa-
tion. A warped cover or diaphragm spring will cause
grab and/or incomplete release or engagement. Use
care when handling the clutch assembly. Impact can
distort the cover, diaphragm spring, and release fin-
gers.
CLUTCH CHATTER COMPLAINTS
For all clutch chatter complaints, do the following:
(1) Check for loose, misaligned, or broken engine
and transmission mounts. If present, they should be
corrected at this time. Test vehicle for chatter. If
chatter is gone, there is no need to go any further. If
chatter persists:
(2) Check to see if clutch cable routing is correct
and operates smoothly.
(3) Check for loose connections in drive train. Cor-
rect any problems and determine if clutch chatter
complaints have been satisfied. If not:
(4) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(5) Check to see if the release bearing is sticky or
binding. Replace bearing, if needed.
(6) Check linkage for excessive wear on the pivot
stud and fork fingers. Replace all worn parts.
(7) Check clutch assembly for contamination (dirt,
oil). Replace clutch assembly, if required.
(8) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines are
damaged. Replace with new clutch assembly, if nec-
essary.
(9) Check input shaft splines for damage. Replace,
if necessary.
(10) Check for uneven wear on clutch fingers.
(11) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers. Replace with new clutch assembly, if
necessary.
CLASH±INTO±REVERSE COMPLAINTS
Certain NV T350 (A-578) manual transaxles are
equipped with a reverse brake. It prevents clash
when shifting into reverse, but only if the vehicle is
not moving. See Group 21, Transaxle for further
diagnosis.
(1) Depress clutch pedal to floor and hold. After
three seconds, shift to reverse. If clash is present,
clutch has excessive spin time, and the reverse brake
may not be functioning.
(2) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(3) Check the input shaft spline, clutch disc
splines, and release bearing for dry rust. If present,
clean rust off and apply a light coat of bearing grease
to the input shaft splines. Apply grease on the input
shaft splines only where the clutch disc slides. Verify
that the clutch disc slides freely along the input shaft
spline.
(4) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines are
damaged, and replace with new clutch assembly if
required.
(5) Check the input shaft for damaged splines.
Replace as necessary.
(6) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers.
(7) Install clutch assembly and transaxle.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CLUTCH CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Pull up and remove Power Distribution Center.
(2) Remove clutch cable inspection cover.
(3) Pull back on clutch cable housing and disen-
gage cable from housing (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Cable at Transaxle
6 - 6 CLUTCHPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(4) Guide cable through slot in transaxle and dis-
connect cable from release lever.
(5) Disconnect clutch cable up-stop/spacer with
cable strand from clutch pedal.
NOTE: Depressing the clutch pedal provides
access to the clutch cable strand. Disconnect the
cable up-stop/spacer from the pedal pivot pin by
removing the snap ring at the top of the clutch
pedal. Wedge a flat±blade pry tool between the pin
and the retaining tab. While holding the tab slightly
separated from the pin, pull the up-stop/spacer off
the pedal. Now remove the cable end from the up-
stop/spacer.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clutch cable to
remove it from the dash panel. Damage to the cable
self-adjuster may occur.
(6) Remove the cable from the cable routing tube
and clutch bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the self±adjuster mechanism end of the
clutch cable through the cable routing tube and into
the bracket.
(2) Be sure the self±adjuster is firmly seated
against the clutch bracket to ensure proper adjuster
mechanism function.
(3) Connect the clutch cable to the up-stop/spacer.
(4) Connect the up-stop/spacer to the clutch pedal.
(5) Install snap ring to hold up-stop spacer in
place.
(6) Perform the Adjuster Mechanism Function
Check before finishing installation.
ADJUSTER MECHANISM FUNCTION CHECK
(1) With slight pressure, pull the clutch release
lever end of the cable to draw the cable taut. Push
the clutch cable housing toward the dash panel (With
less than 25 lbs. of effort, the cable housing should
move 30-50mm.). This indicates proper adjuster
mechanism function. If the cable does not adjust,
determine if the mechanism is properly seated on the
bracket tube.
(2) If the adjust mechanism functions properly,
guide the cable through the slot in the transaxle
housing. Connect cable to release lever, seating the
cupped washer securely on lever tangs.
(3) Pull back on clutch cable housing and insert
into transaxle housing (Fig. 2).
(4) Reinstall cable inspection cover and PDC.
Check clutch pedal position switch operation.
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
The clutch pedal position switch is mounted to a
bracket located behind the clutch pedal. The switch
is held in place by four plastic wing tabs.
The clutch pedal position switch IS NOT adjust-
able. The pedal blade contacts the switch in the down
position (Fig. 3).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical harness to switch connec-
tor.
(2) Depress wing tabs on switch and push switch
out of mounting bracket. Then slide wires through
slot in bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Slide switch wires through slot in switch
bracket.
(2) Line up switch tab with slot in switch bracket
and push switch into position. Do not pull on the
switch wires to seat switch into bracket, switch dam-
age may occur.
(3) Attach switch wiring harness to vehicle wiring
harness.
(4) After installation, the switch must be checked
for proper operation. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing
section for proper testing procedures.
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Neon vehicles produced at the Toluca assembly
plant, in Mexico, have conventional clutch and fly-
wheel assemblies. Vehicles produced at Belvidere
assembly plant have modular clutch assemblies.
TOLUCA BUILT VEHICLES
The transaxle must be removed to service the
clutch disc, flywheel, clutch cover and/or the release
bearing and lever.
Fig. 3 Clutch Pedal Position Switch and
Components
PLCLUTCH 6 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle, for procedure.
(2) Mark clutch cover and flywheel, to maintain
their same relative positions when installing clutch
assembly.
(3) Insert Clutch Disc Aligning Tool 6724 through
the clutch disc hub to prevent the clutch disc from
falling and damaging the facings (Fig. 4).
(4) Loosen clutch cover attaching bolts, one or two
turns at a time, in a crisscross pattern. This will
release spring pressure evenly and avoid cover dam-
age.
CAUTION: Do not touch the clutch disc facing with
oily or dirty hands. Oil or dirt transferred from your
hands onto the clutch disc facing may cause clutch
chatter.
(5) Remove the clutch pressure plate and cover
assembly and disc from flywheel. Handle carefully to
avoid contaminating the friction surfaces.
INSPECTION
(1) Inspect for oil leakage through engine rear
main bearing oil seal and transaxle input shaft seal.
If leakage is noted, it should be corrected at this
time.
(2) The friction faces of the flywheel and pressure
plate should not have excessive discoloration, burned
areas, cracks, deep grooves, or ridges. Replace parts
as required.
(3) Clean the flywheel face with medium sandpa-
per (80-180 grade), then wipe the surface with min-
eral spirits. If the surface is severely scored, heat
checked, cracked or warped, replace the flywheel.CAUTION: Do not flat-machine the flywheel face.
The surface profile is tapered.
(4) The heavy side of the flywheel is indicated by a
daub of white paint near the outside diameter. To
minimizethe effects of flywheel unbalance, perform
the following installation procedure:
²Loose assemble the flywheel to the crankshaft.
Use new flywheel attaching bolts which have sealant
on the threads. If new bolts are not available, apply
Loctite sealant to the threads of the original bolts.
This sealant is required to prevent engine oil leak-
age.
²Rotate the flywheel and crankshaft until the
daub of white paint (heavy side) is at the 12 o'clock
position.
²Torque flywheel attaching bolts to 95 N´m (70 ft.
lbs.). Use a crisscross pattern when tightening bolts.
(5) The disc assembly should be handled without
touching the facings. Replace disc if the facings show
evidence of grease or oil soakage, or wear to within
less than .20 mm (.008 inch) of the rivet heads. The
splines on the disc hub and transaxle input shaft
should be a snug fit without signs of excessive wear.
Metallic portions of disc assembly should be dry,
clean, and not discolored from excessive heat. Each of
the arched springs between the facings should not be
broken and all rivets should be tight.
(6) Wipe the friction surface of the pressure plate
with mineral spirits.
(7) Using a straight edge, check pressure plate for
flatness. The pressure plate friction area should be
FLAT TO SLIGHTLY CONCAVE, with the inner
diameter 0.000 mm to 0.1 mm (0.000 in. to 0.0039
in.) below the outer diameter. It should also be free
from discoloration, burned areas, cracks, grooves, or
ridges.
(8) Using a surface plate, test cover for flatness.
All sections around attaching bolt holes should be in
contact with surface plate within .015 inch.
(9) The cover should be a snug fit on flywheel dow-
els. If the clutch assembly does not meet these
requirements, it should be replaced.
INSTALLATION
(1) Mount clutch assembly on flywheel with disc
centered with tool 6724, being careful to properly
align dowels and the alignment marks made before
removal. The flywheel side of the clutch disc is
marked for proper installation. If new clutch or fly-
wheel is installed, align orange cover balance spot as
close as possible to orange flywheel balance spot.
Apply pressure to the alignment tool. Center the tip
of the tool into the crankshaft and the sliding cone
into the clutch fingers. Tighten the clutch attaching
bolts sufficiently to hold the disc in position (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 Clutch Disc Aligning Tool
6 - 8 CLUTCHPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(2) To avoid distortion of the clutch cover, bolts
should be tightened a few turns at a time. Use a
crisscross pattern, until all bolts are seated. Tighten
bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) following a crisscross
pattern sequence. Remove clutch disc alignment tool.
(3) Install transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle for procedures.
BELVIDERE BUILT VEHICLES
The transaxle must be removed to service the mod-
ular clutch disc assembly and lever.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the starter wiring. Remove the starter
assembly.
(2) Remove the rear transaxle support bracket.
(3) Remove the front transaxle support bracket.
(4) Remove modular clutch retaining bolts.
(5) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle, for procedure.
(6) The transaxle and modular clutch come out as
an assembly.
(7) Remove the modular clutch assembly from the
transaxle input shaft (Fig. 6). Handle carefully to
avoid contaminating the friction surfaces.
INSPECTION
(1) Inspect for oil leakage through engine rear
main bearing oil seal and transaxle input shaft seal.
If leakage is noted, it should be corrected at this
time.
INSTALLATION
(1) Mount modular clutch assembly onto input
shaft.
(2) Install transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle, for procedure.NOTE: Use new bolts when mounting modular
clutch assembly to drive plate.
(3) To avoid distortion of the drive plate, bolts
should be tightened a few turns at a time. Use a
crisscross pattern, until all bolts are seated. Tighten
bolts to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.) following a crisscross pat-
tern sequence.
(4) Install clutch inspection cover.
(5) Install transaxle lower support brackets.
(6) Install starter assembly.
RELEASE BEARING AND FORK
Remove the transaxle from the vehicle. See Group
21, Transaxle for removal and installation proce-
dures.
REMOVAL
(1) Move the lever and bearing assembly to a ver-
tical in-line position. Grasp the release lever with
two hands in the pivot stud socket area. Pull with
even pressure and the lever will pop off the pivot-
±stud. Do not use a screwdriver or pry bar to pop off
the lever. This may damage the spring clip on the
lever.
(2) As a unit, remove the fork from the bearing
thrust plate. Be careful not to damage retention tabs
on bearing.
(3) Examine the condition of the bearing.It is
pre-lubricated and sealed and should not be
immersed in oil or solvent.
(4) The bearing should turn smoothly when held in
the hand under a light thrust load. A light drag
caused by the lubricant fill is normal. If the bearing
is noisy, rough, or dry, replace the complete bearing
assembly with a new bearing.
(5) Check the condition of the pivot stud spring
clips on back side of clutch fork. If the clips are bro-
ken or distorted, replace the clutch fork.
Fig. 6 Clutch ComponentsFig. 5 Clutch Installation
PLCLUTCH 6 - 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) The pivot ball pocket in the fork is Teflon
coated and should be installed WITHOUT any lubri-
cant such as grease. Using grease will break down
the Teflon coating. Be sure the ball stud and fork
pocket are clean of contamination and dirt.
(2) Assemble the fork to the bearing. The small
pegs on the bearing must go over the fork arms.
(3) Slide the bearing and fork assembly onto the
input shaft bearing retainer, as a unit.
(4) Snap the clutch fork onto the pivot ball.
(5) Reinstall transaxle assembly. Refer to Group
21, Transaxle for further information.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CLUTCH CONTAMINATION
Fluid contamination is a frequent cause of clutch
malfunctions. Oil, grease, water, or other fluids on
the clutch contact surfaces will cause faulty opera-
tion.
During inspection, note if any components are con-
taminated. Look for evidence of oil, grease, or water/
road splash on clutch components.
OIL CONTAMINATION
Oil contamination indicates a leak at the rear main
seal and/or transaxle input shaft. Oil leaks produce a
residue of oil on the transaxle housing interior, clutch
cover and flywheel. Heat buildup caused by slippage
can bake the oil residue onto the components. This
glaze-like residue ranges in color from amber to
black.
GREASE CONTAMINATION
Grease contamination is usually a product of over-
lubrication. During clutch service, apply only a small
amount of grease to the input shaft splines. Excess
grease may be thrown off during operation, contami-
nating the disc.
ROAD SPLASH/WATER CONTAMINATION
Road splash contamination is usually caused by
driving the vehicle through deep water puddles.
Water can be forced into the clutch housing, causing
clutch components to become contaminated. Facing of
disc will absorb moisture and bond to the flywheel
and/or, pressure plate, if vehicle is allowed to stand
for some time before use. If this condition occurs,
replacement of clutch assembly may be required.
Drive the vehicle until normal clutch operating tem-
perature has been obtained. This will dry off disc
assembly, pressure plate, and flywheel.
CLEANING PRECAUTIONS
Condensation from steam vapors tend to accumu-
late on the internal clutch mechanism when the vehi-
cle is steam cleaned. Facing of disc will absorb
moisture and will bond to flywheel and/or pressure
plate, if vehicle is allowed to stand for some time
before use. If this condition occurs, it may require
replacement of clutch assembly. After cleaning, drive
the vehicle to its normal clutch operating tempera-
ture. This will dry off disc assembly, pressure plate,
and flywheel.
ADJUSTMENTS
CLUTCH CABLE
The manual transaxle clutch release system has a
unique self-adjusting mechanism to compensate for
clutch disc wear. This adjuster mechanism is located
within the clutch cable assembly. The preload spring
maintains tension on the cable. This tension keeps
the clutch release bearing continuously loaded
against the fingers of the clutch cover assembly.
ADJUSTER MECHANISM FUNCTION CHECK
(1) With slight pressure, pull the clutch release
lever end of the cable to draw the cable taut. Push
the clutch cable housing toward the dash panel. With
less than 25 lbs. of effort the cable housing should
move 30-50mm. This indicates proper adjuster mech-
anism function. If the cable does not adjust, deter-
mine if the mechanism is properly seated on the
bracket.
(2) If the adjust mechanism functions properly,
guide the cable through the slot in the transaxle
housing. Connect cable to release lever, seating the
cupped washer securely on lever tangs.
(3) Pull back on clutch cable housing and insert
into transaxle housing (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7 Cable at Transaxle
6 - 10 CLUTCHPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Reinstall cable inspection cover and air cleaner
assembly. Check clutch pedal position switch opera-
tion.
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
The clutch pedal position switch is mounted to a
bracket located behind the clutch pedal. The switch
is held in place by four plastic wing tabs.
The clutch pedal position switch IS NOT adjust-
able. The pedal blade contacts the switch in the down
position (Fig. 8).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
MODULAR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Drive Plate To Clutch Bolts.....75N´m(55ft.lbs.)
Drive Plate To Crankshaft Bolts . .95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.)
Clutch Pedal Pivot Shaft Nut. . . .41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.)
CONVENTIONAL CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Clutch Cover Bolts...........28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts. . . .95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.)
Clutch Pedal Pivot Shaft Nut. . . .41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
CLUTCH
Clutch Disc Aligner-6724
Fig. 8 Clutch Pedal Position Switch and
Components
PLCLUTCH 6 - 11
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

CLUTCH
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
CLUTCH COMPONENTS Ð RIGHT HAND
DRIVE (RHD)........................ 1
CLUTCH DISC AND COVER APPLICATION Ð
RIGHT HAND DRIVE (RHD)............. 1
CLUTCH REPLACEMENT Ð RIGHT HAND
DRIVE (RHD)........................ 1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH Ð RIGHT
HAND DRIVE (RHD)................... 2
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM Ð RIGHT
HAND DRIVE (RHD)................... 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CLASH±INTO±REVERSE COMPLAINTS...... 6CLUTCH DIAGNOSIS Ð RIGHT HAND DRIVE
(RHD).............................. 2
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Ð RIGHT HAND DRIVE
(RHD).............................. 8
CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER Ð RIGHT HAND
DRIVE (RHD)........................ 6
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH Ð RIGHT
HAND DRIVE (RHD)................... 8
HYDRAULIC SLAVE CYLINDER Ð RIGHT
HAND DRIVE (RHD)................... 7
SPECIFICATIONS
NV T350 (A-578) CLUTCH TIGHTENING
REFERENCE.......................... 9
GENERAL INFORMATION
CLUTCH COMPONENTS Ð RIGHT HAND DRIVE
(RHD)
The modular clutch assembly used in this vehicle
consists of a single, dry-type clutch disc and a dia-
phragm style clutch cover.
The clutch disc has cushion springs riveted to the
disc hub assembly. The clutch disc facings are riveted
to the cushion springs. The facings are made from a
non-asbestos material.
The clutch cover pressure plate assembly is a dia-
phragm type unit with a one-piece diaphragm spring
with multiple release fingers. The pressure plate
release fingers are preset during manufacture and
are not adjustable.
A sleeve-type release bearing is used to engage and
disengage the clutch cover pressure plate. The bear-
ing is prelubed during manufacture and is a sealed
unit.
The release bearing is operated by a pivoting
release fork in the clutch housing. The fork pivots on
a ball stud within the housing. The release fork is
actuated by a hydraulic clutch system.
The hydraulic clutch automatically adjusts for any
slack in the mechanism. This compensates for clutch
disc wear. The system requires no maintenance or
lubrication.
The clutch pedal is connected to the clutch master
cylinder through a plastic bushing. The upper end of
the clutch pedal pivots in the pedal bracket on twonylon bushings and a shaft (Fig. 1). These bushings
are greased at assembly and do not require periodic
lubrication.
CLUTCH DISC AND COVER APPLICATION Ð
RIGHT HAND DRIVE (RHD)
The1.8L and 2.0L single overhead cam engines use
a 216 mm (8.5 in.) clutch disc.
CLUTCH REPLACEMENT Ð RIGHT HAND DRIVE
(RHD)
The transaxle must be removed to service the mod-
ular clutch assembly, drive plate, and/or clutch
release bearing and lever.
Fig. 1 Clutch Pedal Components
PLCLUTCH 6 - 1