1999 DODGE NEON ignition

six selector lever positions: P (Park), R (Reverse), N
(Neutral), and D (Drive), 2 (Second), and 1 (First).
The parking lock is applied by moving the selector
lever past a gate to the (P) position.Do not apply
the parking lock until the vehicle has stopped;
otherwise, a severe banging noise will occur.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID WIRING
CONNECTOR
If the solenoid wiring connector is unplugged, the
torque converter will not engage (Fig. 2).
GOVERNOR
The governor can be serviced by removing the
transaxle oil pan and valve body assembly. The gov-
ernor can be unbolted from the governor support and
removed from the transaxle for reconditioning or
replacement.
When cleaning or assembling the governor, be sure
the governor valves move freely in the bores of the
governor body.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
THREE SPEED TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTS
Automatic transaxle malfunctions may be caused
by four general conditions:
(1) Poor engine performance
(2) Improper adjustments
(3) Hydraulic malfunctions
(4) Mechanical malfunctions
Diagnosis of these problems should always begin
by checking the easily accessible variables; fluid level
and condition, gearshift cable adjustment, and throt-
tle pressure cable adjustment. Then perform a road
test to determine if the problem has been corrected
or that more diagnosis is necessary. If the problem
exists after the preliminary tests and corrections are
completed, hydraulic pressure tests should be per-
formed
31TH HYDRAULIC TROUBLE CODE CHARTS
The following charts should be used to help diag-
nose hydraulic or mechanical faults in the transaxle.
Fig. 1 Shifter Ignition Interlock System Components
Fig. 2 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Wiring
Connector
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 43
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

LOW AND REVERSE SERVO (REAR)
Direct air pressure into LOW/REVERSE SERVO
APPLY passage. Operation of servo is indicated by a
tightening of rear band. Spring tension on servo pis-
ton should release the band.
If clutches and servos operate properly, no upshift
indicates that a malfunction exists in the valve body.
FLUID LEAKAGE-TRANSAXLE TORQUE
CONVERTER HOUSING AREA
(1) Check for source of leakage.
(2) Since fluid leakage near the torque converter
area may be from an engine oil leak, the area should
be checked closely. Factory fill fluid is dyed red and,
therefore, can be distinguished from engine oil.
(3) Prior to removing the transaxle, perform the
following checks:
(4) When leakage is determined to originate from
the transaxle, check fluid level prior to removal of
the transaxle and torque converter.
(5) High oil level can result in oil leakage out the
vent in the dipstick. If the fluid level is high, adjust
to proper level.
(6) After performing this operation, inspect for
leakage. If a leak persists, perform the followingoperation on the vehicle. This will determine if the
torque converter or transaxle is leaking.
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAKAGE
Possible sources of torque converter leakage are:
²Torque converter weld leaks at the outside diam-
eter (peripheral) weld
²Torque converter hub weld
²Torque converter impeller shell cracked adjacent
to hub
²At drive lug welds
NOTE: Hub weld is inside and not visible. Do not
attempt to repair. Replace torque converter.
INTERLOCK SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
(1) Place shifter in PARK, the ignition switch
should rotate freely from OFF to LOCK position.
When the shifter is moved to the DRIVE position,
the ignition switch should not rotate from OFF to
LOCK.
(2) Moving shifter out of PARK should be possible
only when ignition switch is in the OFF or the RUN
position. Movement of the shifter from the PARK
Fig. 5 Air Pressure Tests
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 55
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

position should not be possible when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK or the ACCESSORY position.
(3) If the interlock system, operates in any way
other than as described above, repair of the interlock
system is required. See Adjustment and Repair pro-
cedures in this section for the required procedures.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE
When the factory fill fluid is changed, only fluids
labeled MOPARtATF PLUS 3 (Automatic Transmis-
sion fluid) Type 7176 should be used.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
30,000 MILE TRANSAXLE OIL CHANGE
When a vehicle attains 30,000 miles on its odome-
ter it is recommended that the transaxle oil be
changed. To change the oil, use the procedure that
follows:
It is recommended that a transaxle fluid exchanger
(ATF 2000+ or equivalent) be used to replace the
used fluid in the transaxle. If a fluid exchanger is not
available use a fluid suction pump (Vaculayor equiv-
alent) to draw the fluid out of the dipstick tube. If a
fluid suction pump is not available remove the oil
pan and drain the fluid.
CAUTION: Chrysler Corporation does not recom-
mend using any fluid exchanger that introduces
additives into the transaxle.
TRANSAXLE FLUID EXCHANGER METHOD
(1) To perform the transaxle fluid exchange, the
transaxle must be at operating temperature. Drive
the vehicle till it reaches full operating temperature.
(2) Verify that the fill tank on the transaxle fluid
exchanger (ATF 2000+ or equivalent) is clean and
dry.
(3) Fill the tank to the recommended fill capacity
with Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176.
(4) Hookup the vehicle to the machine following
the manufacturers instructions. Perform the
exchange procedure following the instructions pro-
vided with the machine.
(5) Once machine has completed the fluid
exchange. Check the fluid level and condition and fill
to proper level with Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176.
NOTE: Verify that the transaxle cooler lines are
tightened to proper specifications. Cooler line
torque specification is 2 N²m (18 in. lbs.).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 level
21 - 56 TRANSAXLEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(8) Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal
operating temperature. The level should be in the
HOT region.
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. This repair consists of drilling out the
worn-out or damaged threads. Then tap the hole with
a Heli-Coil tap, and install a Heli-Coil insert into the
hole. This brings the hole back to its original thread
size.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from most automotive parts suppliers.
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 ensure that metal particles
or sludged oil are not later transferred back into the
reconditioned (or replaced) transaxle.
The recommended procedure for flushing the cool-
ers and tubes is to use Tool 6906A Cooler Flusher.
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 Mopar ATF Plus 3ttype 7176 automatic
transmission fluid.
(12) Turn pump ON until all transmission fluid is
removed from the one quart container and lines. This
purges 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.
21 - 58 TRANSAXLEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(18) Carefully remove the cable from the under-
body by unfolding the cable retainer clip as you go
along.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install gearshift cable, reverse removal pro-
cedure.
(2) Adjust gearshift cable using the adjustment
procedure in this Group.
GEARSHIFT MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Using a flat±blade pry tool, remove the shifter
cable end from the gearshift pin (Fig. 10).
(6) Pry the two tabs on the cable conduit end away
from the gearshift mechanism and pull up on the
cable. Remove the gearshift cable from the gearshift
mechanism.
(7) Pry up the adjuster lock on the shifter/ignition
interlock cable. Unsnap the shifter/ignition interlock
cable end fitting from the groove in the gearshift
mechanism. Remove the cable core end from the
plastic cam of the shifter mechanism (Fig. 11).
(8) Remove the nuts at the base of the gearshift
mechanism (Fig. 12). Remove the shifter mechanism.
INSTALLATION
(1) For installation, reverse removal steps. Refer to
Cable Adjustment for proper cable adjustment proce-
dure.
THROTTLE PRESSURE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Unsnap the throttle pressure cable end at the
throttle control lever at transaxle (Fig. 13).
(2) Squeeze the retaining tabs inward at the
mounting bracket (Fig. 14). Remove the cable from
the bracket.
(3) Unsnap the cable end from the throttle linkage
cam. Squeeze the tabs inward at the bracket (Fig.
15). Remove the cable from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install cable, reverse removal procedure.
Refer to cable adjustment procedure for proper cable
adjustment.
THROTTLE PRESSURE CABLE ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE
The throttle pressure cable adjustment is very
important to proper transaxle operation. This adjust-
ment positions a valve that controls shift speed, shift
Fig. 10 Gearshift Cable
Fig. 11 Shifter Ignition Interlock Cable
Fig. 12 Gearshift Mechanism
21 - 60 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

quality, and part throttle downshift sensitivity. If the
setting is too long, early shifts and slippage between
shifts may occur. If the setting is too short, shiftsmay be delayed and part throttle downshifts may be
very sensitive.
(1) Perform transaxle throttle pressure cable
adjustment while engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
(2) Release cross-lock on the cable assembly (pull
cross-lock upward) See (Fig. 14).
(3) To insure proper adjustment, the cable must be
free to slide all the way toward the engine, against
its stop, after the cross-lock is released.
(4) Move transaxle throttle control lever fully
clockwise, against its internal stop, and press cross-
lock downward into locked position.
The adjustment is complete and transaxle throttle
cable backlash was automatically removed.
Test cable freedom of operation by moving the
transaxle throttle lever forward (counterclockwise).
Then slowly release it to confirm it will return fully
rearward (clockwise).
No lubrication is required for any component of the
throttle cable system.
SHIFTER IGNITION INTERLOCK CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate, the battery negative (-)
cable from the vehicle battery.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Pry up the adjuster lock on the shifter/ignition
interlock cable. Unsnap the shifter/ignition interlock
cable end fitting from the groove in the gearshift
mechanism (Fig. 16).
(6) Remove the cable core end from the plastic cam
of the shifter mechanism.
Fig. 13 Throttle Pressure Cable And Lever
Fig. 14 Throttle Pressure Cable Bracket
Fig. 15 Cable End At Throttle Linkage
Fig. 16 Shifter Ignition Interlock Cable
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 61
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(7) Pull cable up and out of the gearshift mecha-
nism.
(8) Remove the three screws along the bottom of
the lower steering column cover and screw on the left
outward face of cover.
(9) Grasp the cover and pull rearward until the
clips disengage.
(10) Remove two screws at the upper area of the
column liner and lower left corner.
(11) Remove steering column cover and steering
column cover liner.
(12) Lift up the top cover and cluster bezel until
the clips disengage and separate to provide clear-
ance.
(13) Insert a screwdriver into access hole in the
lower shroud. Depress the cylinder button while
rotating the cylinder with the key inserted between
the ON and START positions. This will disengage the
cylinder from the column.
(14) Pull out the key cylinder.
(15) Remove the three lower±to±upper shroud
attaching screws through the bottom of the lower
shroud.
(16) Separate the upper and lower shrouds.
(17) Grasp the interlock cable clip and connector.
Remove the cable from the interlock housing (Fig.
17).
(18) Unclip the cable from the retaining clip
located within the wiring harness.
(19) Remove interlock cable from under center con-
sole mounting bracket and out front of dash panel.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing interlock cable assem-
bly, care must be taken not to bend exposed cable
wire and slug at shifter end of cable.
(1) Route interlock cable into lower dash panel.(2) Install the ignition switch into housing. Turn
the ignition switch to the RUN position.
(3) Install the interlock cable into the interlock
housing at the steering column (Fig. 18). Verify the
cable snaps into the housing.
(4) Install interlock cable into routing clip located
within the wiring harness.
(5) Route interlock cable to the console.
(6) Install the cable core end to the plastic cam of
the shifter mechanism. Snap the shifter/ignition
interlock cable end fitting into the groove in the gear-
shift mechanism.
(7) Adjust the Shifter/Ignition Interlock System.
See Interlock System Adjustment, in this section.
(8) Perform the Shifter/Ignition Interlock System
operation check, as described in the beginning of this
section.
(9) Install console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(10) Install screws retaining the gearshift indica-
tor bezel and install bezel and indicator lamp.
(11) Install the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(12) Install two screws at the upper area of the
column liner and lower left corner.
(13) Snap the clips in at the lower column cover.
Install the three screws along the bottom of the lower
steering column cover and screw on the left outward
face of cover.
(14) Install key cylinder.
(15) Position the shrouds in place. Install the three
lower±to±upper shroud attaching screws through the
bottom of the lower shroud.
(16) Reinstall the ignition lock cylinder into hous-
ing.
(17) Reconnect the battery negative (-) cable to the
vehicle battery.
Fig. 17 Interlock Cable and Connector
Fig. 18 Interlock Cable at Interlock Housing
21 - 62 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INTERLOCK SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT
If ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, with shifter in PARK, an adjustment of the
Interlock System may be required. To adjust Shifter/
Ignition Interlock System, follow procedure listed
below.
(1) Disconnect and isolate, the battery negative (-)
cable from the vehicle battery.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Reinstall the gearshift knob.
(6) Place shifter in PARK.
(7) Turn ignition switch to the LOCK or ACCES-
SORY position. If cable has lost its adjustment, man-
ually position cable to get key into LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. Grasp slug on interlock cable
with needle nose pliers and pull back on cable. This
will allow the ignition switch to be turned to the
LOCK or ACCESSORY position.
(8) Check that the interlock cable slug is com-
pletely seated into the shifter interlock lever.
(9) Check that the ignition switch is still in the
LOCK or ACCESSORY position.
(10) Pry up the adjuster lock on the shifter/igni-
tion interlock cable (Fig. 19).
(11) Place a 1mm (0.040) shim between the larger
diameter portion of the shifter gate pin and the plas-
tic cam (Fig. 19).
(12) The spring on the interlock cable should auto-
matically compensate for the slack in the adjuster.
(13) Snap down the interlock adjuster lock onto
the cable and remove the shim.
(14) After adjusting the interlock system, perform
the Interlock System Operation Check in the Adjust-
ments section of this group.
INTERLOCK MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the lower column covers, ignition
switch, and shrouds. Refer to Interlock Cable
Replacement.
(2) Grasp the interlock cable and connector firmly.
Remove the interlock cable (Fig. 20).
(3) Remove the two interlock mechanism±to±steer-
ing column attaching screws (Fig. 21). Remove the
interlock housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the interlock housing at steering col-
umn. Install the two interlock mechanism±to±steer-
ing column attaching screws. Torque screws to 3 N´m
(21 in. lbs.).
(2) Snap the interlock cable into the housing.
(3) Install the lower column covers, shrouds, and
ignition switch. Refer to Interlock Cable Replace-
ment.
Fig. 19 Interlock Cable Adjuster Lock
Fig. 20 Interlock Cable
Fig. 21 Interlock Mechanism
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 63
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)