1999 DODGE NEON clutch

CLUTCH
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
CLUTCH COMPONENTS................... 1
CLUTCH DISC AND COVER APPLICATION.... 2
CLUTCH REPLACEMENT.................. 2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CLUTCH CABLE......................... 2
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH......... 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CLASH±INTO±REVERSE COMPLAINTS....... 6
CLUTCH CHATTER COMPLAINTS........... 6
CLUTCH COVER AND DISC RUNOUT........ 6
CLUTCH DIAGNOSIS..................... 3
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH......... 2
DRIVE PLATE MISALIGNMENT............. 6
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY...................... 7CLUTCH CABLE......................... 6
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH......... 7
RELEASE BEARING AND FORK............. 9
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CLEANING PRECAUTIONS................ 10
CLUTCH CONTAMINATION................ 10
ADJUSTMENTS
CLUTCH CABLE........................ 10
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH........ 11
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE.............................. 11
SPECIAL TOOLS
CLUTCH.............................. 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
CLUTCH COMPONENTS
NOTE: Neon vehicles produced at the Toluca
assembly plant, in Mexico, have conventional clutch
and flywheel assemblies. Vehicles produced at Bel-
videre assembly plant have modular clutch assem-
blies.
Before beginning clutch service, check the 11th
character of the V.I.N. to determine where it was
produced. The 11th character is ªDº for vehicles
produced at Belvidere, or ªTº for vehicles produced
at Toluca.
For a vehicle produced at Belvidere assembly,
refer to this manual for service information on the
modular clutch assembly. For a vehicle produced at
Toluca assembly, refer to the following information
to determine proper service procedures.
Service parts stock only a Conventional Clutch
Disc Assembly or a Modular Clutch Service Pack-
age to service Toluca built vehicles. The Modular
Clutch Service Package contains the following
parts:
²One modular clutch assembly
²One drive plate assembly
²One backing plate assembly
²Four drive plate to clutch bolts
²Eight drive plate to crankshaft boltsIf only the clutch disc requires replacement,
obtain the clutch disc. Replace the clutch disc
using the information in the Removal And Installa-
tion section of this manual.
If the clutch pressure plate or flywheel requires
replacement, obtain the Modular Clutch Service
Package. Refer to this manual for service informa-
tion on the modular clutch assembly.
The clutch assembly used in this vehicle consists of
a single, dry-type clutch disc and a diaphragm 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 self-adjusting clutch cable.
PLCLUTCH 6 - 1

The clutch cable has a unique self-adjuster mecha-
nism built into the cable which compensates for
clutch disc wear. The cable requires no maintenance
or lubrication. There are no serviceable components
on the cable assembly.
The clutch pedal is connected to the cable through
a plastic spacer. The upper end of the clutch pedal
pivots in the pedal bracket on two nylon bushings
and a shaft. These bushings are greased at assembly
and do not require periodic lubrication.
CLUTCH DISC AND COVER APPLICATION
The 2.0 single overhead cam engine uses a 216 mm
(8.5 in.) clutch disc. The manual transaxle is avail-
able only with the 2.0 liter engine.
CLUTCH REPLACEMENT
The transaxle must be removed to service the
clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel/drive plate,
and/or clutch release bearing and lever.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
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.
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
The clutch pedal position switch functions as a
safety interlock device. It prevents possible engine
cranking with the clutch engaged.
The clutch pedal position switch is wired in series
between the starter relay coil and the ignition
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. 1).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION
SWITCH±ELECTRICAL TEST
Disconnect clutch pedal position switch harness
from instrument panel wiring harness. Using an
ohmmeter, check for continuity between the two ter-
minals in the connector on the switch harness. There
should be no continuity between the terminals when
the switch is in its normal (fully extended) position.
When the switch is depressed more than 1.25 mm
(0.050), the ohmmeter should show continuity (zero
ohms).
If ohmmeter readings do not fall within these
ranges, the switch is defective, and must be replaced.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS±CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE WON'T CRANK
WHEN CLUTCH PEDAL IS
PRESSED TO THE FLOORSwitch does not have continuity
when plunger is depressed 1.25
mmDefective switch. Replace switch.
Switch plunger is not depressed
when clutch pedal is pushed to the
floorFloor mat interferes with clutch pedal
movement. Move floor mat out of the way.
Problem is related to other
components in the starting circuitCheck other components in the starting
circuit. Refer to Section 8A, Battery/Starting/
Charging System.
Fig. 1 Clutch Pedal Position Switch and
Components
6 - 2 CLUTCHPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION
SWITCH±MECHANICAL TEST
With the park brake set and the vehicleIN NEU-
TRAL,turn the key to the start position. The vehicle
should not crank. If the vehicle cranks, the switch is
defective (shorted out) and must be replaced. If the
vehicle does not crank, proceed to the next step.
WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING THIS STEP, BE
SURE THAT THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE
IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS AND PEOPLE. VEHI-
CLE MAY MOVE WHEN PERFORMING THIS TEST.
With the park brake set and the vehicleIN GEAR,
turn the key to the start position and hold it there.
Slowly depress the clutch pedal and feel for any
vehicle motion when the starter is energized. If there
is no motion, the switch is working properly.
If motion is felt, check to see if the switch is mak-
ing contact when the pedal is between 25 mm (1.0
in.) and 6 mm (0.25 in.) from the floor. If this condi-
tion is met, then the problem is either the clutch orthe self-adjusting cable (See ªClutch Will Not Disen-
gage Properlyº). If this condition is not met, then the
switch mounting tab on the brake bracket is bent,
and the brake bracket must be replaced.
If vehicle will not crank, even with clutch pedal
pressed to the floor, refer to ªService Diagnosis-
Clutch Pedal Position Switchº chart in this section.
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 and
observe 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 DIAGNOSISÐCLUTCH 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 w/modular clutch
assembly
Too much grease applied to splines
of disc and input shaftApply lighter coating of grease to splines
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 w/modular clutch assembly
Clutch disc damaged or distorted Replace w/modular 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.
PLCLUTCH 6 - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

SERVICE DIAGNOSISÐCLUTCH SLIPS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DISC FACING WORN OUT Normal wear. Replace w/modular clutch assembly.
Driver frequently rides (slips) clutch,
results in rapid wear overheating.Replace w/modular clutch assembly
Insufficient clutch cover diaphragm
spring tensionReplace w/modular clutch assembly
CLUTCH DISC FACING
CONTAMINATED WITH OIL
OR GREASELeak at rear main oil seal or
transaxle input shaft sealReplace leaking seals. Replace w/modular
clutch assembly.
Excessive amount of grease
applied to input shaft splinesApply less grease to input shaft. Replace
w/modular clutch assembly
Road splash, water entering
housingSeal 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
preloadVerify that self-adjuster is free to move
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
w/modular clutch assembly.
Leak at rear main or transaxle input
shaft sealReplace w/modular clutch assembly.
Replace seal.
Excessive heat from slippage Replace w/modular clutch assembly
6 - 4 CLUTCHPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

SERVICE DIAGNOSISÐIMPROPER CLUTCH RELEASE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC BINDS ON
INPUT SHAFT SPLINESClutch disc hub splines damaged
during installationClean, smooth, and lubricate disc and shaft
splines. Replace w/modular clutch assembly
and/or input shaft if splines are severely
damaged.
Input shaft splines rough, damaged. Clean input shaft splines. Then lube.
Corrosion or rust formations on
splines of input shaft and discClean input shaft splines and disc splines,
then lube
CLUTCH DISC RUSTED TO
FLYWHEEL AND/OR
PRESSURE PLATEOccurs in vehicles stored or not
driven for extended period of time.
Also occurs after steam cleaning if
vehicle is not used for extended
period.Replace w/modular clutch assembly
CLUTCH WILL NOT
DISENGAGE PROPERLYDisc bent, distorted during transaxle
installationReplace w/modular clutch assembly
Clutch cover diaphragm spring
damaged during transaxle
installationReplace w/modular clutch assembly
Release fork bent, loose, or
damagedReplace fork if worn or damaged
Clutch cable binding or routed
incorrectlyCheck and correct cable routing
Self-adjuster in cable not
functioning properly, resulting in
excess cable slackPull on cable conduit at transaxle (as if
disconnecting cable) to check adjuster
operation
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS±CLUTCH PEDAL NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH PEDAL MAKES
REPEATED9POP9NOISE
IN THE FIRST INCH OF
TRAVELSelf-adjusting mechanism in cable
defectiveReplace clutch cable
CLUTCH PEDAL SQUEAKS
WHEN DEPRESSED TO
FLOORPedal bushings worn out or
inadequate lubricationReplace or lubricate bushings
Clutch pedal return spring worn out Replace return spring
PLCLUTCH 6 - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

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)