2000 DODGE NEON check oil

FLUSHING COOLERS AND TUBES
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the transaxle oil cooler(s) must be flushed (both
radiator and remote). The cooler bypass valve in the
transaxle must be replaced also. The torque con-
verter 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 LIT 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 readingsand 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 MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission
Fluid) Type 9602.
(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 MopartATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602. The vol-
ume should be checked using the following proce-
dure:
(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 MopartATF+4 (Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid) Type 9602.
(6) If fluid flow is still found to be inadequate,
check the line pressure using the Transaxle Hydrau-
lic Pressure Test procedure.
21 - 72 TRANSAXLEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

PARK/NEUTRAL STARTING AND BACK-UP
LAMP SWITCH
TEST
The park/neutral starting switch is the center ter-
minal of the three terminal switch. It provides
ground for the starter solenoid circuit through the
selector lever in PARK and NEUTRAL positions only.
(1) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between center pin of
switch and transaxle case. Continuity should exist
only when transaxle is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
(2) Check gearshift cable adjustment before replac-
ing a switch that tests bad.
REMOVAL
(1) Unscrew switch from transaxle case allowing
fluid to drain into a container. Move selector lever to
PARK, then to NEUTRAL position, and inspect to see
the switch operating lever fingers are centered in
switch opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw the switch with a new seal into tran-
saxle case and tighten to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.). Retest
switch with the test lamp.
(2) Add fluid to transaxle to bring up to proper
level.
(3) The back-up lamp switch circuit is through the
two outside terminals of the three terminal switch.
(4) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between the two out-
side pins.
(5) Continuity should exist only with transaxle in
REVERSE position.
(6) No continuity should exist from either pin to
the case.
TRANSAXLE AND TORQUE CONVERTER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise hood.
(2) Disconnect both battery cables, remove battery
hold down clamp and bolt, and remove battery.
(3) Remove air cleaner/throttle body assy. (Fig. 45)
as follows:
(a) Disconnect proportional purge solenoid (PPS)
and crankcase vent hose from throttle body.
(b) Disconnect the Throttle Position Sensor
(TPS) and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors.
(c) Remove mounting bolt and nut (Fig. 45) and
partially remove air cleaner assembly.
(d) Disconnect accelerator, transaxle kickdown,
and speed control (if equipped) cables after the
assy. is removed from position. Remove air cleaner
assembly from vehicle.(4) Remove battery tray from bracket.
(5) Disconnect torque converter clutch solenoid and
neutral safety/back-up lamp switch connectors.
(6) Disconnect and plug transaxle oil cooler lines
(Fig. 46).
(7) Disconnect shifter cable from shift lever and
remove from bracket (Fig. 47). Secure cable out of the
way.
Fig. 45 Air Cleaner Assembly Removal/Installation
1 ± AIR CLEANER ASSY.
2 ± THROTTLE BODY DUCT
Fig. 46 Transaxle Oil Cooler Lines
1 ± RETURN
2 ± CLAMPS
3 ± PRESSURE
21 - 84 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(c) Tighten the collar-to-transaxle bolts to 108
N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque.
(d) Final torque the collar-to-oil pan bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install both front axle driveshafts. Refer to
Group 3, Differential and Driveline for the correct
procedures.
(12) Connect vehicle speed sensor connector (Fig.
50).
(13) Install right lateral bending brace and tighten
bolts to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) torque.
(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Connect transaxle cooler lines and tighten
clamps (Fig. 46).
(16) Connect torque converter clutch solenoid and
neutral safety/back-up lamp switch connectors.
(17) Install transaxle dipstick tube.
(18) Install gear shift cable to bracket and connect
to shift lever (Fig. 47).
(19) Install transaxle kickdown cable to bracket
and lever as shown in (Fig. 48).
(20) Install battery lower tray and battery, and
tighten battery hold down clamp to secure battery.
(21) Install the air cleaner/throttle body assy. as
follows:
(a) Connect the accelerator, transaxle kickdown,
and speed control (if equipped) cables to the air
cleaner/throttle body assy.
(b) Install assy into position and tighten fasten-
ers to 14 N´m (120 in. lbs.) torque.
(c) Connect the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors.
(d) Connect proportional purge solenoid (PPS)
and crankcase vent hose from throttle body.
(22) Fill transaxle with a suitable amount of
ATF+4.
(23) Road test vehicle.
(24) Check for leaks, inspect fluid level, and adjust
as necessary.
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. 56), 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. 57).
Fig. 56 Remove Pump Oil Seal
1 ± PUMP OIL SEAL
2 ± OIL SEAL REMOVER TOOL C-3981-B
3 ± OIL PUMP
Fig. 57 Install Pump Oil Seal
1 ± OIL PUMP
2 ± OIL SEAL INSTALLER TOOL C-4193
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL HANDLE C-4171
21 - 88 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL REPAIR
NOTE: The transfer shaft should be removed for
differential repair and bearing turning torque check-
ing.
Fig. 190 Remove Extension Seal
1 ± EXTENSION HOUSING
2 ± SMALL CHISEL
3 ± HAMMER
4 ± OIL SEAL
Fig. 191 Install New Seal into Extension
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4520 (INVERTED)
2 ± HANDLE C-4171
3 ± HAMMER
4 ± EXTENSION HOUSING
Fig. 192 Differential Cover Bolts
1 ± DIFFERENTIAL COVER
2 ± DIFFERENTIAL COVER BOLT
Fig. 193 Remove or Install Differential Cover
1 ± GOVERNOR PRESSURE PLUG
2 ± DIFFERENTIAL COVER
3 ± 1/8 INCH BEAD OF R T V SEALANT
4 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 129
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

CLEANING AND INSPECTION
VALVE BODY
Allow all parts to soak a few minutes in a suitable
clean solvent. Wash thoroughly and blow dry with
compressed air. Be sure all passages are clean and
free from obstructions.
Inspect manual and throttle valve operating levers
and shafts for being bent, worn or loose. If a lever is
loose on its shaft, it should be replaced. Do not
attempt to straighten bent levers.
Inspect all mating surfaces for burrs, nicks and
scratches. Minor blemishes may be removed with cro-
cus cloth, using only a very light pressure. Using a
straightedge, inspect all mating surfaces for warpage
or distortion. Slight distortion may be corrected,
using a surface plate. Be sure all metering holes in
steel plate are open. Using a penlight, inspect bores
in valve body for scores, scratches, pits, and irregu-
larities.
Inspect all valve springs for distortion and col-
lapsed coils. Inspect all valves and plugs for burrs,
nicks, and scores. Small nicks and scores may be
removed with crocus cloth, providing extreme care is
taken not to round off sharp edges. The sharpness of
these edges is vitally important. It prevents foreign
matter from lodging between valve and valve body.
This reduces the possibility of sticking. Inspect all
valves and plugs for freedom of operation in valve
body bores.
When bores, valves, and plugs are clean and dry,
the valves and plugs should fall freely in the bores.
The valve body bores do not change their dimensions
with use. Therefore, a valve body that was function-
ing properly when vehicle was new, will operate cor-
rectly if it is properly and thoroughly cleaned. There
is no need to replace a valve body unless it is dam-
aged in handling.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE
Normal operation of the Park/Neutral Position
Switch provides a quick check to confirm proper link-
age adjustment. The engine starter should only oper-
ate when the transaxle shift lever is in the PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) positions.
If the engine starts in any other gear position, or
the vehicle rolls when the shifter is in gated PARK
(P), a gearshift cable adjustment is necessary.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter
handle (Fig. 214).(2) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 215).
(3)Adjust gearshift cable as follows:
(a) Place gearshift lever in the PARK (P) posi-
tion.
(b) Loosen shift cable adjustment screw (Fig.
216).
(c) Move transaxle manual lever to the PARK.
Verify transaxle is in PARK by attempting to roll
vehicle in either direction.
Fig. 214 Gearshift Knob Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER KNOB
2 ± SET SCREW
Fig. 215 Center Console Removal/Installation
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 135

The turning torque should be between 5 and 18
inch-pounds.
(5) If the turning torque is within specifications,
remove tools. Setup is complete.
(6) If turning torque is not within specifications
proceed with the following steps.
(a) Remove differential bearing retainer from
the transaxle case.
(b) Remove the bearing cup from the differential
bearing retainer using Tool 6062A.
(c) Remove the existing shim from under the
cup.
(d) Measure the existing shim.
(e)
NOTE: If the turning torque was too high when
measured, install a.05 mm (.002 inch) thinner shim.
If the turning torque is was too low, install a.05 mm
(.002 inch) thicker shim. Repeat until 5 to 18 inch-
pounds turning torque is obtained.
Oil Baffle is not required when making shim
selection.
(f) Install the proper shim under the bearing
cup. Make sure the oil baffle is installed properly
in the bearing retainer, below the bearing shim
and cup.
(g) Install the differential bearing retainer using
Tool 5052 and C-4171. Seal the retainer to the
housing with MOPARtAdhesive Sealant and
torque bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(7) Using Tool L-4436A and an inch-pound torque
wrench, recheck the turning torque of the differen-
tial.The turning torque should be between 5
and 18 inch-pounds.
TRANSFER SHAFT BEARING
(1) Use tool L-4434 to remove the retaining nut
and washer. Remove the transfer shaft gear using
tool L-4407.
(2) Install a 2.29 mm (0.090 inch) and a 1.39 mm
(0.055 inch) gauging shims on the transfer shaft
behind the governor support.
(3) Install transfer shaft gear and bearing assem-
bly and torque the nut to 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.).
To measure bearing end play:
a. Attach tool L-4432 to the transfer gear.
b. Mount a steel ball with grease into the end of
the transfer shaft.
c. Push and pull the gear while rotating back and
forth to insure seating of the bearing rollers.
d. Using a dial indicator, measure transfer shaft
end play.
e. Refer to the Transfer Bearing Shim Chart for
the required shim combination to obtain the proper
bearing setting.
f. Use tool L-4434 to remove the retaining nut and
washer. Remove the transfer shaft gear using tool
L-4407.
Fig. 223 Checking Differential Bearings Turning
Torque
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4436±A
2 ± TORQUE WRENCH
DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM CHART
SHIM THICKNESS
MM INCH
.980 0.0386
1.02 0.0402
1.06 0.0418
1.10 0.0434
1.14 0.0449
1.18 0.0465
1.22 0.0481
1.26 0.0497
1.30 0.0512
1.34 0.0528
1.38 0.0544
1.42 0.0560
1.46 0.0575
1.50 0.0591
1.54 0.0607
1.58 0.0623
1.62 0.0638
1.66 0.0654
1.70 0.0670
2.02 0.0796
2.06 0.0812
21 - 140 TRANSAXLEPL
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Type .........Automatic three speed with torque
converter and integral differential
Torque Converter Diameter...... 241millimeters
(9.48 in.)
OilType .....................MopartATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602
Cooling Method.... Water Heat Exchanger and/or
air to oil heat exchanger
Lubrication . . . Pump (internal-external gear-type)
Transmission Gear Ratios
First Gear............................2.69
Second Gear...........................1.55
Third Gear............................1.00
Reverse Gear..........................2.10
Band Adjustment
KickdownÐBacked Off From 8 N²m
(72 in. lbs.).................... 21/4Turns
Low-ReverseÐBacked Off From 5 N²m
(41 in. lbs.).................... 31/2Turns
Clutch Pack Clearances
Front Clutch (Not Adjustable)......1.27-2.79mm
(0.050-0.110 in.)
Rear Clutch.......0.71-1.10mm (0.028-0.043 in.)
End Play
Input Shaft........0.19±1.50 mm (.008±.060 in.)
Front Clutch Retainer...........0.76±2.69 mm
(.030±.106 in.)
Front Carrier.......0.89±1.45 mm (.007±.057 in.)
Front Annulus Gear . . 0.09±0.50 mm (.0035±.020 in.)
Planet Pinion.......0.15±0.59 mm (.006±.023 in.)
Reverse Drum......0.76±3.36 mm (.030±.132 in.)
Oil Pump Clearances
Outer Gear To Pocket...........0.045-0.141mm
(0.0018-0.0056 in.)
Outer Gear Side Clearance.......0.020-0.046mm
(0.0008-0.0018 in.)
Inner Gear Side Clearance.......0.020-0.046mm
(0.0008-0.0018 in.)
Tapered Roller Bearing Settings
Differential Assembly . . 6 to 12 in. lbs. Drag Torque
Output Hub.......... 0to3in.lbs. Drag Torque
Transfer Shaft.......0.002 to 0.010 in. End Play
Overall Drag At Output
Hub ............. 3to16in.lbs. Drag TorqueThrust Washers
Reaction Shaft Support (No. 1).....1.55±1.60 mm
(.061±.063 in.)
Rear Clutch Retainer (No. 2)......1.55±1.60 mm
(.061±.063 in.)
Output Shaft (No. 3) (Select)......1.98±2.03 mm
(.077±.080 in.)
Output Shaft (No. 3) (Select)......2.15±2.22 mm
(.085±.087 in.)
Output Shaft (No. 3) (Select)......2.34±2.41 mm
(.092±.095 in.)
Front Annulus (No. 4)............2.95±3.05 mm
(.116±.120 in.)
Front Carrier (Nos. 5&6).........1.22±1.28 mm
(.0948±.050 in.)
Sun Gear-Front (No. 7)...........0.85±0.91 mm
(.033±.036 in.)
Sun Gear-Rear (No. 8)...........0.85±0.91 mm
(.033±.036 in.)
Rear Carrier (Nos. 9&10).........1.22±1.28 mm
(.0948±.050 in.)
Rev. Drum (No. 11) . . 1.55±1.60 mm (.061±.063 in.)
31TH TRANSAXLE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Bell Housing Cover Bolts.... 12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
Cooler Line Clamps.......... 2N´m(18in.lbs.)
Diff. Bear. Ret. To Case Bolt . . 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.)
Diff. Cover To Case Bolt..... 19N´m(165 in. lbs.)
Exten. Hous. To Case Bolt . . . 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
Drive Plate To Crankshaft
Bolts................... 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
Drive Plate To Torque Conv.
Bolts................... 88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
Fluid Filter Screw........... 5N´m(45in.lbs.)
Governor Counterweight
Screw................. 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Governor To Support Bolt...... 7N´m(60in.lbs.)
Kickdown Band Adj. Lock Nut . . 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.)
Left Motor Mount Bolts....... 54N´m(40ft.lbs.)
Manual Cable To Trans.
Case Bolt.............. 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Manual Control Lever Screw . . 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.)
Oil Pan To Trans. Case
Screw................. 19N´m(165 in. lbs.)
Output Gear Strap Bolts...... 23N´m(17ft.lbs.)
Output Shaft Nut......... 271N´m(200 ft. lbs.)
Park/Neutral Switch......... 34N´m(25ft.lbs.)
Pressure Check Plug......... 5N´m(45in.lbs.)
Pump To Case Bolts........ 31N´m(275 in. lbs.)
Reaction Shaft Assembly
Bolt................... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Rear Cover To Case Screw . . . 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.)
Reverse Band Adj. Lock Nut . . 14 N´m (125 in. lbs.)
21 - 150 TRANSAXLEPL

(M) Check Engine Lamp (MIL) will illuminate during engine operation if this Diagnostic Trouble Code was recorded.
P0325 Knock Sensor #1 Circuit Knock sensor (#1) signal above or below minimum
acceptable threshold voltage at particular engine
speeds.
P0330 Knock Sensor #2 Circuit Knock sensor (#2) signal above or below minimum
acceptable threshold voltage at particular engine
speeds.
P0340 (M) No Cam Signal At PCM No fuel sync
P0350 Ignition Coil Draws Too Much
CurrentA coil (1-5) is drawing too much current.
P0351 (M) Ignition Coil # 1 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time.
P0352 (M) Ignition Coil # 2 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time.
P0353 (M) Ignition Coil # 3 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time.
P0354 (M) Ignition Coil # 4 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time (High Impedance).
P0355 (M) Ignition Coil # 5 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time (High Impedance).
P0356 (M) Ignition Coil # 6 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time (high impedance).
P0357 Ignition Coil # 7 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time (high impedance).
P0358 Ignition Coil # 8 Primary Circuit Peak primary circuit current not achieved with maximum
dwell time (high impedance).
P0401 (M) EGR System Failure Required change in air/fuel ration not detected during
diagnostic test.
P0403 (M) EGR Solenoid Circuit An open or shorted condition detected in the EGR
solenoid control circuit.
P0404 (M) EGR Position Sensor Rationality EGR position sensor signal does not correlate to EGR
duty cycle.
P0405 (M) EGR Position Sensor Volts Too Low EGR position sensor input below the acceptable voltage
range.
P0406 (M) EGR Position Sensor Volts Too
HighEGR position sensor input above the acceptable voltage
range.
P0412 Secondary Air Solenoid Circuit An open or shorted condition detected in the secondary
air (air switching/aspirator) solenoid control circuit.
P0420 (M) 1/1 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Catalyst 1/1 efficiency below required level.
P0432 (M) 1/2 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Catalyst 2/1 efficiency below required level.
P0441 (M) Evap Purge Flow Monitor Insufficient or excessive vapor flow detected during
evaporative emission system operation.
P0442 (M) Evap Leak Monitor Medium Leak
DetectedA small leak has been detected in the evaporative
system.
P0443 (M) Evap Purge Solenoid Circuit An open or shorted condition detected in the EVAP
purge solenoid control circuit.
P0455 (M) Evap Leak Monitor Large Leak
DetectedA large leak has been detected in the evaporative
system.
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 9
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)