2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

(4) Remove shifter bezel (Fig. 31).
(5) Disconnect the shifter/ignition interlock cable
from the shifter lever and bracket as shown in (Fig.
32). Remove the cable core end from the plastic cam
of the shifter mechanism and release cable from
shifter bracket
(6) Remove the steering column lower cover (Fig.
33).
(7) Remove the steering column upper and lower
shrouds (Fig. 34).(8) Disconnect the Brake Transmission Shift Inter-
lock (BTSI) solenoid connector from the interlock
cable (Fig. 35).
(9) Rotate the ignition key to the ªOFFº or ªON/
RUNº position (Fig. 36).
(10) Squeeze the interlock cable locking tab.
Remove the cable from the interlock housing (Fig.
37).
(11) Release cable from retaining clips and remove
through opening under steering column.
Fig. 31 Shifter Bezel Removal/Installation
1 ± BEZEL
2 ± SCREW (4)
Fig. 32 Interlock Cable at Shifter Assembly
1 ± INTERLOCK CABLE
2 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 33 Steering Column Lower Cover
1 ± LOWER COVER
Fig. 34 Steering Column Shrouds
1 ± UPPER SHROUD
2 ± LOWER SHROUD
21 - 80 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

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 through hole in instru-
ment panel below steering column and around to
gear shifter assembly.
(2) Turn the ignition key to the ªOFFº or ªON/
RUNº position (Fig. 36).
(3) Install the interlock cable into the interlock
housing at the steering column (Fig. 38). Verify the
cable snaps into the housing and is fully seated.
(4) Return the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position
(Fig. 36).
(5) Connect the BTSI solenoid connector (Fig. 35).
(6) Install cable into retaining clips as shown in
(Fig. 35).
(7) Install steering column upper and lower
shrouds (Fig. 34).
(8) Install steering column lower cover (Fig. 33).
Fig. 35 Interlock Cable at Steering Column
1 ± IGNITION SWITCH
2 ± CLIP
3 ± INTERLOCK CABLE
4 ± BTSI SOLENOID
Fig. 36 Ignition Key/Switch Positions
1 ± ACC
2 ± LOCK
3 ± OFF
4 ± ON/RUN
5±START
Fig. 37 Interlock Cable and Connector
1 ± IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER
2 ± INTERLOCK CABLE
Fig. 38 Interlock Cable at Interlock Housing
1 ± IGNITION SWITCH
2 ± INTERLOCK CABLE
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 81
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(9) Verify that shifter is in gated ªPARKº.
(10) 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 as shown in (Fig. 32).
(11)Adjust interlock cable/system as follows:
If interlock cable is being replaced, it will come with
an adjustment pin. Remove the pin from the cable
and allow the cable to ªself-adjustº. Lock cable
adjustment by pressing down on the adjuster lock
until bottomed at the cable housing. If interlock cable
is being re-used, no pin will be provided. Pry up on
cable adjuster lock to release and allow cable to ªself-
adjustº. Lock cable adjustment by pressing down on
the adjuster lock until bottomed at the cable housing.
(12)Connect battery negative cable and ver-
ify interlock system operation as follows:
(13) Install shifter bezel (Fig. 31).
(14) Install center console assembly (Fig. 30).
(15) Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 29).
INTERLOCK MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering column lower cover (Fig.
39).
(2) Remove the steering column upper and lower
shrouds (Fig. 40).
(3) Turn the ignition key to the ªOFFº or ªON/
RUNº position (Fig. 41).
(4) Grasp the interlock cable and connector firmly.
Remove the interlock cable (Fig. 42).(5) Remove the two interlock mechanism-to-steer-
ing column attaching screws (Fig. 43). Remove the
interlock housing.INSTALLATION
(1) Position the interlock housing at steering col-
umn. Install the two interlock mechanism-to-steering
column attaching screws. Torque screws to 3 N´m (21
in. lbs.).
(2) Snap the interlock cable into the housing.
ACTION EXPECTED RESPONSE
1. Turn key to the ªOFFº
position.1. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
2. Turn key to the
9ON/RUNº position.2. Shifter CANNOT be
shifted out of park.
3. Turn key to the
ªON/RUNº position and
depress the brake pedal.3. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
4. Leave shifter in any
gear and try to return key
to the ªLOCKº or9ACCº
position.4. Key cannot be
returned to the ªLOCKº or
ªACCº position.
5. Return shifter to
ªPARKº and try to remove
the key.5. Key can be removed
(after returning to ªLOCKº
position).
6. With the key removed,
try to shift out of ªPARKº.6. Shifter cannot be
shifted out of ªPARKº.
NOTE: Any failure to meet these expected
responses requires system adjustment or repair.
Fig. 39 Steering Column Lower Cover
1 ± LOWER COVER
Fig. 40 Steering Column Shrouds
1 ± UPPER SHROUD
2 ± LOWER SHROUD
21 - 82 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Install steering column upper and lower
shrouds (Fig. 40).
(4) Install steering column lower cover (Fig. 39).
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR PINION GEAR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove harness connector from sensor (Fig.
44). Be sure weather seal stays on harness connector.
(2) Remove bolt securing the sensor in the exten-
sion housing (Fig. 44).
(3) Carefully pull sensor and pinion gear assembly
out of extension housing.
(4) Remove pinion gear from sensor (Fig. 44).
(5) Inspect pinion gear for damage (missing teeth,
etc.) and replace as necessary.NOTE: When removing vehicle speed sensor for
any reason, a new o-ring MUST be used.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pinion gear to vehicle speed sensor as
shown in (Fig. 44).
(2) Install sensor to extension housing using a
NEW o-ring.
(3) Tighten bolt to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect harness connector.
Fig. 41 Ignition Key/Switch Positions
1 ± ACC
2 ± LOCK
3 ± OFF
4 ± ON/RUN
5±START
Fig. 42 Interlock Cable
1 ± IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER
2 ± INTERLOCK CABLE
Fig. 43 Interlock Mechanism
1 ± MOUNTING SCREW
2 ± INTERLOCK MECHANISM
Fig. 44 Vehicle Speed Sensor Removal/Installation
1 ± CONNECTOR
2 ± SPEEDO PINION
3 ± O-RING
4 ± SENSOR
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 83
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (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)

(8) Disconnect kick-down cable and remove from
bracket. Secure cable out of the way (Fig. 48).
(9) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(10) Remove transaxle oil pan and drain ATF into
a suitable container.
(11) Remove both axle shafts. Refer to Group 3,
Differential and Driveline for the correct procedures.(12) Remove the right engine-to-transaxle lateral
bending brace (Fig. 49).
(13) Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor connector
(Fig. 50).
Fig. 47 Gear Shift Cable at Transaxle
1 ± SHIFT LEVER
2 ± SHIFT CABLE
Fig. 48 Kickdown Cable at Transaxle
1 ± LEVER
2 ± BRACKET
3 ± KICKDOWN CABLE
Fig. 49 Right Lateral Bending Brace Removal/
Installation
1 ± TRANSAXLE
2 ± ENGINE
3 ± LATERAL BENDING BRACE
Fig. 50 Vehicle Speed Sensor Connector
1 ± CONNECTOR
2 ± SPEEDO PINION
3 ± O-RING
4 ± SENSOR
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 85
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(14) Remove structural collar (Fig. 51).
(15) Remove the left engine-to-transaxle lateral
bending brace (Fig. 51).
(16) Remove bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 51).
(17) Remove starter motor (Fig. 52).
(18) Remove drive plate to converter bolts (Fig.
54).
(19) Support engine at oil pan with screw jack and
wood block.
(20) Remove transaxle upper mount thru-bolt.
Gain access to this bolt through the driver's side
wheel house (Fig. 53).
(21) Carefully lower engine and transaxle on screw
jack until proper removal clearance is obtained.
(22) Obtain a helper to assist in holding transaxle
while removing transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts
(Fig. 54).
(23) Remove transaxle from vehicle (Fig. 54).
(24) Remove torque converter from front pump.
(25) If installing a new or replacement transaxle,
remove the upper mount and bracket as shown in
(Fig. 55), and transfer to the replacement unit and
torque all bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 51 Left Lateral Bending Brace and Structural
Collar
1 ± LATERAL BENDING BRACE
2 ± STRUCTURAL COLLAR
3 ± DUST COVER
Fig. 52 Starter Motor Removal/Installation
1 ± BOLT
2 ± GROUND
3±STARTER
4 ± BOLT
Fig. 53 Transaxle Upper Mount and Bracket
1 ± MOUNT BRACKET
2 ± BOLT
3 ± MOUNT
21 - 86 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install torque converter into front pump.
Rotate converter until the hub fully engages front
pump gear lugs.
(2) Install transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts (Fig.
54) and tighten to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Raise engine and transaxle with screw jack
until through hole in upper mount aligns with hole
in mount bracket. Install mount bolt and tighten to
108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 53).
(4) Remove screwjack.
(5) Install converter-to-drive plate bolts and torque
to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install starter motor and tighten bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque. Make sure to fasten ground
cable to upper starter bolt as shown in (Fig. 52).
(7) Connect starter electrical harness and tighten
positive cable nut to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 51).
(9) Install left engine-to-transaxle bending brace
(Fig. 51).
(10) Install structural collar (Fig. 51) as follows:
(a) Position collar and install all bolts finger
tight.
(b) Tighten the collar-to-oil pan bolts to 3 N´m
(30 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 54 Transaxle Removal/Installation
1 ± CLIP
2 ± BOLT (3)3 ± TRANSAXLE
4 ± CONVERTER BOLT (4)
Fig. 55 Transaxle Upper Mount and Bracket
1 ± MOUNT
2 ± TRANSAXLE
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 87
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)