2000 DODGE NEON engine

ferential case transfers torque from the ring gear to the
drive axles by means of differential side gears.
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle internal components
can only be serviced by separating the case halves.
CAUTION: The transaxle output shaft is serviced as
a unit. No disassembly and reassembly is possible.
Damage to the transaxle may result.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION
The transaxle model, part number, build sequence
and date are shown on a bar code label that is
attached to the front of the transaxle. This informa-
tion is also shown on a metal I.D. tag that is
attached to the end cover of the transaxle (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Transaxles use various final drive gear
ratios in different vehicle applications. Therefore, it
is necessary that the correct transaxle assembly
number is used when ordering service parts.
NOTE: There are three different versions of this
transaxle. There are no external differences
between the models. Refer to the identification tag
on the transaxle to determine which transaxle the
vehicle is equipped with.
FLUID REQUIREMENTS
NV T350 (A-578) transaxles use MopartManual
Transaxle Lubricant (MS-9417).Hypoid gear lube,
engine oil, and/or automatic transmission fluid
should not be used in this transaxle.Hard shift-
ing effort, bearing, gear, and/or synchronizer failure
may occur if incorrect fluid is used.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
The addition of any fluids to the transaxle, other
than the fluid listed above, is not recommended. An
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided, since they may adversely
affect seals.
SEALANTS
The sealant used to seal the transaxle case halves
and input bearing is MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet
518, or equivalent. The sealant used for the bearing
end plate cover is MopartRTV.
GEAR RATIOS
CAUTION: All gears and shafts must not be inter-
changed with other transaxles; they will not func-
tion correctly.The differential is a conventional arrangement of
gears that is supported by tapered roller bearings.
The final output gear turns the ring gear and differ-
ential assembly, thereby turning the drive axle
shafts.
All transaxles have a torque capacity of 136 lb. ft.
The gear ratios of each transaxle are shown in the
following chart. The chart also shows which transax-
les are available with the reverse±input shaft brake.
This brake allows easier shifting into reverse and
helps eliminate reverse gear clash.
Fig. 1 NV T350 (A-578) Transaxle Identification
1 ± LAST 3 DIGITS OF PART #
2 ± DATE CODE
3 ± PRODUCTION LINE SEQUENCE CODE
4 ± FULL PART #
5 ± END COVER
6 ± METAL TAG
7 ± NVG MODEL #
8 ± LABEL
21 - 2 TRANSAXLEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

ENGINE 2.0 SOHC EUROPE AND
U. S.1.8 BUX or 2.0L SALES
CODE ACR1.8 RIGHT HAND DRIVE
ONLY
GEAR
1st 3.54 3.54 3.54
2nd 2.13 2.13 2.13
3rd 1.36 1.36 1.36
4th 1.03 1.03 1.03
5th 0.72 0.81 0.81
FINAL DRIVE 3.55 3.94 3.94
REVERSE BRAKE NO YES YES
CLUTCH RELEASE
SYSTEMCABLE CABLE HYDRAULIC
GEARSHIFT PATTERN
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle shift pattern is a
modified H±pattern (Fig. 2). Overdrive fifth and
reverse gears are in±line and outboard of the first
through fourth gear positions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COMMON PROBLEM CAUSES
The majority of transaxle malfunctions are a result
of:
²Insufficient lubrication
²Incorrect lubricant
²Misassembled or damaged internal components
²Improper operation
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting may be caused by a misadjusted
crossover cable. If hard shifting is accompanied by
gear clash, synchronizer clutch and stop rings, or
gear teeth may be worn or damaged.Misassembled synchronizer components also cause
shifting problems. Incorrectly installed synchronizer
sleeves, struts, or springs can cause shift problems.
NOISY OPERATION
Before removing a transaxle to diagnose and repair
a noisy condition, verify the correct level and type of
fluid is installed in the transaxle. Abnormal wear
and damage to the internal components is frequently
the end result of insufficient/improper lubricant.
Refer to Fluid Requirements in this group.
Transaxle noise is most often a result of worn or
damaged components. Chipped, pitted, spalled and
broken gears or synchronizer teeth can cause noise.
Brinnelled or spalled bearings will generate noise.
Improperly assembled (missing, loose, or improp-
erly installed parts, etc) transaxles are likely to gen-
erate abnormal noise.
Squealing noises are commonly caused by defective
clutch release bearings and the reverse brake (if
equipped). Inspect the bearing cage and reverse cone
for signs of heat damage.
Gear rattle, gear clash, hard shifts, and premature
clutch disc wear can result from misalignment of the
transmission to the engine. Inspect for excessive
clutch dust in the clutch housing and oblonged
(mushroomed) dowel holes.
SLIPS OUT OF GEAR
Transaxle disengagement may be caused by mis-
aligned or damaged shift components, manufacturing
burrs on the gear teeth, or worn teeth on the drive
gears or synchronizer components. Incorrect assem-
bly, such as missing snap rings, also causes gear dis-
engagement.
Fig. 2 NV T350 (A-578) Shift Pattern
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 3
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
Insufficient transaxle lubricant is usually the
result of leaks, or inaccurate fluid level check or refill
method. Leakage is evident by the presence of oil
around the leak point. If leakage is not evident, the
condition is probably the result of an underfill.
If air±powered lubrication equipment is used to fill
a transaxle, be sure the equipment is properly cali-
brated. Equipment out of calibration can lead to an
underfill condition.
FLUID LEAKS
Fluid leaks can occur around the input shaft seal,
axleshaft seals, case split lines, and the end cover. Be
careful not to misdiagnose an input shaft seal leak
for an engine rear main seal leak. Also, the transaxle
case sealer (split line) will accumulate dirt and look
like an oil leak.
CLUTCH PROBLEMS
Worn, damaged, or misaligned clutch components
can cause difficult shifting, gear clash, and noise.
A worn or damaged clutch disc, pressure plate, or
release bearing can cause hard shifting and gear
clash.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID DRAIN AND FILL
All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a fill plug. The fill plug is located on the left side of
the transaxle differential area (Fig. 3). The fluid level
should be within 3/16 inch from the bottom of the
transaxle fill hole (vehicle must be level when check-
ing).All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a drain plug. The drain plug is located on the lower
right side of the transaxle differential housing (Fig.
4). Tighten drain plug to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
Dry fill lubricant capacity is approximately 1.9-2.2
liters (4.0-4.6 pints). Wipe the outside of the tran-
saxle if any lubricant spills.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEARSHIFT KNOB
REMOVAL
(1)Pull shifter boot down and away from shifter knob.
(2) Push down on knob and rotate clockwise to
remove (Fig. 5).
Fig. 3 Fill Plug Location
1 ± RUBBER FILL PLUG
2 ± LEFT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
Fig. 4 Drain Plug Location
1 ± RIGHT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
2 ± DRAIN PLUG
Fig. 5 Gearshift Knob Removal
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
21 - 4 TRANSAXLEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

Remove cable retaining clips and remove cables
from bracket (Fig. 17).
(11) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(12) Remove converter heat shield (Fig. 18).
(13) Remove remaining grommet plate-to-floor pan
screw (Fig. 19).
(14) Remove cable assembly from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Gearshift cable bushings must not be
lubricated or the bushings will swell and split.(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Install cable assembly through floor pan open-
ing and secure to floor pan with grommet plate and
one screw (Fig. 19). Make sure the three grommet
plate studs protrude through cable assembly and
floor pan and tighten screw to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Route transaxle end of cable assembly into
engine compartment and over transaxle assembly.
(4) Install converter heat shield (Fig. 18).
(5) Lower vehicle.
Fig. 13 Gearshift Boot Removal/Installation
1 ± BOOT
2 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 14 Crossover Cable at Shifter Assembly
1 ± GROMMET PLATE NUT
2 ± SHIFTER
3 ± CROSSOVER CABLE
4 ± CLIP
Fig. 15 Selector Cable at Shifter Assembly
1 ± SHIFTER
2 ± CLIP
3 ± SELECTOR CABLE
Fig. 16 Air Cleaner Assembly Removal/Installation
1 ± AIR CLEANER ASSY.
2 ± THROTTLE BODY DUCT
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(11) Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor connector
(Fig. 39).
(12) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(13) Remove transaxle oil drain plug and drain oil
into a suitable container.
(14) Remove both axle shafts. Refer to Group 3,
Differential and Driveline for the correct procedures.
(15) Remove structural collar (Fig. 40).
(16) Remove the left engine-to-transaxle lateral
bending brace (Fig. 40).
(17) Remove bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 40).
(18) Remove the right engine-to-transaxle lateral
bending brace (Fig. 41).
(19) Remove starter motor (Fig. 42).
(20) Remove drive plate-to-clutch module bolts.
(21) Support engine at oil pan with screw jack and
wood block.
(22) Remove transaxle upper mount thru-bolt.
Gain access to this bolt through the driver's side
wheel house (Fig. 43).
Fig. 39 Vehicle Speed Sensor Connector
1 ± CONNECTOR
2 ± SENSOR
3 ± O-RING
4 ± SPEEDO PINION
Fig. 40 Left Lateral Bending Brace and Structural
CollarÐTypical
1 ± LATERAL BENDING BRACE
2 ± STRUCTURAL COLLAR
3 ± DUST COVER
Fig. 41 Right Lateral Bending Brace Removal/
InstallationÐTypical
1 ± TRANSAXLE
2 ± ENGINE
3 ± LATERAL BENDING BRACE
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 15
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(23) Carefully lower engine and transaxle on screw
jack until proper removal clearance is obtained.
(24) Obtain a helper to assist in holding transaxle
while removing transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts
(Fig. 44).(25) Remove transaxle from vehicle (Fig. 44).
(26) If installing a new or replacement transaxle,
remove the upper mount as shown in (Fig. 45), trans-
fer to the replacement unit and torque all bolts to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install clutch module onto input shaft. Install
transaxle into position.
(2) Install transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts (Fig.
44) 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. 43).
(4) Remove screwjack.
(5) Install drive plate-to-clutch module 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. 42).
(7) Connect starter electrical harness and tighten
positive cable nut to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 40).
(9) Install left engine-to-transaxle bending brace
(Fig. 40).
(10) Install structural collar (Fig. 40) 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.
(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 the right lateral bending brace and
tighten bolts to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 41).
(12) Install both front axle driveshafts. Refer to
Group 3, Differential and Driveline for the correct
procedures.
(13) Fill transaxle with suitable amount of Mopart
Manual Transaxle Lubricant (PN 04874465).
(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Connect vehicle speed sensor connector (Fig.
39).
(16) Connect shift crossover and selector cables to
shift lever. Install cables to bracket and install
retaining clips (Fig. 38).
(17) Connect clutch cable to fork and secure to
transaxle (Fig. 37).
(18) Install bellhousing cap (Fig. 37).
(19) Connect back-up lamp switch connector.
(20) Connect ground strap to transaxle upper
mount bracket.
(21) Install battery lower tray and battery, and
tighten battery hold down clamp to secure battery.
Fig. 42 Starter Motor Removal/InstallationÐTypical
1 ± BOLT
2 ± GROUND
3±STARTER
4 ± BOLT
Fig. 43 Transaxle Upper Mount Thru-BoltÐTypical
1 ± MOUNT BRACKET
2 ± BOLT
3 ± MOUNT
21 - 16 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Remove case bolts. Remove clutch bellhousing
differential bearing cup. Install shim(s) selected in
Step 7. Then press the bearing cup into clutch bell-
housing.
(9) Install clutch bellhousing. Install and torque
case bolts to 26 N´m (19 ft. lbs.).
(10) Using Special Tool C-4995 and an inch-pound
torque wrench, check turning torque of the differen-
tial assembly (Fig. 164).The turning torque
should be 6 to 12 in. lbs. If the turning torque is
too high, install a 0.05mm (0.002 inch) thinner
shim. If the turning torque is too low, install a
0.05mm (0.002 inch) thicker shim.(11) Recheck turning torque. Repeat Step 10until
the proper turning torque is obtained.
SPECIFICATIONS
NV T350 (A-578) SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Back-up Lamp Switch........ 24N´m(18ft.lbs.)
Crossover Cable Adj. Screw.... 8N´m(70in.lbs.)
Drain Plug............... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Differential Ring Gear Bolts . . . 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.)
Dust Shield to Transaxle.... 12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
End Plate Cover Bolts........ 29N´m(21ft.lbs.)
Lateral Bending Strut to Engine......... 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
Lateral Bending Strut to Trans.......... 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
Left Mount Through Bolt.... 108N´m(80ft.lbs.)
Left Mount to Transaxle...... 68N´m(50ft.lbs.)
Output Bearing Race Ret. Strap......... 11N´m
(96 in. lbs.)
Reverse Fork Bracket........ 11N´m(96in.lbs.)
Reverse Idler Shaft Bolt...... 26N´m(19ft.lbs.)
Shift Cable Bracket to Transaxle........ 28N´m
(250 in. lbs.)
Transaxle Case Bolts......... 29N´m(21ft.lbs.)
Transaxle to Engine Bolt...... 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
Trans. to Eng. Intake Bkt. Bolts......... 95N´m
(70 ft. lbs.)
Vehicle Speed Sensor......... 7N´m(60in.lbs.)
Vertical Bending Strut to Engine........ 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
Vertical Bending Strut to Trans.......... 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
NOTE: Bolts that have thread sealer or torque lock
patches should not be reused. Always install new
bolts in these applications.
Fig. 163 Checking Differential Bearing End Play to
Determine Shim Thickness
1 ± T-HANDLE
2 ± DIAL INDICATOR SET
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
Fig. 164 Checking Differential Bearing Turning
Torque
1 ± INCH-POUND TORQUE WRENCH
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE FLUID
FILL
TRANSAXLE METRIC
MEASUREU. S.
MEASURE
NV T350 1.9-2.2 Liters 2.0-2.3 Quarts
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 51
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

GENERAL INFORMATION
IN VEHICLE SERVICE
The following components are serviceable in the
vehicle without transaxle removal:
²Valve Body Assembly
²Converter Clutch Solenoid
²Governor
²Vehicle Speed Sensor & Pinion
²Park/Neutral & Back-up Lamp Switch
²Transfer Gears and Transfer Shaft
²Low/Reverse Servo
²Kickdown Servo
²Accumulator
FLUID REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: The transmission and differential have a
common oil sump with an opening between the
two.
TRANSMISSION/DIFFERENTIAL
MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid
Type 9602) is required in this transaxle. Substitute
fluids must meet fluid specification MS-9602.
FLUID ADDITIVES
Chrysler Corporation strongly recommends against
the addition of any fluids to the transmission, other
than those automatic transmission fluids listed
above. Exceptions to this policy are the use of special
dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel/quality and converter
clutch operation, inhibit overheating, oxidation, var-
nish and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to Chrysler's satisfaction and these additives
must not be used. The use of transmission ªsealersº
should also be avoided, since they may adversely
affect the integrity of tranmission seals.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
31TH GENERAL INFORMATION
NOTE: Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when working on these transaxles.
This transaxle combines torque converter, three
speed transmission, final drive gearing, and differen-
tial into a front wheel drive system.
NOTE: Transaxle operation requirements are differ-
ent for each vehicle and engine combination. Some
internal parts will be different to provide for this.Therefore, when replacing parts, refer to the seven
digit part number stamped on rear of the transaxle
oil pan flange.
Within this transaxle, there are three primary
areas:
(1) Main center line plus valve body.
(2) Transfer shaft center line (includes governor
and parking sprag).
(3) Differential center line.
Center distances between the main rotating parts
in these three areas are held precise to maintain a
low noise level.
The torque converter, transaxle area, and differen-
tial are housed in an integral aluminum die casting.
The differential oil sump is common with the
transaxle sump. Separate filling of the differen-
tial is NOT necessary.
The torque converter is attached to the crankshaft
through a flexible driving plate. Cooling of the con-
verter is accomplished by circulating the transaxle
fluid through a remote cooler. There are two types of
coolers used. An oil-to-water type cooler located in
the radiator side tank and/or an oil-to-air heat
exchanger. The torque converter assembly is a sealed
unit that cannot be disassembled.
The transaxle fluid is filtered by an internal filter
attached to the lower side of the valve body assembly.
Engine torque is transmitted to the torque con-
verter and then through the input shaft to multiple-
disc clutches in the transaxle. The power flow
depends on the application of the clutches and bands.
Refer to Elements in Use Chart in Diagnosis and
Tests section.
The transaxle consists of:
²Two multiple-disc clutches
²An overrunning clutch
²Two servos
²A hydraulic accumulator
²Two bands
²Two planetary gear sets
This provides three forward ratios and a reverse
ratio. The common sun gear of the planetary gear
sets is connected to the front clutch by a driving
shell. The driving shell is splined to the sun gear and
front clutch retainer. The hydraulic system consists
of an oil pump and a single valve body which con-
tains all of the valves except the governor valves.
The transaxle sump and differential sump are both
vented through the dipstick. Output torque from the
main center line is delivered through helical gears to
the transfer shaft. This gear set is a factor in the
transaxle final drive (axle) ratio. The shaft also car-
ries the governor and parking sprag. An integral heli-
cal gear on the transfer shaft drives the differential
ring gear.
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 55