2000 DODGE NEON gasket

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
EXHAUST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE
EXHAUST NOISE
(UNDER HOOD)1. Exhaust manifold cracked or broken. 1. Replace manifold.
2. Manifold to cylinder head leak. 2. Tighten manifold and/or replace gasket.
3. Exhaust Flex joint to manifold leak. 3. Tighten fasteners or replace gasket.
4. Exhaust flex joint. 4. Replace catalytic converter assembly.
5. Pipe and shell noise from front exhaust
pipe.5. Characteristic of single wall pipes.
EXCESSIVE
EXHAUST NOISE1. Leaks at pipe joints. 1. Tighten or replace clamps at leaking
joints.
2. Burned, blown, or rusted out exhaust
pipe or muffler.2. Replace muffler or exhaust pipes.
3. Restriction in muffler or tailpipe. 3. Remove restriction, if possible or replace
as necessary.
4. Catalytic converter material in muffler. 4. Replace muffler and converter assembly.
Check fuel injection and ignition systems for
proper operation.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
EXHAUST PIPE AND MUFFLER
REMOVAL
WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER WORK AROUND OR ATTEMPT
TO SERVICE ANY PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
UNTIL IT IS COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE
TAKEN WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CON-
VERTER RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT
PERIOD OF ENGINE OPERATING TIME.
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist and apply penetrating oil
to band clamp fastener of component being removed.
NOTE: Do not use petroleum-based lubricants
when removing/installing muffler or exhaust pipe
isolators as it may compromise the life of the part.
A suitable substitute is a mixture of liquid dish
soap and water.
(2) Remove exhaust system ground strap.
(3) Loosen band clamp and remove support isola-
tors at muffler. Remove muffler from exhaust pipe
(Fig. 7).(4) Loosen band clamp at the catalytic converter to
intermediate pipe joint (Fig. 7)
(5) Remove intermediate pipe support isolator.
Separate at slip joint and remove intermediate pipe
(Fig. 7).
(6) Clean ends of pipes and muffler to assure mat-
ing of all parts. Discard broken or worn isolators,
rusted or overused clamps, supports, and attaching
parts.
NOTE: When replacement is required on any com-
ponent of the exhaust system, you must use origi-
nal equipment parts (or their equivalent).
INSTALLATION
When assembling exhaust systemdo nottighten
clamps until components are aligned and clearances
are checked.
(1) Assemble intermediate pipe to catalytic con-
verter and the isolator support to the underbody (Fig.
7).
(2) Install the muffler to intermediate pipe and the
isolator supports to the underbody.
(3) Working from the front of system; align each
component to maintain position and proper clearance
with underbody parts (Fig. 9). Tighten band clamps
to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 8).
11 - 4 EXHAUST SYSTEMPL

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
REMOVAL
WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER ATTEMPT TO SERVICE ANY
PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM UNTIL IT IS
COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN
WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC CON-
VERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CONVERTER
RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT PERIOD
OF ENGINE OPERATION TIME.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the ULEV emission
package are equipped with an additional catalytic
converter that is integral to the exhaust manifold.
Refer to Exhaust Manifold in Group 9, Engine for
procedure.
(1) Remove muffler and exhaust pipe. Refer to pro-
cedure in this section.
(2) Disconnect downstream oxygen sensor electri-
cal connector.
(3) Remove exhaust manifold support bracket
(Federal and LEV only) (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove catalytic converter to exhaust manifold
attaching fasteners and remove converter from vehi-
cle (Fig. 11) or (Fig. 12).
(5) Remove and discard flange gasket.
NOTE: When replacement is required on any com-
ponent of the exhaust system, original equipment
parts (or equivalent) must be used.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When assembling exhaust system do not
tighten clamps until all components are aligned and
clearances are checked.(1) Assemble catalytic converter to exhaust mani-
fold connection. Use a new flange gasket.
1 ± HEAT SHIELD
2 ± FLOOR PAN
3 ± BAND CLAMP
4 ± FLOOR PAN
5 ± TANK STRAP
6 ± FUEL TANK
7 ± SPARE TIRE TUB
8 ± REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
9 ± FLOOR PAN
10 ± SPARE TIRE TUB
11 ± MUFFLER12 ± BUMPER BEAM
13 ± HEAT SHIELD
14 ± OXYGEN SENSOR CLEARANCE (LEV)
15 ± FLOOR PAN
16 ± FEDERAL & LEV
17 ± OXYGEN SENSOR CLEARANCE (FEDERAL)
18 ± HEAT SHIELD
19 ± FLOOR PAN
20 ± CROSSMEMBER
21 ± TAIL PIPE
22 ± FASCIA
Fig. 10 Exhaust Manifold Support BracketÐFederal
& LEV
1 ± BRACKET
2 ± BOLT (M10)
3 ± BOLT (M12)
4 ± NUT
Fig. 11 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
ConnectionÐFederal & LEV
1 ± PRESSED-IN STUDS
2 ± NUTS
3 ± GASKET
PLEXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(2) Install exhaust manifold support bracket (Fed-
eral and LEV only). Tighten M10 bolt to 54 N´m (40
ft. lbs.), M12 bolt to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.), and nut to
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(3) Install bolt attaching manifold support bracket
to the heat shield (Federal and LEV only). Tighten
bolt to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Assemble muffler and exhaust pipe to catalytic
converter. Install muffler and pipe support isolators
to the underbody.
(5) Tighten the catalytic converter to exhaust man-
ifold fasteners to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) (Fig. 11) or
(Fig. 12).
(6) Working from the front of the systemÐalign
each component to maintain position and proper
clearance with under body components. Tighten all
slip joint band clamps to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Band (Torca) clamps should never be
tightened such that the two sides of the clamps are
bottomed out against the center hourglass shaped
center block. Once this occurs, the clamp has lost
clamping force and must be replaced.
(7) If removed, install downstream oxygen sensor.
(8) Connect downstream oxygen sensor electrical
connector.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Inspect the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters,
muffler, and resonators for cracked joints, broken
welds and corrosion damage that would result in a
leaking exhaust system. Inspect the clamps, support
brackets, and insulators for cracks and corrosion
damage.
NOTE: Slip joint band clamps are spot welded to
exhaust system. If a band clamp must be replaced,
the spot weld must be ground off.
ADJUSTMENTS
EXHAUST SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
A misaligned exhaust system is usually indicated
by a vibration, rattling noise, or binding of exhaust
system components. These noises are sometimes hard
to distinguish from other chassis noises. Inspect
exhaust system for broken or loose clamps, heat
shields, insulators, and brackets. Replace or tighten
as necessary. It is important that exhaust system
clearances and alignment be maintained.
Perform the following procedures to align the
exhaust system. Refer to (Fig. 9) for clearance speci-
fications:
(1) Loosen clamps and support brackets.
(2) Align the exhaust system starting at the front,
working rearward.
(3) Tighten all clamps and brackets once align-
ment and clearances are achieved.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATION CHART
Fig. 12 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
ConnectionÐULEV
1 ± PRESSED-IN NUTS
2 ± GASKET
3 ± BOLTS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Band ClampsÐFastener 47 35 Ð
Catalytic Converter to Exhaust
Manifold FlangeÐFasteners28 Ð 250
11 - 8 EXHAUST SYSTEMPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

carbon monoxide emissions. The type and amount of
oxygenate used in the blend is important.
The following are generally used in gasoline
blends:
Ethanol- (Ethyl or Grain Alcohol) properly
blended, is used as a mixture of 10 percent ethanol
and 90 percent gasoline. Gasoline blended with etha-
nol may be used in your vehicle.
MTBE/ETBE- Gasoline and MTBE (Methyl Ter-
tiary Butyl Ether) blends are a mixture of unleaded
gasoline and up to 15 percent MTBE. Gasoline and
ETBE (Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) are blends of gas-
oline and up to 17 percent ETBE. Gasoline blended
with MTBE or ETBE may be used in your vehicle.
Methanol- Methanol (Methyl or Wood Alcohol) is
used in a variety of concentrations blended with
unleaded gasoline. You may encounter fuels contain-
ing 3 percent or more methanol along with other
alcohols called cosolvents.
DO NOT USE GASOLINE CONTAINING
METHANOL.
Use of methanol/gasoline blends may result in
starting and driveability problems and damage criti-
cal fuel system components.
Problems that are the result of using methanol/
gasoline blends are not the responsibility of
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country are requiring the use of
cleaner-burning fuel referred to asReformulated
Gasoline. Reformulated gasoline are specially
blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air
quality.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation strongly supports the
use of reformulated gasoline whenever available.
Although your vehicle was designed to provide opti-
mum performance and lowest emissions operating on
high quality unleaded gasoline, it will perform
equally well and produce even lower emissions when
operating on reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added to Fuel
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents
should be avoided. Many of these materials intended
for gum and varnish removal may contain active sol-
vents of similar ingredients that can be harmful to
fuel system gasket and diaphragm materials.
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM
OPERATION
The fuel delivery system consists of: the electric
fuel pump, fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator, fuel
tubes/lines/hoses, fuel rail, fuel injectors, fuel tank,
accelerator pedal and throttle cable.A fuel return system is used on all models (all
engines). Fuel is returned through the fuel pump
module and back into the fuel tank through the fuel
filter/fuel pressure regulator. A separate fuel return
line from the engine to the tank is no longer used
with any engine.
The fuel tank assembly consists of: the fuel tank,
filler tube, fuel gauge sending unit/electric fuel pump
module, a rollover valve(s) and a pressure-vacuum
filler cap.
Also to be considered part of the fuel system is the
evaporation control system or Onboard Refueling
Vapor recovery (ORVR). This is designed to reduce
the emission of fuel vapors into the atmosphere. The
description and function of the Evaporative Control
System is found in the Emission Control Systems
section.
FUEL PUMP MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pump module is installed in the fuel tank
(Fig. 1).
OPERATION
The fuel pump module contains the following:
²Electric fuel pump
²Fuel pump reservoir
²Inlet strainer
²Fuel filter/pressure regulator
²Fuel gauge sending unit
²Fuel supply line connection
Fig. 1 Fuel Pump Module
1 ± FUEL FILTER/PRESSURE REGULATOR
2 ± FUEL LEVEL SENSOR
3 ± FUEL RESERVOIR
4 ± INLET STRAINER
5 ± FLOAT
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

POWER STEERING FLUID
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH
VISIBLE LEAK.1. Loose power steering hose
fittings.1. Tighten the fitting to its specified torque.
2. Damaged or missing fitting seal,
gasket, or O-ring.2. Replace as necessary.
3. Power steering pump or power
steering gear leaking.3. Repair or replace the leaking component
as required.
AERATED FLUID. 1. Low fluid level.* 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level.
2. Air leak between power steering
fluid reservoir and pump.2. Inspect for proper sealing. Replace the
power steering pump (with reservoir).
3. Cracked power steering pump
housing.3. Replace the power steering pump.
RESERVOIR FLUID
OVERFLOW AND FLUID
IS MILKY IN COLOR1. Water contamination. 1. Drain the power steering fluid from the
system. Flush the system with fresh clean
power steering fluid, drain, then refill to the
proper level.
NOTE: * Extremely cold temperatures may cause
power steering fluid aeration, if the power steering
fluid is low.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed any time a power
steering system problem is present to determine if
the power steering pump or power steering gear is
not functioning properly. The following flow and pres-
sure test is performed using the Power Steering Ana-
lyzer Kit, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 3), hoses, Special
Tools 6905 and 6959, and fittings from adapter kit,
Special Tool 6893.
(1) Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer,
Special Tool 6815, as shown. Install Pressure Hose,
Special Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fitting on
Power Steering Analyzer. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on Pressure Hose, Special
Tool 6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959,
in the outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer.CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, safety gog-
gles should be worn at all times when performing
any test procedures on the power steering system.
Fig. 3 Power Steering Analyzer With Hoses Installed
1 ± OUTLET
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6815
3 ± INLET
PLSTEERING 19 - 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

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)

ASSEMBLY
The sealant used to seal the transaxle case halves
is MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet518, or equivalent.
The sealant used for the bearing end plate cover is
MopartRTV.
(1) Verify bench fixture shims are removed from
bench fixture. Install output and input shafts into
bench fixture (Miller tool #6785) (Fig. 74).
(2) Install shift rails and forks into bench fixture
(Fig. 75).
(3) Install shift blocker assembly into bench fix-
ture (Fig. 76).
(4) Install reverse brake race onto input shaft (Fig.
77).
(5) Install reverse brake needle bearing (Fig. 78).
Fig. 74 Bench Fixture
1 ± BENCH FIXTURE
2 ± GEARTRAIN
Fig. 75 Shift Rail Installation
1 ± 6785 BENCH FIXTURE
2 ± 1±2 SHIFT FORK
Fig. 76 Shift Blocker Installation
1 ± 6785 BENCH FIXTURE
2 ± SHIFT BLOCKER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 77 Reverse Brake Race Installation
1 ± REVERSE BRAKE RACE
Fig. 78 Reverse Brake Needle Bearing
1 ± REVERSE BRAKE NEEDLE BEARING
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 25
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: True bearing turning±torque readings can
be obtained only with the geartrain removed from
the case.
(1) Remove bearing cup and existing shim from
clutch bellhousing case.
(2) Press in new bearing cup into bellhousing case
(or use a cup that has been ground down on the
outer edge for ease of measurement).
(3) Press in new bearing cup into gear case side.
(4) Oil differential bearings with Moparttype M.
S. 9417 Manual Transaxle Fluid. Install differential
assembly in transaxle gear case. Install clutch bell-
housing over gear case. Install and torque case bolts
to 29 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position transaxle with bellhousing facing
down on workbench with C-clamps. Position dial
indicator.
(6) Apply a medium load to differential with Tool
C-4995 and a T-handle, in the downward direction.
Roll differential assembly back and forth a number of
times. This will settle the bearings. Zero the dial
indicator. To obtain end play readings, apply a
medium load in an upward direction while rolling
differential assembly back and forth (Fig. 94). Record
end play.(7) The shim required for proper bearing preload is
thetotal of end play, plus (constant) preload of
0.18mm (0.007 in.).Never combine shims to obtain
the required preload.
(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. 95).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 10 until
the proper turning torque is obtained.
Once proper turning torque has been established,
place gear case on the end plate. Draw a bead of
MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet518, or equivalent,
on the flat surface of the case mating flange. Install
clutch bellhousing onto gear case. Install and tighten
case bolts to 29 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 94 Checking Differential Bearing End Play To
Determine Shim Thickness
1 ± T-HANDLE
2 ± DIAL INDICATOR SET
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
Fig. 95 Checking Differential Bearing Turning
Torque
1 ± INCH-POUND TORQUE WRENCH
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
21 - 30 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)