2000 DODGE NEON transmission

make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair per service manual instructions.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(5)If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (makeup air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
²Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and CCV hose. Proceed to next step.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of theengine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing
cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak. If a leak is
present in this area remove transmission for further
inspection.
(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates
seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,
possible causes are a porous block, oil galley cup
plug, bedplate to cylinder block mating surfaces
and seal bore. See proper repair procedures for
these items.
(4) If no leaks are detected, pressurized the crank-
case as previously described.
CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).
(5) If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the
crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is
detected between the crankshaft and seal while
slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the
crankshaft seal surface is damaged. The seal area on
the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches
that can be polished out with emery cloth.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft
polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks and
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is especially
machined to complement the function of the rear oil
seal.
(6) For bubbles that remain steady with shaft
rotation, no further inspection can be done until dis-
assembled.
(7) After the oil leak root cause and appropriate
corrective action have been identified, refer to Crank-
shaft Oil SealÐRear for proper replacement proce-
dures.
9 - 10 ENGINEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
DIAL INDICATOR METHOD
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine, locat-
ing probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 9).
(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front of its
travel and read the dial indicator. Refer to Engine
Specifications in this section for crankshaft specifica-
tions.
FEELER GAGE METHOD
(1) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel using a lever inserted between a main bearing
cap and a crankshaft cheek, using care not to dam-
age any bearing surface. Donotloosen main bearing
cap.(2) Use a feeler gauge between number three
thrust bearing and machined crankshaft surface to
determine end play.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
TORQUE STRUTS
UPPER TORQUE STRUT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolts attaching strut to shock tower
bracket and engine mount bracket (Fig. 10).
(2) Remove the upper torque strut.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the upper torque strut into mounting
locations.
(2) Install the mounting bolts and perform the
torque strut adjustment procedure.
LOWER TORQUE STRUT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove right side splash shield.
(3) Remove bolts attaching lower strut to cross-
member and strut bracket (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove lower torque strut.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position lower torque strut into mounting loca-
tions.
(2) Install mounting bolts and perform torque
strut adjustment procedure.
(3) Install splash shield and lower vehicle
TORQUE STRUT ADJUSTMENT
The upper and lower torque struts need to be
adjusted together to assure proper engine positioning
and engine mount loading. Whenever a torque strut
bolt(s) is loosened, this procedure must be performed.
(1) Loosen the upper and lower torque strut
attaching bolt at the suspension crossmember and
shock tower bracket.
(2) The engine position may now be adjusted by
positioning a suitable floor jack on the forward edge
of the transmission bell housing (Fig. 11).
NOTE: The floor jack must be positioned as shown
in (Fig. 11) to prevent minimal upward lifting of the
engine.
Fig. 8 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 9 Checking Crankshaft End PlayÐ Dial
Indicator
9 - 20 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(4) Discharge air conditioning system, if equipped.
Refer to Group 24, Heating and Air Conditioning for
procedure.
(5) Disconnect the following: air intake duct at
intake manifold, throttle cables, electrical connectors
from throttle body and air cleaner housing.
(6) Remove air cleaner housing assembly.
(7) Remove upper radiator hose and fan module.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for procedure.
(8) Remove lower radiator hose.
(9) Disconnect automatic transmission cooler lines
and plug, if equipped.
(10) Disconnect shift linkage, electrical connectors,
and clutch cable, if equipped with manual transaxle.
(11) Disconnect engine wiring harness.
(12) Disconnect positive cable from Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC) and ground wire from vehicle
body.
(13) Disconnect ground wire from the vehicle body-
to-engine at the right side strut tower.
(14) Disconnect heater hoses.
(15) Disconnect vacuum hose from brake booster.
(16) Disconnect coolant reserve/recovery hose.
(17) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group
7, Cooling System for procedure.
(18) Remove power steering pump and reservoir
and set them aside.
(19) Hoist vehicle and remove right inner splash
shield.
(20) Drain engine oil.
(21) Remove front wheels.
(22) Remove axle shafts. Refer to Group 3, Differ-
ential and Driveline for procedure.
(23) Disconnect exhaust system from manifold.
(24) Disconnect the downstream oxygen sensor
connector.
(25) Remove lower engine torque strut.
(26) Remove structural collar. Refer to procedure
in this section.
(27) Lower vehicle and remove A/C compressor.
(28) Raise vehicle enough to allow engine dolly
and cradle, Special Tools 6135 and 6710 to be
installed under vehicle.
(29) Loosen engine support posts to allow move-
ment for positioning onto engine locating holes and
flange on the engine bedplate. Lower vehicle and
position cradle until the engine is resting on support
posts (Fig. 26). Tighten mounts to cradle frame. This
will keep support posts from moving when removing
or installing engine and transmission.
(30) Install safety straps around the engine to cra-
dle (Fig. 26). Tighten straps and lock them into posi-
tion.
WARNING: Safety straps MUST be used.(31) Raise vehicle enough to see if straps are tight
enough to hold cradle assembly to engine.
(32) Lower vehicle so weight of the engine and
transmission ONLY is on the cradle assembly.
(33) Remove the upper engine torque strut.
(34) Remove right and left engine and transaxle
mount through bolts (Fig. 24) and (Fig. 25).
(35) Raise vehicle slowly until body is approxi-
mately 15 cm (6 in.) above normal engine mounting
locations.
(36) Remove generator, lower bracket, and upper
mounting bolt.
(37) Continue raising vehicle slowly until engine/
transaxle assembly clears engine compartment. It
may be necessary to move the engine/transmission
assembly with the cradle to allow for removal around
body flanges.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position engine and transmission assembly
under vehicle and slowly lower the vehicle over the
engine/transaxle assembly until vehicle is within 15
cm (6 in.) of engine mounting locations.
(2) Install generator, lower bracket, and adjusting
bolt.
(3) Continue lowering vehicle until engine/tran-
saxle aligns to mounting locations. Install mounting
bolts at the right and left engine/transaxle mounts
(Fig. 24) and (Fig. 25). Tighten bolts to 118 N´m (87
ft. lbs.).
(4) Install upper engine torque strut. Refer to pro-
cedure in this section.
(5) Remove safety straps from engine/transaxle
assembly. Slowly raise vehicle enough to remove the
engine dolly and cradle.
(6) Install axle shafts. Refer to Group 3, Differen-
tial and Driveline for procedure.
(7) Install structural collar. Refer to procedure in
this section tightening sequence.
Fig. 24 Right Mount Through Bolt
1 ± BOLT
2 ± RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
3 ± ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
9 - 26 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Install lower engine torque strut. Refer to pro-
cedure in this section.
(9) Connect exhaust system to manifold. Refer to
Group 11, Exhaust System for procedure and torque
specifications.
(10) Connect the downstream oxygen sensor.
(11) Install A/C compressor and hoses. Refer to
Group 24, Heater and Air Conditioning for procedure.
(12) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System Accessory Drive Section for belt ten-
sion adjustment.
(13) Install inner splash shield.
(14) Install wheels and lower vehicle.
(15) Install power steering pump and reservoir.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System Accessory Drive
Section for belt tension adjustment.
(16)Manual Transmission:Connect clutch cable,
reverse light electrical connector and shift linkages.
Refer to Group 6, Clutch.
(17)Automatic Transmission:Connect shifter,
kickdown linkage and cooler lines. Refer to Group 21,
Transaxle for procedures.
(18) Connect fuel line and heater hoses.
(19)
Install all ground straps. Connect engine wiring
harness. Refer to Group 8, Electrical for procedure.
(20) Install lower radiator hose, fan module, and
upper radiator hose. Refer to Group 7, Cooling Sys-
tem for procedures
(21) Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System for filling procedure.
(22) Install battery tray and battery.
(23) Install air cleaner housing assembly and con-
nect intake duct to intake manifold.(24) Connect all throttle body electrical connectors
and linkage.
(25) Install oil filter. Fill engine crankcase with
proper oil to correct level.
(26) Perform camshaft and crankshaft timing
relearn procedure as follows:
²Connect the DRB scan tool to the data link
(diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in
the passenger compartment; at the lower edge of
instrument panel; near the steering column.
²Turn the ignition switch on and access the ªmis-
cellaneousº screen.
²Select ªre-learn cam/crankº option and follow
directions on DRB screen.
Fig. 25 Left Mount Through Bolt
1 ± MOUNT BRACKET
2 ± BOLT
3 ± MOUNT
Fig. 26 Positioning Engine Cradle Support Post
1 ± SAFETY STRAPS
2 ± PLACE REAR POSTS INTO LOCATING HOLES
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6848
4 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6710
5 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6135
6 ± SAFETY STRAPS
7 ± PLACE FRONT POST UNDER BLOCK FLANGE
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 27
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(27) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached.
(28) Ensure engine is properly positioned. Refer to
Torque Struts in this section for adjustment proce-
dure.
(29) Adjust transmission linkage, if necessary.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
REMOVAL
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES. NEVER SMOKE
WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the inlet air duct from intake manifold
to throttle body.
(3) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs.Refer to Group 14,
Fuel System for procedures.
WARNING: WRAP SHOP TOWELS AROUND FUEL
HOSE TO CATCH ANY GASOLINE SPILLAGE
(4) Disconnect fuel supply line quick connect at the
fuel tube assembly. Refer to Group 14, Fuel System
for procedures.
(5) Remove fuel rail assembly attaching screws
and remove fuel rail assembly from engine. Cover
injector holes with suitable covering.
CAUTION: Do not set fuel injectors on their tips,
damage may occur to the injectors
(6) Disconnect brake booster hose (Fig. 27) and
PCV hose (Fig. 28) from intake manifold.
(7) Disconnect Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
sensor electrical connector (Fig. 29).
(8) Disconnect knock sensor electrical connector
(Fig. 30).
(9) Disconnect wiring at starter.
(10) Remove the intake manifold to lower support
bracket bolts (Fig. 31).
(11) Remove intake manifold screws and washers.
Discard the fasteners. Remove intake manifold.
INSTALLATION
Before installing manifold. Clean all mating sur-
faces. Replace all O-ring gaskets with new gaskets
(Fig. 33). All intake manifold fasteners and washers
are to be discarded andNEWfasteners and washers
are to be used.(1) Install intake manifold onto cylinder head and
tighten fasteners to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) in sequence
shown in (Fig. 32).
Fig. 27 Brake Booster Hose
Fig. 28 PCV Hose
9 - 28 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CYLINDER BORE INSPECTION
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 134). If the cyl-
inder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the cylinder
block should be rebored and honed, and new pistons
and rings fitted. Whatever type of boring equipment
is used, boring and honing operation should be
closely coordinated with the fitting of pistons and
rings in order that specified clearances may be main-
tained.Refer to Honing Cylinder Bores outlined
in the Standard Service Procedures for specifi-
cation and procedures.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 134). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
For specifications, refer to Engine Specifications in
this section.
ADJUSTMENTS
ENGINE TORQUE STRUT ADJUSTMENT
The upper and lower torque struts need to be
adjusted together to assure proper engine positioning
and engine mount loading. Whenever a torque strut
bolt(s) is loosened, this procedure must be performed.
(1) Loosen the upper and lower torque strut
attaching bolt at the suspension crossmember and
shock tower bracket (Fig. 135).
(2) The engine position may now be adjusted by
positioning a suitable floor jack on the forward edge
of the transmission bell housing (Fig. 136).
NOTE: The floor jack must be positioned as shown
in (Fig. 136) to prevent minimal upward lifting of the
engine.(3) Carefully apply upward force, allowing the
upper engine to rotate rearward until the distance
between the center of the rearmost attaching stud on
the engine mount bracket (point ªAº) and the center
of the hole for the washer hose clip on the shock
tower bracket (point ªBº) is 119 mm (4.70 in.) (Fig.
137).
(4) With the engine held at the proper position,
tighten both the upper and lower torque strut bolts
to 118 N´m (87 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 135).
(5) Remove the floor jack.
Fig. 134 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
9 - 66 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle from
the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the knuckle.
Pulling the steering knuckle outward at this point can
separate the inner C/V joint on the driveshaft. Refer to
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS in the DIFFERENTIAL AND
DRIVELINE group for further information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(6) Separate each ball joint stud from the steering
knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up
against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle
(Fig. 3).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, remove the two screws securing the
cooler to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler and can be accessed from
above. Allow the cooler to hang out of the way.
(8) Using wire or cord, support and tie off the
power steering gear to the underbody of the vehicle,
so when the crossmember is lowered, the gear does
not fall away being held to the vehicle by only the
steering column coupler and the fluid hoses.
(9) Loosen and remove the four bolts attaching the
power steering gear to the front suspension cross-
member (Fig. 4). Remove the power steering gear
from the front suspension crossmember.
(10) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Before removing the front suspension
crossmember from the vehicle, the location of thecrossmember must be scribed on the body of the
vehicle (Fig. 9). Do this so that the crossmember
can be relocated upon reinstallation against the
body of vehicle in the same location as before
removal. If the front suspension crossmember is
not reinstalled in exactly the same location as
before removal, the preset front wheel alignment
settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
(11) Using an awl, scribe a line (Fig. 6) marking
the location of where the front suspension crossmem-
ber is mounted against the body of the vehicle.
(12) Position a transmission jack under the center
of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to
support the bottom of the crossmember.
(13) Loosen and completely remove the two front
bolts (one right and one left) attaching the front sus-
pension crossmember to the frame rails of vehicle.
The right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting
bolt figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(14) Loosen the two rear bolts (one right and one
left) attaching the front suspension crossmember and
lower control arms to the body of the vehicle until
they release from the threaded tapping plates in the
body of the vehicle. Remove the rear bolts from the
body of the vehicle, but do not completely remove the
rear bolts because they are designed to disengage
from the body threads yet stay within the lower con-
trol arm rear isolator bushing. This allows the lower
control arm to stay in place on the crossmember. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(15) Lower the front suspension crossmember.
Fig. 2 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 ± NUT
2 ± BOLT
3 ± BALL JOINT
Fig. 3 Pry Bar Usage
1 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
2±PRYBAR
3 ± LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 ± BALL JOINT STUD
13 - 6 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(16) Remove each lower control arm from the
crossmember by removing the front pivot bolt.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lower control arms on the front sus-
pension crossmember. Install the pivot bolts, but do
not completely tighten them at this time.(2) Using the transmission jack, raise the front
suspension crossmember and lower control arms
until the crossmember contacts its mounting spot
against the body and frame rails of the vehicle. As
the crossmember is raised, carefully guide the power
steering gear into mounting position.
Fig. 4 Steering Gear Mounting
1 ± OUTER TIE ROD
2 ± JAM NUT3 ± STEERING GEAR
4 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 5 Mounting Bolts
1 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE TORQUE ISOLATOR STRUT MOUNTING BOLT
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 6 Marking Crossmember Location
1 ± SCRIBED LINE
2 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
3±AWL
4 ± BODY
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)