Page 3083 of 4284
(3) Connect throttle valve cable retainer to throttle
body bracket (Fig. 227).
(4) Connect cable core clip to throttle lever (Fig.
227).(5) Adjust throttle valve cable. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/THROTTLE VALVE CABLE - ADJUST-
MENTS)
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
Fig. 224 Throttle Valve Cable at Throttle Body
1 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE CLIP
2 - THROTTLE BODY LEVER
3 - CABLE RETAINER
Fig. 225 Throttle Valve Cable at Transaxle
1 - LEVER
2 - BRACKET
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 226 Throttle Valve Cable at Transaxle
1 - LEVER
2 - BRACKET
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 227 Throttle Valve Cable at Throttle Body
1 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE CLIP
2 - THROTTLE BODY LEVER
3 - CABLE RETAINER
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21 - 119
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE (Continued)
Page 3084 of 4284

THROTTLE VALVE LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT
The throttle valve linkage adjustment is very
important to proper transaxle operation. This adjust-
ment positions a valve which controls shift speed,
shift quality, and part throttle downshift sensitivity.
If the setting is too short, early shifts and slippage
between shifts may occur. If the setting is too long,
shifts may be delayed and part throttle downshifts
may be very sensitive.
LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
(1) Perform transaxle throttle valve linkage
adjustment while engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
(2) Using small screwdriver, disengage adjustment
lock at transaxle.
(3) Rotate lever at transaxle all the way to the left
side of vehicle against stop.
(4) Slide cable adjuster until cable core end
touches clip at throttle valve lever.
(5) Press adjuster lock (Fig. 228) to retain setting.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter (Fig. 229) is a hydraulic
device that couples the engine crankshaft to the
transmission. The torque converter consists of an
outer shell with an internal turbine, a stator, an
overrunning clutch, an impeller and an electronically
applied converter clutch. The converter clutch pro-
vides reduced engine speed and greater fuel economy
when engaged. Clutch engagement also provides
reduced transmission fluid temperatures. The con-
verter clutch engages in third gear. The torque con-
verter hub drives the transmission oil (fluid) pump.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that
is not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
CAUTION: The torque converter must be replaced if
a transmission failure resulted in large amounts of
metal or fiber contamination in the fluid. If the fluid
is contaminated, flush the fluid cooler and lines.
Fig. 228 Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment Lock
1 - ADJUSTER LOCK
Fig. 229 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE
2 - IMPELLER
3 - HUB
4-STATOR
5 - CONVERTER CLUTCH DISC
6 - DRIVE PLATE
21 - 120 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE (Continued)
Page 3085 of 4284

IMPELLER
The impeller (Fig. 230) is an integral part of the
converter housing. The impeller consists of curved
blades placed radially along the inside of the housing
on the transmission side of the converter. As the con-
verter housing is rotated by the engine, so is the
impeller, because they are one and the same and are
the driving member of the system.
TURBINE
The turbine (Fig. 231) is the output, or driven,
member of the converter. The turbine is mounted
within the housing opposite the impeller, but is not
attached to the housing. The input shaft is inserted
through the center of the impeller and splined into
the turbine. The design of the turbine is similar to
the impeller, except the blades of the turbine are
curved in the opposite direction.
Fig. 230 Impeller
1 - ENGINE FLEXPLATE
2 - OIL FLOW FROM IMPELLER SECTION INTO TURBINE
SECTION
3 - IMPELLER VANES AND COVER ARE INTEGRAL4 - ENGINE ROTATION
5 - ENGINE ROTATION
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21 - 121
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 3087 of 4284

OPERATION
The converter impeller (Fig. 235) (driving member),
which is integral to the converter housing and bolted
to the engine drive plate, rotates at engine speed.
The converter turbine (driven member), which reacts
from fluid pressure generated by the impeller, rotates
and turns the transmission input shaft.
TURBINE
As the fluid that was put into motion by the impel-
ler blades strikes the blades of the turbine, some of
the energy and rotational force is transferred into the
turbine and the input shaft. This causes both of them
(turbine and input shaft) to rotate in a clockwise
direction following the impeller. As the fluid is leav-
ing the trailing edges of the turbine's blades it con-
tinues in a ªhinderingº direction back toward the
impeller. If the fluid is not redirected before it strikes
the impeller, it will strike the impeller in such a
direction that it would tend to slow it down.
Fig. 232 Stator Components
1 - CAM (OUTER RACE)
2 - ROLLER
3 - SPRING
4 - INNER RACE
Fig. 233 Stator Location
1-STATOR
2 - IMPELLER
3 - FLUID FLOW
4 - TURBINE
Fig. 234 Torque Converter Clutch (TCC)
1 - IMPELLER FRONT COVER
2 - THRUST WASHER ASSEMBLY
3 - IMPELLER
4-STATOR
5 - TURBINE
6 - PISTON
7 - FRICTION DISC
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21 - 123
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 3089 of 4284

TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
In a standard torque converter, the impeller and
turbine are rotating at about the same speed and the
stator is freewheeling, providing no torque multipli-
cation. By applying the turbine's piston to the front
cover's friction material, a total converter engage-
ment can be obtained. The result of this engagement
is a direct 1:1 mechanical link between the engine
and the transmission.
The engagement and disengagement of the TCC
are automatic and controlled by the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). The engagement cannot be acti-
vated in the lower gears because it eliminates the
torque multiplication effect of the torque converter
necessary for acceleration. Inputs that determine
clutch engagement are: coolant temperature, vehicle
speed and throttle position. The torque converter
clutch is engaged by the clutch solenoid on the valve
body. The clutch will engage at approximately 56
km/h (35 mph) with light throttle, after the shift to
third gear.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission and torque converter
from vehicle. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 31TH - REMOVAL)
(2) Place a suitable drain pan under the converter
housing end of the transmission.
CAUTION: Verify that transmission is secure on the
lifting device or work surface, the center of gravity
of the transmission will shift when the torque con-
verter is removed creating an unstable condition.
The torque converter is a heavy unit. Use caution
when separating the torque converter from the
transmission.
(3) Pull the torque converter forward until the cen-
ter hub clears the oil pump seal.
(4) Separate the torque converter from the trans-
mission.
INSTALLATION
Check converter hub and drive notches for sharp
edges, burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the hub and
notches with 320/400 grit paper or crocus cloth if nec-
essary. The hub must be smooth to avoid damaging
the pump seal at installation.(1) Lubricate converter hub and oil pump seal lip
with transmission fluid.
(2) Place torque converter in position on transmis-
sion.
CAUTION: Do not damage oil pump seal or bushing
while inserting torque converter into the front of the
transmission.
(3) Align torque converter to oil pump seal open-
ing.
(4) Insert torque converter hub into oil pump.
(5) While pushing torque converter inward, rotate
converter until converter is fully seated in the oil
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with a scale and
straightedge (Fig. 237). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(7) If necessary, temporarily secure converter with
C-clamp attached to the converter housing.
(8) Install the transmission in the vehicle. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
- 31TH - INSTALLATION)
(9) Fill the transmission with the recommended
fluid.
Fig. 237 Checking Torque Converter Seating
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21 - 125
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 3090 of 4284
TRANSFER SYSTEM - OUTPUT
SHAFT/GEAR/BEARING
REMOVAL
NOTE: Transfer Gear should be removed for repair
of output shaft, to obtain an accurate output shaft
turning torque measurement upon reassembly.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/TRANSFER SYSTEM - REMOVAL)
NOTE: Transaxle geartrain must be removed to gain
access to and service output shaft. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 31TH -
DISASSEMBLY)
(1) Using a suitable punch, bend retaining strap
tabs flat to facilitate bolt removal (Fig. 238).
(2) Remove retaining strap and stirrup-to-gear
bolts (Fig. 239).
(3) Remove retaining strap (Fig. 240).
Fig. 238 Bend Strap Tabs Flat
1 - RETAINING TABS
2 - STRAP
Fig. 239 Remove Strap Bolts
1 - RETAINING BOLTS
2 - STIRRUP
3 - STRAP
Fig. 240 Remove Strap From Stirrup and Gear
1 - OUTPUT GEAR
2 - STRAP
21 - 126 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
Page 3095 of 4284

(7) Install output shaft gear onto shaft. Use Tool
L-4439 to get gear started (Fig. 258).
(8) Install Tool L-4434 and C-4658. Install washer
and nut (Fig. 259).
(9) Torque output shaft retaining nut to 271 N´m
(200 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 260).
(10) Set up Tool L-4432 and C-4658 as shown in
(Fig. 261). Install dial indicator and measure output
shaft end play.
(11) Using an in. lb. torque wrench, measure out-
put shaft bearing turning torque (Fig. 262).
(12) Install stirrup and strap. Install bolts but do
not tighten.
NOTE: Once the stirrup assembly is positioned
onto the output gear, it is necessary to ªclockº the
stirrup against the flats of the output gear retaining
nut.(13) Rotate stirrup clockwise against flats of gear
retaining nut (Fig. 263).
(14) Torque stirrup and strap bolts to 23 N´m (200
in. lbs..) (Fig. 264).
(15) Bend tabs of strap up against ªflatsºof retain-
ing bolts to prevent bolts from backing out of gear in
the event they come loose.
(16) Install transfer shaft and gear. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/TRANSFER SYSTEM - INSTALLATION)
(17) Assemble transaxle geartrain. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 31TH
- ASSEMBLY)
Fig. 257 Output Shaft and (Select) Shims in Position
1 - BEARING CUP
2 - (SELECT) SHIM
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 258 Start Output Shaft Gear onto Output Shaft
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT
3 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4439
Fig. 259 Holding Output Shaft Gear
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4434 AND C-4658
4 - WASHER
5 - NUT
Fig. 260 Tighten Output Shaft Retaining Nut
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4434 AND C-4658
3 - SCREW (2)
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21 - 131
TRANSFER SYSTEM - OUTPUT SHAFT/GEAR/BEARING (Continued)
Page 3104 of 4284

(9) Install governor support retainer (Fig. 289).
(10) Install transfer shaft gear bearing cone using
Tool L-4410 (Fig. 290).
(11) Determine transfer shaft bearing shim thick-
ness. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 31TH/TRANSFER SYSTEM -
ADJUSTMENTS) Shim thickness need be deter-
mined only if any of the following parts are replaced:
²Transaxle case
²Transfer shaft²Transfer shaft gear
²Transfer shaft bearings
²Governor support retainer
²Transfer shaft bearing retainer
²Retainer snap ring
²Governor support
(12) Install transfer shaft gear and select shim
(Fig. 291).
(13) Install transfer shaft gear nut and washer
(Fig. 292).
Fig. 289 Governor Support Retainer
1 - TRANSFER SHAFT
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
3 - BEARING CUP
4 - GOVERNOR SUPPORT RETAINER
Fig. 290 Install Transfer Shaft Gear Bearing Cone
1 - PRESS
2 - HANDLE C-4171
3 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4410
4 - TRANSFER SHAFT GEAR
5 - BEARING CONE
Fig. 291 Transfer Shaft Gear and (Select) Shim
1 - TRANSFER SHAFT GEAR
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
3 - SHIM (SELECT)
4 - BEARING CONE
Fig. 292 Transfer Shaft Gear Nut and Washer
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 - TRANSFER SHAFT GEAR
3 - WASHER
4 - NUT
21 - 140 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
TRANSFER SYSTEM - TRANSFER SHAFT/GEAR/BEARING (Continued)