
Avoid application of rust prevention com-
pounds or undercoating materials to exhaust
system floor pan heat shields on cars so
equipped. Light over spray near the edges is
permitted. Application of coating will greatly
reduce the efficiency of the heat shields result-
ing in excessive floor pan temperatures and
objectionable fumes.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove fasteners attaching applicable heat
shield (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove heat shield(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position heat shield(s) to underbody.
(2) Install heat shield fasteners and tighten to 2.6
N´m (23 in. lbs.) (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Lower vehicle.
MUFFLER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on a body contact type hoist.
NOTE: To provide removal clearance between muf-
fler/resonator pipe and rear axle parts, the rear sus-
pension must be relieved of all body weight.
(2) Apply a penetrating oil to clamp nuts of com-
ponent requiring removal.
CAUTION: When servicing the exhaust system, care
must be exercised not to dent or bend the bellows
of the flex-joint. Should this occur, the flex-joint willeventually fail, requiring replacement of the cata-
lytic converter.
(3) Disconnect the right side axle half shaft from
the rear differential module (AWD equipped only).
(4) Loosen the band clamp (Fig. 10) at the muffler
to converter pipe connection.
(5) Remove the exhaust hangers to body screws
(Fig. 10).
(6) Separate muffler pipe from converter pipe.
(7) Remove muffler/resonator assembly by moving
assembly forward and guiding the resonator through
the rear axle to body opening.
(8) Clean ends of pipes or muffler to assure mat-
ing of all parts. Discard broken or worn insulators,
rusted clamps, supports and attaching parts.When
replacement is required on any component of
the exhaust system, it is important that original
equipment parts (or equivalent) be used for the
following conditions:
²Ensure proper alignment with other components
in the system.
²Provide acceptable exhaust noise levels.
²Provide proper exhaust system back pressure for
maintaining emission and performance levels.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the muffler/resonator assembly by guid-
ing resonator between the rear axle and body.
(2) Connect the muffler pipe to the converter pipe
but do not tighten band clamp (Fig. 10).
(3) Position hangers to body and install screws
starting at the resonator working forward (Fig. 10).
Tighten hanger screws to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Insert muffler pipe into catalytic converter pipe
until the hangers are positioned as shown in (Fig. 11)
CAUTION: Band 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 band has been
stretched and has lost its clamping force and must
be replaced.
To replace the band clamp; remove the nut and peel
back the ends of the clamp until spot weld breaks.
Clean remaining spot weld from the pipe using a
file or grinder until surface is smooth.
NOTE: Maintain proper clamp orientation when
replacing with new clamp.
(5) Tighten the band clamp to 55 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
(Fig. 12).
(6) Connect the right side half shaft to the rear
differential module (AWD equipped only).
Fig. 9 RESONATOR PIPE HEAT SHIELD
1 - SCREW (QTY. 3)
2 - HEAT SHIELD - RESONATOR PIPE
3 - MUFFLER
RSEXHAUST SYSTEM11-7
HEAT SHIELDS (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position rear bumper reinforcement on vehicle.
(2) Install the six nuts to hold rear bumper rein-
forcement to frame rail extensions and tighten to 27
N´m (20 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 4).
(3) Install rear bumper fascia. (Refer to 13 -
FRAMES & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/REAR FASCIA -
INSTALLATION)
REAR FASCIA - SCUFF PAD
REMOVAL
The scuff pad may not be salvageable during the
removal process. The scuff pad should be replaced if
damaged or broken. Check availability before servic-
ing.
(1) Remove rear bumper fascia.(Refer to 13 -
FRAMES & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/REAR FASCIA -
REMOVAL)
(2) Using a trim stick, pry up the rear edge of the
scuff pad to release tabs from the rear bumper fascia
and pull scuff pad up to release the forward tabs
(Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Verify that there are fifteen slots in the fascia.
(2) Place scuff pad in position.
(3) Align and insert the center forward tab.
(4) Align the remaining tabs and press into the
slots, starting in the center and working outboard.
(5) Assure all tabs are fully engaged into the fas-
cia.
FRAME
DESCRIPTION
The vehicle does not have a conventional frame. It
is constructed as a unitized body and frame. The uni-
body is constructed from special high strength steel
and coated metals. This process reduces weight and
provides strength to withstand the forces applied
against structural members. The structural members
provide a unibody that has great structural strength.
SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME DIMENSIONS
Frame dimensions are listed in metric scale. All
dimensions are from center to center of Principal
Locating Point (PLP), or from center to center of PLP
and fastener location.
VEHICLE PREPARATION
Position the vehicle on a frame alignment rack,
refer to instructions provided with equipment being
used. Adjust the vehicle PLP heights to the specified
dimension above the work surface (datum line). Ver-
tical dimensions can be taken from the datum line to
the locations indicated were applicable. Refer to (Fig.
6), (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), and (Fig. 9) for proper dimen-
sions.
Fig. 5 Scuff Pad
1 - SCUFF PAD
2 - TABS
13 - 4 FRAMES & BUMPERSRS
REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT (Continued)

(8) Disconnect the fuel filler vent tube. Squeeze
tabs and pull apart (Fig. 16).
(9) Disconnect the fuel fill hose at the fuel tank
filler metal tubeNOT AT THE FUEL TANK(Fig.
16).
(10) Disconnect fuel line and vapor line at the
front of the fuel tank.
The fuel pump module electrical connector
has a retainer that locks it in place.
(11) Slide fuel pump module electrical connector
lock to unlock (Fig. 17).
(12) Push down on connector retainer (Fig. 18) and
pull connector off module.
(13) Lower tank from vehicle. Remove fuel filler
vent tube from frame (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fuel tank on transmission jack. Con-
nect rollover valve hose. Connect fuel filler tube vent
hose and tighten clamp.
(2) Raise tank into position and carefully work
filler metal tube into the rubber hose on fuel tank. A
light coating of clean engine oil on the tube end may
be used to aid assembly.
(3) Feed filler vent line thru frame rail. Careful
not to cross lines.
(4) Tighten strap bolts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
torque. Tighten T strap bolt to 28.2 N´m (250 in.
lbs.). Remove transmission jack.(5) Tighten filler hose clamp to 3.3 N´m (30 in.
lbs.).
CAUTION: Ensure straps are not twisted or bent
before or after tightening strap nuts.
(6) Connect fuel pump/module electrical connector.
Place retainer in locked position.
(7) Lubricate the fuel supply line with clean 30
weight engine oil, install the quick connect fuel fit-
ting. Refer to Tube/Fitting Assembly in the Fuel
Delivery section of this section.
(8) Attach filler vent line to filler tube. Pull on
connector to make sure of connection.
Fig. 16 FUEL FILLER AND VENT TUBE
1 - Filler Tube
2 - Vent Tube
Fig. 17 Fuel Line Retainers and Pump Connector
Lock
1 - PUSH
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
3 - QUICK CONNECT RETAINERS
Fig. 18 Pump Module Connector Retainer and Lock
1 - PUSH DOWN ON RETAINER
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-11
FUEL TANK (Continued)

INLET FILTER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove fuel pump module. Refer to Fuel Pump
Module Removal in this section.
(2) Using a thin straight blade screwdriver, pry
back the locking tabs on fuel pump reservoir and
remove the strainer (Fig. 22).
(3) Remove strainer O-ring from the fuel pump
reservoir body.
(4) Remove any contaminants in the fuel tank by
washing the inside of the fuel tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the strainer O-ring with clean engine
oil.
(2) Insert strainer O-ring into outlet of strainer so
that it sits evenly on the step inside the outlet.
(3) Push strainer onto the inlet of the fuel pump
reservoir body. Make sure the locking tabs on the
reservoir body lock over the locking tangs on the
strainer.
(4) Install fuel pump module. Refer to Fuel Pump
Module Installation in this section.
QUICK CONNECT FITTING
STANDARD PROCEDURES - QUICK-CONNECT
FITTINGS
REMOVAL
When disconnecting a quick-connect fitting, the
retainer will remain on the fuel tube nipple.WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE DISCONNECTING A QUICK-CONNECT FIT-
TINGS. REFER TO THE FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDURE.
(1) Perform Fuel Pressure Release Procedure.
Refer to the Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in this
section.
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery or aux-
iliary jumper terminal.
(3) Squeeze retainer tabs together and pull fuel
tube/quick-connect fitting assembly off of fuel tube
nipple. The retainer will remain on fuel tube.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Never install a quick-connect fitting with-
out the retainer being either on the fuel tube or
already in the quick-connect fitting. In either case,
ensure the retainer locks securely into the quick-
connect fitting by firmly pulling on fuel tube and fit-
ting to ensure it is secured.
(1) Using a clean lint free cloth, clean the fuel tube
nipple and retainer.
(2) Prior to connecting the fitting to the fuel tube,
coat the fuel tube nipple with clean 30 weight engine
oil.
(3) Push the quick-connect fitting over the fuel
tube until theretainer seats and a click is heard.
(4) The plastic quick-connect fitting has windows
in the sides of the casing. When the fitting com-
pletely attaches to the fuel tube, the retainer locking
ears and the fuel tube shoulder are visible in the
windows. If they are not visible, the retainer was not
properly installed (Fig. 23).Do not rely upon the
audible click to confirm a secure connection.
Fig. 22 Inlet
1 - TABS
2 - INLET STRAINER
Fig. 23 Plastic Quick-Connect Fitting/Fuel Tube
Connection
1 - WINDOW
2-TAB(2)
3 - EAR
4 - SHOULDER (ON TUBE)
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-13

WARNING: SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN
AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING ON STEERING
COLUMNS.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery before servicing any column compo-
nent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
For diagnosis of conditions relating to the steering
column (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) and (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
To service the steering wheel components or the
airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL). Follow all WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS.
(1) Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are
in the STRAIGHT AHEAD position before beginning
the column removal procedure.
(2) Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the
battery and isolate cable from battery terminal.
(3) Remove the lower shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Remove the traction off switch.
(5) Remove the upper shroud.
(6) Remove the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).(7) Remove the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the parking brake handle link.
(9) Remove the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut.
(12) Remove the vibration damper weight.
(13) Remove the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
REMOVAL). (Fig. 3)
(14) Disconnect the wiring harness connectors
from the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo
lamp, SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI sole-
noid.
(15) Disconnect the shift cable at the lever. (Fig. 4)
1 - CLOCKSPRING WIRING
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - UPPER SHROUD
4 - FIXED SHROUD
5 - SCREW
6 - STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING PLATE
7 - NUT
8 - DASH PANEL STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET
9 - STUDS 4
10 - STEERING COLUMN LOCKING PIN
11 - NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLY
12 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
13 - LOWER SHROUD
14 - SCREWS
15 - STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT16 - STEERING WHEEL DAMPER
17 - CLOCKSPRING
18 - SCREW
19 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH MOUNTING/HOUSING
20 - PINCH BOLT
21 - STEERING COLUMN COUPLER
22 - PINCH BOLT RETAINING PIN
23 - DASH PANEL
24 - SILENCER SHELL
25 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SHIELD AND SEAL
26 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
27 - ROLL PIN
28 - STEERING GEAR
29 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE
Fig. 3 STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - PULLER
19 - 12 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)

(16) Remove the pinch side clip, then remove the
cable from the bracket on the column.
(17) Remove the pinch bolt coupling. (Fig. 5)
(18) Loosen the two lower mounting nuts.
(19) Remove the two upper mounting nuts
(20) Remove the steering column.
(21) Remove the clockspring (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOV-
AL). (Fig. 6)
(22) Remove the mounting plate with the multi-
function switch.
(23) Remove the halo-lamp.
(24) Remove the ignition key cylinder (Refer to 19
- STEERING/COLUMN/KEY/LOCK CYLINDER -
REMOVAL).(25) Remove the BTSI.
INSTALLATION
To service the steering wheel components or the
airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL). Follow all WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS.
(1) Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are
still in the STRAIGHT AHEAD position before begin-
ning the column installation procedure.
(2) Install the BTSI.
(3) Install the ignition key cylinder (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/KEY/LOCK CYLINDER -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the halo-lamp.
(5) Install the mounting plate with the multi-func-
tion switch.
(6) Install the clockspring (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Install the steering column to the vehicle.
(8) Install the two upper mounting nuts
(9) Tighten the two lower mounting nuts and the
two upper mounting nuts. Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.).
(10) Install the coupling onto the intermediate
shaft and install the pinch bolt. Tighten the pinch
bolt to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Install the cable from the bracket on the col-
umn, then install the pinch side clips.
(12) Reconnect the shift cable at the lever.
(13) Reconnect the wiring harness connectors to
the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo lamp,
SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI solenoid.
(14) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the vibration damper weight.
Fig. 4 SHIFT CABLE MOUNTING
1 - SHIFT CABLE MOUNT
2 - SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 5 PINCH BOLT
1 - PINCH BOLT
2 - STEERING COLUMN
Fig. 6 CLOCKSPRING
RSCOLUMN19-13
COLUMN (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO REVERSE (D
RANGES OK)1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Misadjusted/
Damaged.1. Repair or replace linkage parts as
needed.
2. Rear Band Misadjusted/Worn. 2. Adjust band; replace.
3. Valve Body Malfunction. 3. Remove and service valve body.
Replace valve body if any valves or valve
bores are worn or damaged.
4. Rear Servo Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn/damaged servo parts as
necessary.
5. Direct Clutch in Overdrive Worn 5. Disassemble overdrive. Replace worn
or damaged parts.
6. Front Clutch Burnt. 6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn, damaged clutch parts as
required.
HAS FIRST/REVERSE
ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3
UPSHIFT)1. Governor Valve, Shaft, Weights or
Body Damaged/Stuck.1. Remove governor assembly and clean
or repair as necessary.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band Damaged/
Burned.3. Repair/replace.
MOVES IN 2ND OR
3RD GEAR, ABRUPTLY
DOWNSHIFTS TO
LOW1. Valve Body Malfunction. 1. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for
stuck 1-2 valve or governor plug.
2. Governor Valve Sticking. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Replace
faulty parts.
NO LOW GEAR
(MOVES IN 2ND OR
3RD GEAR ONLY)1. Governor Valve Sticking. 1. Remove governor, clean, inspect and
repair as required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for
sticking 1-2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve,
governor plug or broken springs.
3. Front Servo Piston Cocked in Bore. 3. Inspect servo and repair as required.
4. Front Band Linkage Malfunction 4. Inspect linkage and look for bind in
linkage.
NO KICKDOWN OR
NORMAL DOWNSHIFT1. Throttle Linkage Misadjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Accelerator Pedal Travel Restricted. 2. Floor mat under pedal, accelerator
cable worn or brackets bent.
3. Governor/Valve Body Hydraulic
Pressures Too High or Too Low Due to
Sticking Governor, Valve Body
Malfunction or Incorrect Hydraulic Control
Pressure Adjustments.3. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to
determine cause and repair as required.
Correct valve body pressure adjustments
as required.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to
determine cause and repair as required.
Correct valve body pressure adjustments
as required.
5. Valve Body Malfunction. 5. Sticking 1-2, 2-3 shift valves, governor
plugs, 3-4 solenoid, 3-4 shift valve, 3-4
timing valve.
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-27
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)

Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Bolt, Starter Motor-to-
Transaxle54 40 Ð
Bolt, Transaxle Case-to-
Engine Block95 70 Ð
Bolt, Transfer Gear
Cover-to-Case19 Ð 165
Bolt, Transfer Gear Strap 23 17 Ð
Bolt, Valve Body-to-Case 12 Ð 105
Fitting, Transaxle Oil
Cooler-to-Case7Ð60
Screw, Fluid Filter 5 Ð 45
Screw, Cooler Bypass
Valve-to-Transfer Plate5Ð40
Screw, Governor
Counterweight28 Ð 250
Screw, Manual Valve
Lever-to-Shaft12 Ð 105
Screw, Speedo Adapter-
to-Extension Housing7Ð60
Screw, Valve Body-to-
Transfer Plate5Ð45
Nut, Kickdown Band
Adjuster Lock47 35 Ð
Nut, Output Gear-to-Shaft 271 200 Ð
Nut, Reverse Band
Adjuster Lock14 Ð 125
Nut, Transfer Gear-to-
Shaft271 200 Ð
Plug, Pressure Tap 5 Ð 45
Plug, Rear Band Lever
Pivot Shaft7Ð60
Switch, Park/Neutral 34 25 Ð
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-73
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)