2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY check transmission fluid

STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL CHECKING
Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level a mini-
mum of twice annually.
Fluid reservoirs are marked with the words FULL
and ADD to indicate proper brake fluid fill level of
the master cylinder.
If necessary, add brake fluid to bring the level to
the bottom of the FULL mark on the side of the mas-
ter cylinder fluid reservoir.
Use only Mopartbrake fluid or equivalent from a
sealed container. Brake fluid must conform to DOT 3
specifications (DOT 4 or DOT 4+ are acceptable).
DO NOTuse brake fluid with a lower boiling
point, as brake failure could result during prolonged
hard braking.
Use only brake fluid that was stored in a tightly-
sealed container.
DO NOTuse petroleum-based fluid because seal
damage will result. Petroleum based fluids would be
items such as engine oil, transmission fluid, power
steering fluid etc.
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform
to DOT 3 specifications (DOT 4 and DOT 4+ are
acceptable) and SAE J1703 standards. No other type
of brake fluid is recommended or approved for usage
in the vehicle brake system. Use only MopartBrake
Fluid or equivalent from a tightly sealed container.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an container which has been left open. An
open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture
from the air and contaminate the fluid.
CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based
fluid in the brake hydraulic system. Use of such
type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the
vehicle brake system. Petroleum based fluids would
be items such as engine oil, transmission fluid,
power steering fluid, etc.
JUNCTION BLOCK
DESCRIPTION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
A junction block is used on vehicles that are not
equipped with antilock brakes (ABS). The junction
block mounts in the same location as the integrated
control unit (ICU) does on vehicles equipped withABS. This allows for use of the same brake tube con-
figuration on all vehicles. The junction block is
located on the driver's side of the front suspension
cradle/crossmember below the master cylinder (Fig.
46).
It has six threaded ports to which the brake tubes
connect. Two are for the primary and secondary
brake tubes coming from the master cylinder. The
remaining four are for the chassis brake tubes going
to each brake assembly.
OPERATION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
The junction block distributes the brake fluid com-
ing from the master cylinder primary and secondary
ports to the four chassis brake tubes leading to the
brakes at each wheel. Since the junction block
mounts in the same location as the ABS integrated
control unit (ICU), it allows for the common use of
brake tubes going to the brakes whether the vehicle
is equipped with or without ABS.
NOTE: Although the brake tubes coming from the
master cylinder to the junction block or ABS ICU
may appear to be the same, they are not. They are
unique to each brake system application.
REMOVAL - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
(1) Using a brake pedal depressor, move and lock
the brake pedal to a position past its first 1 inch of
travel. This will prevent brake fluid from draining
out of the master cylinder when the brake tubes are
removed from the junction block.
(2) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(3) If the vehicle is equipped with speed control,
perform the following:
(a) Disconnect the battery positive cable.
(b) Remove the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).
(c) Disconnect the vacuum hose connector at the
tank built into the battery tray.
(d) Remove the screw securing the coolant filler
neck to the battery tray.
(e) Remove the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(f) Remove the fasteners and move the speed
control servo off to the side, out of the way.
CAUTION: Before removing the brake tubes from
the junction block, the junction block and the brake
tubes must be thoroughly cleaned. This is required
to prevent contamination from entering the brake
hydraulic system.
5 - 32 BRAKES - BASERS
FLUID (Continued)
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TRANS COOLER
DESCRIPTION
The transmission oil cooler is an external oil-to-air
type cooler is mounted between the front of the radi-
ator and back side of the A/C condensor (Fig. 3). Use
only approved transmission oil cooler hoses that are
molded to fit the space available.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the radiator. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect lines from oil cooler (Fig. 2).
(3) Remove oil cooler attaching screws (Fig. 3).
(4) Remove the oil cooler.
CLEANING
Check the external cooler for debris on the cooling
fin surfaces. Clean as necessary. For internal clean-
ing/flushing procedures, (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
TRANSMISSION - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSPECTION
Inspect all hoses, tubes, clamps and connections for
leaks, cracks, or damage. Replace as necessary. Use
only approved transmission oil cooler hoses that are
molded to fit the space available.
Inspect external coolers for leaks, loose mounts, or
damage. Replace as necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install transaxle oil cooler and mounting
screws (Fig. 3).
NOTE: When replacing the transmission oil cooler,
the cooler hoses must be replaced.
(2) Connect the new cooler hoses and install
clamps (Fig. 2).
(3) Install the radiator. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(4) Start engine. Check and adjust the fluid level
as necessary.
TRANS COOLER LINES
REMOVAL
(1) Using appropriate hose clamp pliers, release
tension on clamps and move off fittings.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed
from the rolled-groove type fittings at the cooler
and transaxle, damage to the inner wall of hose will
occur. To prevent potential leakage, the cooler
hoses must be replaced.
(2) Remove the hoses (Fig. 4) or (Fig. 5).
Fig. 2 TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSES
1 - TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSES
2 - FITTING - COOLER OUTLET
3 - FITTING - COOLER INLET
Fig. 3 Transmission Oil Cooler
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER
2 - SCREWS
3 - A/C CONDENSOR (REAR SIDE)
7 - 38 TRANSMISSIONRS
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INSTALLATION
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed
from the rolled-groove type fittings at the cooler
and transaxle, damage to the inner wall of hose willoccur. To prevent potential leakage, the cooler
hoses must be replaced.
(1) Connect hoses to cooler and transaxle fittings
(Fig. 4) or (Fig. 5).
(2) Using appropriate pliers, position clamps over
fittings and release tension.
(3) Start engine and check transaxle fluid level.
Adjust fluid level as necessary.
Fig. 4 TRANS OIL COOLER LINES - 41TE
1 - FITTING - COOLER RETURN
2 - FITTING - COOLER SUPPLY
3 - HOSES - TRANSAXLE COOLER
4 - FITTING - COOLER OUTLET
5 - FITTING - COOLER INLET
Fig. 5 TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER LINES - 31TH
1 - FITTING - COOLER RETURN
2 - FITTING - COOLER SUPPLY
3 - HOSES - TRANSAXLE COOLER
4 - FITTING - COOLER OUTLET
5 - FITTING - COOLER INLET
RSTRANSMISSION7-39
TRANS COOLER LINES (Continued)
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(M) Check Engine Lamp (MIL) will illuminate during engine operation if this Diagnostic Trouble Code was recorded.
(G) Generator Lamp Illuminated
GENERIC SCAN
TOOL CODEDRB SCAN TOOL DISPLAY DESCRIPTION OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE
P0461 Fuel Level Unit No Changeover
TimeNo level of fuel level sender detected.
P0462 Fuel Level Sending Unit Volts Too
LowFuel level sensor input below acceptable voltage.
P0463 Fuel Level Sending Unit Volts Too
HighFuel level sensor input above acceptable voltage.
P0500 (M) No Vehicle Speed Sensor Signal No vehicle speed sensor signal detected during road load
conditions.
P0505 (M) Idle Air Control Motor Circuits Replace
P0508 Idle Air Control Motor Circuit Low Idle Air Control Motor Circuit input below acceptable current
P0509 Idle Air Control Motor Circuit High Idle Air Control Motor Circuit input above acceptable current
P0522 Oil Pressure Sens Low Oil pressure sensor input below acceptable voltage.
P0523 Oil Pressure Sens High Oil pressure sensor input above acceptable voltage.
P0551 (M) Power Steering Switch Failure Incorrect input state detected for the power steering switch
circuit. PL: High pressure seen at high speed.
P0600 (M) PCM Failure SPI Communications No communication detected between co-processors in the
control module.
P0601 (M) Internal Controller Failure Internal control module fault condition (check sum) detected.
P0604 Internal Trans Controller Transmission control module RAM self test fault detected.
-Aisin transmission.
P0605 Internal Trans Controller Transmission control module ROM self test fault detected
-Aisin transmission.
P0622 (G) Generator Field Not Switching
ProperlyAn open or shorted condition detected in the generator field
control circuit.
P0645 A/C Clutch Relay Circuit An open or shorted condition detected in the A/C clutch relay
control circuit.
P0700 (M) EATX Controller DTC Present This SBEC III or JTEC DTC indicates that the EATX or Aisin
controller has an active fault and has illuminated the MIL via
a CCD (EATX) or SCI (Aisin) message. The specific fault
must be acquired from the EATX via CCD or from the Aisin
via ISO-9141.
P0703 (M) Brake Switch Stuck Pressed or
ReleasedIncorrect input state detected in the brake switch circuit.
(Changed from P1595).
P0711 Trans Temp Sensor, No Temp Rise
After StartRelationship between the transmission temperature and
overdrive operation and/or TCC operation indicates a failure
of the Transmission Temperature Sensor. OBD II Rationality.
P0712 Trans Temp Sensor Voltage Too Low Transmission fluid temperature sensor input below
acceptable voltage.
P0713 Trans Temp Sensor Voltage Too
HighTransmission fluid temperature sensor input above
acceptable voltage.
P0720 Low Output SPD Sensor RPM,
Above 15 MPHThe relationship between the Output Shaft Speed Sensor
and vehicle speed is not within acceptable limits.
8E - 14 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESRS
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................1
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER..................1
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................11
CLUSTER LENS
REMOVAL..............................12INSTALLATION...........................12
MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION RANGE
INDICATOR
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................12
RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................12
OPERATION.............................12
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrumentation gauges are contained in a
subdial assembly within the instrument cluster. The
individual gauges are not serviceable. If one of the
cluster gauges becomes faulty, the entire cluster
would require replacement.
The mechanical instrument cluster with a tachom-
eter is equipped with a electronic vacuum fluorescent
transmission range indicator (PRND3L), odometer,
and trip odometer display.
The mechanical instrument cluster without a
tachometer is equipped with a cable operated trans-
mission range indicator (PRND21) and a vacuum
flourescent odometer display.
The instrument cluster is equipped with the follow-
ing warning lamps.
²Lift Gate Ajar
²Low Fuel Level
²Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level
²Cruise
²Battery Voltage
²Fasten Seat Belt
²Door Ajar
²Headlamp Out
²Coolant Temperature
²Anti-Lock Brake
²Brake
²Airbag
²Traction Control
²Autostick
OPERATION
Refer to the vehicle Owner's Manual for operation
instructions and conditions for the Instrument Clus-
ter Gauges.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SELF-
DIAGNOSTICS
The instrument clusters are equipped with a self
diagnostic test feature to help identify electronic
problems. Prior to any test, perform the Self-Diag-
nostic Test. The self diagnostic system displays
instrument cluster stored fault codes in the odometer
display, sweeps the gauges to the calibration points,
and bulb checks the warning indicators. When the
key is in the ON position with the engine not run-
ning, the MIL will remain illuminated for regulatory
purposes.
To activate the Self-Diagnostic program:
(1) With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
depress the TRIP ODOMETER RESET button.
(2) Continue to hold the TRIP ODOMETER
RESET button untilSofand a number (software ver-
sion number (i.e.Sof 3.2) appears in the odometer
window (about five seconds) then release the button.
If a fault code is present, the cluster will display it in
the odometer display. When all fault codes have been
displayed, the cluster will displayªendºin the odom-
eter display. Refer to the table to determine what
each trouble code means.
RSINSTRUMENT CLUSTER8J-1
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(11) Install the lower steering column cover. Refer
to Body, Instrument Panel, Lower Steering Column
Cover, Installation.
(12) Connect the battery negative cable.
CLUSTER LENS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the instrument cluster. Refer to Elec-
trical, Instrument Cluster, Removal.
(2) Remove the screws holding the lens to the
instrument cluster.
(3) Press down on the snap features of the lens
and remove the lens from the cluster.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the lens snap features into the cluster.
(2) Install the screws holding the lens to the
instrument cluster.
(3) Install the instrument cluster. Refer to Electri-
cal, Instrument Cluster, Installation.
MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION
RANGE INDICATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the instrument cluster and disconnect
the range indicator cable at both attaching points.
Refer to Electrical, Instrument Cluster, Removal.
(2) From the backside of the cluster, remove two
screws holding the mechanical transmission rangeindicator and then remove it fromt instrument clus-
ter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the mechanical transmission range indi-
cator into the backside of the instrument cluster and
install the two screws.
(2) Install the instrument cluster. Refer to Electri-
cal, Instrument Cluster, Installation.
RED BRAKE WARNING
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
The red BRAKE warning indicator (lamp) is
located in the instrument panel cluster and is used to
indicate a low brake fluid condition or that the park-
ing brake is applied. In addition, the brake warning
indicator is turned on as a bulb check by the ignition
switch every time the ignition switch is placed in the
crank position.
OPERATION
The red BRAKE warning indicator (lamp) is sup-
plied a 12-volt ignition feed anytime the ignition
switch is on. The bulb is then illuminated by com-
pleting the ground circuit either through the switch
on the parking brake lever, the brake fluid level
switch in the master cylinder reservoir, or the igni-
tion switch when it is placed in the crank position.
8J - 12 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERRS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
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(1) Inspect air cleaner, induction system and
intake manifold to insure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(2) Remove negative battery cable.
(3) Place a shop towel around the spark plugs
when removing them from the engine. This will catch
any fluid that may possibly be in the cylinder under
pressure.
(4) With all spark plugs removed, rotate engine
crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket.
(5) Identify the fluid in the cylinder(s) (i.e., cool-
ant, fuel, oil or other).
(6) Make sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders. Inspect engine for damage (i.e., connecting
rods, pistons, valves, etc.)
(7) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from re-occurring.
CAUTION: Squirt approximately one teaspoon of oil
into the cylinders, rotate engine to lubricate the cyl-
inder walls to prevent damage on restart.
(8) Install new spark plugs.
(9) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(10) Install a new oil filter.
(11) Fill engine with specified amount of approved
oil.
(12) Connect negative battery cable.
(13) Start engine and check for any leaks.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS AND SEALERS
There are numerous places where form-in-place
gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure
obtaining the desired results.Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified.Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct
fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket
materials that are used in the engine area. Mopart
Engine RTV GEN II, MopartATF-RTV, and Mopart
Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.
MOPARtENGINE RTV GEN IIis used to seal
components exposed to engine oil. This material is a
specially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains adhesion and sealing properties when
exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Alwaysinspect the package for the expiration date before
use.
MOPARtATF RTVis a specifically designed
black silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and
sealing properties to seal components exposed to
automatic transmission fluid, engine coolants, and
moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.
MOPARtGASKET MAKERis an anaerobic type
gasket material. The material cures in the absence of
air when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It
will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The
anaerobic material is for use between two machined
surfaces. Do not use on flexible metal flanges.
MOPARtBED PLATE SEALANTis a unique
(green-in-color) anaerobic type gasket material that
is specially made to seal the area between the bed-
plate and cylinder block without disturbing the bear-
ing clearance or alignment of these components. The
material cures slowly in the absence of air when
torqued between two metallic surfaces, and will rap-
idly cure when heat is applied.
MOPARtGASKET SEALANTis a slow drying,
permanently soft sealer. This material is recom-
mended for sealing threaded fittings and gaskets
against leakage of oil and coolant. Can be used on
threaded and machined parts under all tempera-
tures. This material is used on engines with multi-
layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets. This
material also will prevent corrosion. MopartGasket
Sealant is available in a 13 oz. aerosol can or 4oz./16
oz. can w/applicator.
SEALER APPLICATION
MopartGasket Maker material should be applied
sparingly 1 mm (0.040 in.) diameter or less of sealant
to one gasket surface. Be certain the material sur-
rounds each mounting hole. Excess material can eas-
ily be wiped off. Components should be torqued in
place within 15 minutes. The use of a locating dowel
is recommended during assembly to prevent smear-
ing material off the location.
MopartEngine RTV GEN II or ATF RTV gasket
material should be applied in a continuous bead
approximately 3 mm (0.120 in.) in diameter. All
mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a
3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 in.) drop is placed in the
center of the gasket contact area. Uncured sealant
may be removed with a shop towel. Components
should be torqued in place while the sealant is still
wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). The usage of a
locating dowel is recommended during assembly to
prevent smearing material off the location.
9 - 10 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
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ing gear. This travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to
change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
Power assist steering provided by the power steer-
ing pump is controlled by an open center, rotary type
control valve which directs oil from the pump to
either side of the integral rack piston upon demand.
Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion
bar which initially steers the vehicle. As required
steering effort increases, as in a turn, the torsion bar
twists, causing relative rotary motion between the
rotary valve body and the valve spool. This move-
ment directs oil behind the integral rack piston
which, in turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and
assists in the turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be main-
tained if power steering assist is lost. However,
under this condition, steering effort is significantly
increased.
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
REMOVAL - GEAR
CAUTION: Positioning the steering column in the
locked position will prevent the clockspring from
being accidentally over-extended when the steering
column is disconnected from the intermediate
steering coupler.
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much fluid as
possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) With the ignition key in the locked position
turn the steering wheel to the left until the steering
wheel is in the locked position.
(4) With the vehicle on the ground, disconnect the
steering column shaft coupler from the steering gear
intermediate coupler (Fig. 2).(5) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this service man-
ual, for the required lifting procedure to be used for
this vehicle.
(6) Remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
(7) Remove hoses at power steering cooler and
allow fluid to drain.
(8) On both sides of vehicle, remove nut attaching
outer tie rod end to steering knuckle (Fig. 3).
Remove nut by holding tie rod end stud with a
socket while loosening and removing nut with
wrench.
(9) Remove both tie rod ends from steering knuck-
les, using Puller, Special Tool C-3894±A (Fig. 4).
(10) Remove the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts located on each side of each lower con-
trol arm rear bushing.
NOTE: The bolts fastening the cradle crossmember
reinforcement are of two different thread sizes. Note
the location of the various sizes.
(11) Remove the bolts attaching the cradle cross-
member reinforcement to the front suspension cradle
crossmember (Fig. 5). Remove the 2 bolts fastening
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
the body of the vehicle. Remove the reinforcement.
(12) If the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel-
Drive, remove the power transfer unit (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/POWER TRANSFER
UNIT - REMOVAL).
Fig. 2 Steering Column Shaft To Intermediate Shaft
Attachment
1 - STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLER
2 - NUT
3 - SAFETY PIN
4 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
5 - PINCH BOLT
19 - 18 GEARRS
GEAR (Continued)
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