2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY torque

(2) Verify gearshift lever is in PARK (P) and con-
nect solenoid connector (Fig. 219).
(3) Install steering column lower shroud.
(4) Install knee bolster (Fig. 220).
(5) Install instrument panel lower silencer (Fig.
221).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
(7) Verify proper shift interlock system operation.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-MATIC - 31TH/SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID -
OPERATION)
SOLENOID - TCC
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is fas-
tened to the transaxle valve body, and its connector
protrudes through the transaxle case (Fig. 222).
OPERATION
The torque converter clutch solenoid is responsible
for controlling application of the torque converter
clutch. It is controlled by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM), which determines when conditions
are acceptable for torque converter lock-up.
Fig. 219 BTSI Solenoid Connector
1 - BTSI SOLENOID
2 - SOLENOID CONNECTOR
Fig. 220 Knee Bolster
1 - KNEE BOLSTER
Fig. 221 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 222 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
1 - TCC SOLENOID WIRING CONNECTOR
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21 - 117
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID (Continued)
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REMOVAL
(1) Remove valve body from transaxle. (Refer to 21
- TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/VALVE BODY - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove three (3) torque converter clutch sole-
noid-to-valve body screws (Fig. 223).
(3) Remove torque converter clutch solenoid (Fig.
223). Note orientation of plug and spring.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install plug and spring as shown in (Fig. 223).
(2) Install torque converter clutch solenoid to valve
body (Fig. 223) and torque screws to 5 N´m (45 in.
lbs.).
(3) Install valve body to transaxle. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/VALVE BODY - INSTALLATION)
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect cable core from throttle lever pin
(Fig. 224).
(3) Disconnect cable retainer from throttle body
bracket (Fig. 224).
(4) Disconnect cable from throttle valve lever at
transaxle (Fig. 225).
(5) Disconnect cable retainer at transaxle bracket
(Fig. 225).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install throttle valve cable to bracket at trans-
axle (Fig. 226). Connect cable to transaxle throttle
valve lever.
(2) Route cable through center of intake manifold
(#2 & #3) runners.
Fig. 223 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid and Regulator/Control Valves
1 - CONVERTER PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE
2 - END COVER
3 - SCREW (3)4 - REGULATOR VALVE THROTTLE PRESSURE PLUG SPRING
5 - REGULATOR VALVE THROTTLE PRESSURE PLUG
6 - SWITCH VALVE
21 - 118 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
SOLENOID - TCC (Continued)
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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)
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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)
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STATOR
The stator assembly (Fig. 232) is mounted on a sta-
tionary shaft which is an integral part of the oil
pump. The stator is located between the impeller and
turbine within the torque converter case (Fig. 233).
The stator contains an over-running clutch, which
allows the stator to rotate only in a clockwise direc-
tion. When the stator is locked against the over-run-
ning clutch, the torque multiplication feature of the
torque converter is operational.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
The TCC (Fig. 234) was installed to improve the
efficiency of the torque converter that is lost to the
slippage of the fluid coupling. Although the fluid cou-
pling provides smooth, shock±free power transfer, it
is natural for all fluid couplings to slip. If the impel-
ler and turbine were mechanically locked together, a
zero slippage condition could be obtained. A hydraulic
piston was added to the turbine, and a friction mate-
rial was added to the inside of the front cover to pro-
vide this mechanical lock-up.
Fig. 231 Turbine
1 - TURBINE VANE
2 - ENGINE ROTATION
3 - INPUT SHAFT4 - PORTION OF TORQUE CONVERTER COVER
5 - ENGINE ROTATION
6 - OIL FLOW WITHIN TURBINE SECTION
21 - 122 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
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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)
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STATOR
Torque multiplication is achieved by locking the
stator's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 236).
Under stall conditions (the turbine is stationary), the
oil leaving the turbine blades strikes the face of the
stator blades and tries to rotate them in a counter-
clockwise direction. When this happens the over±run-
ning clutch of the stator locks and holds the stator
from rotating. With the stator locked, the oil strikes
the stator blades and is redirected into a ªhelpingº
direction before it enters the impeller. This circula-
tion of oil from impeller to turbine, turbine to stator,
and stator to impeller, can produce a maximum
torque multiplication of about 2.4:1. As the turbine
begins to match the speed of the impeller, the fluid
that was hitting the stator in such as way as to
cause it to lock±up is no longer doing so. In this con-
dition of operation, the stator begins to free wheel
and the converter acts as a fluid coupling.
Fig. 235 Torque Converter Fluid Operation
1 - APPLY PRESSURE
2 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY FORWARD3 - RELEASE PRESSURE
4 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY REARWARD
Fig. 236 Stator Operation
1 - DIRECTION STATOR WILL FREE WHEEL DUE TO OIL
PUSHING ON BACKSIDE OF VANES
2 - FRONT OF ENGINE
3 - INCREASED ANGLE AS OIL STRIKES VANES
4 - DIRECTION STATOR IS LOCKED UP DUE TO OIL PUSHING
AGAINST STATOR VANES
21 - 124 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
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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)
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