2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY automatic transmission fluid

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO DRIVE OR
REVERSE (VEHICLE
WILL NOT MOVE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Loose/
Misadjusted.2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage
as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. Filter Plugged. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid
contained clutch material or metal
particles, an overhaul may be necessary.
Perform lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace
cooler as necessary.
4. Oil Pump Damaged. 4. Perform pressure test to confirm low
pressure. Replace pump body assembly if
necessary.
5. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 5. Check press and inspect valve body.
Replace valve body (as assembly) if any
valve or bore is damaged. Clean and
reassemble correctly if all parts are in
good condition.
6. Transmission Internal Component
Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Remove and disassemble
transmission. Repair or replace failed
components as needed.
7. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check Stall
Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck.7. Remove, disassemble, repair.
8. Torque Converter Damage. 8. Inspect and replace as required.
SHIFTS DELAYED OR
ERRATIC (ALSO
SHIFTS HARSH AT
TIMES)1. Fluid Level Low/High. 1. Correct fluid level and check for leaks if
low.
2. Fluid Filter Clogged. 2. Replace filter. If filter and fluid
contained clutch material or metal
particles, an overhaul may be necessary.
Perform lube flow test.
3. Throttle Linkage Misadjusted. 3. Adjust linkage as described in service
section.
4. Throttle Linkage Binding. 4. Check cable for binding. Check for
return to closed throttle at transmission.
5. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Misadjusted. 5. Adjust linkage/cable as described in
service section.
6. Governor Valve Sticking. 6. Inspect, clean or repair.
7. Governor Seal Rings Worn/Damaged. 7. Inspect/replace.
8. Clutch or Servo Failure. 8. Remove valve body and air test clutch,
and band servo operation. Disassemble
and repair transmission as needed.
9. Front Band Misadjusted. 9. Adjust band.
10. Pump Suction Passage Leak. 10. Check for excessive foam on dipstick
after normal driving. Check for loose
pump bolts, defective gasket. Replace
pump assembly if needed.
21 - 26 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)
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(5) Low line pressure in all positions indicates a
defective pump, a clogged filter, or a stuck pressure
regulator valve.
GOVERNOR PRESSURE
Test only if transaxle shifts at wrong vehicle
speeds when throttle cable is correctly adjusted.
(1) Connect a 100 psi gauge to governor pressure
port. It is located at lower right side of case, below
differential cover (Fig. 2).
(2) Operate transaxle in third gear to read pres-
sures. The governor pressure should respond
smoothly to changes in mph and should return to 0
to 3 psi when vehicle is stopped. High pressure
(above 3 psi) at standstill will prevent the transaxle
from downshifting.
THROTTLE PRESSURE
No gauge port is provided for throttle pressure.
Incorrect throttle pressure should be suspected if
part throttle upshift speeds are either delayed or
occur too early in relation to vehicle speed. Engine
runaway on shifts can also be an indicator of low
throttle pressure setting, or misadjusted throttle
cable.
In no case should throttle pressure be adjusted
until the transaxle throttle cable adjustment has
been verified to be correct.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TORQUE
CONVERTER HOUSING FLUID LEAKAGE
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
three actions must be taken before repair:
(1) Verify proper transmission fluid level.
(2) Verify that the leak originates from the con-
verter housing area and is transmission fluid.
(3) Determine the true source of the leak.
Fluid leakage at or around the torque converter
area may originate from an engine oil leak (Fig. 3).
The area should be examined closely. Factory fill
fluid is red and, therefore, can be distinguished from
engine oil.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess
fluid spilled during factory fill, or fill after repair.
Converter housing leaks have several potential
sources. Through careful observation, a leak source
can be identified before removing the transmission
for repair.
Pump seal leaks tend to move along the drive hub
and onto the rear of the converter (Fig. 3). Pump
o-ring or pump body leaks follow the same path as a
seal leak. Pump attaching bolt leaks are generally
deposited on the inside of the converter housing and
not on the converter itself. Pump seal or gasket leaksusually travel down the inside of the converter hous-
ing (Fig. 3).
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAKAGE
Possible sources of torque converter leakage are:
²Torque converter weld leaks at the outside diam-
eter weld (Fig. 4).
²Torque converter hub weld (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Converter Housing Leak Paths
1 - PUMP SEAL
2 - PUMP VENT
3 - PUMP BOLT
4 - PUMP GASKET
5 - CONVERTER HOUSING
6 - CONVERTER
7 - REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK
Fig. 4 Converter Leak PointsÐTypical
1 - OUTSIDE DIAMETER WELD
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER HUB WELD
3 - STARTER RING GEAR
4 - LUG
21 - 34 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)
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(19) Connect throttle valve cable to lever and
bracket (Fig. 103).
(20) Connect torque converter clutch connector.(21) Install fluid level indicator/tube assembly
(Fig. 104).
(22) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(23) Torque rear mount bracket-to-transaxle case
horizontal bolt (Fig. 98) to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(24) Torque rear mount thru-bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(25) Lower vehicle.
(26) Connect battery negative cable.
(27) Fill transaxle with ATF+4 transmission fluid.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 103 Kickdown Cable at TransaxleÐTypical
1 - LEVER
2 - BRACKET
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 104 Fluid Level Indicator Assembly
1 - INDICATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLT
3 - KICKDOWN CABLE BRACKET
4 - SEAL
21 - 62 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)
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(5) Back off front band adjusting screw 2ò turns.
(6) Hold adjuster screw in position and tighten
locknut to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install air cleaner assembly.
(8) Connect battery negative cable.
ADJUSTMENTS - REAR BAND
The transmission oil pan must be removed for
access to the rear (low/reverse) band adjusting screw.
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove transaxle oil pan and drain fluid (Fig.
111) (Fig. 112).(3) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut 5-6 turns.
Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in lever.
(4) Tighten adjusting screw to 5 N´m (41 in. lbs.)
(Fig. 113).
(5) Back off adjusting screw 3 turns.
(6) Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten lock-
nut to 14 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install a bead of Moparž Silicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant to the oil pan and install to case imme-
diately.
(8) Install oil pan-to-case bolts and torque to 19
N´m (165 in. lbs.).
(9) Lower vehicle and refill transmission with
Moparž ATF Plus 4, Type 9602, fluid.
CLUTCH - FRONT
DESCRIPTION
The front clutch assembly (Fig. 119) is composed of
the front clutch retainer, pressure plate, clutch
plates, driving discs, piston, piston return spring,
return spring retainer, and snap-rings. The front
clutch is the forward-most component in the trans-
mission geartrain and is directly behind the oil
pump. It is considered a driving component.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
Fig. 111 Transaxle Oil Pan Bolts
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL PAN BOLTS
Fig. 112 Transaxle Oil Pan
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 113 Adjust Low/Reverse Band
1 - LOW-REVERSE BAND LEVER
2 - ADJUSTING SCREW
3 - STRUT
4 - LOW-REVERSE BAND
5 - LOCK NUT
6 - LEVER (SHORT)
21 - 80 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
BANDS (Continued)
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OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack. In
some transmissions, the snap-ring is selective and
used to adjust clutch pack clearance.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the
clutch retainer. The check-valve is needed to elimi-
nate the possibility of plate drag caused by centrifu-
gal force acting on the residual fluid trapped in the
clutch piston retainer.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove front clutch waved snap ring using a
suitable screwdriver (Fig. 114).(2) Remove waved snap ring and reaction plate
(Fig. 115).
(3) Remove clutch pack (Fig. 116).
Fig. 114 Front Clutch Waved Snap Ring
1 - WAVED SNAP RING
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - FRONT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Fig. 115 Thick Steel Plate and Waved Snap Ring
1 - WAVED SNAP RING
2 - THICK STEEL PLATE
3 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
Fig. 116 Front Clutch (4-Disc Shown)
1 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
2 - CLUTCH PLATES
3 - DRIVING DISCS
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-81
CLUTCH - FRONT (Continued)
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(5) Using feeler gauge, measure front clutch clear-
ance (Fig. 125).Front clutch clearance should be
within 1.27-2.79 mm (0.050-0.110 in.) and is not
adjustable.
CLUTCH - REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear clutch assembly (Fig. 132) is composed of
the input shaft, rear clutch retainer, pressure plate,
clutch plates, driving discs, piston, Belleville spring,
and snap-rings. The Belleville spring acts as a lever
to multiply the force applied on to it by the apply pis-
ton. The increased apply force on the rear clutch
pack, in comparison to the front clutch pack, is
needed to hold against the greater torque load
imposed onto the rear pack. The rear clutch is
directly behind the front clutch and is considered a
driving component.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack. In
some transmissions, the snap-ring is selective and
used to adjust clutch pack clearance.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the
clutch retainer. The check-valve is needed to elimi-
nate the possibility of plate drag caused by centrifu-
gal force acting on the residual fluid trapped in the
clutch piston retainer.
Fig. 124 Front Clutch Waved Snap Ring
1 - WAVED SNAP RING
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - FRONT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Fig. 125 Measuring Front Clutch Plate Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - FRONT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-85
CLUTCH - FRONT (Continued)
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FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL AND
CONDITION CHECK
NOTE: The transmission and differential sump have
a common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park
to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.The
engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground. This will assure complete oil level sta-
bilization between differential and transmis-
sion.The fluid should be at normal operating
temperature (approximately 82 C. or 180 F.). The
fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-
hatched area) on the fluid level indicator (Fig. 165).
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the
gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, the air bubbles can cause overheat-
ing, fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can inter-
fere with normal valve, clutch, and servo operation.
Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the
transaxle dipstick where it may be mistaken for a
leak.Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transaxle overhaul is needed.
Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely.
If there is any doubt about its condition, drain out a
sample for a double check.
FLUID CONDITION
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transaxle recondition is needed.
Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely.
If there is any doubt about its condition, drain out a
sample for a double check.
Moparž ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed
red so it can be identified from other fluids used in
the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red
color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid
condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin
to look darker in color and may eventually become
brown. This is normal. A dark brown/black fluid
accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration
in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or
transmission component failure.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
CHANGE
NOTE: For the recommended maintenance (fluid/fil-
ter change) intervals for this transaxle, (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION)
NOTE: Only fluids of the type labeled Moparž
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602
should be used. A filter change should be made at
the time of the transmission oil change. The magnet
(on the inside of the oil pan) should also be cleaned
with a clean, dry cloth.
NOTE: If the transaxle is disassembled for any rea-
son, the fluid and filter should be changed.
FLUID/FILTER SERVICE (RECOMMENDED)
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist. Place a drain con-
tainer with a large opening, under transaxle oil pan.
Fig. 165 Fluid Level Indicator Markings
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
21 - 98 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
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(2) Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner
to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove
the oil pan.
(3) Remove oil filter-to-valve body screws (Fig.
166).
(4) Remove oil filter and gasket (Fig. 167).
(5) Install a new filter and gasket (Fig. 167).
(6) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new Moparž Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant.
Torque oil pan bolts to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).(7) Pour four quarts of Moparž ATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid-Type 9602) through the dipstick
opening.
(8) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes
applied, move selector lever momentarily to each
position, ending in the park or neutral position.
(9) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ªADDº mark on the dip-
stick (Fig. 168).
(10) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has
reached normal operating temperature (180ÉF.).
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(11) To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make
certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick
opening.
DIPSTICK TUBE FLUID SUCTION METHOD
(ALTERNATIVE)
(1) When performing the fluid suction method,
make sure the transaxle is at full operating temper-
ature.
(2) To perform the dipstick tube fluid suction
method, use a suitable fluid suction device (VaculaŸ
or equivalent).
(3) Insert the fluid suction line into the dipstick
tube.
NOTE: Verify that the suction line is inserted to the
lowest point of the transaxle oil pan. This will
ensure complete evacuation of the fluid in the pan.
(4) Follow the manufacturers recommended proce-
dure and evacuate the fluid from the transaxle.
(5) Remove the suction line from the dipstick tube.
(6) Pour four quarts of Moparž ATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission FluidÐType 9602) through the dipstick
opening.
(7) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes
Fig. 166 Oil Filter Screws
1 - SCREWDRIVER HANDLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4553
3 - OIL FILTER SCREWS (2)
4 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 167 Oil Filter and Gasket
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - GASKET
3 - VALVE BODY
Fig. 168 Dipstick Markings
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-99
FLUID (Continued)
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