2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY transmission fluid

(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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applied, move selector lever momentarily to each
position, ending in the park or neutral position.
(8) 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).
(9) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has
reached normal operating temperature (180ÉF.).
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(10) To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make
certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick
opening.
GEAR SHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect gear shift cable at manual valve
lever (Fig. 169).
(3) Disconnect gear shift cable from upper mount
bracket (Fig. 169).(4) Remove instrument panel lower silencer (Fig.
170).
(5) Remove knee bolster (Fig. 171).
(6) Disconnect PRNDL cable from gear shift lever
(Fig. 172).
(7) Disconnect gear shift cable from gear shift
lever (Fig. 173).
(8) Remove gear shift cable from column bracket
(Fig. 173).
(9) Disengage grommet from dash panel and
remove gear shift cable from inside vehicle (Fig. 174).
Fig. 169 Gearshift Cable at Transaxle
1 - MANUAL VALVE LEVER
2 - GEAR SHIFT CABLE
3 - UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
Fig. 170 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 171 Knee Bolster
1 - KNEE BOLSTER
21 - 100 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
FLUID (Continued)
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pressure. Generally governor pressure ranges from
0-100 psi from idle to maximum speed, and rises pro-
portionally with the increase in output shaft speed.
Governor pressure and throttle pressure are acting
upon the shift valves to determine when a shift will
occur. Governor pressure is a direct indication of road
speed, and throttle pressure is an indication of
engine load. When both parameters have been met
by the throttle and governor pressures, an upshift or
downshift will occur.
CLEANING
Thoroughly clean all the governor parts in a suit-
able cleaning solution but do not use any type of
caustic cleaning agents.
The governor weight components and the governor
valve, must slide freely in their bores when clean and
dry. Minor surface scratches and burrs can be
smoothed with crocus cloth.
INSPECTION
The aluminum governor valve and outer weight
have a hard coating on them. Check condition of this
coating carefully. Do not reuse either part if the coat-
ing is damaged.
Inspect the governor weight spring for distortion.
Replace the spring, if distorted, collapsed, or broken.
Clean the filter in solvent and dry it with compressedair. Replace the filter, if damaged. Inspect the park
gear for chipped or worn gear teeth or damaged ring
grooves. Replace the gear, if damaged.
Check the teeth on the park gear for wear or dam-
age. Replace the gear if necessary. Inspect the metal
seal rings on the park gear hub. Replace the rings
only if severely worn, or broken.
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump is located in the pump housing inside
the bell housing of the transmission case. The oil
pump consists of an inner and outer gear, a housing,
and a cover that also serves as the reaction shaft
support (Fig. 182).
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the inner and outer gears. As the gears
rotate, the clearance between the gear teeth
increases in the crescent area, and creates a suction
at the inlet side of the pump. This suction draws
fluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
clearance between the gear teeth in the crescent area
decreases, it forces pressurized fluid into the pump
outlet and to the valve body.
Fig. 182 Oil Pump Assembly
1 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
2 - INNER GEAR
3 - PUMP BODY4 - PUMP BUSHING
5 - OUTER GEAR
21 - 104 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
GOVERNOR (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP VOLUME
CHECK
Measuring the oil pump output volume will deter-
mine if sufficient oil flow to the transmission oil
cooler exists, and whether or not an internal trans-
mission failure is present.
Verify that the transmission fluid is at the proper
level. Refer to the Fluid Level Check procedure in
this section. If necessary, fill the transmission to the
proper level with Moparž ATF +4, type 9602, Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.
(1) Using hose cutters or a suitable blade, cut the
To coolerline off flush with the cooler inlet fitting
and place a collecting container under the open line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat curb idle speed, with the
shift selector in neutral.
(3) If one quart of transmission fluid is collected in
the container in 20 seconds or less, oil pump flow vol-
ume is within acceptable limits. If fluid flow is inter-
mittent, or it takes more than 20 seconds to collect
one quart of fluid, (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 31TH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for further diagnosis.
(4) Re-connect theTo coolerline to the transmis-
sion cooler inlet using a service splice kit. Refer to
instructions included with the kit.
(5) Refill the transmission to proper level. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
- 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove reaction shaft support-to-pump body
bolts.
(2) Remove reaction shaft support, and the inner
and outer pump gears (Fig. 183).
CLEANING
Clean pump and support components with solvent
and dry them with compressed air.
INSPECTION
(1) Check condition of the seal rings and thrust
washer on the reaction shaft support. The seal rings
do not need to be replaced unless cracked, broken, or
severely worn.
(2) Visually inspect the pump and support compo-
nents. Replace the pump assembly if the seal ring
grooves or machined surfaces are worn, scored, pit-
ted, or damaged. Replace the pump assembly if the
gears if pitted, worn chipped, or damaged.
(3) Inspect the pump bushing. Then check the
reaction shaft support bushing. Replace the pump
assembly if either bushing is heavily worn, scored or
damaged.
(4) Clearance between outer gear and reaction
shaft housing should be 0.010 to 0.063 mm (0.0004 to
0.0025 in.). Clearance between inner gear and reac-
tion shaft housing should be 0.010 to 0.063 mm
(0.0004 to 0.0025 in.). Both clearances can be mea-
sured at the same time by installing the gears in the
pump body and measure pump component clearances
as follows:
(5) Reinstall gears to pump body and measure
outer gear-to-pocket clearance with a feeler gauge
(Fig. 184).Outer gear-to-pocket clearance should
be within 0.045-0.141 mm (0.0018-0.0056 in.).
(6) Measure both inner and outer gear side clear-
ance with PlastigageŸ. If PlastigageŸ is not avail-
able, measure across the pump body with a straight
edge and feeler gauge.
(a) Position an appropriate piece of PlastigageŸ
across both gears.
(b) Align the plastigage to a flat area on the
reaction shaft housing.
(c) Install the reaction shaft support to the
pump housing and torque to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(d) Separate the reaction shaft housing from the
pump housing and measure the PlastigageŸ fol-
lowing the instructions supplied with it.Inner
and outer gear side clearance should be
within 0.020-0.046 mm (0.0008-0.0018 in.).
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install inner and outer gears to pump body
(Fig. 183). Lubricate gears with Moparž ATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid-Type 9602).
(2) Install reaction shaft support to pump body
and align holes.
(3) Install and torque reaction shaft support-to-
pump body bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21 - 105
OIL PUMP (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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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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