2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY transmission oil

(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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(12) Remove front mount and bracket (Fig. 11).
(13) Cut transaxle oil cooler lines flush with fit-
tings. a service kit will be installed upon reintalla-
tion. Plug lines and fittings to prevent debris
intrusion.
(14) Remove structural collar (Fig. 12).
(15) Disconnect vehicle speed sensor connector.
(16) Remove rear mount shield (Fig. 13).
(17) Remove rear mount thru-bolt.
(18) Support engine with screw jack and wood
block.
(19) Remove cradle plate.
(20) Remove torque converter-to-drive plate bolts.
(21) Remove left wheel splash shield.
(22) Remove left upper mount thru-bolt (Fig. 14).
(23) Lower engine/transaxle assembly.
(24) Obtain transmission jack and helper.
(25) Remove remaining transaxle-to-engine bolts
and remove transaxle assembly from vehicle.
Fig. 11 Front Mount and Bracket
1 - BRACKET - FRONT MOUNT
2 - NUT
3 - BOLT
4 - MOUNT - FRONT INSULATOR
5 - BOLT
6 - BOLT
7 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 12 Structural Collar
1 - BOLT - COLLAR TO OIL PAN
2 - BOLT - COLLAR TO TRANSAXLE
3 - STRUCTURAL COLLAR
4 - OIL PAN
Fig. 13 Rear Mount Heat Shield
1 - BOLT - HEAT SHIELD
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR MOUNT
21 - 38 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)
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DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION: If transaxle failure has occured, it is nec-
essary to flush the transaxle oil cooler and lines to
remove debris and particles that could contaminate
and/or fail a new or rebuilt unit. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/TRANSMISSION - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
NOTE: This procedure does not include disassem-
bly of final drive (differential) components. (Refer to
21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/FINAL DRIVE - DISASSEMBLY)
(1) Measure input shaft end play before disassem-
bly using Tool 8266 and dial indicator C-3339 (Fig.
15):
(a) Set up tools as shown in (Fig. 15).
(b) Move input shaft in and out to obtain end
play reading. End play specifications are 0.19 to
1.50 mm (0.008 to 0.060 inch).
(c) Record indicator reading for reference when
reassembling the transaxle.
(2) Remove transaxle oil pan-to-case bolts (Fig.
16).
Fig. 14 Left Rail-to-Mount
1 - FRAME BRACKET
2 - FRAME RAIL - LEFT
3 - BOLT
4 - TRANSAXLE MOUNTFig. 15 Measure Input Shaft End Play using End
Play Set 8266
1 - TOOL 8266±8
2 - TOOL 8266±2
3 - TOOL C-3339
Fig. 16 Transaxle Oil Pan Bolts
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL PAN BOLTS
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-39
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)
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(23) Remove park sprag rod support-to-case bolts
(Fig. 37).
(24) Remove support and bolts (Fig. 38).
NOTE: To remove pawl, spring, and pivot shaft, the
governor support retainer must be removed. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/TRANSFER SYSTEM - REMOVAL)(25) Remove park pawl, spring, and pivot shaft
(Fig. 39).
(26) Remove oil pump-to-transaxle case bolts (Fig.
40).
Fig. 37 Parking Sprag Rod Support
1 - PARKING SPRAG ROD SUPPORT
2 - BOLT (2)
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
Fig. 38 Support and Bolts
1 - BOLT (2)
2 - PARKING SPRAG ROD SUPPORT
Fig. 39 Parking Pawl, Return Spring, and Pivot Shaft
1 - PARK PAWL
2 - RETURN SPRING
3 - NOTE: SMALL DIAMETER TO REAR
4 - PIVOT SHAFT
Fig. 40 Oil Pump Attaching Bolts
1 - SEAL
2 - PUMP ATTACHING BOLTS (7)
3 - PUMP HOUSING
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-45
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)
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(42) Remove low/reverse band (Fig. 57).
(43) Remove and inspect #11 thrust washer (Fig.
58).
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: If transaxle failure has occurred, it is
necessary to flush the transaxle oil cooler and lines
to remove debris and particles that could contami-
nate and/or fail a new or rebuilt unit. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)NOTE: This procedure does not include assembly
of final drive (differential) components. (Refer to 21
- TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 31TH/
FINAL DRIVE - ASSEMBLY)
NOTE: This procedure does not include assembly
of transfer system (transfer shaft and output shaft)
components. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 31TH/TRANSFER SYSTEM -
INSTALLATION)
(1) Install #11 thrust washer (Fig. 59).
(2) Install low/reverse band (Fig. 60). Do not
install strut or adjust at this time.
Fig. 57 Low/Reverse Band and Strut
1 - #11 THRUST WASHER
2 - LOW-REVERSE BAND
3 - STRUT
Fig. 58 No. 11 Thrust Washer
1 - #11 THRUST WASHER
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 59 No. 11 Thrust Washer
1 - #11 THRUST WASHER
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 60 Low/Reverse Band and Strut
1 - #11 THRUST WASHER
2 - LOW-REVERSE BAND
3 - STRUT
21 - 50 AUTOMATIC - 31THRS
AUTOMATIC - 31TH (Continued)
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(40) Install oil filter and gasket into position (Fig.
93).
(41) Install oil filter-to-valve body screws (Fig. 94)
and torque to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.) torque.
(42) Install an 1/8º bead of Moparž Silicone Rub-
ber Adhesive Sealant to the transaxle oil pan (Fig.
95). Install oil pan to case and immediately install
and torque oil pan-to-case bolts (Fig. 96) to 19 N´m
(165 in. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install transaxle assembly to engine using a
transmission jack and helper.
(2) Install and torque transaxle-to-engine bolts to
95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(3) Using screw jack and wood block, raise engine/
transaxle assembly into position and install left
upper mount thru-bolt (Fig. 97). Torque bolt to 75
N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 93 Oil Filter and Gasket
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - GASKET
3 - VALVE BODY
Fig. 94 Oil Filter Screws
1 - SCREWDRIVER HANDLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4553
3 - OIL FILTER SCREWS (2)
4 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 95 Transaxle Oil Pan
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 96 Transaxle Oil Pan Bolts
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL PAN BOLTS
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-59
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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