DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH SYSTEM
Clutch problem diagnosis will generally require a
road test to determine the type of fault. Componentinspection will then determine the problem after road
testing.
Drive the vehicle at normal speeds during road
test. Shift the transaxle through all gear ranges and
observe clutch action. If chatter, grab, slip, or
improper release is experienced, remove and inspect
the clutch components. If the problem is noise or
hard shifting, further diagnosis may be needed. The
transaxle or other driveline components may actually
be at fault.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS - CLUTCH GRAB/CHATTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC FACING
COVERED WITH OIL OR
GREASEOil leak at engine rear main or
transaxle input shaft seal.Correct leak and replace modular clutch
assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover and
disc (2.5L TD).
Too much grease applied to splines
of disc and input shaft.Apply lighter coating of grease to splines.
NO FAULT FOUND WITH
CLUTCH
COMPONENTSProblem actually related to
suspension or driveline component.Further diagnosis required. Check
engine/transmission mounts, suspension
attaching parts and other driveline
components as needed.
Engine related problems. Check EFI and ignition systems.
PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT
OF CLUTCH DISCClutch cover, spring, or release
fingers bent, distorted (rough
handling, improper assembly).Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L
Gas) or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Fig. 4 Slave Cylinder Removal/Installation
1 - MOUNTING HOLE
2 - SLAVE CYLINDER
3 - ACCESS HOLE
4 - NYLON ANTI-ROTATION TAB
Fig. 5 Release Bearing and Lever
1 - RELEASE LEVER
2 - RELEASE BEARING
RSCLUTCH6-3
CLUTCH (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Clutch disc damaged or distorted. Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L
Gas) or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Clutch misalignment. Verify modular clutch pilot plate alignment
to crankshaft. Replace the modular clutch
assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover and
disc (2.5L TD) if the pilot plate is loose or
bent.
Improper transaxle-to-engine
installation.Verify transaxle is properly installed to
engine.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS - CLUTCH SLIPS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DISC FACING WORN OUT Normal wear. Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L
Gas) or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Driver frequently rides (slips) clutch,
results in rapid wear, overheating.Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L
Gas) or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Insufficient clutch cover diaphragm
spring tensionReplace modular clutch assembly (2.4L
Gas) or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
CLUTCH DISC FACING
CONTAMINATED WITH
OIL OR GREASELeak at rear main oil seal or
transaxle input shaft sealReplace leaking seals. Replace modular
clutch assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover
and disc (2.5L TD).
Excessive amount of grease applied
to input shaft splinesApply less grease to input shaft. Replace
modular clutch assembly (2.4L Gas) or
clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
Road splash, water entering housing Seal housing. Inspect clutch assembly.
CLUTCH IS RUNNING
PARTIALLY DISENGAGEDRelease bearing sticking or binding,
does not return to normal running
position.Verify that bearing is actually binding. Then,
replace bearing and transmission front
bearing retainer if sleeve surface is
damaged.
Clutch pedal not returning to static
position.Inspect pedal assembly for damage and/or
obstructions. Replace componnents as
necessary.
Clutch master cylinder or pushrod
damaged causing high preload.Replace clutch master cylinder assembly.
Slave cylinder binding or stuck. Replace slave cylinder.
CLUTCH DISC FACINGS
HAVE FRACTURED INTO
SMALL PIECESLeak at rear main or transaxle input
shaft sealReplace seal. Replace modular clutch
assembly (2.4L Gas) or clutch cover and
disc (2.5L TD)..
Excessive heat from slippage Replace modular clutch assembly (2.4L
Gas) or clutch cover and disc (2.5L TD).
6 - 4 CLUTCHRS
CLUTCH (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH COVER
AND DISC RUNOUT
Check condition of the clutch cover before installa-
tion. A warped cover or diaphragm spring will cause
grab and/or incomplete release or engagement. Use
care when handling the clutch assembly. Impact can
distort the cover, diaphragm spring, and release fin-
gers.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH CHATTER
COMPLAINTS
For all clutch chatter complaints, perform the fol-
lowing:
(1) Check for loose, misaligned, or broken engine
and transmission mounts. If present, they should be
corrected at this time. Test vehicle for chatter. If
chatter is gone, there is no need to go any further.
(2) If chatter persists, check hydraulic clutch
release system is functioning properly.
(3) Check for loose connections in drivetrain. Cor-
rect any problems and determine if clutch chatter
complaints have been satisfied. If not:
(a) Remove transaxle.
(b) Check to see if the release bearing is sticky
or binding. Replace bearing, if needed.
(c) Check linkage for excessive wear on the pivot
stud and fork fingers. Replace all worn parts.
(d) Check clutch assembly for contamination
(dirt, oil). Replace clutch assembly, if required.
(e) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines
are damaged. Replace with new clutch assembly, if
necessary.
(f) Check input shaft splines for damage.
Replace, if necessary.
(g) Check for uneven wear on clutch fingers.
(h) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers. Replace with new clutch assembly,
if necessary.
SPECIAL TOOLS - T850 TRANSAXLE
CLUTCH RELEASE LEVER AND
BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle assembly. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove modular clutch assembly from input
shaft (2.4L Gas models only).
(3) Grasp clutch release lever and bearing (Fig. 6)
with both hands and pull outward using moderate
pressure to release lever from pivot ball.
Disconnect Tool, 6638A
Remover/Installer, 6891
Fig. 6 Release Bearing and Lever
1 - RELEASE LEVER
2 - RELEASE BEARING
6 - 6 CLUTCHRS
CLUTCH (Continued)
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COOLING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM........1
DESCRIPTION - HOSE CLAMPS...........1
OPERATION
OPERATION - COOLING SYSTEM.........2
OPERATION - HOSE CLAMPS............2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING
SYSTEM LEAK TEST....................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING
SYSTEM FLOW CHECK.................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING
SYSTEM AERATION....................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING
SYSTEM DEAERATION..................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAINING....................4STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM FILLING......................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT.................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLANT
LEVEL CHECK........................5
SPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY............6
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT TENSION.......6
TORQUE.............................6
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING SYSTEM.....................7
ACCESSORY DRIVE.......................8
ENGINE...............................14
TRANSMISSION.........................38
COOLING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system components consist of a radia-
tor, electric fan motors, shroud, pressure cap, thermo-
stat, transmission oil cooler, water pump, hoses,
clamps, coolant, and a coolant reserve system to com-
plete the circuit.
DESCRIPTION - HOSE CLAMPS
The cooling system uses spring type hose clamps.
If a spring type clamp replacement is necessary,
replace with the original Mopartequipment spring
type clamp.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only a original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Spring Clamp Size Location
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
RSCOOLING7-1
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OPERATION
OPERATION - COOLING SYSTEM
The engine cooling systems primary purpose is to
maintain engine temperature in a range that will
provide satisfactory engine performance and emission
levels under all expected driving conditions. It also
provides hot water (coolant) for heater performance
and cooling for automatic transmission oil. It does
this by transferring heat from engine metal to cool-
ant, moving this heated coolant to the radiator, and
then transferring this heat to the ambient air.
²When engine is cold: thermostat is closed, cool-
ing system has no flow through the radiator. The
coolant bypass flows through the engine only.
²When engine is warm: thermostat is open, cool-
ing system has bypass flow and coolant flow through
radiator.
Coolant flow circuits for the 2.4L and 3.3/3.8L
engines are shown in (Fig. 2).
OPERATION - HOSE CLAMPS
The spring type hose clamp applies constant ten-
sion on a hose connection. To remove a spring type
hose clamp, use Special Tool 6094 or equivalent, con-
stant tension clamp pliers (Fig. 3) to compress the
hose clamp.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
LEAK TEST
WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS ªDO NOT OPEN
HOTº ON THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP IS A
SAFETY PRECAUTION. WHEN HOT, PRESSURE
BUILDS UP IN COOLING SYSTEM. TO PREVENT
SCALDING OR INJURY, THE RADIATOR CAP
SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED WHILE THE SYSTEM
IS HOT OR UNDER PRESSURE.
Fig. 2 Cooling System Flow
1 - HEATER - REAR (3.3/3.8L OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT) 6 - WATER PUMP
2 - HEATER - FRONT 7 - RADIATOR
3 - ENGINE 8 - COOLANT RECOVERY/RESERVE CONTAINER
4 - THERMOSTAT 9 - COOLANT FLOW - PRESSURE CAP VACUUM
5 - ENGINE OIL COOLER (3.3/3.8L OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT) 10 - COOLANT FLOW - PRESSURE CAP RELIEF
7 - 2 COOLINGRS
COOLING (Continued)
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(4) Install the radiator upper support crossmem-
ber. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPEN-
ING REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the upper radiator mounts to the cross-
member bolts, if removed. Tighten to 8 N´m (70 in.
lbs.).
(6) Install the radiator upper hose to the support
clip (2.4L engine).
RADIATOR FAN RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The radiator fan relay is a solid state type and is
located on the front bumper reinforcment (Fig. 22).
Refer to WIRING DIAGRAMS for a circuit sche-
matic.
OPERATION
The solid state radiator fan relay is controlled by
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) by way of a
Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal. The relay con-
trol circuit supplies a 12 volt signal to the PCM. The
PCM then pulses the ground circuit to achieve fan on
time. The relay provides a voltage to the fan motors
which is proportional to the pulse width it receives
from the PCM. The duty cycle ranges from 30% for
low speed operation, then ramps-up to 100% for high
speed operation. This fan control system provides
infinitely variable fan speeds, allowing for improved
fan noise, A/C performance, better engine cooling,
and additional vehicle power.
To control operation of the relay, the PCM looks at
inputs from:
²Engine coolant temperature
²A/C pressure transducer
²Ambient temperature from the body controller
²Vehicle speed
²Transmission oil temperature
The PCM uses these inputs to determine when the
fan should operate and at what speed. For further
information on fan operation, (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - OPERATION).
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the radiator crossmember to front fas-
cia closure panel.
(4) Disconnect the relay electrical connector (Fig.
22).(5) Remove the rivet attaching the relay to the
front bumper beam (Fig. 22).
(6) Remove the relay.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The relay mounting location is designed
to dissipate heat. Ensure the relay is securely
attached to prevent relay ªthermalº shutdown and
relay damage, resulting in possible engine over-
heating.
(1) Position relay and install a new rivet (Fig. 22).
(2) Connect electrical connector to relay.
(3) Install closure panel and attaching screws.
(4) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 22 Radiator Fan Relay
1 - FRONT FASCIA
2 - FAN RELAY
3 - RIVET
4 - A/C CONDENSER (FRONT SIDE)
RSENGINE7-31
RADIATOR FAN (Continued)
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TRANSMISSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSMISSION
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING
COOLERS AND TUBES.................38
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
DESCRIPTION.........................38
REMOVAL.............................38CLEANING............................39
INSPECTION..........................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
TRANSMISSION
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING
COOLERS AND TUBES
The recommended procedure for cooler flushing is
to use Tool 6906 Cooler Flusher.
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR THAT
MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA AND ANSI
Z87.1±1968. WEAR STANDARD INDUSTRIAL RUB-
BER GLOVES. KEEP LIT CIGARETTES, SPARKS,
FLAMES, AND OTHER IGNITION SOURCES AWAY
FROM THE AREA TO PREVENT THE IGNITION OF
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS AND GASES. KEEP A
CLASS (B) FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN THE AREA
WHERE THE FLUSHER WILL BE USED.
WARNING: KEEP THE AREA WELL VENTILATED.
DO NOT LET FLUSHING SOLVENT COME IN CON-
TACT WITH YOUR EYES OR SKIN: IF EYE CONTAM-
INATION OCCURS, FLUSH EYES WITH WATER FOR
15 TO 20 SECONDS. REMOVE CONTAMINATED
CLOTHING AND WASH AFFECTED SKIN WITH
SOAP AND WATER. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
(1) Remove cover plate filler plug on Tool 6906.
Fill reservoir 1/2 to 3/4 full of fresh flushing solution.
Use MopartTransmission Cooler Flush (MS-552) or
equivalent solution conforming to MS-552. Flushing
solvents are petroleum based solutions generally
used to clean automatic transmission components.
DO NOTuse solvents containing acids, water, gaso-
line, or any other corrosive liquids.
(2) Reinstall filler plug on Tool 6906.
(3) Verify pump power switch is turned OFF. Con-
nect red alligator clip to positive (+) battery post.
Connect black (-) alligator clip to a good ground.
NOTE: When flushing transmission cooler and
lines, ALWAYS reverse flush.(4) Connect the BLUE pressure line to the OUT-
LET (From) cooler line.
(5) Connect the CLEAR return line to the INLET
(To) cooler line
(6) Turn pump ON for two to three minutes to
flush cooler and lines.
(7) Turn pump OFF.
(8) Disconnect CLEAR suction line from reservoir
at cover plate. Disconnect CLEAR return line at
cover plate, and place it in a drain pan.
(9) Turn pump ON for 30 seconds to purge flush-
ing solution from cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(10) Place CLEAR suction line into a one quart
container of MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission
FluidÐType 9602).
(11) Turn pump ON until all transmission fluid is
removed from the one quart container and lines. This
purges any residual cleaning solvent from the trans-
mission cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(12) Disconnect alligator clips from battery. Recon-
nect flusher lines to cover plate, and remove flushing
adapters from cooler lines.
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
DESCRIPTION
The transmission oil cooler is an oil-to-air type
cooler that is mounted between the front of the radi-
ator and back side of the A/C condenser (Fig. 2). 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. 1).
(3) Remove oil cooler attaching screws (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove the oil cooler.
7 - 38 TRANSMISSIONRS
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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. 2).
NOTE: When replacing the transmission oil cooler,
the cooler hoses must be replaced.
(2) Connect the new cooler hoses and install
clamps (Fig. 1).
(3) Install the radiator. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(4) Start engine. Check and adjust the fluid level
as necessary.
TRANSMISSION OIL 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. 3) or (Fig. 4).
Fig. 1 TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSES
1 - TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSES
2 - FITTING - COOLER OUTLET
3 - FITTING - COOLER INLET
Fig. 2 Transmission Oil Cooler
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER
2 - SCREWS
3 - A/C CONDENSER (REAR SIDE)
Fig. 3 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
RSTRANSMISSION7-39
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER (Continued)
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