TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION
The 41TE transaxle is identified by a barcode label
that is fixed to the transaxle case as shown in (Fig.
2).
The label contains a series of digits that can be
translated into useful information such as transaxle
part number, date of manufacture, manufacturing
origin, plant shift number, build sequence number,
etc. Refer to (Fig. 3) for identification label break-
down.
If the tag is not legible or missing, the ªPKº num-
ber, which is stamped into the transaxle case behind
the transfer gear cover, can be referred to for identi-
fication. This number differs slightly in that it con-
tains the entire transaxle part number, rather than
the last three digits.
OPERATION
Transmission output is directed to an integral dif-
ferential by a transfer gear system in the following
input-to-output ratios:
First...............................2.84 : 1
Second.............................1.57 : 1
Third..............................1.00 : 1
Overdrive...........................0.69 : 1
Reverse............................2.21 : 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 41TE TRANSAXLE
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
NOTE: Before attempting any repair on a 41TE four-
speed automatic transaxle, check for diagnostic
trouble codes (DTC's) using the DRB scan tool.
Refer to the Transmission Diagnostic Procedures
Manual.
Transaxle malfunctions may be caused by these
general conditions:
²Poor engine performance
²Improper adjustments
²Hydraulic malfunctions
²Mechanical malfunctions
²Electronic malfunctions
Diagnosis of these problems should always begin
by checking the easily accessible variables: fluid level
and condition, gearshift cable adjustment. Then per-
Fig. 2 Transaxle Identification Label
1 - IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Fig. 3 Identification Label Breakdown
1 - T=TRACEABILITY
2 - SUPPLIER CODE (PK=KOKOMO)
3 - COMPONENT CODE (TK=KOKOMO TRANSMISSION)
4 - BUILD DAY (344=DEC. 9)
5 - BUILD YEAR (9=1999)
6 - LINE/SHIFT CODE (3=3RD SHIFT)
7 - BUILD SEQUENCE NUMBER
8 - LAST THREE OF P/N
9 - NIK
10 - TRANSAXLE PART NUMBER
11 - P=PART NUMBER
21 - 164 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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OPERATION
The converter impeller (Fig. 333) (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.
STATOR
Torque multiplication is achieved by locking the
stator's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 334).
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 statorfrom 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.
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
Fig. 333 Torque Converter Fluid Operation
1 - APPLY PRESSURE 3 - RELEASE PRESSURE
2 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY FORWARD 4 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY REARWARD
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 289
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
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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 - 41TE - 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. 335). 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
- 41TE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Fill the transmission with the recommended
fluid. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 41TE/FLUID - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
Fig. 334 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
Fig. 335 Checking Torque Converter Seating
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
21 - 290 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
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SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
The solenoid switch valve controls line pressure
from the LR/CC solenoid. In one position, it allows
the low/reverse clutch to be pressurized. In the other,
it directs line pressure to the converter control and
converter clutch valves.
MANUAL VALVE
The manual valve is operated by the mechanical
shift linkage. Its primary responsibility is to send
line pressure to the appropriate hydraulic circuits
and solenoids. The valve has three operating ranges
or positions.
CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
The main responsibility of the converter clutch switch
valve is to control hydraulic pressure applied to the front
(off) side of the converter clutch piston. Line pressure
from the regulator valve is fed to the torque converter
regulator valve, where it passes through the valve, and is
slightly regulated. The pressure is then directed to the
converter clutch switch valve and to the front side of the
converter clutch piston. This pressure pushes the piston
back and disengages the converter clutch.
CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE
The converter clutch control valve controls the
back (on) side of the torque converter clutch. When
the TCM energizes or modulates the LR/CC solenoid
to apply the converter clutch piston, both the con-
verter clutch control valve and the converter control
valve move, allowing pressure to be applied to the
back side of the clutch.
T/C REGULATOR VALVE
The torque converter regulator valve slightly regu-
lates the flow of fluid to the torque converter.
LOW/REVERSE SWITCH VALVE
The low/reverse clutch is applied from different
sources, depending on whether low (1st) gear or
reverse is selected. The low/reverse switch valve
alternates positions depending on from which direc-
tion fluid pressure is applied. By design, when the
valve is shifted by fluid pressure from one channel,
the opposing channel is blocked. The switch valve
alienates the possibility of a sticking ball check, thus
providing consistent application of the low/reverse
clutch under all operating conditions.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL
NOTE: If valve body is replaced or reconditioned,
the TCM Quick Learn Procedure must be per-formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect gearshift cable from manual valve
lever.
(3) Remove manual valve lever from manual shaft.
(4) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(5) Remove oil pan bolts (Fig. 341).
(6) Remove oil pan (Fig. 342).
Fig. 341 Oil Pan Bolts
1 - OIL PAN BOLTS (USE RTV UNDER BOLT HEADS)
Fig. 342 Oil Pan
1 - OIL PAN
2 - 1/8 INCH BEAD OF RTV SEALANT
3 - OIL FILTER
21 - 294 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
VALVE BODY (Continued)
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(32) If previously removed, install clutch release
lever pivot ball(s) using slide hammer C-3752 and
remover/installer 6891 (Fig. 74) (Fig. 75).(33) Install clutch release bearing to lever. Apply
grease to interface (contact) points. Make sure
release bearing retainers engage lever pocket as
shown in (Fig. 76).
(34) Apply grease to pivot ball(s), and on release
lever at slave cylinder contact point.
(35) Install clutch release bearing/lever assembly
into position by sliding bearing onto input bearing
retainer, and using moderate hand pressure to seat
release lever to pivot ball (Fig. 77). A ªpopº sound
should be heard. Verify proper engagement by lightly
pulling outward on lever at pivot ball location, and
then actuating lever and bearing to ensure proper
operation.
Fig. 74 Pivot Ball Removal/Installation
1 - C-3752 SLIDE HAMMER
2 - REMOVER/INSTALLER 6891
3 - PIVOT BALL
Fig. 75 Pivot Ball Position
1 - PIVOT BALL (1)
Fig. 76 Release Bearing-to-Lever
1 - RETAINER (2)
2 - RELEASE LEVER
3 - RELEASE BEARING
RST850 MANUAL TRANSAXLE21 - 337
T850 MANUAL TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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Inspect for the following:
²Verify correct (OEM) wheel and tire, as well as
correct wheel weights. Aluminum wheels require
unique wheel weights. They are designed to fit the
contour of the wheel (Fig. 1).
²Inspect tires and wheels for damage, mud pack-
ing and unusual wear; correct as necessary.
²Check and adjust tire air pressure to the pres-
sure listed on the label attached to the rear face of
the driver's door.
ROAD TEST
Road test vehicle on a smooth road for a least five
miles to warm tires (remove any flat spots). Lightly
place hands on steering wheel at the 10:00 and 2:00
positions while slowly sweeping up and down from 90 to
110 km/h (55 to 70 mph) where legal speed limits allow.
Observe the steering wheel for:
²Visual Nibble (oscillation: clockwise/counter-
clockwise, usually due to tire imbalance)
²Visual Buzziness (high frequency, rapid vibra-
tion up and down)
To rule out vibrations due to brakes or powertrain:
²Lightly apply brakes at speed; if vibration occurs
or is enhanced, vibration is likely due to causes other
than tire and wheel assemblies.
²
Shift transmission into neutral while vibration is
occurring; if vibration is eliminated, vibration is likely
due to causes other than tire and wheel assemblies.
For brake vibrations, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES -
BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For powertrain vibrations, (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For tire and wheel assembly vibrations, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE
(1) Balance the tire and wheel assemblies as nec-
essary following the wheel balancer manufacturer's
instructions and using the information listed in Stan-
dard Procedure - Tire And Wheel Balance. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Road test the vehicle for at least 5 miles, fol-
lowing the format described in Road Test.
(3) If the vibration persists, continue with this
diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT/MATCH MOUNTING
(1)System Radial Runout.This on-the-vehicle
system check will measure the radial runout includ-
ing the hub, wheel and tire.
(a) Raise vehicle so tires clear floor. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(b) Apply masking tape around the circumfer-
ence of the tire in the locations to be measured
(Fig. 2). Do not overlap the tape.
(c) Check system runout using Dial Indicator
Set, Special Tool C-3339A with 25-W wheel, or
equivalent. Place the end of the indicator against
each taped area (one at a time) (Fig. 2) and rotate
the tire and wheel. System radial runout should
not exceed 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) with no tread
ªdipsº or ªsteps.º Tread ªdipsº and ªstepsº can be
identified by spikes of the dial indicator gauge.
²Tread9dips9; Rapid decrease then increase in
dial indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of
tread circumference.
²Tread9steps9; Rapid decrease or increase in dial
indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of tread
circumference.
(d) If system runout is excessive, re-index the
tire and wheel assembly on the hub. Remove
assembly from vehicle and install it back on the
hub two studs over from original mounting posi-
tion. If re-indexing the tire and wheel assembly
corrects or reduces system runout, check hub
runout and repair as necessary (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
ROTORS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(e) If system runout is still excessive, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
(2)Tire and Wheel Assembly Radial Runout.
This radial runout check is performed with the tire
and wheel assembly off the vehicle.
(a) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle
and install it on a suitable wheel balancer.
(b) Check system runout using Dial Indicator
Set, Special Tool C-3339A with 25-W wheel, or
equivalent. Place the end of the indicator against
each taped area (one at a time) (Fig. 2) and rotate
the tire and wheel. Radial runout should not
Fig. 1 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
22 - 2 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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(3) Grasp the wheel cover at the edges in line with
the remaining installed wheel mounting nuts and
pull straight outward from the wheel. This will pop
the wheel cover retaining tabs over the two remain-
ing wheel nuts, removing the wheel cover from the
vehicle.
(4) Remove the two remaining wheel mounting
nuts from the hub's studs.
(5) Remove the wheel and tire from the hub.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(ALUMINUM WHEEL)
NOTE: Never use oil or grease on studs or wheel
mounting nuts.
(1) Position the tire and wheel assembly on the
wheel mounting studs using the hub pilot as a guide.
Place and hold the wheel flush up against the mount-
ing surface.
(2) Loosely install all 5 wheel mounting nuts.
Lightly snug the wheel nuts, then progressively
tighten them in the proper sequence (Fig. 13).
Tighten wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m (100 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(STEEL WHEEL)
NOTE: Never use oil or grease on studs or wheel
mounting nuts.(1) Position the tire and wheel assembly on the
wheel mounting studs using the hub pilot as a guide.
Place and hold the wheel flush up against the mount-
ing surface.
NOTE: Wheel mounting nuts must be installed on
the studs as shown (Fig. 14) to allow proper instal-
lation of the wheel cover.
(2) Using the valve stem as an index placed at the
12 O'clock position, install andlightly tightentwo
wheel mounting nuts on the studs located at the 4
O'clock and 8 O'clock positions as shown (Fig. 14).
(3) Place the wheel cover on the wheel in the fol-
lowing fashion:
Fig. 12 NUTS SECURING WHEEL COVER
1 - VALVE STEM
2 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
3 - NUTS SECURING WHEEL COVER
Fig. 13 Tightening Sequence
Fig. 14 TWO WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS INSTALLED
1 - WHEEL
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - HUB PILOT
4 - NUTS
22 - 8 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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(a) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel.
(b) At the same time, align the two holes in the
wheel cover having the retaining tabs with the two
installed wheel nuts (Fig. 15).
(c) Press in on center of wheel cover until wheel
cover retaining tabs push past and engage rear of
previously installed wheel mounting nuts (Fig. 15).
This will hold the wheel cover in place.
(4) Install andlightly tightenthe three remain-
ing wheel mounting nuts, securing the wheel cover in
place (Fig. 12).
(5) Progressively tighten all five wheel mounting
nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 16). Tighten wheel
nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
(TPM)
DESCRIPTION
Some versions of this vehicle are equipped with a
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system. It monitors
air pressure in the four road tires (excludes spare).
Pressure in the spare tire is not monitored.
There is a sensor (transmitter) in each of the vehi-
cle's four road wheels. The system alerts the driver
when tire pressure falls outside predetermined
thresholds (pressure too low or too high). A message
is then displayed on the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) located in the overhead console.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the appropriate diagnostic information.
OPERATION
The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system uses
radio and sensor technology to monitor tire air pres-
sure levels. Sensors, mounted to each road wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure read-
ings to a receiver located in the overhead console.
These transmissions occur once every minute at
speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h). The Tire Pressure
Monitoring system remains active even if no tire
pressure related message is displayed in the EVIC.
If any road tire pressure has exceeded the low or
high pressure threshold (refer to chart below), the
TPM system will display a message in the EVIC and
sound a chime. This message will be displayed for
the rest of the ignition cycle, or until either the Low/
High Tire pressure condition has been corrected. If
the C/T, MENU, STEP or RESET button is pressed,
the message is replaced by the new message
requested; however, if the Low/High Tire condition
has not been corrected, the Low/High Tire pressure
message will again be displayed.
If a road tire is replaced by the spare, the TPM
system will detect the swap and the message9SPARE
TIRE IN USE? Y/N9(along with a chime) will be dis-
played.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the Appropriate Diagnostic Information.
TPM THRESHOLD PRESSURES
High Pressure ON Threshold 48 PSI (331 kPa)
High Pressure OFF Threshold 43 PSI (296 kPa)
Placard Pressure (Cold) 36 PSI (248 kPa)
Low Pressure OFF Threshold 33 PSI (228 kPa)
Low Pressure ON Threshold 28 PSI (193 kPa)
Fig. 15 WHEEL COVER INSTALLATION OVER TWO
NUTS
1 - RETAINING TABS
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
Fig. 16 NUT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-9
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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