PISTON RING - REMOVAL
(1) ID mark on face of top and second piston rings
must point toward piston crown.
(2) Using a suitable ring expander, remove top and
second piston rings (Fig. 52).
(3) Remove upper oil ring side rail, lower oil ring
side rail and then the oil expander from piston.
(4) Carefully clean carbon from piston crowns,
skirts and ring grooves ensuring the 4 oil holes in
the oil control ring groove are clear.
INSPECTION
PISTONS
(1) Piston Diameter: Size: 91.912-91.928mm
(3.6185-3.6192 in.) Maximum wear limit .05mm
(.0019 in.).
(2) Check piston pin bores in piston for roundness.
Make 3 checks at 120É intervals. Maximum out of
roundness .05mm (.0019in.).
(3) The piston diameter should be measured
approximately 15 mm (.590 in.) up from the base.
(4) Skirt wear should not exceed 0.1 mm (.00039
in.).
(5) The clearance between the cylinder liner and
piston should not exceed 0.065-0.083 mm
(.0025-.0032 in.).
(6) Make sure the weight of the pistons does not
differ by more than 5 g.
CONNECTING RODS
(1) Assemble bearing shells and bearing caps to
their respective connecting rods ensuring that the
serrations on the cap and reference marks are
aligned.
(2) Tighten connecting cap bolts to 29 N´m (21 ft.
lbs.) plus 60É.
(3) Without loosening connecting rod bolts, tighten
all bolts to 88N´m.(4) Check and record internal diameter of crank
end of connecting rod.
NOTE: When changing connecting rods, all four
must have the same weight and be stamped with
the same number. Replacement connecting rods
will only be supplied in sets of four.
Connecting rods are supplied in sets of four since
they all must be of the same weight category. Max
allowable weight difference is 5 gr.
NOTE: On one side of the big end of the con-rod
there is a two-digit number which refers to the
weight category. On the other side of the big end
there is a four digit number on both the rod and the
cap. These numbers must both face the injection
pump side of the block (Fig. 53). Lightly heat the
piston in oven. Insert piston pin in position and
secure it with provided snap rings.
The Four digit numbers marked on con rod
big end and rod cap must be on the same side
as the injection pump (Fig. 53).After having
coated threads with Molyguard, tighten con rod bolts
to 29 N´m (21 ft. lbs.) plus 60É.
PISTON PINS
(1) Measure the diameter of piston pin in the cen-
ter and both ends.
(2) Piston pin diameter is 29.992 to 29.996mm
(1.1807 to 1.1809 in.).
Fig. 52 PISTON RINGS - REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
Fig. 53 CONNECTING ROD IDENTIFICATION
1 - SMALL END OF CONNECTING ROD
2 - 2 DIGIT NUMBER LOCATION
3 - 4 DIGIT NUMBER LOCATION
9a - 38 ENGINERG
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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OPERATION
Heat shields are needed to protect both the vehicle
and the environment from the high temperatures
developed near the catalytic converter.
Avoid application of rust prevention com-
pounds or undercoating materials to exhaust
system floor pan heat shields on cars so
equipped. Light over spray near the edges is
permitted. Application of coating will greatly
reduce the efficiency of the heat shields result-
ing in excessive floor pan temperatures and
objectionable fumes.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove fasteners attaching applicable heat
shield (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove heat shield(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position heat shield(s) to underbody.
(2) Install heat shield fasteners and tighten to 2.6
N´m (23 in. lbs.) (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Lower vehicle.
MUFFLER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on a body contact type hoist.
NOTE: To provide removal clearance between muf-
fler/resonator pipe and rear axle parts, the rear sus-
pension must be relieved of all body weight.
(2) Apply a penetrating oil to clamp nuts of com-
ponent requiring removal.
CAUTION: When servicing the exhaust system, care
must be exercised not to dent or bend the bellows
of the flex-joint. Should this occur, the flex-joint will
eventually fail, requiring replacement of the cata-
lytic converter.
(3) Disconnect the right side axle half shaft from
the rear differential module (AWD equipped only).
Fig. 7 CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD
1 - HEAT SHIELD - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
2 - SCREW (QTY. 4)
Fig. 8 MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD
1 - HEAT SHIELD - MUFFLER
2 - SCREW (QTY. 6)
Fig. 9 RESONATOR PIPE HEAT SHIELD
1 - SCREW (QTY. 3)
2 - HEAT SHIELD - RESONATOR PIPE
3 - MUFFLER
RSEXHAUST SYSTEM11-7
HEAT SHIELDS (Continued)
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(3) Feed filler vent line thru frame rail. Careful
not to cross lines.
(4) Tighten strap bolts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
torque. Tighten T strap bolt to 28.2 N´m (250 in.
lbs.). Remove transmission jack.
(5) Tighten filler hose clamp to 3.3 N´m (30 in.
lbs.).
CAUTION: Ensure straps are not twisted or bent
before or after tightening strap nuts.
(6) Connect fuel pump/module electrical connector.
Place retainer in locked position.(7) Lubricate the fuel supply line with clean 30
weight engine oil, install the quick connect fuel fit-
ting. Refer to Tube/Fitting Assembly in the Fuel
Delivery section of this section.
(8) Attach filler vent line to filler tube. Pull on
connector to make sure of connection.
(9) Fill fuel tank, replace cap, and connect battery
negative cable.
(10) Use the DRBIIItscan tool to pressurize the
fuel system. Check for leaks.
FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the 3 screws at the filler door.
(3) Raise and support vehicle
(4) Remove the left rear tire.
(5) Remove the splash shield (Fig. 20).
(6) Remove the canister from filler tube (Fig. 21).
(7) Disconnect the vent at the top of the filler tube.
(8) Remove the ground strap.
(9) Remove filler tube at tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install filler tube to tank (Fig. 20).
(2) Install the ground strap.
(3) Connect the vent at the top of the filler tube.
Fig. 18 Pump Module Connector Retainer and Lock
1 - PUSH DOWN ON RETAINER
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
Fig. 19 VENT HOSE
Fig. 20 FUEL FILLER TUBE AND VENT TUBE
14 - 12 FUEL DELIVERYRS
FUEL TANK (Continued)
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WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL
COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER
BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME
A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH
THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN
THE PARTS BOOKS.
WARNING: SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN
AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING ON STEERING
COLUMNS.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery before servicing any column compo-
nent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
COLUMN
For diagnosis of conditions relating to the steering
column (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNOSIS ANDTESTING) and (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
COLUMN - WARNING).
(1) Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are
in the STRAIGHT AHEAD position before beginning
the column removal procedure.
(2) Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the
battery and isolate cable from battery terminal.
(3) Remove the lower shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Remove the traction off switch.
(5) Remove the upper shroud.
(6) Remove the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the parking brake handle link.
(9) Remove the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut.
(12) Remove the vibration damper weight.
(13) Remove the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
REMOVAL). (Fig. 3)
(14) Disconnect the wiring harness connectors
from the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo
lamp, SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI sole-
noid.
1 - CLOCKSPRING WIRING
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - UPPER SHROUD
4 - FIXED SHROUD
5 - SCREW
6 - STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING PLATE
7 - NUT
8 - DASH PANEL STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET
9 - STUDS (4)
10 - STEERING COLUMN LOCKING PIN
11 - NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLY
12 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
13 - LOWER SHROUD
14 - SCREWS
15 - STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT16 - STEERING WHEEL DAMPER
17 - CLOCKSPRING
18 - SCREW
19 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
20 - PINCH BOLT
21 - STEERING COLUMN COUPLER
22 - PINCH BOLT RETAINING PIN
23 - DASH PANEL
24 - SILENCER SHELL
25 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SHIELD AND SEAL
26 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
27 - ROLL PIN
28 - POWER STEERING GEAR
29 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE/CROSSMEMBER
19 - 12 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(5) Install the mounting plate with the multi-func-
tion switch.
(6) Install the clockspring (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Install the steering column to the vehicle.
(8) Install the two upper mounting nuts
(9) Tighten the two lower mounting nuts and the
two upper mounting nuts. Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.).
(10) Install the coupling onto the intermediate
shaft and install the pinch bolt. Tighten the pinch
bolt to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Install the cable from the bracket on the col-
umn, then install the pinch side clips.
(12) Reconnect the shift cable at the lever.
(13) Reconnect the wiring harness connectors to
the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo lamp,
SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI solenoid.
(14) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the vibration damper weight.
(16) Install the steering wheel retaining nut.
Tighten the nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
(17) Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - INSTALLATION).(19) Install the parking brake handle link.
(20) Install the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(21) Install the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
INSTALLATION).
(22) Install the upper shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - INSTAL-
LATION).
(23) Install the traction off switch.
(24) Install the lower shroud.
SPECIFICATIONS
COLUMN TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Steering Wheel Retaining
Nut61 45 Ð
Steering Column Mounting
Bracket Attaching Nuts12 Ð 105
Steering Column Coupling
Pinch Bolt28 Ð 250
Steering Column Airbag
Module Attaching Nuts11 Ð 100
19 - 14 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
NO REVERSE (D RANGES
OK)1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Misadjusted/Damaged.1. Repair or replace linkage parts as
needed.
2. Rear Band Misadjusted/Worn. 2. Adjust band; replace.
3. Valve Body Malfunction. 3. Remove and service valve body. Replace
valve body if any valves or valve bores are
worn or damaged.
4. Rear Servo Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn/damaged servo parts as
necessary.
5. Direct Clutch in Overdrive Worn 5. Disassemble overdrive. Replace worn or
damaged parts.
6. Front Clutch Burnt. 6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn, damaged clutch parts as
required.
HAS FIRST/REVERSE
ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3
UPSHIFT)1. Governor Valve, Shaft, Weights or
Body Damaged/Stuck.1. Remove governor assembly and clean or
repair as necessary.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band
Damaged/Burned.3. Repair/replace.
MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD
GEAR, ABRUPTLY
DOWNSHIFTS TO LOW1. Valve Body Malfunction. 1. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for
stuck 1-2 valve or governor plug.
2. Governor Valve Sticking. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Replace
faulty parts.
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-27
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Bolt, Differential Bearing Retainer-to-Case 34 Ð 300
Bolt, Differential Cover-to-Case 19 Ð 165
Bolt, Differential Ring Gear-to-Case 95 70 Ð
Bolt, Extension Housing-to-Case 28 Ð 250
Bolt, Drive Plate-to-Crankshaft 95 70 Ð
Bolt, Drive Plate-to-Torque Converter 68 50 Ð
Bolt, Governor-to-Support 7 Ð 60
Bolt, Output Gear Strap 23 17 Ð
Bolt, Oil Pan-to-Case 19 Ð 165
Bolt, Oil Pump-to-Case 31 Ð 275
Bolt, Park Rod Support-to-Case 28 Ð 250
Bolt, Reaction Support-to-Pump Body 28 Ð 250
Bolt, Sprag Retainer-to-Case 28 Ð 250
Bolt, Starter Motor-to-Transaxle 54 40 Ð
Bolt, Transaxle Case-to-Engine Block 95 70 Ð
Bolt, Transfer Gear Cover-to-Case 19 Ð 165
Bolt, Transfer Gear Strap 23 17 Ð
Bolt, Valve Body-to-Case 12 Ð 105
Fitting, Transaxle Oil Cooler-to-Case 7 Ð 60
Screw, Fluid Filter 5 Ð 45
Screw, Cooler Bypass Valve-to-Transfer Plate 5 Ð 40
Screw, Governor Counterweight 28 Ð 250
Screw, Manual Valve Lever-to-Shaft 12 Ð 105
Screw, Speedo Adapter-to-Extension Housing 7 Ð 60
Screw, Valve Body-to-Transfer Plate 5 Ð 45
Nut, Kickdown Band Adjuster Lock 47 35 Ð
Nut, Output Gear-to-Shaft 271 200 Ð
Nut, Reverse Band Adjuster Lock 14 Ð 125
Nut, Transfer Gear-to-Shaft 271 200 Ð
Plug, Pressure Tap 5 Ð 45
Plug, Rear Band Lever Pivot Shaft 7 Ð 60
Switch, Park/Neutral 34 25 Ð
21 - 74 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT
Lift and rotate the gearshift hand lever into the
park (P) gate position and remove the ignition key.
This confirms the shift lever is in the gated park (P)
position.
After confirming the park gate position, turn the
ignition switch . If the starter will operate, the park
gate position is correct. Move the shift lever into the
neutral (N) position. If the starter will operate in this
position, the linkage is properly adjusted. If the
starter fails to operate in either position, linkage
adjustment is required.
(1) Park the vehicle on level ground and set the
parking brake.
(2) Place the gearshift lever in park (P) gate posi-
tion and remove key.
(3) Loosen the cable adjustment screw at the
transaxle operating lever (Fig. 181).
(4) Pull the transaxle operating lever fully forward
to the park detent position.
(5) Release the park brake, then rock the vehicle
to assure it is in park lock. Reset the park brake.
(6) Tighten the cable adjustment screw to 8 N´m
(70 in. lbs.). Gearshift cable should now be properly
adjusted.
(7) Verify PRNDL indicator still displays the corre-
sponding gear completely. If not, readjustment of
PRNDL may be required.
(8) Check adjustment by using the preceding pro-
cedure.
GOVERNOR
DESCRIPTION
The governor assembly is fastened to the transaxle
transfer shaft. It consists of a governor body, weight,
valve, and shaft.
OPERATION
The governor meters hydraulic pressure, and this
metered pressure is used to signal the transmission
when it is time for a shift to occur. It does this by
balancing governor pressure on one side of a shift
valve, and throttle pressure on the other. When gov-
ernor pressure increases far enough to overcome the
throttle pressure on the valve, a shift occurs.
With the gearshift selector in a forward driving
range, line pressure flows from the manual valve and
down to the governor valve. When the output shaft
starts to rotate with vehicle motion, the governor
weight assembly will start to move outward due to
centrifugal force. As the weight is moved outward, it
will pull the valve with it until the land of the valve
uncovers the line pressure port. As the port begins to
become uncovered, governor pressure is metered. As
the vehicle's speed continues to increase, the weight
assembly will be at a point at which governor pres-
sure is acting on the left side of the reaction area of
the valve. This produces sufficient force to compress
the spring and allow the outer weight to move out
against the outer governor body retaining ring. At a
very high speed, the governor valve will be opened as
far as possible. In this condition, it is possible for
governor pressure to meet, but not to exceed, line
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
Fig. 181 Gearshift Cable Adjustment
1 - SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT
2 - SHIFT CABLE
21 - 104 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
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