NOTE: Before installing power steering pressure
hose on power steering pump, inspect the O-ring
on the power steering pressure hose for damage
and replace if required.
(4) Install the power steering fluid pressure hose
fitting into the pressure port of the power steering
pump (Fig. 12). Tighten the pressure line to pump
fitting tube nut to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the power steering fluid supply hose on
the power steering pump supply fitting (Fig. 12).Be
sure hose clamp is properly reinstalled.
(6) Install the accessary drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the splash shields below the engine
compartment.
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Connect the negative (-) battery cable on the
negative battery post.
(10) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Inspect for leaks.
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING PUMP
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING PARTS AND TO ENSURE ACCU-
RATE FLUID LEVEL READING.
The fluid level can be read on the exterior of the
power steering fluid reservoir. The fluid level should
be within the ªFILL RANGEº when the fluid is at
normal ambient temperature, approximately 21ÉC to
27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF) (Fig. 17).
Before removing the power steering filler cap, wipe
the reservoir filler cap free of dirt and debris. Do not
overfill the power steering system.Use only
MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
(MS-9602) in the power steering system.For
additional information on Automatic Transmission
Fluid, (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/
FLUID TYPES - DESCRIPTION).
CAUTION: Use only MoparTATF+4 Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid (MS-9602). Use of other MoparT
power steering fluids (MS5931 and MS9933) should
be avoided to ensure peak performance of the
power steering system under all operating condi-
tions.
Installer C-4063B
Puller C-4333
Fig. 17 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
19 - 44 PUMPRS
PUMP (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
HOSE - POWER STEERING
SUPPLY
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Remove filler cap from power steering fluid res-
ervoir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove hose clamp securing supply hose to
power steering pump, then remove supply hose from
pump fitting.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Remove hose clamp attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to power steering fluid reservoir,
then remove supply hose.
(7) Remove the power steering fluid supply hose
from the vehicle.
REMOVAL - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS
and CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
WARNING)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAU-
TION)
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
any draining power steering fluid.
(4) Remove clamp attaching supply hose to power
steering fluid reservoir. Disconnect hose from reser-
voir (Fig. 21).
(5) Pull upward on hose routing clip releasing it
from bracket on cylinder head cover (Fig. 21).
NOTE: It may be necessary to remove air cleaner
housing to gain greater access to supply hose at
power steering pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove clamp attaching supply hose to power
steering pump. Disconnect hose from pump and
remove from vehicle (Fig. 21).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Install and correctly route power steering fluid
supply hose from remote fluid reservoir to power
steering pump.
(2) Install fluid supply hose onto power steering
fluid reservoir. Install hose clamp.Be sure hose
clamp is installed past bead on fluid reservoir
fitting.
(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering pump supply fitting. Install hose
clamp.Be sure hose clamp is installed past bead
on pump fitting.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Fill and bleed power steering system using
Power Steering Pump Initial Operation Procedure.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE)
(7) Inspect system for leaks.
INSTALLATION - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
(1) Install supply hose onto supply fitting on power
steering pump (Fig. 21). Slide the hose clamp into
position on fluid reservoir and attach it.Be sure
hose clamp in installed past bead on fluid res-
ervoir fitting.
(2) Align routing clip located toward center of sup-
ply hose with hole in bracket on cylinder head cover
and push into place (Fig. 21).
(3) Install supply hose onto reservoir (Fig. 21).
Slide the hose clamp into position on fluid reservoir
and attach it.Be sure hose clamp in installed
past bead on fluid reservoir fitting.
(4) Fill and bleed power steering system using
Power Steering Pump Initial Operation Procedure.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE)
(5) Inspect system for leaks.
RESERVOIR - POWER
STEERING FLUID
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 2.4L/3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
All vehicles use a remote mounted power steering
fluid reservoir. The power steering fluid reservoir is
mounted to the engine near the battery (Fig. 24).
RSPUMP19-51
ProCarManuals.com
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum trans-
axle case and valve body can be repaired by the use
of Heli-Coils, or equivalent. This repair consists of
drilling out the worn-out damaged threads. Then tap-
ping the hole with a Heli-Coil tap, or equivalent, and
installing a Heli-Coil insert, or equivalent, into the
hole. This brings the hole back to its original thread
size.
Heli-Coil, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppli-
ers.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove fluid level indicator tube bolt and tube/
indicator assembly (Fig. 6). Plug opening to prevent
debris intrusion.
(3) Disconnect torque converter clutch solenoid
(TCC) connector.
(4) Disconnect kickdown cable from lever and
bracket (Fig. 7). Position out of way.
(5) Disconnect gearshift cable from manual valve
lever and upper mount bracket (Fig. 8). Position out
of way.
(6) Disconnect back-up lamp switch connector.
(7) Remove upper two (2) transaxle-to-engine bolts.
Fig. 6 Fluid Level Indicator Assembly
1 - INDICATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLT
3 - KICKDOWN CABLE BRACKET
4 - SEAL
Fig. 7 Throttle Valve Cable at Transaxle
1 - LEVER
2 - BRACKET
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 8 Gearshift Cable at Transaxle
1 - MANUAL VALVE LEVER
2 - GEAR SHIFT CABLE
3 - UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-37
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(13) Install halfshafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - INSTALLA-
TION)
(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Torque rear mount bracket-to-transaxle verti-
cal bolts (Fig. 98) to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(16) Connect back up lamp switch connector.
(17) Connect gearshift cable to manual valve and
left upper mount bracket (Fig. 102).
(18) Connect throttle valve cable to lever and
bracket (Fig. 103).
(19) Connect torque converter clutch connector.
(20) Install fluid level indicator/tube assembly
(Fig. 104).
(21) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(22) Torque rear mount bracket-to-transaxle case
horizontal bolt (Fig. 98) to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(23) Torque rear mount thru-bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(24) Lower vehicle.
(25) Connect battery negative cable.
(26) Fill transaxle with ATF+4 transmission fluid.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 102 Gearshift Cable at Transaxle
1 - MANUAL VALVE LEVER
2 - GEAR SHIFT CABLE
3 - UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
Fig. 103 Kickdown Cable at TransaxleÐTypical
1 - LEVER
2 - BRACKET
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 104 Fluid Level Indicator Assembly
1 - INDICATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLT
3 - KICKDOWN CABLE BRACKET
4 - SEAL
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-63
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
BANDS
DESCRIPTION
KICKDOWN (FRONT) BAND
DESCRIPTION
The kickdown, or ªfrontº, band (Fig. 108) holds the
common sun gear of the planetary gear sets. The
front (kickdown) band is made of steel, and faced on
its inner circumference with a friction-type lining.
One end of the band is anchored to the transmission
case, and the other is acted on with a pushing force
by a servo piston. The front band is a single-wrap
design (the band does not completely encompass/
wrap the drum that it holds).
OPERATION
The kickdown band holds the common sun gear of
the planetary gear sets by applying and holding the
front clutch retainer, which is splined to the sun gear
driving shell, and in turn splined directly to the sun
gear. The application of the band by the servo is typ-
ically done by an apply lever and link bar.
OPERATION
LOW/REVERSE (REAR) BAND
DESCRIPTION
The low/reverse band, or ªrearº, band (Fig. 109) is
similar in appearance and operation to the front
band. The rear band is also a single-wrap design (the band does not completely encompass/wrap the
drum that it holds).
OPERATION
The rear band holds the rear planet carrier sta-
tionary by being mounted around and applied to the
low/reverse drum.
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - FRONT BAND
The front (kickdown) band adjusting screw is
located on the left side of the transmission case
above the manual valve and throttle valve levers.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove air cleaner assembly.
(3) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut (Fig. 110).
Then back locknut off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting
screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw
threads if necessary.
(4) Tighten band adjusting screw to 8 N´m (72 in.
lbs.).
(5) Back off front band adjusting screw 2
1¤4turns.
(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.
Fig. 108 Front BandÐTypical
1 - FRONT BAND
2 - TRANSMISSION HOUSING
Fig. 109 Rear Band
1 - PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
2 - REAR BAND
3 - LEVER
4 - SERVO
5 - ADJUSTER
21 - 80 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
ProCarManuals.com
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).
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
Fig. 172 PRNDL Cable
1 - PRNDL CABLE
2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 101
ProCarManuals.com
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install low/reverse servo assembly (Fig. 208).
(2) Install low/reverse servo snap ring (Fig. 205).
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION
The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock system
consists of an electro-magnetic solenoid mounted to
the steering column (Fig. 209). The solenoid's plunger
consists of an integrated hook, which operates the
shift lever pawl (part of shift lever assembly), and a
plunger return spring (Fig. 210). The solenoid also
has an integrated bracket, which facilitates fastening
to the steering column.
OPERATION
The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
Solenoid prevents the transmission shift lever from
being moved out of PARK (P) unless the brake pedal
is applied. The BTSI solenoid is hardwired to and
controlled by the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
Battery voltage is applied to one side of the solenoid
with the ignition key is in either the OFF, ON/RUN,
or START positions (Fig. 211). The ground side of the
solenoid is controlled by a driver within the IPM. It
relies on voltage supplied from the stop lamp switch
to the stop lamp sense circuit within the IPM to tell
when the brake pedal is depressed. When the brake
pedal is depressed, the ground circuit opens, de-ener-
gizing the solenoid. When the brake pedal is
released, the ground circuit is closed, energizing the
solenoid.
Fig. 208 Low/Reverse Servo Assembly
1 - SERVO PISTON
2 - SPRINGFig. 209 Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
Solenoid Location
1 - BTSI SOLENOID
Fig. 210 Solenoid Plunger and Return Spring
1 - PLUNGER
2 - RETURN SPRING
3 - BTSI SOLENOID
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 115
SERVO - LOW/REVERSE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE/
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID
For intended BTSI system operation, refer to the
following chart:
ACTION EXPECTED RESPONSE
1. Turn key to the9OFF9
position.1. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park with brake
pedal applied.
2. Turn key to the
9ON/RUN9position.2. Shifter CANNOT be
shifted out of park.
3. Turn key to the
9ON/RUN9position and
depress the brake pedal.3. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
4. Leave shifter in any
gear and try to return key
to the9LOCK9or9ACC9
position.4. Key cannot be
returned to the9LOCK9or
9ACC9position.
5. Return shifter to
9PARK9and try to remove
the key.5. Key can be removed
(after returning to9LOCK9
position).
6. With the key removed,
try to shift out of9PARK9.6. Shifter cannot be
shifted out of9PARK9.
NOTE: Any failure to meet these expected
responses requires system repair. Refer to the
appropriate Diagnostic Information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove instrument panel lower shroud (Fig.
214).(3) Remove knee bolster (Fig. 215).
(4) Remove steering column lower shroud.
(5) Disconnect brake/transmission shift interlock
(BTSI) solenoid connector (Fig. 216).
Fig. 214 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 215 Knee Bolster
1 - KNEE BOLSTER
Fig. 216 BTSI Solenoid Connector
1 - BTSI SOLENOID
2 - SOLENOID CONNECTOR
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 117
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com