STATOR
Torque multiplication is achieved by locking the
stator's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 236).
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 stator
from 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 converternecessary for acceleration. Inputs that determine
clutch engagement are: coolant temperature, vehicle
speed and throttle position. The torque converter
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 - 31TH - 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. 237). 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.
Fig. 236 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
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 127
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(9) Torque output shaft retaining nut to 271 N´m
(200 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 260).
(10) Set up Tool L-4432 and C-4658 as shown in
(Fig. 261). Install dial indicator and measure output
shaft end play.(11) Using an in. lb. torque wrench, measure out-
put shaft bearing turning torque (Fig. 262).
(12) Install stirrup and strap. Install bolts but do
not tighten.
NOTE: Once the stirrup assembly is positioned
onto the output gear, it is necessary to ªclockº the
stirrup against the flats of the output gear retaining
nut.
(13) Rotate stirrup clockwise against flats of gear
retaining nut (Fig. 263).
Fig. 260 Tighten Output Shaft Retaining Nut
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4434 AND C-4658
3 - SCREW (2)
Fig. 261 Checking Output Shaft End Play
1 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4432 AND C-4658
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
4 - STEEL BALL (GREASE IN PLACE)
5 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4438
6 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 262 Checking Bearing Turning Torque
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 263 Turn Stirrup Clockwise Against Flats of
Retaining Nut
1 - TURN STIRRUP CLOCKWISE
2 - STRAP
21 - 134 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
TRANSFER SYSTEM - OUTPUT SHAFT/GEAR/BEARING (Continued)
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(14) Using Tool L-4434 and adapter C-4658 (Fig.
293), torque transfer shaft gear retaining nut to 271
N´m (200 ft. lbs.).
(15) Measure transfer shaft end play. Set up Tool
L-4432 and C-4658 as shown in (Fig. 294). Measure
end play with dial indicator.
(16) Position stirrup and strap on transfer gear.
(17) Install bolts but do not tighten.
(18) Rotate stirrup clockwise until it contacts
transfer gear retaining nut flat.(19) Torque stirrup and strap-to-transfer gear bolts
to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(20) Bend tabs of strap up against ªflatsº of retain-
ing bolts.
(21) Install a bead of MopartSilicone Rubber
Adhesive Sealant to transfer gear cover (Fig. 295).
Immediately install to transaxle case.
(22) Install and torque transfer gear cover-to-case
bolts (Fig. 296) to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).
Fig. 293 Tighten Transfer Shaft Gear Retaining Nut
to 271 N´m (200
1 - TRANSFER SHAFT GEAR
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
3 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4434 AND ADAPTER C-4658
Fig. 294 Measuring Transfer Shaft End-Play
1 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4432 AND C-4658
2 - TRANSFER SHAFT GEAR
3 - STEEL BALL (USE GREASE TO HOLD IN PLACE)
4 - DIAL INDICATOR
5 - SCREW (2)
Fig. 295 Install Rear Cover
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR
2 - USE MOPAR SILICONE RUBBER ADHESIVE SEALER
3 - REAR COVER
4 - TRANSFER SHAFT GEAR
Fig. 296 Rear Cover Bolts
1 - REAR COVER
2 - REAR COVER BOLTS (10)
21 - 144 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
TRANSFER SYSTEM - TRANSFER SHAFT/GEAR/BEARING (Continued)
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(8) Install and torque oil pan-to-transaxle bolts
(Fig. 339) to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).
(9) Lower vehicle.
(10) Connect torque converter clutch solenoid.
(11) Connect gearshift cable to manual valve lever.
(12) Connect throttle valve cable to throttle valve
lever at transaxle.
(13) Connect battery negative cable.
ADJUSTMENTS
HYDRAULIC CONTROL PRESSURE
ADJUSTMENTS
LINE PRESSURE
An incorrect throttle pressure setting will cause incor-
rect line pressure readings even though line pressure
adjustment is correct. Always inspect and correct throttle
pressure adjustment before adjusting the line pressure.
The approximate adjustment for line pressure is 1-5/16
inches, measured from valve body to inner edge of adjust-
ing nut. However, due to manufacturing tolerances, the
adjustment can be varied to obtain specified line pres-
sure.
The adjusting screw may be turned with an Allen
wrench. One complete turn of adjusting screw
changes closed throttle line pressure approximately
1-2/3 psi. Turning adjusting screw counterclockwise
increases pressure, and clockwise decreases pressure.
THROTTLE PRESSURE
Throttle pressures cannot be tested accurately;
therefore, the adjustment should be measured if a
malfunction is evident.
(1) Insert gauge pin of Tool C-3763 between the
throttle lever cam and kickdown valve.(2) By pushing in on tool, compress kickdown
valve against its spring so throttle valve is com-
pletely bottomed inside the valve body.
(3) While compressing spring, turn throttle lever
stop screw with adapter C-4553. Turn until head of
screw touches throttle lever tang, with throttle lever
cam touching tool and throttle valve bottomed. Be
sure adjustment is made with spring fully com-
pressed and valve bottomed in the valve body.
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR/
PINION GEAR
REMOVAL
(1)Remove harness connector from sensor (Fig. 340).
Be sure weather seal stays on harness connector.
(2) Remove bolt securing the sensor in the exten-
sion housing (Fig. 340) .
(3) Carefully pull sensor and pinion gear assembly
out of extension housing.
(4) Remove pinion gear from sensor (Fig. 340) .
(5) Inspect pinion gear for damage (missing teeth,
etc.) and replace as necessary.
NOTE: When removing vehicle speed sensor for
any reason, a new o-ring MUST be used.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install vehicle speed sensor and pinion gear to
extension housing with new o-ring (Fig. 340).
(2) Install bolt and torque to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect connector.
(4) Lower vehicle.
Fig. 339 Transaxle Oil Pan Bolts
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL PAN BOLTS
Fig. 340 Vehicle Speed Sensor Removal/Installation
1 - CONNECTOR
2 - SPEEDO PINION
3 - O-RING
4 - SENSOR
21 - 160 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
VALVE BODY (Continued)
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41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
DESCRIPTION........................162
OPERATION..........................164
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 41TE
TRANSAXLE GENERAL DIAGNOSIS......164
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST . . 165
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE TESTS...................165
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH AIR
PRESSURE TESTS...................168
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TORQUE
CONVERTER HOUSING FLUID LEAKAGE . . 168
REMOVAL............................169
DISASSEMBLY........................171
ASSEMBLY...........................190
INSTALLATION........................213
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
41TE TRANSAXLE HYDRAULIC
SCHEMATICS.......................216
SPECIFICATIONS - 41TE TRANSAXLE......228
SPECIAL TOOLS
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE.........230
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION........................236
OPERATION..........................236
AUTOSTICK SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................237
OPERATION..........................237
DRIVING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION........................237
OPERATION..........................238
FINAL DRIVE
DISASSEMBLY........................238
ASSEMBLY...........................243
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING
PRELOAD..........................246
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION CHECK . . . 249
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND
FILTER SERVICE.....................250
GEAR SHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL............................251
INSTALLATION........................253
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT.......254
HOLDING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION........................255OPERATION..........................255
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY........................255
ASSEMBLY...........................263
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION........................272
OPERATION..........................272
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP
VOLUME CHECK.....................272
DISASSEMBLY........................273
ASSEMBLY...........................274
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
DESCRIPTION........................274
OPERATION..........................274
SEAL - OIL PUMP
REMOVAL............................275
INSTALLATION........................275
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION........................275
OPERATION..........................276
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE/
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
SOLENOID..........................277
REMOVAL............................277
INSTALLATION........................278
SOLENOID/PRESSURE SWITCH ASSY
DESCRIPTION........................279
OPERATION..........................280
REMOVAL............................280
INSTALLATION........................281
SPEED SENSOR - INPUT
DESCRIPTION........................281
OPERATION..........................282
REMOVAL............................282
INSTALLATION........................283
SPEED SENSOR - OUTPUT
DESCRIPTION........................283
OPERATION..........................283
REMOVAL............................284
INSTALLATION........................284
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION........................285
OPERATION..........................289
REMOVAL............................290
INSTALLATION........................290
TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
DESCRIPTION........................291
OPERATION..........................291
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................291
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 161
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH AIR
PRESSURE TESTS
Inoperative clutches can be located using a series
of tests by substituting air pressure for fluid pressure
(Fig. 5) (Fig. 6). The clutches may be tested by apply-
ing air pressure to their respective passages. The
valve body must be removed and Tool 6056 installed.
To make air pressure tests, proceed as follows:
NOTE: The compressed air supply must be free of
all dirt and moisture. Use a pressure of 30 psi.
Remove oil pan and valve body. See Valve body
removal.
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the overdrive clutch apply
passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move
forward. The piston should return to its starting
position when the air pressure is removed.
REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the reverse clutch apply pas-
sage and watch for the push/pull piston to move rear-
ward. The piston should return to its starting
position when the air pressure is removed.
2/4 CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the feed hole located on the
2/4 clutch retainer. Look in the area where the 2/4
piston contacts the first separator plate and watch
carefully for the 2/4 piston to move rearward. The
piston should return to its original position after the
air pressure is removed.
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the low/reverse clutch feed
hole (rear of case, between 2 bolt holes). Then, look
in the area where the low/reverse piston contacts the
first separator plate. Watch carefully for the piston to
move forward. The piston should return to its origi-
nal position after the air pressure is removed.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
Because this clutch piston cannot be seen, its oper-
ation is checked by function. Air pressure is applied
to the low/reverse and the 2/4 clutches. This locks the
output shaft. Use a piece of rubber hose wrapped
around the input shaft and a pair of clamp-on pliers
to turn the input shaft. Next apply air pressure to
the underdrive clutch. The input shaft should not
rotate with hand torque. Release the air pressure
and confirm that the input shaft will rotate.
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. 7).
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.
Fig. 5 Air Pressure Test Plate
1 - TOOL 6056
2 - ACCUMULATORS
Fig. 6 Testing Reverse Clutch
1 - TOOL 6056
2 - AIR NOZZLE
21 - 168 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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(3) Remove coolant recovery bottle (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove fluid level indicator/tube assembly.
Plug opening to prevent debris from entering trans-
axle.
(5) Using a blade or suitable hose cutter, cut trans-
axle oil cooler lines off flush with fittings. Plug lines
and fittings to prevent debris from entering transaxle
or cooler circuit. A service splice kit will be installed
upon reassembly.
(6) Disconnect input and output shaft speed sensor
connectors (Fig. 11).
(7) Disconnect transmission range sensor (TRS)
connector (Fig. 11).
(8) Disconnect solenoid/pressure switch assembly
connector (Fig. 11).
(9) Disconnect gear shift cable from manual valve
lever and upper mount bracket (Fig. 12).
(10) Disconnect crankshaft position sensor (if
equipped). Remove sensor from bellhousing.
(11) Reposition leak detection pump harness and
hoses.
(12) Remove rear mount bracket-to-transaxle case
bolts (Fig. 13).
(13) Remove transaxle upper bellhousing-to-block
bolts.
(14) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(15) Remove transaxle oil pan and drain fluid into
suitable container.
(16) Remove front wheel/tire assemblies.
(17) Remove left and right halfshaft assemblies.
(Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF
SHAFT - REMOVAL)
Fig. 10 Coolant Recovery Bottle
1 - UPPER BOLT ATTACHING TO BATTERY TRAY
2 - COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER
3 - UPPER BOLT
4 - HOSE
5 - LOWER BOLT (QTY. 2)
6 - LEFT SIDE FRAME RAIL
Fig. 11 Component Connector LocationÐTypical
1 - SOLENOID/PRESSURE SWITCH ASSY. CONNECTOR
2 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR
3 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR
4 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR CONNECTOR
Fig. 12 Gearshift Cable at Transaxle - Typical
1 - MANUAL VALVE LEVER
2 - GEAR SHIFT CABLE
3 - UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
21 - 170 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(18) AWD models: Remove power transfer unit.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
POWER TRANSFER UNIT - REMOVAL)
(19) Remove rear mount bracket-to-transaxle case
lower (horizontal) bolt (Fig. 13).
(20) Remove front mount/bracket assembly.
(21) Remove starter motor.
(22) Remove lateral bending brace.
(23) Remove inspection cover.
(24) Remove torque converter-to-drive plate bolts.
(25) Support engine/transaxle assembly at engine
oil pan with screw jack and wood block.
(26) Partially remove left wheelhouse splash shield
to gain access to and remove upper mount thru-bolt
(Fig. 14).
(27) Lower engine/transaxle assembly with screw
jack.
(28) Obtain helper and/or transmission jack.
Secure transmission jack to transaxle assembly.
(29) Remove upper mount bracket from transaxle
(Fig. 14).
(30) Remove remaining transaxle bellhousing-to-
engine bolts.
(31) Remove transaxle assembly from vehicle.DISASSEMBLY
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: If transaxle is being overhauled (clutch
and/or seal replacement) or replaced, it is neces-
sary to perform the TCM Quick Learn Procedure.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
NOTE: This procedure does not include final drive
(differential) disassembly.
(1) Remove input and output speed sensors.
(2) Remove three (3) solenoid/pressure switch
assembly-to-case bolts.
Fig. 13 Rear Mount Bracket - Typical
1 - BOLT - VERTICAL
2 - BRACKET - REAR MOUNT3 - BOLT - HORIZONTAL
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 171
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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