2002 CHRYSLER CARAVAN drain bolt

(2) Fill the fluid reservoir to the proper level and
let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(3) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds,
then turn the engine off.
(4) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above steps
until the fluid level remains constant after running
the engine.
(5) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(6) Start the engine.
(7) Slowly turn the steering wheel right and left,
lightly contacting the wheel stops.
(8) Add fluid if necessary.
(9) Lower the vehicle, then turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock-to-lock.
(10) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(11) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stabilize a few minutes, then repeat the above
procedure.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - PUMP (2.4L ENGINE)
(1) Remove the (-) negative battery cable from the
battery and isolate cable.
(2) Remove the cap from the power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(4) Raise the vehicle on jack stands or centered on
a frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in Lubrica-
tion and Maintenance.
(5) Disconnect the oxygen sensor wiring harness
from the vehicle wiring harness at the rear engine
mount bracket.
NOTE: The exhaust system needs to be removed
from the engine to allow for an area to remove the
power steering pump from the vehicle.
(6) Remove the four bolts and flag nuts securing
the catalytic converter from the exhaust manifold
(Fig. 3).(7) Disconnect all the exhaust system isolators/
hangers from the brackets on the exhaust system (2
at the mufflers and 1 at the resonator) (Fig. 4).
(8) Remove the exhaust system by moving it as far
rearward, then lowering the front below the cross-
member and out of the vehicle.
(9) Remove the power steering fluid supply hose
from the fitting on the power steering pump. Drain
off excess power steering fluid from hose.
(10) Move the heat sleeve on the power steering
return hose to expose the hose connection at the
pump (Fig. 5). Remove the hose from the power
steering Pump. Allow the remaining power steering
fluid to drain from the power steering pump and res-
ervoir through the removed return hose.
(11) Remove the power steering fluid pressure line
from the power steering pump (Fig. 6). Drain excess
power steering fluid from tube.
(12) Remove the fasteners, then the accessory
drive splash shield.
Fig. 3 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
1 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
2 - BOLT
3 - GASKET
4 - FLAG NUT
19 - 38 PUMPRS
PUMP (Continued)
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(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(5) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
power steering fluid.
(6) Back out pressure hose tube nut at power
steering pump pressure fitting and remove hose from
pump (Fig. 19).
(7) Remove bolt attaching right routing clamp to
front suspension cradle crossmember (Fig. 19).
Remove pressure hose from clamp.
(8) Back out pressure hose tube nut at power
steering gear and remove hose from gear (Fig. 19).
(9) Remove power steering fluid pressure hose
from vehicle.
REMOVAL - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
NOTE:Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS and
CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - WARNIN-
G)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAUTION)
(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) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove two bolts securing pressure hose rout-
ing clamps to suspension cradle crossmember and
steel reinforcement (Fig. 20).
(6) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
draining power steering fluid.
(7) Disconnect pressure hose at power steering
gear (Fig. 20).
(8) Remove pressure hose routing bracket bolt at
engine (Fig. 21). Bolt can be accessed through hole in
cradle crossmember (Fig. 22).
(9) Disconnect pressure hose tube nut at power
steering pump (Fig. 21).
(10) Remove power steering fluid pressure hose
from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Remove any used O-rings from ends of power
steering hose.
(2) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean hose ends,
power steering pump pressure outlet fitting and
steering gear port.
(3) Install new O-rings on ends of power steering
fluid pressure hose. Lubricate O-rings using clean
power steering fluid.
CAUTION: Use care not to bend tube ends of power
steering hoses when installing. Leaks and restric-
tions may occur.
CAUTION: Power steering fluid hoses must remain
away from exhaust system and must not come in
contact with any unfriendly surfaces on vehicle.
(4) Route hose up through cradle crossmember
toward power steering pump avoiding tight bends or
kinking.
(5) Install power steering pressure hose end into
pump pressure outlet fitting (Fig. 19). Thread tube
nut into outlet fitting, but do not tighten at this time.
(6) Route hose behind cradle crossmember and
start hose end into gear port. Do not tighten hose
tube nut at this time.
Fig. 19 PRESSURE AND RETURN HOSES - 2.4L
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP
2 - RETURN HOSE (HEAT SLEEVE COVERED)
3 - ROUTING CLAMPS
4 - PRESSURE HOSE TUBE NUT
5 - RETURN HOSE TUBE NUT
6 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
7 - POWER STEERING GEAR
8 - PRESSURE HOSE
19 - 46 PUMPRS
HOSE - POWER STEERING PRESSURE (Continued)
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(10) Tighten hose tube nut at power steering gear
port to 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - INSTALLATION)
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(14) Inspect system for leaks.
HOSE - POWER STEERING
RETURN
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L 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) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(5) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
power steering fluid.
(6) Cut tie-strap securing insulating heat sleeve to
power steering fluid return hose near power steering
pump. Pull back heat sleeve to expose hose clamp.
(7) Remove clamp, then return hose from power
steering pump (Fig. 19).
(8) Remove 2 bolts attaching power steering cooler
to cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 23).
(9) Remove bolts attaching routing clamps to front
suspension cradle crossmember (Fig. 19). Remove
return hose from clamps.
(10) Back out return hose tube nut at power steer-
ing gear and remove hose (Fig. 19).
REMOVAL - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
NOTE:Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS and
CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - WARNIN-
G)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAUTION)
(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 return hose to power
steering fluid reservoir. Disconnect hose from reser-
voir (Fig. 21).
(5) Follow return hose downward and open
retainer at ABS bracket (Fig. 20). Remove hose tube
from retainer.
(6) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(7) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove bolt securing return hose routing
clamp to suspension cradle crossmember (Fig. 20).
(9) Remove 2 bolts attaching power steering cooler
to cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 23).
(10) Disconnect return hose at power steering gear
(Fig. 20).
(11) Remove power steering fluid return hose with
cooler from vehicle.
Fig. 23 POWER STEERING COOLER
1 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
2 - POWER STEERING COOLER
RSPUMP19-49
HOSE - POWER STEERING PRESSURE (Continued)
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(4) Add 1.15 liters (1.22 quarts) of MopartGear
and Axle Lubricant 80W-90 with suction gun (Fig. 9).
(5) Install inspection plug and torque to 20 N´m
(180 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Lower vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and remove front wheels.
CAUTION: A certain amount of oil will drain out of
the transaxle when the drive shaft is removed.
(2) Remove right front drive shaft. Install a plug
into the right driveshaft seal hole. (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT -
REMOVAL)
(3) Mark propeller shaft front flange.
CAUTION: Do not let propeller shaft to hang freely.
Damage to the shaft will occur.
(4) Remove propeller shaft assembly (Fig. 10).
(Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PRO-
PELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove cradle plate (Fig. 11).
(6) Remove the Power Transfer Unit mounting
bracket bolts at the rear of the unit (Fig. 12).
(7) Remove the right outboard support bracket and
bolts near the right axle shaft.
Fig. 11 Cradle Plate
1 - CRADLE PLATE
Fig. 12 Remove Rear P.T.U Bracket Bolts
1 - P.T.U. MOUNT BRACKET
2 - P.T.U.
Fig. 9 Adding Fluid to PTU
1 - SUCTION GUN
2 - INSPECTION HOLE
Fig. 10 Driveshaft Flange
1 - DRIVESHAFT FLANGE
21 - 6 POWER TRANSFER UNITRS
POWER TRANSFER UNIT (Continued)
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(2) Remove transaxle oil pan and drain fluid (Fig.
111) (Fig. 112).
(3) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut 5-6 turns.
Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in lever.
(4) Tighten adjusting screw to 5 N´m (41 in. lbs.)
(Fig. 113).
(5) Back off adjusting screw 3
1¤2turns.
(6) Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten lock-
nut to 14 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install a bead of MopartSilicone Rubber Adhe-
sive Sealant to the oil pan and install to case imme-
diately.
(8) Install oil pan-to-case bolts and torque to 19
N´m (165 in. lbs.).(9) Lower vehicle and refill transmission with
MopartATF Plus 4, Type 9602, fluid.
Fig. 110 Front (Kickdown) Band Adjustment
Location
1 - KICKDOWN BAND ADJUSTING SCREW
Fig. 111 Transaxle Oil Pan Bolts
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL PAN BOLTS
Fig. 112 Transaxle Oil Pan
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 113 Adjust Low/Reverse Band
1 - LOW-REVERSE BAND LEVER
2 - ADJUSTING SCREW
3 - STRUT
4 - LOW-REVERSE BAND
5 - LOCK NUT
6 - LEVER (SHORT)
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-81
BANDS (Continued)
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FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL AND
CONDITION CHECK
NOTE: The transmission and differential sump have
a common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park
to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.The
engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground. This will assure complete oil level sta-
bilization between differential and transmis-
sion.The fluid should be at normal operating
temperature (approximately 82 C. or 180 F.). The
fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-
hatched area) on the fluid level indicator (Fig. 165).
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the
gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, the air bubbles can cause overheat-
ing, fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can inter-
fere with normal valve, clutch, and servo operation.
Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from thetransaxle dipstick where it may be mistaken for a
leak.
FLUID CONDITION
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. MopartATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid-Type 9602) when new is red in
color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from
other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or
antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not
an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is
driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and
may eventually become brown.This is normal.
ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with
age. Consequently,odor and color cannot be used
to indicate the fluid condition, or the need for a
fluid change.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
CHANGE
NOTE: For the recommended maintenance (fluid/fil-
ter change) intervals for this transaxle, (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION)
NOTE: Only fluids of the type labeled MoparTATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602 should
be used. A filter change should be made at the time
of the transmission oil change. The magnet (on the
inside of the oil pan) should also be cleaned with a
clean, dry cloth.
NOTE: If the transaxle is disassembled for any rea-
son, the fluid and filter should be changed.
FLUID/FILTER SERVICE (RECOMMENDED)
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist. Place a drain con-
tainer with a large opening, under transaxle oil pan.
(2) Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner
to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove
the oil pan.
(3) Remove oil filter-to-valve body screws (Fig.
166).
(4) Remove oil filter and gasket (Fig. 167).
(5) Install a new filter and gasket (Fig. 167).
(6) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new MopartSilicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant.
Torque oil pan bolts to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).
(7) Pour four quarts of MopartATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid-Type 9602) through the dipstick
opening.
Fig. 165 Fluid Level Indicator Markings
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-99
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(5) Reinstall gears to pump body and measure
outer gear-to-pocket clearance with a feeler gauge
(Fig. 184).Outer gear-to-pocket clearance should
be within 0.045-0.141 mm (0.0018-0.0056 in.).
(6) Measure both inner and outer gear side clear-
ance with PlastigageŸ. If PlastigageŸ is not avail-
able, measure across the pump body with a straight
edge and feeler gauge.
(a) Position an appropriate piece of PlastigageŸ
across both gears.
(b) Align the plastigage to a flat area on the
reaction shaft housing.
(c) Install the reaction shaft support to the
pump housing and torque to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(d) Separate the reaction shaft housing from the
pump housing and measure the PlastigageŸ fol-
lowing the instructions supplied with it.Inner
and outer gear side clearance should be
within 0.020-0.046 mm (0.0008-0.0018 in.).
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install inner and outer gears to pump body
(Fig. 183). Lubricate gears with MopartATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid-Type 9602).
(2) Install reaction shaft support to pump body
and align holes.
(3) Install and torque reaction shaft support-to-
pump body bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION
SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PARK/NEUTRAL
POSITION SWITCH
The park/neutral starting switch is the center ter-
minal of the 3 terminal switch. It provides ground for
the starter solenoid circuit through the selector lever
in only Park (P) and Neutral (N) positions.
(1) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between center pin of
switch and transaxle case. Continuity should exist
only when transaxle is in Park or Neutral.
(2) Check gearshift cable adjustment before replac-
ing a switch which tests bad.
REMOVAL
(1) Unscrew switch from transaxle case allowing
fluid to drain into a container. Move selector lever to
Park, then to Neutral position, and inspect to see the
switch operating lever fingers are centered in switch
opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw the switch with a new seal into trans-
axle case and tighten to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.). Retest
switch with the test lamp.
(2) Add fluid to transaxle to bring up to proper
level.
(3) The back-up lamp switch circuit is through the
two outside terminals of the 3 terminal switch.
(4) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between the two out-
side pins.
(5) Continuity should exist only with transaxle in
Reverse position.
(6) No continuity should exist from either pin to
the case.Fig. 184 Measuring Pump Outer Gear-to-Pocket
Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - OUTER GEAR
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 107
OIL PUMP (Continued)
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VALVE BODY
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect throttle valve cable from throttle
valve lever at transaxle.
(3) Disconnect gearshift cable from gearshift lever
at transaxle.
(4) Disconnect torque converter clutch solenoid
connector.
(5) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(6) Remove transaxle oil pan bolts (Fig. 297).
(7) Separate oil pan from case and drain fluid into
suitable container (Fig. 298).(8) Remove oil filter-to-valve body screws (Fig.
299).
(9) Remove oil filter and gasket (Fig. 300).
Fig. 297 Transaxle Oil Pan Bolts
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL PAN BOLTS
Fig. 298 Transaxle Oil Pan
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL PAN
2 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 299 Oil Filter Screws
1 - SCREWDRIVER HANDLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4553
3 - OIL FILTER SCREWS (2)
4 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 300 Oil Filter and Gasket
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - GASKET
3 - VALVE BODY
21 - 146 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
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