2002 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY oil level

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)
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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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(8) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes
applied, move selector lever momentarily to each
position, ending in the park or neutral position.
(9) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ªADDº mark on the dip-
stick (Fig. 168).
(10) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has
reached normal operating temperature (180ÉF.).
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)(11) To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make
certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick
opening.
DIPSTICK TUBE FLUID SUCTION METHOD
(ALTERNATIVE)
(1) When performing the fluid suction method,
make sure the transaxle is at full operating temper-
ature.
(2) To perform the dipstick tube fluid suction
method, use a suitable fluid suction device (VaculaŸ
or equivalent).
(3) Insert the fluid suction line into the dipstick
tube.
NOTE: Verify that the suction line is inserted to the
lowest point of the transaxle oil pan. This will
ensure complete evacuation of the fluid in the pan.
(4) Follow the manufacturers recommended proce-
dure and evacuate the fluid from the transaxle.
(5) Remove the suction line from the dipstick tube.
(6) Pour four quarts of MopartATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission FluidÐType 9602) through the dipstick
opening.
(7) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one
minute. Then, with parking and service brakes
applied, move selector lever momentarily to each
position, ending in the park or neutral position.
(8) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ªADDº mark on the dip-
stick (Fig. 168).
(9) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has
reached normal operating temperature (180ÉF.).
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(10) To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make
certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick
opening.
Fig. 166 Oil Filter Screws
1 - SCREWDRIVER HANDLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4553
3 - OIL FILTER SCREWS (2)
4 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 167 Oil Filter and Gasket
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - GASKET
3 - VALVE BODY
Fig. 168 Dipstick Markings
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
21 - 100 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
FLUID (Continued)
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coating carefully. Do not reuse either part if the coat-
ing is damaged.
Inspect the governor weight spring for distortion.
Replace the spring, if distorted, collapsed, or broken.
Clean the filter in solvent and dry it with compressed
air. Replace the filter, if damaged. Inspect the park
gear for chipped or worn gear teeth or damaged ring
grooves. Replace the gear, if damaged.
Check the teeth on the park gear for wear or dam-
age. Replace the gear if necessary. Inspect the metal
seal rings on the park gear hub. Replace the rings
only if severely worn, or broken.
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump is located in the pump housing inside
the bell housing of the transmission case. The oil
pump consists of an inner and outer gear, a housing,
and a cover that also serves as the reaction shaft
support (Fig. 182).
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the inner and outer gears. As the gears
rotate, the clearance between the gear teeth
increases in the crescent area, and creates a suction
at the inlet side of the pump. This suction drawsfluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
clearance between the gear teeth in the crescent area
decreases, it forces pressurized fluid into the pump
outlet and to the valve body.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP VOLUME
CHECK
Measuring the oil pump output volume will deter-
mine if sufficient oil flow to the transmission oil
cooler exists, and whether or not an internal trans-
mission failure is present.
Verify that the transmission fluid is at the proper
level. Refer to the Fluid Level Check procedure in
this section. If necessary, fill the transmission to the
proper level with MopartATF +4, type 9602, Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.
(1) Using hose cutters or a suitable blade, cut the
To coolerline off flush with the cooler inlet fitting
and place a collecting container under the open line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat curb idle speed, with the
shift selector in neutral.
(3) If one quart of transmission fluid is collected in
the container in 20 seconds or less, oil pump flow vol-
ume is within acceptable limits. If fluid flow is inter-
Fig. 182 Oil Pump Assembly
1 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
2 - INNER GEAR
3 - PUMP BODY4 - PUMP BUSHING
5 - OUTER GEAR
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 105
GOVERNOR (Continued)
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mittent, or it takes more than 20 seconds to collect
one quart of fluid, (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 31TH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for further diagnosis.
(4) Re-connect theTo coolerline to the transmis-
sion cooler inlet using a service splice kit. Refer to
instructions included with the kit.
(5) Refill the transmission to proper level. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
- 31TH/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove reaction shaft support-to-pump body
bolts.
(2) Remove reaction shaft support, and the inner
and outer pump gears (Fig. 183).
CLEANING
Clean pump and support components with solvent
and dry them with compressed air.
INSPECTION
(1) Check condition of the seal rings and thrust
washer on the reaction shaft support. The seal rings
do not need to be replaced unless cracked, broken, or
severely worn.
(2) Visually inspect the pump and support compo-
nents. Replace the pump assembly if the seal ring
grooves or machined surfaces are worn, scored, pit-
ted, or damaged. Replace the pump assembly if the
gears if pitted, worn chipped, or damaged.
(3) Inspect the pump bushing. Then check the
reaction shaft support bushing. Replace the pump
assembly if either bushing is heavily worn, scored or
damaged.
(4) Clearance between outer gear and reaction
shaft housing should be 0.010 to 0.063 mm (0.0004 to
0.0025 in.). Clearance between inner gear and reac-
tion shaft housing should be 0.010 to 0.063 mm
(0.0004 to 0.0025 in.). Both clearances can be mea-
sured at the same time by installing the gears in the
pump body and measure pump component clearances
as follows:
Fig. 183 Oil Pump Assembly
1 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
2 - INNER GEAR
3 - PUMP BODY4 - PUMP BUSHING
5 - OUTER GEAR
21 - 106 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
OIL PUMP (Continued)
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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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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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