
INSPECTION
Check manifold for:
²Damage and cracks.
²Mounting surface distortion by using a straight-
edge and thickness gauge.
INSTALLATION - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) If the following components were removed from
manifold, install and tighten to specifications:
CAUTION: The special screws used for the compos-
ite manifold attached components must be installed
slowly using hand tools only. This requirement is to
prevent the melting of material that causes stripped
threads. If threads become stripped, an oversize
repair screw is available. For more information and
procedure (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/IN-
TAKE MANIFOLD - STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAN-
IFOLD STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR).²MAP sensor - 1.7 N´m (15 in. lbs.)
²Throttle cable bracket - 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.)
(2) Remove covering on lower intake manifold and
clean surfaces.
(3) Inspect manifold gasket condition. Gaskets can
be re-used, if not damaged. To replace, remove gasket
from upper manifold (Fig. 123). Position new gasket
in seal channel and press lightly in-place. Repeat
procedure for each gasket position.
(4) Position upper manifold on lower manifold (Fig.
123). Install and tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.)
following torque sequence in (Fig. 124).
(5) Connect the MAP sensor electrical connector.
(6) Connect the brake booster and LDP vacuum
hose to intake manifold (Fig. 122).
CAUTION: The special screws used for attaching
the EGR tube and power steering reservoir to the
manifold must be installed slowly using hand tools
only. This requirement is to prevent the melting of
material that causes stripped threads. If threads
become stripped, an oversize repair screw is avail-
able. For more information and procedure (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD STRIPPED
THREAD REPAIR).
(7) Install the power steering reservoir (Fig. 121).
Tighten screws to manifold to 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(8) Connect throttle and speed control cables to
throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
INJECTION/THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE -
INSTALLATION)
(9) Attach make up air hose clip into the hole in
the throttle cable bracket.
(10) Connect the wiring connectors to the throttle
position sensor (TPS) and Automatic Idle Speed (AIS)
motor.
Fig. 123 INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
1 - BOLT
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - SCREW
4 - MANIFOLD - UPPER
5 - WIRE HARNESS
6 - GASKET (3 PER CYL. BANK)
Fig. 124 UPPER MANIFOLD TIGHTENING
SEQUENCE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 149
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front Cradle Crossmember to Fram Rail Attaching Bolts (4) 163 120 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M14 (9) 153 113 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M12 (1) 106 78 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M10 (4) 61 45 Ð
Rear Engine Mount to Crossmember Attaching Through Bolt 68 50 Ð
Radiator Support Crossmember Attaching Bolts 51 38 Ð
FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER
This vehicle uses a one piece cast aluminum cradle
for the front cradle crossmember. The cradle cross-
member is used as the attaching points for the lower
control arms, stabilizer bar and steering gear. The
cradle also has the power steering hoses and the
chassis brake tubes attached to it.
WARNING: If a threaded hole in the suspension cra-
dle needs to be repaired, only use the type of
thread insert and installation procedure specified
for this application.
The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmem-
ber that are used for attachment of the lower control
arm rear bushing retainer, power steering hose and
chassis brake tubes can be repaired. The repair is
done by the installation of a Heli-Coiltthread insert
which has been specifically developed for this appli-
cation. Refer to the Mopar Parts Catalog for the spec-
ified Heli-Coiltthread insert to be used for this
application. The procedure for installing the Heli-
Coiltthread insert is detailed in the Service Proce-
dures section in this group of the service manual.
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR
WARNING: When performing this procedure use
only the thread inserts which are specified in the
Mopar Parts Catalog for this repair procedure.
These thread inserts have been specifically devel-
oped for this application and use of other types of
thread inserts can result in an inferior long term
repair.The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmem-
ber, if damaged, can repaired by installing a Heli-
Coiltthread insert.
The threaded holes that are repairable using the
thread insert, are the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer mounting bolt holes, routing bracket attach-
ing locations for the power steering hoses, and brake
hose attachment holes.
This repair procedure now allows the threaded
holes in the cradle crossmember to be repaired, elim-
inating the need to replace the cradle crossmember if
damage occurs to one of the threaded holes.
The thread inserts for this application are specified
by part number in the Mopar Parts Catalog.Do not
use a substitute thread insert.
The specific tools and equipment required to install
the thread insert are listed below. Refer to the
instructions included with the thread insert for the
detailed procedure used for the installation of the
thread insert.
NOTE: The thread inserts for this application are for
the repair of M8x1.25 and M10x1.5 threads. Be sure
the correct tools are used for the required thread
insert size.
TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M8x1.25 Thread
²8.3mm (5/16 in.) Drill Bit
²120É Countersink
²Heli-CoiltTap #4863-8
²Heli-CoiltGage #4624-8
²Heli-CoiltHand Inserting Tool 7751-8
²Needle Nose Pliers ± For Removal Of Thread
Insert Driving Tang
TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M10x1.5 Thread
²10.5mm (25/64 in.) Drill Bit
²120É Countersink
²Heli-CoiltTap #4863-10
²Heli-CoiltGage #4624-10
²Heli-CoiltHand Inserting Tool 7751-10
²Needle Nose Pliers ± For Removal Of Thread
Insert Driving Tang
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-9
FRAME (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension, to transfer suspen-
sion components and Group 19, Steering, to trans-
fer steering components.
(1) Support crossmember on suitable lifting device
(Fig. 14).
(2) Position crossmember to vehicle.
(3) Loosely install bolts attaching cradle cross-
member to front frame rails.
(4) Align crossmember to previously made marks
on frame rails.
(5) Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to
frame rails.
(6) Install through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12) and tighten to
68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 11).
(8) Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER BALL
JOINT - INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabi-
lizer bar.
(10) Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(11) Install high pressure hose to pump.
(12) Connect return hose to metal tube.
(13) Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(14) Remove pinch-off pliers.
(15) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
(16) Install steering column coupling to telescoping
steering gear shaft.
(17) Install clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft.
(18) Install steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
INSTALLATION)
(19) Install steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(20) Connect battery negative cable.
FRONT CROSSMEMBER
MOUNT BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails.
(2) Loosen bolts attaching crossmember to frame
rails.
(3) Remove bolt on bushing that requires replace-
ment.
(4) Allow cradle crossmember to drop down enough
to gain clearance for bushing removal.
(5) Remove bushing from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply rubber lubrication or soap to replace-
ment bushing.
(2) Insert lower half of bushing into square hole in
cradle crossmember.
(3) Place upper half of bushing on top of cross-
member aligned to receive square tube protruding
upward from lower bushing half.
(4) Squeeze bushing halves together to ensure they
are properly mated.
(5) Lift cradle crossmember upward to close gap
between the bushing and frame.
(6) Verify that lower bushing is fully seated into
cradle crossmember and upper bushing.
(7) Install bolt attaching bushing and crossmember
to frame rail hand tight.
(8) Align cradle crossmember to reference marks
on frame rails.
(9) Tighten cradle crossmember to frame rails
attaching bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.) torque.
13 - 12 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (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)
ProCarManuals.com

IGNITION SWITCH
REMOVAL
The ignition switch attaches to the lock cylinder
housing on the end opposite the lock cylinder (Fig. 7).
For ignition switch terminal and circuit identifica-
tion, refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining screws
(Fig. 8).(3) Remove parking brake release cable from han-
dle (Fig. 9).
(4) Remove screws holding steering column
shrouds (Fig. 10)and remove lower shroud.
Fig. 7 Ignition SwitchÐViewed From Below Column
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
3 - RETAINING TABS
Fig. 8 Steering Column Cover
1 - SCREWS
2 - STEERING COLUMN COVER
Fig. 9 Parking Brake Release Cable
1 - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
2 - PARKING BRAKE HANDLE
Fig. 10 Steering Column Shroud Screws
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SCREWS
3 - LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHROUD
RSCOLUMN19-15
ProCarManuals.com

(3) Carefully install the ignition switch. The
switch will snap over the retaining tabs (Fig. 16) .
Install mounting screw (Fig. 12).
(4) Install upper and lower shrouds.
(5) Install key cylinder (cylinder retaining tab will
depress only in the RUN position).
(6) Connect negative cable to battery.(7) Check for proper operation of ignition switch
and key-in warning switch.
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION INTERLOCK
All vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles
have an interlock system. The system prevents shift-
ing the vehicle out of Park unless the ignition lock
cylinder is in the Unlock, Run or Start position. In
addition, the operator cannot rotate the key to the
lock position unless the shifter is in the park posi-
tion. On vehicles equipped with floor shift refer to
the - Transaxle for Automatic Transmission Shifter/
Ignition Interlock.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the
battery and isolate cable from battery terminal.
(2) Remove the screws attaching the lower steer-
ing column cover to the instrument panel (Fig. 17),
then remove the cover from the lower instrument
panel.
Fig. 15 Ignition Switch Connectors
1 - KEY IN SWITCH
2 - PRNDL SWITCH
3 - IGNITION SWITCH
Fig. 16 Ignition Switch Installation
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - ACTUATOR SHAFT
3 - RETAINING TABS
Fig. 17 Lower Steering Column Cover Attachment
1 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE
2 - STEERING COLUMN COVER
3 - STEERING COLUMN
4 - ATTACHING CLIP
5 - ATTACHING SCREWS
6 - HOOD RELEASE LEVER
7 - ATTACHING SCREWS
RSCOLUMN19-17
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(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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