VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL
DESCRIPTION
All models have a Vehicle Emission Control Infor-
mation (VECI) Label. DaimlerChrysler permanently
attaches the label in the engine compartment (Fig.
4). The label cannot be removed without defacing
label information and destroying label.
The label contains the vehicle's emission specifica-
tions and vacuum hose routings. All hoses must be
connected and routed according to the label.
The label also contains an engine vacuum sche-
matic. There are unique labels for vehicles built for
sale in the state of California and the country of
Canada. Canadian labels are written in both the
English and French languages.
The VECI label contains the following:
²Engine family and displacement
²Evaporative family
²Emission control system schematic
²Certification application
²Engine timing specifications (if adjustable)
²Idle speeds (if adjustable)
²Spark plug and gap
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate is
located on the lower left A-pillar and is visible
through the windshield (Fig. 5). The VIN contains 17
characters that provide data concerning the vehicle.
Refer to the VIN decoding chart to determine the
identification of a vehicle.
The Vehicle Identification Number is also
imprinted on the:
²Vehicle Safety Certification Label.
²Frame rail.
To protect the consumer from theft and possible
fraud the manufacturer is required to include a
Check Digit at the ninth position of the Vehicle Iden-
tification Number. The check digit is used by the
manufacturer and government agencies to verify the
authenticity of the vehicle and official documenta-
tion. The formula to use the check digit is not
released to the general public.
Fig. 4 VECI LABEL LOCATION
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - VECI LABEL
Fig. 5 VIN NUMBER LOCATION
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - VIN CODE PLATE
8 INTRODUCTIONKJ
The cooling system also provides a means of heat-
ing the passenger compartment and cooling the auto-
matic transmission fluid (if equipped). The cooling
system is pressurized and uses a centrifugal water
pump to circulate coolant throughout the system.
OPERATION - HOSE CLAMPS
The spring type hose clamp applies constant ten-
sion on a hose connection. To remove a spring type
hose clamp, only use constant tension clamp pliers
designed to compress the hose clamp.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTICS (OBD)
COOLING SYSTEM RELATED DIAGNOSTICS
The powertrain control module (PCM) has been
programmed to monitor certain cooling system com-
ponents:
²If the engine has remained cool for too long a
period, such as with a stuck open thermostat, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.
²If an open or shorted condition has developed in
the relay circuit controlling the electric radiator fan,
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.
If the problem is sensed in a monitored circuit
often enough to indicated an actual problem, a DTC
is stored. The DTC will be stored in the PCM mem-
ory for eventual display to the service technician.
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ACCESSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
To read DTC's and to obtain cooling system data,
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ERASING TROUBLE CODES
After the problem has been repaired, use the DRB
scan tool to erase a DTC. Refer to the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures service informa-
tion for operation of the DRB scan tool.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
CHECKS
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM OVERHEATING
Establish what driving conditions caused the com-
plaint. Abnormal loads on the cooling system such as
the following may be the cause:
²PROLONGED IDLE
²VERY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
²SLIGHT TAIL WIND AT IDLE
²SLOW TRAFFIC
²TRAFFIC JAMS
²HIGH SPEED
²STEEP GRADES
Driving techniques that avoid overheating are:
²Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at
end of normal range.
(1) TRAILER TOWING:
Consult Trailer Towing section of owners manual.
Do not exceed limits.
(2) RECENT SERVICE OR ACCIDENT REPAIR:
Determine if any recent service has been per-
formed on vehicle that may effect cooling system.
This may be:
²Engine adjustments (incorrect timing)
²Slipping engine accessory drive belt(s)
²Brakes (possibly dragging)
²Changed parts. Incorrect water pump, or pump
rotating in wrong direction due to belt not correctly
routed
²Reconditioned radiator or cooling system refill-
ing (possibly under filled or air trapped in system).
NOTE: If investigation reveals none of the previous
items as a cause for an engine overheating com-
plaint, refer to following Cooling System Diagnosis
charts.
These charts are to be used as a quick-reference
only. Refer to the group text for information.
Fig. 2 Spring Clamp Size Location
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
KJCOOLING 7 - 3
COOLING (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
BELT BROKEN (NOTE: IDENTIFY
AND CORRECT PROBLEM
BEFORE NEW BELT IS
INSTALLED)1. Excessive tension. 1. Replace belt and automatic belt
tensioner.
2. Incorrect belt. 2. Replace belt.
3. Tensile member damaged during
belt installation.3. Replace belt.
4. Severe misalignment. 4. Check and replace.
5. Bracket, pulley, or bearing failure. 5. Replace defective component
and belt.
NOISE (OBJECTIONABLE
SQUEAL, SQUEAK, OR RUMBLE
IS HEARD OR FELT WHILE
DRIVE BELT IS IN OPERATION)1. Belt slippage. 1. Replace belt or automatic belt
tensioner.
2. Bearing noise. 2. Locate and repair.
3. Belt misalignment. 3. Replace belt.
4. Belt-to-pulley mismatch. 4. Install correct belt.
BELT TENSIONERS
REMOVAL - 3.7L ENGINE
(1) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove tensioner assembly from engine front
cover (Fig. 2).WARNING: BECAUSE OF HIGH SPRING TENSION,
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE AUTOMATIC
TENSIONER. UNIT IS SERVICED AS AN ASSEMBLY
(EXCEPT FOR PULLEY ON TENSIONER).
(3) Remove pulley bolt. Remove pulley from ten-
sioner.
INSTALLATION - 3.7L ENGINE
(1) Install pulley and pulley bolt to tensioner.
Tighten bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) An indexing slot is located on back of tensioner.
Align this slot to the head of the bolt on the front
cover. Install the mounting bolt. Tighten bolt to 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Check belt indexing marks (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
DRIVE BELTS - 3.7L
REMOVAL - 3.7L ENGINE
NOTE: The belt routing schematics are published
from the latest information available at the time of
publication. If anything differs between these sche-
matics and the Belt Routing Label, use the sche-
matics on Belt Routing Label. This label is located
in the engine compartment.
Fig. 2 Automatic Belt Tensioner
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - BOLT TORQUE TO 41 N´m (30 FT LBS)
3 - AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
KJACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 17
ACCESSORY DRIVE (Continued)
The ECT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as engine coolant
temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
At key-on, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
sends out a regulated 5 volt signal to the ECT sensor.
The PCM then monitors the signal as it passes
through the ECT sensor to the sensor ground (sensor
return).
When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
Open Loop cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-
fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds. This is done
until normal operating temperatures are reached.
The PCM uses inputs from the ECT sensor for the
following calculations:
²for engine coolant temperature gauge operation
through CCD or PCI (J1850) communications
²Injector pulse-width
²Spark-advance curves
²ASD relay shut-down times
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor key-on steps
²Pulse-width prime-shot during cranking
²O2 sensor closed loop times
²Purge solenoid on/off times
²EGR solenoid on/off times (if equipped)
²Leak Detection Pump operation (if equipped)
²Radiator fan relay on/off times (if equipped)
²Target idle speed
REMOVAL
2.4L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at left front of cylinder
head (Fig. 1).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain cooling system.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from cylinder head.
3.7L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at front of intake mani-
fold near rear of generator (Fig. 2).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.(1) Partially drain cooling system.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from intake manifold.
Fig. 1 ECT AND UPPER TIMING BELT COVER/
BOLTS-2.4L
1 - UPPER TIMING BELT COVER
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (ECT)
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 2 MAP SENSOR / ECT SENSOR - 3.7L
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
7 - 20 ENGINEKJ
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)
INSTALLATION - 3.7L ENGINE
(1) Clean mating areas of timing chain cover and
thermostat housing.
(2)
Install thermostat (spring side down) into
recessed machined groove on timing chain cover (Fig. 4).
(3) Position thermostat housing on timing chain
cover.
(4) Install two housing-to-timing chain cover bolts.
Tighten bolts to 13 N´m (115 in. lbs.) torque.
CAUTION: Housing must be tightened evenly and
thermostat must be centered into recessed groove
in timimg chain cover. If not, it may result in a
cracked housing, damaged timing chain cover
threads or coolant leaks.
(5)
Install lower radiator hose on thermostat housing.
(6) Install splash shield.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Connect negative battery cable to battery.
(10) Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.
RADIATOR
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with a cross flow type
radiator with plastic side tanks (Fig. 5).Plastic tanks, while stronger than brass, are sub-
ject to damage by impact, such as from tools or
wrenches. Handle radiator with care.
Fig. 4 Thermostat and Thermostat Housing
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - THERMOSTAT LOCATION3 - THERMOSTAT AND GASKET
4 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
Fig. 5 Cross Flow Radiator - Typical
1 - RADIATOR
7 - 22 ENGINEKJ
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT (Continued)
Only when sufficient heat is present, will the vis-
cous fan drive engage. This is when the air flowing
through the radiator core causes a reaction to the
bimetallic coil. It then increases fan speed to provide
the necessary additional engine cooling.
Once the engine has cooled, the radiator discharge
temperature will drop. The bimetallic coil again
reacts and the fan speed is reduced to the previous
disengaged speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE
If the fan assembly free-wheels without drag (the
fan blades will revolve more than five turns when
spun by hand), replace the fan drive. This spin test
must be performed when the engine is cool.
For the following test, the cooling system must be
in good condition. It also will ensure against exces-
sively high coolant temperature.
WARNING: BE SURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE
FAN BLADE CLEARANCE BEFORE DRILLING.
(1) Drill a 3.18-mm (1/8-in) diameter hole in the
top center of the fan shroud.
(2) Obtain a dial thermometer with an 8 inch stem
(or equivalent). It should have a range of -18É to
105ÉC (0É to 220É F). Insert thermometer through the
hole in the shroud. Be sure that there is adequate
clearance from the fan blades.
(3) Connect a tachometer and an engine ignition
timing light (timing light is to be used as a strobe
light).
(4) Block the air flow through the radiator. Secure
a sheet of plastic in front of the radiator (or air con-
ditioner condenser). Use tape at the top to secure the
plastic and be sure that the air flow is blocked.
(5) Be sure that the air conditioner (if equipped) is
turned off.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start the engine and operate at 2400 rpm.
Within ten minutes the air temperature (indicated on
the dial thermometer) should be up to 93É C (200É F).
Fan driveengagementshould have started to occur
at between 91É to 96É C (195É to 205É F). Engage-
ment is distinguishable by a definiteincreasein fan
flow noise (roaring). The timing light also will indi-
cate an increase in the speed of the fan.
(7) When the air temperature reaches 93É C (200É
F), remove the plastic sheet. Fan drivedisengage-
mentshould have started to occur at between 62É to85É C (145É to 185É F). A definitedecreaseof fan
flow noise (roaring) should be noticed. If not, replace
the defective viscous fan drive unit.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
NOTE: The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade
assembly is attached (threaded) to water pump hub
shaft.
(2) Remove fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly
from water pump using special tool 6958 spanner
wrench and 8346 adapters, by turning mounting nut
counterclockwise as viewed from front (Fig. 16).
Threads on viscous fan drive areRIGHT HAND.
(3) Do not attempt to remove fan/viscous fan drive
assembly from vehicle at this time.
(4) Do not unbolt fan blade assembly from viscous
fan drive at this time.
(5) Remove fan shroud to radiator bolts.
(6) Remove fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan
drive assembly as a complete unit from vehicle.
(7) After removing fan blade/viscous fan drive
assembly,do notplace viscous fan drive in horizon-
tal position. If stored horizontally, silicone fluid in
the viscous fan drive could drain into its bearing
assembly and contaminate lubricant.
Fig. 16 Viscous Fan and Fan Drive 3.7L
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
7 - 28 ENGINEKJ
RADIATOR - FAN - VISCOUS (Continued)
CAUTION: Do not remove water pump pulley-to-wa-
ter pump bolts. This pulley is under belt tension.
(8) Remove four bolts securing fan blade assembly
to viscous fan drive.
CLEANING
Clean the fan blades using a mild soap and water.
Do not use an abrasive to clean the blades.
INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR
STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF FAN IS NOT WITHIN
SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: If fan blade assembly is replaced
because of mechanical damage, water pump and
viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These
components could have been damaged due to
excessive vibration.
(1) Remove fan blade assembly from viscous fan
drive unit (four bolts).
(2) Lay fan on a flat surface with leading edge fac-
ing down. With tip of blade touching flat surface,
replace fan if clearance between opposite blade and
surface is greater than 2.0 mm (.090 inch). Rocking
motion of opposite blades should not exceed 2.0 mm
(.090 inch). Test all blades in this manner.
(3) Inspect fan assembly for cracks, bends, loose
rivets or broken welds. Replace fan if any damage is
found.
INSTALLATION
(1) Assemble fan blade to viscous fan drive.
Tighten mounting bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
NOTE: The vicous fan and fan shroud must be
installed as an assembly.
(2) Gently lay vicous fan into fan shroud.
(3) Install the fan shroud to radiator mounting
bolts, torque bolts to (5.5N´M or 50 in´lbs).
(4) Thread the fan and fan drive onto the water
pump pulley, and tighten nut using special tool 6958
spanner wrench and 8346 adapters.
(5) Connect the electrical connector for the electric
fan.
CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. If not,
the engine may overheat due to the water pump
rotating in the wrong direction. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL)
for correct belt routing.
WATER PUMP
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - WATER PUMP
A centrifugal water pump circulates coolant
through the water jackets, passages, intake manifold,
radiator core, cooling system hoses and heater core.
The pump is driven from the engine crankshaft by a
single serpentine drive belt.
The water pump impeller is pressed onto the rear
of a shaft that rotates in bearings pressed into the
housing. The housing has two small holes to allow
seepage to escape. The water pump seals are lubri-
cated by the antifreeze in the coolant mixture. No
additional lubrication is necessary.
Both heater hoses are connected to fittings on the
timing chain front cover. The water pump is also
mounted directly to the timing chain cover and is
equipped with a non serviceable integral pulley (Fig.
17).
DESCRIPTION
The 3.7L engine uses an internal water/coolant
bypass system. The design uses galleries in the tim-
ing chain cover to circulate coolant during engine
warm-up preventing the coolant from flowing
Fig. 17 Water Pump and Timing Chain Cover
1 - INTEGRAL WATER PUMP PULLEY
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
3 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
4 - HEATER HOSE FITTINGS
5 - WATER PUMP
KJENGINE 7 - 29
RADIATOR - FAN - VISCOUS (Continued)
through the radiator. The thermostat uses a stub
shaft located at the rear of the thermostat to control
flow through the bypass gallery.
OPERATION - WATER PUMP
A centrifugal water pump circulates coolant
through the water jackets, passages, intake manifold,
radiator core, cooling system hoses and heater core,
this coolant absorbs the heat generated when the
engine is running. The pump is driven by the engine
crankshaft via a drive belt.
REMOVAL
The water pump on 3.7L engines is bolted directly
to the engine timing chain case cover.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove fan/viscous fan drive assembly from
water pump (Fig. 18) (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - REMOV-
AL). Do not attempt to remove fan/viscous fan drive
assembly from vehicle at this time.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
6094). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20)MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CON-
STANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter.
(4) If water pump is being replaced, do not unbolt
fan blade assembly from thermal viscous fan drive.
(5) Remove two fan shroud-to-radiator screws, Dis-
connect the coolant overflow hose.
(6) Remove upper fan shroud and fan blade/viscous
fan drive assembly from vehicle.
(7) After removing fan blade/viscous fan drive
assembly,do notplace thermal viscous fan drive in
horizontal position. If stored horizontally, silicone
fluid in viscous fan drive could drain into its bearing
assembly and contaminate lubricant.
(8) Remove accessory drive belt (Fig. 19) (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove lower radiator hose clamp and remove
lower hose at water pump.
(10) Remove seven water pump mounting bolts
and one stud bolt.
Fig. 18 Viscous Fan and Fan Drive 3.7L
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
Fig. 19 Automatic Belt TensionerÐ3.7L
1 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
2 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
7 - 30 ENGINEKJ
WATER PUMP (Continued)