(1) Before installing the nuts the threads should
be oiled with engine oil.
(2) Install nuts finger tight on each bolt then alter-
nately torque each nut to assemble the cap properly.
(3) Tighten the nuts to 54 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (40
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn).
(4) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 52). Refer to Engine Specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING PISTONS
The piston and cylinder wall must be clean and
dry. Piston diameter should be measured 90 degrees
to piston pin at size location shown in (Fig. 53). Cyl-
inder bores should be measured halfway down the
cylinder bore and transverse to the engine crankshaft
center line shown in (Fig. 54). Refer to Engine Spec-
ifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).Pistons and cylinder bores should be
measured at normal room temperature, 21ÉC
(70ÉF).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the top ridge of cylinder bores with a
reliable ridge reamer, if necessary, before removing
pistons from cylinder block.Be sure to keep tops
of pistons covered during this operation. Pis-
tons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. When removing pis-
ton and connecting rod assemblies from the
engine, rotate crankshaft so that each connect-
ing rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(5) Inspect connecting rods and connecting rod
caps for cylinder identification. Identify them, if nec-
essary (Fig. 55).Fig. 52 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 53 Piston Measurement Locations
1 - 39.8 mm (1.56 in. ) 3.3L ENGINE
2 - 33.0 mm (1.29 in.) 3.8L ENGINE
Fig. 54 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
Fig. 55 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
1 - CYLINDER NUMBER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 117
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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(7) Lower vehicle and install oil dipstick.
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
(9) Fill crankcase with oil to proper level.
OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(2) Drill a 3.175 mm (1/8 in.) hole in the center of
the retainer cap (Fig. 103). Insert a self-threading
sheet metal screw into the cap.
(3) Using suitable pliers, remove cap and discard.
(4) Remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 103).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean relief valve, spring and bore.
NOTE: Lubricate relief valve with clean engine oil
before installing.
(2) Install relief valve and spring into housing.
(3) Install new retainer cap until flush with seal-
ing surface.
(4) Install oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(5) Fill crankcase with proper oil to correct level.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The engine oil pressure switch is located on the
lower left front side of the engine. It screws into the
oil filter adapter. The normally closed switch provides
an input through a single wire to the low pressure
indicator light on the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The oil pressure switch provides a ground for the
instrument cluster low oil pressure indicator light.
The switch receives oil pressure input from the
engine main oil gallery. When engine oil pressure is
greater than 27.5 Kpa (4 psi), the switch contacts
open, providing a open circuit to the low pressure
indicator light. For wiring circuits and diagnostic
information, (Refer to Appropriate Wiring/Diagnostic
Information).
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from switch.
(3) Remove oil pressure switch (Fig. 104).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pressure switch. Torque oil pressure
switch to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) (Fig. 104).
(2) Connect electrical connector to switch.
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Start engine and check for leaks.
(5) Check engine oil level. Adjust as necessary.
Fig. 102 Oil Pan Sealing
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
Fig. 103 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 141
OIL PAN (Continued)
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²Check for cylinder head mounting surface distor-
tion using a straightedge and thickness gauge. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSPECTION)
INSTALLATION - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) Place a bead (approximately 1/4 in. diameter)
of MopartEngine RTV GEN II onto each of thefour
manifold to cylinder head gasket corners (Fig. 122).
(2) Carefully install the new intake manifold gas-
ket (Fig. 121). Tighten end seal retainer screws to 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Install lower intake manifold (Fig. 121). Install
the bolts and torque to 1 N´m (10 in. lbs.). Then
torque bolts to 22 N´m (200 in. lbs.) in sequence
shown in (Fig. 123). Then torque again to 22 N´m
(200 in. lbs.). After intake manifold is in place,
inspect to make sure seals are in place.
(4) Install the fuel injectors and rail assembly.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL RAIL - INSTALLATION)
(5) Connect fuel injector electrical harness.
(6) Connect the engine coolant temperature sensor
(Fig. 120).
(7) Connect the heater supply (Fig. 120) and radi-
ator upper hoses to manifold.
(8) Connect the fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)(9) Install the upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Connect negative battery cable.
Fig. 120 ECT SENSOR & HEATER SUPPLY
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR - ENGINE COOLANT SENSOR
3 - FITTING - HEATER SUPPLY
Fig. 121 INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
1 - INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
2 - BOLT - GASKET END SEAL RETAINER
3 - GASKET
4 - BOLT - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 122 Intake Manifold Gasket Sealing
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 149
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER (Continued)
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TIMING CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(3) Rotate engine by turning crankshaft until the
timing marks are aligned as shown in (Fig. 140).
(4) Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt.
(5) Remove the timing chain with camshaft
sprocket.(6) Remove the crankshaft sprocket. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Remove the timing chain. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(2) Using Special Tools 8539, 5048-6, and 5048-1,
remove the crankshaft sprocket while holding the
crankshaft from turning (Fig. 141). Be careful not to
damage the crankshaft surfaces.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Position the sprocket on the crankshaft (timing
mark out) with the timing slot aligned with the tim-
ing pin.
Fig. 139 TIMING CHAIN COVER BOLT LOCATIONS
1 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 95 4 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 80
2 - BOLT - M10 x 1.5 x 100 5 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 45
3 - BOLT - M10 x 1.5 x 85
9 - 156 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)
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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
REMOVAL
The front cradle crossmember must be installed in
the design location to achieve proper front end sus-
pension alignment. If the cradle crossmember is
removed without applying reference marks on the
frame rails, align the cradle crossmember according
to the dimensions provided in this group.
NOTE: If the caged nuts in the frame rails become
damaged and cannot be reused, a replacement nut
can be obtained through MoparT.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE - REMOV-
AL).
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-9
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FUEL DELIVERY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
The front wheel drive car uses a plastic fuel tank
located rear center of the vehicle.
The Fuel Delivery System consists of: the following
items:
²Electric fuel pump module
²Fuel filter
²Tubes/lines/hoses
²Fuel injectors
The in-tank fuel pump module contains the fuel
pump. The pump is serviced as part of the fuel pump
module. Refer to Fuel Pump Module.
The fuel filter is replaceable only as part of the
fuel pump module.
DESCRIPTION - FFV REPLACEMENT PARTS
Many components in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
are designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always
be sure that the vehicle is serviced with correct etha-
nol compatible parts.
CAUTION: Replacing fuel system components with
non-ethanol compatible components can damage
your vehicle and may void the warranty.
OPERATION
The fuel system provides fuel pressure by an
in-tank pump module. The PCM controls the opera-
tion of the fuel system by providing battery voltage
to the fuel pump through the fuel pump relay. The
PCM requires only three inputs and a good ground to
operate the fuel pump relay. The three inputs are:
²Ignition voltage
²Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL DELIVERY
SYSTEM
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE
(1) Remove Fuel Pump relay from Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). For location of relay, refer to label
on underside of PDC cover.
(2) Start and run engine until it stalls.(3) Attempt restarting engine until it will no
longer run.
(4) Turn ignition key to OFF position.
(5) Return fuel pump relay to PDC.
(6) One or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
may have been stored in PCM memory due to fuel
pump relay removal. The DRB IIItscan tool must be
used to erase a DTC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAINING FUEL
TANK
Two different procedures may be used to drain fuel
tank (lowering tank or using DRB scan tool).
The quickest draining procedure involves lowering
the fuel tank.
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES. NEVER SMOKE
WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
As an alternative procedure, the electric fuel pump
may be activated allowing tank to be drained at fuel
rail connection. Refer to DRBIIItscan tool for fuel
pump activation procedures. Before disconnecting
fuel line at fuel rail, release fuel pressure. Refer to
the Fuel System Pressure Release Procedure in this
group for procedures. Disconnect the fuel line at the
fuel rail and remove the plastic retainer from the
fuel rail. Take plastic retainer and install it back into
the fuel line from body. Attach end of special test
hose tool number 8978 at fuel line connection from
the body line. Position opposite end of this hose tool
to an approved gasoline draining station. Activate
fuel pump and drain tank until empty. When done
remove the special test hose tool number 8978 from
the body line. Remove the plastic retainer from the
special test hose tool number 8978 and reinstall it
into the fuel line from the body. Install the fuel line
to the fuel rail.
If electric fuel pump is not operating, tank must be
lowered for fuel draining. Refer to following proce-
dures.
(1) Remove fuel filler cap.
(2) Perform the Fuel System Pressure Release pro-
cedure.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Raise vehicle and support.
(5) Certain models are equipped with a separate
grounding wire (strap) connecting the fuel fill tube
assembly to the body. Disconnect wire by removing
screw.
(6) Open fuel fill door and remove screws mount-
ing fuel filler tube assembly to body. Do not discon-
14 - 2 FUEL DELIVERYRS
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to the PCM.On V-6 Manual transmission cars (if
equipped) vehicle, the ABS module provides the sig-
nal to the PCM for vehicle speed.
OPERATION
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) supplies
the road speed and distance traveled inputs to the
PCM. From these inputs and the throttle position
sensor input, the PCM determines when a decelera-
tion condition occurs.
FUEL INJECTOR
DESCRIPTION
The injectors are positioned in the intake manifold
or cylinder head with the nozzle ends directly above
the intake valve port (Fig. 10).
OPERATION
The fuel injectors are 12 volt electrical solenoids
(Fig. 11). The injector contains a pintle that closes off
an orifice at the nozzle end. When electric current is
supplied to the injector, the armature and needle
move a short distance against a spring, allowing fuel
to flow out the orifice. Because the fuel is under high
pressure, a fine spray is developed in the shape of a
hollow cone or two streams. The spraying action
atomizes the fuel, adding it to the air entering the
combustion chamber. Fuel injectors are not inter-
changeable between engines.
The PCM provides battery voltage to each injector
through the ASD relay. Injector operation is con-
trolled by a ground path provided for each injector by
the PCM. Injector on-time (pulse-width) is variable,and is determined by the PCM processing all the
data previously discussed to obtain the optimum
injector pulse width for each operating condition. The
pulse width is controlled by the duration of the
ground path provided.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
The fuel rail must be removed first (Fig. 12). Refer
to Fuel Rail Removal in this section.
(1) Disconnect injector wiring connector from injec-
tor.
(2) Position fuel rail assembly so that the fuel
injectors are easily accessible (Fig. 13).
Fig. 9 CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATION
2.4L
Fig. 10 Fuel Injector Location - Typical
1 - FUEL RAIL
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
3 - FUEL INJECTORS
Fig. 11 FUEL INJECTOR - TYPICAL
1 - FUEL INJECTOR
2 - NOZZLE
3 - TOP (FUEL ENTRY)
14 - 26 FUEL INJECTIONRS
ENGINE SPEED SENSOR (Continued)
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(2) Install injector clip by sliding open end into the
top slot of the injector. The edge of the receiver cup
will slide into the side slots of clip (Fig. 13).
(3) Install injector top end into fuel rail receiver
cap. Be careful not to damage O-ring during installa-
tion (Fig. 13).
(4) Repeat steps for remaining injectors.
(5) Install fuel rail, refer to Fuel Rail in the Fuel
Delivery section.
(6) Connect fuel injector wiring.
(7) Install the Intake Manifold, (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect the negative battery cable.
FUEL PUMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pump relay is located in the PDC. The
inside top of the PDC cover has a label showing relay
and fuse location.
OPERATION
The fuel pump relay supplies battery voltage to the
fuel pump. A buss bar in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) supplies voltage to the solenoid side and
contact side of the relay. The fuel pump relay power
circuit contains a fuse between the buss bar in the
PDC and the relay. The fuse is located in the PDC.
Refer to the Wiring Diagrams for circuit information.
The PCM controls the fuel pump relay by switch-
ing the ground path for the solenoid side of the relay
on and off. The PCM turns the ground path off when
the ignition switch is in the Off position. When the
ignition switch is in the On position, the PCM ener-
gizes the fuel pump. If the crankshaft position sensor
does not detect engine rotation, the PCM de-ener-
gizes the relay after approximately one second.
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The idle air control motor is mounted on the throt-
tle body. The PCM operates the idle air control motor
(Fig. 15) or (Fig. 16).
OPERATION
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed through the
idle air control motor to compensate for engine load,
coolant temperature or barometric pressure changes.
The throttle body has an air bypass passage that
provides air for the engine during closed throttle idle.
The idle air control motor pintle protrudes into the
air bypass passage and regulates air flow through it.The PCM adjusts engine idle speed by moving the
IAC motor pintle in and out of the bypass passage.
The adjustments are based on inputs the PCM
receives. The inputs are from the throttle position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, coolant tempera-
ture sensor, MAP sensor, vehicle speed sensor and
various switch operations (brake, park/neutral, air
conditioning).
When engine rpm is above idle speed, the IAC is
used for the following functions:
²Off-idle dashpot
Fig. 15 TPS/IAC 2.4L
1 - Idle Air Control Motor
2 - Throttle Position Sensor
Fig. 16 TPS/IAC 3.3/3.8L
1 - Idle Air Control Motor
2 - Throttle Position Sensor
14 - 28 FUEL INJECTIONRS
FUEL INJECTOR (Continued)
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