Since there are four switches, there are 16 possible
combinations of open and closed switches (codes).
Seven of these codes are related to gear position and
three are recognized as ªbetween gearº codes. This
results in six codes which should never occur. These
are called ªinvalidº codes. An invalid code will result
in a DTC, and the PCM/TCM will then determine the
shift lever position based on pressure switch data.
This allows reasonably normal transmission opera-
tion with a TRS failure.
TRS SWITCH STATES
SLP T42 T41 T3 T1
PCL CL CL OP
RCL OP OP OP
NCL CL OP CL
ODOP OP OP CL
3OP OP CL OP
LCL OP CL CL
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The TRS has an integrated thermistor (Fig. 329)
that the PCM/TCM uses to monitor the transmis-
sion's sump temperature. Since fluid temperature
can affect transmission shift quality and convertor
lock up, the PCM/TCM requires this information to
determine which shift schedule to operate in. The
PCM also monitors this temperature data so it can
energize the vehicle cooling fan(s) when a transmis-
sion ªoverheatº condition exists. If the thermistor cir-
cuit fails, the PCM/TCM will revert to calculated oil
temperature usage.
CALCULATED TEMPERATURE
A failure in the temperature sensor or circuit will
result in calculated temperature being substituted for
actual temperature. Calculated temperature is a pre-
dicted fluid temperature which is calculated from a
combination of inputs:
²Battery (ambient) temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²In-gear run time since start-up
REMOVAL
(1) Remove valve body assembly from transaxle.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 41TE/VALVE BODY - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove transmission range sensor retaining
screw and remove sensor from valve body (Fig. 330).
(3) Remove TRS from manual shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install transmission range sensor (TRS) to the
valve body and torque retaining screw (Fig. 330) to 5
N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(2) Install valve body to transaxle. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
41TE/VALVE BODY - INSTALLATION)
TRD LINK
DESCRIPTION
The Torque Reduction Link (TRD) is a wire
between the PCM and TCM that is used by the TCM
to request torque management. Torque management
controls or reduces torque output of the engine dur-
ing certain shift sequences, reducing torque applied
to the transaxle clutches.
OPERATION
The torque management signal is basically a
12-volt pull-up supplied by the PCM to the TCM over
the torque reduction link (TRD). Torque management
is requested when the TCM pulses this signal to
ground. The PCM recognizes this request and
responds by retarding ignition timing, killing fuel
injectors, etc. The PCM sends a confirmation of the
request to the TCM via the communication bus.
Torque reduction is not noticable by the driver, and
usually lasts for a very short period of time.
If the confirmation signal is not received by the
TCM after two sequential request messages, a diag-
nostic trouble code will be set.
Fig. 330 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
2 - MANUAL VALVE CONTROL PIN
3 - RETAINING SCREW
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 249
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION
The valve body assembly consists of a cast alumi-
num valve body, a separator plate, and transfer
plate. The valve body contains valves and check balls
that control fluid delivery to the torque converter
clutch, solenoid/pressure switch assembly, and fric-
tional clutches. The valve body contains the following
components (Fig. 331):
²Regulator valve
²Solenoid switch valve
²Manual valve
²Converter clutch switch valve
²Converter clutch control valve
²Torque converter regulator valve
²Low/Reverse switch valve
In addition, the valve body also contains the ther-
mal valve, #2,3&4 check balls, the #5 (overdrive)
check valve and the 2/4 accumulator assembly. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
- 41TE/VALVE BODY - DISASSEMBLY)
OPERATION
NOTE: Refer to the Hydraulic Schematics for a
visual aid in determining valve location, operation
and design.
REGULATOR VALVE
The regulator valve controls hydraulic pressure in
the transaxle. It receives unregulated pressure from
the pump, which works against spring tension to
maintain oil at specific pressures. A system of sleeves
and ports allows the regulator valve to work at one of
three predetermined pressure levels. Regulated oil
pressure is also referred to as ªline pressure.º
SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
The solenoid switch valve controls line pressure
from the LR/CC solenoid. In one position, it allows
the low/reverse clutch to be pressurized. In the other,
it directs line pressure to the converter control and
converter clutch valves.
Fig. 331 Valve Body Assembly
1 - VALVE BODY 5 - MANUAL VALVE
2 - T/C REGULATOR VALVE 6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
3 - L/R SWITCH VALVE 7 - SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
4 - CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE 8 - REGULATOR VALVE
21 - 250 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
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MANUAL VALVE
The manual valve is operated by the mechanical
shift linkage. Its primary responsibility is to send
line pressure to the appropriate hydraulic circuits
and solenoids. The valve has three operating ranges
or positions.
CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
The main responsibility of the converter clutch
switch valve is to control hydraulic pressure applied
to the front (off) side of the converter clutch piston.
Line pressure from the regulator valve is fed to the
torque converter regulator valve, where it passes
through the valve, and is slightly regulated. The
pressure is then directed to the converter clutch
switch valve and to the front side of the converter
clutch piston. This pressure pushes the piston back
and disengages the converter clutch.
CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE
The converter clutch control valve controls the
back (on) side of the torque converter clutch. When
the PCM/TCM energizes or modulates the LR/CC
solenoid to apply the converter clutch piston, both
the converter clutch control valve and the converter
control valve move, allowing pressure to be applied to
the back side of the clutch.
T/C REGULATOR VALVE
The torque converter regulator valve slightly regu-
lates the flow of fluid to the torque converter.
LOW/REVERSE SWITCH VALVE
The low/reverse clutch is applied from different
sources, depending on whether low (1st) gear or
reverse is selected. The low/reverse switch valve
alternates positions depending on from which direc-
tion fluid pressure is applied. By design, when the
valve is shifted by fluid pressure from one channel,
the opposing channel is blocked. The switch valve
alienates the possibility of a sticking ball check, thus
providing consistent application of the low/reverse
clutch under all operating conditions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: If valve body is replaced or reconditioned,
the TCM Quick Learn Procedure must be per-
formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect gearshift cable from manual valve
lever.
(3) Remove manual valve lever from manual shaft.
(4) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(5) Remove oil pan bolts (Fig. 332).
(6) Remove oil pan (Fig. 333).
Fig. 332 Oil Pan Bolts
1 - OIL PAN BOLTS (USE RTV UNDER BOLT HEADS)
Fig. 333 Oil Pan
1 - OIL PAN
2 - 1/8 INCH BEAD OF RTV SEALANT
3 - OIL FILTER
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 251
VALVE BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
diagnose the A/C system control and distribution sys-
tems. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The front blower speed and rear blower speed (if
equipped with rear HVAC) must be set to High and
the evaporator temperature sensor must be greater
than 55É F or the test will fail immediately. The test
is activated by depressing the A/C and PWR buttons
simultaneously and holding them depressed for no
less than five seconds. The PWR and A/C LEDs will
blink on and off until the test is complete. If the
LEDs stop blinking before two minutes, then the cool
down test has been completed successfully. If the two
minutes expire without the expansion valve temper-
ature reaching 20É F less than the outside air tem-
perature, then the cool down test has been failed and
further A/C system diagnosis is required. If the test
is failed, the LEDs will continue to blink until the
vehicle has been driven for greater than (8 miles).
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The ambient air temperature in the room where
the vehicle will be tested must be a minimum of 21É
C (70ÉF) for this test. The test is activated by
depressing the A/C and PWR buttons simultaneously
and holding them depressed for no less than four sec-
onds. The snowflake icon and the DELAY text in the
ATC display will blink on and off alternately until
the test is complete. If the snowflake icon and the
DELAY text stop blinking before two minutes, then
the cool down test has been completed successfully. If
the two minutes expire without the evaporator tem-
perature reaching 20É F less than the evaporator ini-
tial temperature, then the cool down test has been
failed and further A/C system diagnosis is required.
If the test is failed, the snowflake icon and the
DELAY text will continue to blink across ignition
cycles until the vehicle has been driven for greater
than (8 miles).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE TEST
An air conditioning performance test is the best
way to determine whether the system is performing
up to standard. This test also provides valuable clues
as to the possible cause of trouble with the air con-
ditioning system. The ambient air temperature in the
location where the vehicle will be tested must be a
minimum of 21É C (70ÉF) for this test.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFOREPERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Connect a tachometer to monitor the engine
speed.
(2) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set to
monitor the refrigerant system pressures.
(3) Set the heater-air conditioner controls so that
the compressor is engaged, the air within the vehicle
is being recirculated, the output air is directed
through the panel outlets, the temperature control is
in the full cool position, and the blower motor is oper-
ating at its highest speed.
(4) Start the engine and allow the engine to oper-
ate for about five minutes or until it reaches normal
operating temperature. Then hold the engine speed
at 1000 rpm with the compressor clutch engaged. If
the compressor clutch does not engage, proceed with
diagnosis of the compressor clutch coil. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS -
FRONT/COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
(5) Close all the vehicle windows and doors.
(6) Insert a thermometer in the left center panel
outlet and operate the engine for five minutes.
(7) With the compressor clutch engaged, record the
left center panel outlet discharge air temperature,
the discharge pressure (high side service port), and
the suction pressure (low side service port). The com-
pressor clutch may cycle, depending upon the ambi-
ent temperature and humidity. If the clutch cycles,
use the readings obtained before the clutch disen-
gaged.
(8) Compare the discharge air temperature read-
ing to the Performance Temperature and Pressure
chart. If the temperature reading is high, check the
refrigerant system for leaks and proper refrigerant
charge level. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM LEAKS) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGER-
ANT - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGER-
ANT SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL).
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-5
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
SPECIFICATIONS - HEATER-A/C SYSTEM
ITEM DESCRIPTION NOTES
Vehicle RS - Caravan, Town & Country, Voyager
System R134a with expansion valve(s)
Compressor Nippondenso - 10S20 ND-8 PAG Oil
Freeze±up Control Evaporator temperature sensor Expansion valve mounted - input
to heater-A/C control module
Low PSI Control Pressure transducer Liquid line mounted - input to
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- PCM opens compressor clutch
relay < 29.4 psi
High PSI Control Pressure transducer Liquid line mounted - input to
PCM - PCM opens compressor
clutch relay > 450 psi
Pressure relief valve Compressor mounted - opens >
495 psi
Control Head Single zone, dual zone, and three zone
Manual Temperature Control (MTC) - or
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), (Two
or Three Zone)PCI data bus messaging - ATC
uses two infrared temperature
sensors
Mode Door Electric actuator Control head driven
Blend Air Door Electric actuator
Fresh/Recirc Door Electric actuator
Blower Motor Control head switch Resistor and relay with MTC,
power module and relay with ATC
Cooling Fans Pulse width modulated variable speed PCM control through solid state
fan relay
Clutch
Clutch Control PCM PCM control through compressor
clutch relay
Clutch Coil Draw 2.2 amps @ 12V 0.5amps@ 70É F
Compressor Clutch Air Gap 0.0209- 0.0359
Diagnostics DRBIIITscan tool
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-7
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONTROLS - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
A/C HEATER CONTROL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C
CONTROL CALIBRATION................8
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RELAY.......................14
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR....................15
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................17
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH AIR GAP.....................17STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN....................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSPECTION - COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL . 18
INSTALLATION.........................19
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL........................20
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY......................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
INFRARED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................24
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
POWER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................26
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................28
A/C HEATER CONTROL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C
CONTROL CALIBRATION
The heater-A/C control module must be recali-
brated each time an actuator motor or the control
module is replaced. If the vehicle is so equipped, the
calibration procedure also includes rear HVAC posi-
tions for each actuator motor.(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(2) Simultaneously depress and hold the Power
and Recirculation buttons on the heater-A/C control
for at least five seconds. The manual heater-A/C con-
trol power Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Recircu-
lation LED, or the Automatic Temperature Control
24 - 8 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
ProCarManuals.com
(2) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the A/C pressure transducer from
the transducer connector receptacle (Fig. 3).
(3) Using an open end wrench, unscrew the A/C
pressure transducer from the fitting on the liquid
line between the filter-drier and the expansion valve.
(4) Remove the seal from the A/C pressure trans-
ducer fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the A/C pressure
transducer fitting.
(2) Using an open end wrench, install and tighten
the A/C pressure transducer onto the fitting on the
liquid line between the filter-drier and the expansion
valve.
(3) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the A/C pressure transducer to the
transducer connector receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The blend door actuators are reversible, 12-volt
Direct Current (DC), servo motors. Models with the
single zone heater and air conditioner system have a
single blend air door, which is controlled by a single
blend door actuator. Models with the optional dual
zone front heater and air conditioner system have
dual blend air doors, which are controlled by twoblend door actuators. The single zone blend door
actuator is located on the driver side end of the heat-
er-A/C housing unit, close to the dash panel. In the
dual zone system, the same blend door actuator used
for the single zone system becomes the passenger
blend door actuator, and is mechanically connected to
only the passenger side blend air door. In the dual
zone system, a second separate blend door actuator is
also located on the driver side end of the heater-A/C
housing unit close to the instrument panel, and is
mechanically connected to only the driver side blend
air door.
The blend door actuators are interchangeable with
each other, as well as with the actuators for the
mode door and the recirculation air door. Each actua-
tor is contained within an identical black molded
plastic housing with an integral wire connector
receptacle. Two integral mounting tabs allow the
actuator to be secured with two screws to the heater-
A/C unit housing. Each actuator also has an identical
output shaft with splines that connects it to the link-
age that drives the proper blend air door. The blend
door actuators do not require mechanical indexing to
the blend door linkage, as they are electronically cal-
ibrated by the heater-A/C control module. The blend
door actuators cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
damaged or faulty, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
Each blend door actuator is connected to the heat-
er-A/C control module through the vehicle electrical
system by a dedicated two-wire take out and connec-
tor of the HVAC wire harness. The blend door actua-
tor can move the blend air door in two directions.
When the heater-A/C control module pulls the volt-
age on one side of the motor connection high and the
other connection low, the blend air door will move in
one direction. When the module reverses the polarity
of the voltage to the motor, the blend air door moves
in the opposite direction. When the module makes
the voltage to both connections high or both connec-
tions low, the blend air door stops and will not move.
These same motor connections also provide a feed-
back signal to the heater-A/C control module. This
feedback signal allows the module to monitor the
operation and relative positions of the blend door
actuator and the blend air door. The heater-A/C con-
trol module learns the blend air door stop positions
during the calibration procedure and will store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any problems it
detects in the blend door actuator circuits. The blend
door actuator can be diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
Fig. 3 A/C Pressure Transducer
1 - RIGHT FRONT STRUT TOWER
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
4 - RIGHT WIPER MODULE DRAIN TUBE
5 - HIGH SIDE SERVICE PORT
6 - LIQUID LINE
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-11
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
conditioner housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the silencer under the driver side end
of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
SILENCER - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(8) Perform the heater-A/C control calibration pro-
cedure. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/CONTROLS - FRONT/A/C-HEATER CONTROL
- STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C CON-
TROL CALIBRATION).
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor relay (Fig. 6) is a International
Standards Organization (ISO) mini-relay. Relays con-
forming to the ISO specifications have common phys-
ical dimensions, current capacities, terminal
patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO mini-relay
terminal functions are the same as a conventional
ISO relay. However, the ISO mini-relay terminal pat-
tern (or footprint) is different, the current capacity is
lower, and the physical dimensions are smaller than
those of the conventional ISO relay. The blower
motor relay is located in the Intelligent Power Mod-
ule (IPM), which is in the engine compartment near
the battery. See the fuse and relay layout map
molded into the inner surface of the IPM cover for
blower motor relay identification and location.The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the blower motor relay. Five male
spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of the
base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, and the ISO designation for each terminal is
molded into the base adjacent to each terminal.
OPERATION
The blower motor relay is an electromechanical
switch that uses a low current input from the Front
Control Module (FCM) to control the high current
output to the blower motor resistor (manual heater-
A/C control) or blower power module (ATC control).
The movable common feed contact point is held
against the fixed normally closed contact point by
spring pressure. When the relay coil is energized, an
electromagnetic field is produced by the coil wind-
ings. This electromagnetic field draws the movable
relay contact point away from the fixed normally
closed contact point, and holds it against the fixed
normally open contact point. When the relay coil is
de-energized, spring pressure returns the movable
contact point back against the fixed normally closed
contact point. The resistor or diode is connected in
parallel with the relay coil in the relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes and electromagnetic interfer-
ence that can be generated as the electromagnetic
field of the relay coil collapses.
The blower motor relay terminals are connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a receptacle in
the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). The inputs and
outputs of the blower motor relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from the battery through a B(+)
circuit at all times.
²The coil ground terminal (85) receives a ground
input through the front/rear blower motor relay con-
trol circuit only when the FCM electronically pulls
the control circuit to ground.
²The coil battery terminal (86) receives a battery
current input from the battery through a B(+) circuit
at all times.
²The normally open terminal (87) provides a bat-
tery current output to the blower motor resistor
(manual heater-A/C control) or blower power module
(automatic heater-A/C control) through a fuse in the
IPM on the fused front blower motor relay output cir-
cuit only when the blower motor relay coil is ener-
gized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
a battery current output only when the blower motor
relay coil is de-energized.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
Fig. 6 Blower Motor Relay
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-13
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (Continued)
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