CLEANING
The following information details the recommended
cleaning procedures for the battery and related com-
ponents. In addition to the maintenance schedules
found in this service manual and the owner's man-
ual, it is recommended that these procedures be per-
formed any time the battery or related components
must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all
corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush
or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution (Fig. 1).
(2) Clean the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion
using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any
exposed bare metal.
(3) If the removed battery is to be reinstalled,
clean the outside of the battery case and the top
cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle
parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film (Fig. 2).
Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the
cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells
through the vent holes. If the battery is being
replaced, refer to Battery System Specifications for
the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm
that the replacement battery is the correct size and
has the correct ratings for the vehicle.(4) Clean the battery thermowrap with a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution using a soft bristle parts cleaning brush to
remove any acid film.
(5) Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal
posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal
cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 3).
INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended
inspection procedures for the battery and related
components. In addition to the maintenance sched-
ules found in this service manual and the owner's
manual, it is recommended that these procedures be
performed any time the battery or related compo-
nents must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
damage. Replace any battery cable that has a dam-
aged or deformed terminal clamp.
(2) Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
(3) Slide the thermowrap off of the battery case.
Inspect the battery case for cracks or other damage
that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also, check the
battery terminal posts for looseness. Batteries with
damaged cases or loose terminal posts must be
replaced.
Fig. 1 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 2 Battery Cleaning - Typical
1 - CLEANING BRUSH
2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
3 - BATTERY
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-5
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
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INSTALLATION - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles install the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit) for the rear wheels, refer to
the Transmission section for more information.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Connect the negative cable.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - STANDARD 4 CYLINDER
All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
Refer to the Specifications section for gap and type
of spark plug.
DESCRIPTION - PLATINUM PLUGS
The V6 engines use platinum resistor spark plugs.
They have resistance values of 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt tester. For
spark plug identification and specifications, Refer to
the Specifications section.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
When the spark plugs use a single or double plat-
inum tips and they have a recommended service life
of 100,000 miles for normal driving conditions per
schedule A in this manual. The spark plugs have a
recommended service life of 75,000 miles for severe
driving conditions per schedule B in this manual. A
thin platinum pad is welded to both or just the cen-
ter electrode end(s) as shown in (Fig. 13). Extreme
care must be used to prevent spark plug cross
threading, mis-gapping (Fig. 14) and ceramic insula-
tor damage during plug removal and installation.CAUTION: Cleaning of the platinum plug may dam-
age the platinum tip.
Fig. 13 Platinum Pads
1 - APPLY ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND HERE ONLY
2 - PLATINUM SPARK SURFACE
Fig. 14 Setting Spark Plug Electrode Gap
1 - TAPER GAUGE
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-9
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)
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Moving the switch up causes an upshift and moving
the switch down causes a downshift. The instrument
cluster will illuminate the selected gear. The vehicle
can be launched in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear while in the
Autostick mode. The speed control is operable in 3rd
and 4th gear Autostick mode. Speed control will be
deactivated if the transaxle is shifted to 2nd gear.
Shifting into OD position cancels the Autostick mode,
and the transaxle resumes the OD shift schedule.
DRIVING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION
Three hydraulically applied input clutches are used
to drive planetary components. The underdrive, over-
drive, and reverse clutches are considered input
clutches and are contained within the input clutch
assembly (Fig. 172). The input clutch assembly also
contains:
²Input shaft
²Input hub
²Clutch retainer
²Underdrive piston
²Overdrive/reverse piston
²Overdrive hub
²Underdrive hub
OPERATION
The three input clutches are responsible for driving
different components of the planetary geartrain.
NOTE: Refer to the ªElements In Useº chart in Diag-
nosis and Testing for a collective view of which
clutch elements are applied at each position of the
selector lever.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
The underdrive clutch is hydraulically applied in
first, second, and third (direct) gears by pressurized
fluid against the underdrive piston. When the under-
drive clutch is applied, the underdrive hub drives the
rear sun gear.
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
The overdrive clutch is hydraulically applied in
third (direct) and overdrive gears by pressurized fluid
against the overdrive/reverse piston. When the over-
drive clutch is applied, the overdrive hub drives the
front planet carrier.
REVERSE CLUTCH
The reverse clutch is hydraulically applied in
reverse gear only by pressurized fluid against the
overdrive/reverse piston. When the reverse clutch is
applied, the front sun gear assembly is driven.
FINAL DRIVE
DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: The differential is serviced as an assembly.
Differential service is limited to bearing cups and
cones. Any other differential component failure
must be remedied by differential assembly and
transfer shaft replacement.
Fig. 172 Input Clutch Assembly
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
3 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
4 - REVERSE CLUTCH
5 - OVERDRIVE SHAFT
6 - UNDERDRIVE SHAFT
21 - 190 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
AUTOSTICK SWITCH (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
SERVICE
NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules in
LUBRICATION and MAINTENANCE, or the vehicle
owner's manual, for the recommended maintenance
(fluid/filter change) intervals for this transaxle.
NOTE: Only fluids of the type labeled MoparTATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) 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. Refer to LUBRICA-
TION and MAINTENANCE for proper procedures.
Place a drain container 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) Install a new filter and o-ring on bottom of the
valve body (Fig. 211).
(4) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan
using new Mopar Silicone Adhesive sealant. Tighten
oil pan bolts to 19 N´m (165 in. lbs.).(5) Pour four quarts of MopartATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) through the dipstick opening.
(6) 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.
(7) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the lowest mark on the dip-
stick (Fig. 212).
(8) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has
reached normal operating temperature (180ÉF.). Refer
to Fluid Level and Condition Check for the proper
fluid fill procedure.
(9) 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.
Fig. 211 Filter and O-Ring
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - O-RING
Fig. 212 Fluid Level Indicator
1 - FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 203
FLUID (Continued)
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OPERATION
The relay is supplied fused B+ voltage, energized
by the PCM/TCM, and is used to supply power to the
solenoid pack when the transmission is in normal
operating mode. When the relay is ªoffº, no power is
supplied to the solenoid pack and the transmission is
in ªlimp-inº mode. After a controller reset (ignition
key turned to the ªrunº position or after cranking
engine), the PCM/TCM energizes the relay. Prior to
this, the PCM/TCM verifies that the contacts are
open by checking for no voltage at the switched bat-
tery terminals. After this is verified, the voltage at
the solenoid pack pressure switches is checked. After
the relay is energized, the PCM/TCM monitors the
terminals to verify that the voltage is greater than 3
volts.
TRANSMISSION RANGE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) is mounted
to the top of the valve body inside the transaxle and
can only be serviced by removing the valve body. The
electrical connector extends through the transaxle
case (Fig. 328).
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) has four
switch contacts that monitor shift lever position and
send the information to the PCM/TCM.The TRS also has an integrated temperature sen-
sor (thermistor) that communicates transaxle tem-
perature to the TCM and PCM (Fig. 329).
OPERATION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) (Fig. 328)
communicates shift lever position (SLP) to the PCM/
TCM as a combination of open and closed switches.
Each shift lever position has an assigned combination
of switch states (open/closed) that the PCM/TCM
receives from four sense circuits. The PCM/TCM inter-
prets this information and determines the appropriate
transaxle gear position and shift schedule.
Fig. 327 Transmission Control Relay Location
1 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
2 - LEFT FENDER
3 - INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE (IPM)
4 - BATTERY
Fig. 328 Transmission Range Sensor (TRS)
Location
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
Fig. 329 Transmission Temperature Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
2 - TEMPERATURE SENSOR
21 - 248 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY (Continued)
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