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)
ProCarManuals.com
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump is located in the pump housing inside
the bell housing of the transaxle case (Fig. 283). The
oil pump consists of an inner and outer gear, a hous-
ing, and a cover that also serves as the reaction shaft
support.
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the inner and outer gears. As the gears
rotate, the clearance between the gear teeth
increases in the crescent area, and creates a suction
at the inlet side of the pump. This suction draws
fluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
clearance between the gear teeth in the crescent area
decreases, it forces pressurized fluid into the pump
outlet and to the valve body.
DISASSEMBLY
When disassembling the transaxle it is necessary
to inspect the oil pump for wear and damage.
(1) Remove the reaction shaft support bolts.
(2) Remove reaction shaft support from pump
housing (Fig. 284).
(3) Remove the pump gears (Fig. 285) and check
for wear and damage on pump housing and gears.
(4) Re-install the gears and check clearances.
(5) Measure the clearance between the outer gear
and the pump pocket (Fig. 286). Clearance should be
0.089±0.202 mm (0.0035-0.0079 in.).
(6) Measure clearance between outer gear and
crescent. Clearance should be 0.060-0.298 mm
(0.0023-0.0117 in.).
(7) Measure clearance between inner gear and
crescent. Clearance should be 0.093-0.385 mm
(0.0036-0.0151 in.).
(8) Position an appropriate piece of Plastigage
across both pump gears.
Fig. 282 Overdrive/Underdrive Shafts
1 - OVERDRIVE SHAFT
2 - #3 THRUST PLATE (3 TABS)
3 - #3 THRUST WASHER (5 TABS)4 - UNDERDRIVE SHAFT
5 - #2 NEEDLE BEARING (3 TABS)
6 - INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
21 - 230 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(9) Align the Plastigage to a flat area on the reac-
tion shaft support housing.
(10) Install the reaction shaft to the pump hous-
ing. Tighten the bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(11) Remove bolts and carefully separate the hous-
ings. Measure the Plastigage following the instruc-
tions supplied.(12) Clearance between outer gear side and the
reaction shaft support should be 0.020-0.046 mm
(0.0008-0.0018 in.). Clearance between inner gear
side and the reaction shaft support should be 0.020-
0.046 mm (0.0008-0.0018 in.).
Fig. 283 Oil Pump Assembly
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - OUTER PUMP GEAR
3 - INNER PUMP GEAR
4 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
5 - SEAL RINGS (4)
6 - REACTION SHAFT
7 - CRESCENT
Fig. 284 Reaction Shaft Support
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
3 - PUMP GEARS
Fig. 285 Oil Pump Assembly
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - OUTER PUMP GEAR
3 - INNER PUMP GEAR
4 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
5 - SEAL RINGS (4)
6 - REACTION SHAFT
7 - CRESCENT
Fig. 286 Measure Outer Gear to Pocket
1 - OUTER GEAR
2 - POCKET
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 231
OIL PUMP (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
ASSEMBLY
(1) Assemble oil pump as shown in (Fig. 287)
(2) Install and torque reaction shaft support-to-oil
pump housing bolts to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
DESCRIPTION
The planetary geartrain is located between the
input clutch assembly and the rear of the transaxle
case. The planetary geartrain consists of two sun
gears, two planetary carriers, two annulus (ring)
gears, and one output shaft (Fig. 288).
OPERATION
The planetary geartrain utilizes two planetary gear
sets that connect the transmission input shaft to the
output shaft. Input and holding clutches drive or lock
different planetary members to change output ratio
or direction.
SEAL - OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle from vehicle (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE
- REMOVAL).
(2) Using Tool C-3981-B, remove oil pump seal
(Fig. 289).
Fig. 287 Oil Pump Assembly
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - OUTER PUMP GEAR
3 - INNER PUMP GEAR
4 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
5 - SEAL RINGS (4)
6 - REACTION SHAFT
7 - CRESCENT
Fig. 288 Planetary Geartrain
1 - FRONT SUN GEAR ASSEMBLY
2 - #6 THRUST BEARING
3 - #7 THRUST BEARING
4 - REAR CARRIER/FRONT ANNULUS ASSEMBLY
5 - REAR SUN GEAR
6 - FRONT CARRIER/REAR ANNULUS ASSEMBLY
Fig. 289 Remove Oil Pump Seal
1 - TOOL C-3981±B
2 - OIL PUMP SEAL
21 - 232 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
OIL PUMP (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
INSTALLATION
(1) Using Tool C-4193, install oil pump seal (Fig.
290).
(2) Install transaxle to vehicle (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE
- INSTALLATION).
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION
The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock system
consists of an electro-magnetic solenoid mounted to
the steering column (Fig. 291). The solenoid's plunger
consists of an integrated hook, which operates the
shift lever pawl (part of shift lever assembly), and a
plunger return spring (Fig. 292). The solenoid also
has an integrated bracket, which facilitates fastening
to the steering column.
OPERATION
The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Sole-
noid prevents the transmission shift lever from being
moved out of PARK (P) unless the brake pedal is
applied. The BTSI solenoid is hardwired to and con-
trolled by the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). Battery
voltage is applied to one side of the solenoid with the
ignition key is in either the OFF, ON/RUN, or START
positions (Fig. 293). The ground side of the solenoid is
controlled by a driver within the IPM. It relies on volt-
age supplied from the stop lamp switch to the stop
lamp sense circuit within the IPM to tell when the
brake pedal is depressed. When the brake pedal is
depressed, the ground circuit opens, de-energizing the
solenoid. When the brake pedal is released, the ground
circuit is closed, energizing the solenoid.
When the ignition key is in either the OFF,
ON/RUN, or START positions, the BTSI solenoid is
energized, and the solenoid plunger hook pulls the
shift lever pawl into position, prohibiting the shift
lever from moving out of PARK (P) (Fig. 294). When
the brake pedal is depressed, the ground circuit
opens, de-energizing the solenoid. This moves the
gearshift lever pawl out of the way (Fig. 295), allow-
ing the shift lever to be moved into any gear position.
Fig. 290 Install Oil Pump Seal
1 - TOOL C-4193
2 - HANDLE TOOL C-4171
Fig. 291 Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
Solenoid Location
1 - BTSI SOLENOID
Fig. 292 Solenoid Plunger and Return Spring
1 - PLUNGER
2 - RETURN SPRING
3 - BTSI SOLENOID
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 233
SEAL - OIL PUMP (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
OPERATION
The Input Speed Sensor provides information on
how fast the input shaft is rotating. As the teeth of
the input clutch hub pass by the sensor coil (Fig.
310), an AC voltage is generated and sent to the
PCM/TCM. The PCM/TCM interprets this informa-
tion as input shaft rpm.
The PCM/TCM compares the input speed signal
with output speed signal to determine the following:
²Transmission gear ratio
²Speed ratio error detection
²CVI calculation
The PCM/TCM also compares the input speed sig-
nal and the engine speed signal to determine the fol-
lowing:
²Torque converter clutch slippage
²Torque converter element speed ratio
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) If necessary, disconnect and cap off transmis-
sion oil cooler lines.
(3) Disconnect input speed sensor connector.
(4) Unscrew and remove input speed sensor (Fig.
311).
(5) Inspect speed sensor o-ring (Fig. 312) and
replace if necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Verify o-ring is installed into position.
(2) Install and tighten input speed sensor to 27
N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect speed sensor connector.
(4) Connect battery negative cable.
Fig. 310 Sensor Relation to Input Clutch Hub
1 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - TRANSAXLE CASE
3 - INPUT CLUTCH HUB
Fig. 311 Input (Turbine) Speed Sensor
1 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
Fig. 312 O-ring Location
1 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - O-RING
21 - 240 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
SPEED SENSOR - INPUT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
SPEED SENSOR - OUTPUT
DESCRIPTION
The Output Speed Sensor is a two-wire magnetic
pickup device that generates an AC signal as rotation
occurs. It is threaded into the transaxle case (Fig.
313), sealed with an o-ring (Fig. 314), and is consid-
ered a primary input to the Powetrain/Transmission
Control Module.
OPERATION
The Output Speed Sensor provides information on
how fast the output shaft is rotating. As the rear
planetary carrier park pawl lugs pass by the sensor
coil (Fig. 315), an AC voltage is generated and sent to
the PCM/TCM. The PCM/TCM interprets this infor-
mation as output shaft rpm.
The PCM/TCM compares the input and output
speed signals to determine the following:
²Transmission gear ratio
²Speed ratio error detection
²CVI calculation
VEHICLE SPEED SIGNAL
The vehicle speed signal is taken from the Output
Speed Sensor. The PCM converts this signal into a
pulse per mile signal and sends the vehicle speed
message across the communication bus to the BCM.
The BCM sends this signal to the Instrument Cluster
to display vehicle speed to the driver. The vehicle
speed signal pulse is roughly 8000 pulses per mile.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Disconnect output speed sensor connector.
(4) Unscrew and remove output speed sensor (Fig.
316).
(5) Inspect speed sensor o-ring (Fig. 317) and
replace if necessary.
Fig. 313 Output Speed Sensor
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
Fig. 314 O-Ring Location
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - O-RING
Fig. 315 Sensor Relation to Planet Carrier Park Pawl
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - REAR PLANET CARRIER/OUTPUT SHAFT ASSEMBLY
3 - TRANSAXLE CASE
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 241
ProCarManuals.com
INSTALLATION
(1) Verify o-ring is installed into position (Fig.
317).
(2) Install and tighten input speed sensor to 27
N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect speed sensor connector.
(4) Connect battery negative cable.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter (Fig. 318) is a hydraulic
device that couples the engine crankshaft to the
transmission. The torque converter consists of an
outer shell with an internal turbine, a stator, an
overrunning clutch, an impeller and an electronically
applied converter clutch. The converter clutch pro-
vides reduced engine speed and greater fuel economy
when engaged. Clutch engagement also provides
reduced transmission fluid temperatures. The con-
verter clutch engages in third gear. The torque con-
verter hub drives the transmission oil (fluid) pump.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that
is not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
Fig. 316 Output Speed Sensor
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
Fig. 317 O-ring Location
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - O-RINGFig. 318 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE
2 - IMPELLER
3 - HUB
4-STATOR
5 - CONVERTER CLUTCH DISC
6 - DRIVE PLATE
21 - 242 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
SPEED SENSOR - OUTPUT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com