CYLINDER BORE
NOTE: The cylinder bores should be measured at
normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C119 or equivalent (Fig.
45) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). If
the cylinder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the
cylinder block should be replaced, and new pistons
and rings fitted.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 45). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (CAM IN
BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION
The hydraulic lifters are a roller type design and
are positioned in the cylinder block. The lifters are
aligned and retained by a yoke and a retainer (Fig.
47).Lifter alignment is maintained by machined flats
on lifter body. Lifters are fitted in pairs into six
aligning yokes. The aligning yokes are secured by a
yoke retainer (Fig. 47).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
LIFTERS
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS DIAGNOSIS - PRELIMINARY
STEP
Before disassembling any part of the engine to cor-
rect lifter noise, check the engine oil pressure. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
Check engine oil level. The oil level in the pan
should never be above the MAX mark on dipstick, or
below the MIN mark. Either of these two conditions
could cause noisy lifters.
OIL LEVEL TOO HIGH
If oil level is above the MAX mark on dipstick, it is
possible for the connecting rods to dip into the oil
while engine is running and create foaming. Foam in
oil pan would be fed to the hydraulic lifters by the oil
pump causing them to become soft and allow valves
to seat noisily.
OIL LEVEL TOO LOW
Low oil level may allow pump to take in air which
when fed to the lifters it causes them to become soft
and allows valves to seat noisily. Any leaks on intake
side of pump, through which air can be drawn, will
create the same lifter noise. Check the lubrication
system from the intake strainer to the oil pump
cover, including the relief valve retainer cap. When
lifter noise is due to aeration, it may be intermittent
or constant, and usually more than one lifter will be
noisy. When oil level and leaks have been corrected,
the engine should be operated at fast idle to allow all
of the air inside of the lifters to be bled out.
VALVE TRAIN NOISE
To determine source of valve train noise, operate
engine at idle with cylinder head covers removed and
listen for source of the noise.
NOTE: Worn valve guides or cocked springs are
sometimes mistaken for noisy lifters. If such is the
case, noise may be dampened by applying side
thrust on the valve spring. If noise is not apprecia-
bly reduced, it can be assumed the noise is in the
tappet. Inspect the rocker arm push rod sockets
and push rod ends for wear.
Fig. 45 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 113
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
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Valve lifter noise ranges from light noise to a
heavy click. A light noise is usually caused by exces-
sive leak-down around the unit plunger which will
necessitate replacing the lifter, or by the plunger par-
tially sticking in the lifter body cylinder. A heavy
click is caused either by a lifter check valve not seat-
ing, or by foreign particles becoming wedged between
the plunger and the lifter body causing the plunger
to stick in the down position. This heavy click will be
accompanied by excessive clearance between the
valve stem and rocker arm as valve closes. In either
case, lifter assembly should be removed for inspec-
tion.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cylinder head(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the yoke retainer and aligning yokes
(Fig. 47).
(3) Remove the hydraulic lifters. If necessary use
Special Tool C-4129, or equivalent to remove lifters
from bores. If lifters are to be reused, identify each
lifter to ensure installation in original location.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the lifters with engine oil.
NOTE: Position the lifter in bore with the lubrication
hole facing upward (Fig. 46).
(2) Install the hydraulic lifters with the lubrication
hole facing upward towards middle of block (Fig. 46).
Install lifters in original positions, if reused.(3) Install lifter aligning yokes (Fig. 47).
(4) Install yoke retainer and torque screws to 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 47).
(5) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(6) Start and operate engine. Warm up to normal
operating temperature.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to valve mechanism,
engine must not be run above fast idle until all
hydraulic lifters have filled with oil and have
become quiet.
Fig. 46 LIFTER LUBRICATION HOLE
Fig. 47 Lifter Aligning Yoke and Retainer
1 - YOKE RETAINER
2 - BOLT - YOKE RETAINER
3 - ALIGNING YOKE
4 - HYDRAULIC LIFTER
9 - 114 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (CAM IN BLOCK) (Continued)
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(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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CAUTION: The special screws used for attaching
the EGR tube and power steering reservoir to the
manifold must be installed slowly using hand tools
only. This requirement is to prevent the melting of
material that causes stripped threads. If threads
become stripped, an oversize repair screw is avail-
able. For more information and procedure (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD STRIPPED
THREAD REPAIR).
(7) Install the power steering reservoir (Fig. 115).
Tighten screws to manifold to 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(8) Connect throttle and speed control cables to
throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
INJECTION/THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE -
INSTALLATION)
(9) Attach make up air hose clip into the hole in
the throttle cable bracket.
(10) Connect the wiring connectors to the throttle
position sensor (TPS) and Automatic Idle Speed (AIS)
motor.
(11) Install air cleaner and air inlet hose assembly.
(12) Connect the inlet air temperature (IAT) sen-
sor electrical connector.
(13) Connect battery negative cable.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
REMOVAL - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
(before attempting any repairs).(Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Remove the upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL LINES - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(5) Remove ignition coil and bracket (Fig. 119).
(6) Disconnect heater supply hose and engine cool-
ant temperature sensor (Fig. 120).
(7) Disconnect the fuel injector wire harness.
(8) Remove the fuel injectors and rail assembly
(Fig. 119).
(9) Remove radiator upper hose.
(10) Remove the intake manifold bolts.
(11) Remove lower intake manifold (Fig. 121).WARNING: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS MADE
OF VERY THIN METAL AND MAY CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY, HANDLE WITH CARE.
(12) Remove intake manifold seal retainers screws
(Fig. 121). Remove intake manifold gasket.
(13) Inspect and clean manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSPECTION) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/
INTAKE MANIFOLD - CLEANING)
CLEANING
(1) Discard gasket(s).
(2) Clean all sealing surfaces.
INSPECTION
Check for:
²Damage and cracks of each section.
²Clogged water passages in end cross-overs (if
equipped).
Fig. 119 FUEL RAIL AND IGNITION COIL &
BRACKET
1 - FUEL RAIL
2 - BOLT - FUEL RAIL
3 - NUT - IGNITION COIL
4 - BOLT - IGNITION COIL
5 - IGNITION COIL
6 - BRACKET - IGNITION COIL
7 - STUD - IGNITION COIL
8 - SEPARATOR - SPARK PLUG CABLE
9 - BRACKET - SPARK PLUG CABLE SEPARATOR
10 - BOLT - SEPARATOR BRACKET
11 - BRACKET - SPARK PLUG CABLE SEPARATOR
9 - 148 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER (Continued)
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OPERATION
Heat shields are needed to protect both the vehicle
and the environment from the high temperatures
developed near the catalytic converter.
Avoid application of rust prevention com-
pounds or undercoating materials to exhaust
system floor pan heat shields on cars so
equipped. Light over spray near the edges is
permitted. Application of coating will greatly
reduce the efficiency of the heat shields result-
ing in excessive floor pan temperatures and
objectionable fumes.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove fasteners attaching applicable heat
shield (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove heat shield(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position heat shield(s) to underbody.
(2) Install heat shield fasteners and tighten to 2.6
N´m (23 in. lbs.) (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Lower vehicle.
MUFFLER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on a body contact type hoist.
NOTE: To provide removal clearance between muf-
fler/resonator pipe and rear axle parts, the rear sus-
pension must be relieved of all body weight.
(2) Apply a penetrating oil to clamp nuts of com-
ponent requiring removal.
CAUTION: When servicing the exhaust system, care
must be exercised not to dent or bend the bellows
of the flex-joint. Should this occur, the flex-joint will
eventually fail, requiring replacement of the cata-
lytic converter.
(3) Disconnect the right side axle half shaft from
the rear differential module (AWD equipped only).
(4) Loosen the band clamp (Fig. 10) at the muffler
to converter pipe connection.
(5) Remove the exhaust hangers to body screws
(Fig. 10).
(6) Separate muffler pipe from converter pipe.
(7) Remove muffler/resonator assembly by moving
assembly forward and guiding the resonator through
the rear axle to body opening.
(8) Clean ends of pipes or muffler to assure mat-
ing of all parts. Discard broken or worn insulators,
rusted clamps, supports and attaching parts.When
replacement is required on any component of
the exhaust system, it is important that original
equipment parts (or equivalent) be used for the
following conditions:
²Ensure proper alignment with other components
in the system.
²Provide acceptable exhaust noise levels.
²Provide proper exhaust system back pressure for
maintaining emission and performance levels.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the muffler/resonator assembly by guid-
ing resonator between the rear axle and body.
(2) Connect the muffler pipe to the converter pipe
but do not tighten band clamp (Fig. 10).
(3) Position hangers to body and install screws
starting at the resonator working forward (Fig. 10).
Tighten hanger screws to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
Fig. 8 MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD
1 - HEAT SHIELD - MUFFLER
2 - SCREW (QTY. 6)
Fig. 9 RESONATOR PIPE HEAT SHIELD
1 - SCREW (QTY. 3)
2 - HEAT SHIELD - RESONATOR PIPE
3 - MUFFLER
RSEXHAUST SYSTEM11-7
HEAT SHIELDS (Continued)
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1 second. Therefore, battery voltage is not supplied to
the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors and heated
oxygen sensors.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. If the vehicle is in
park or neutral (automatic transaxles) or the clutch
pedal is depressed (manual transaxles) the ignition
switch energizes the starter relay when the engine is
not running. The following actions occur when the
starter motor is engaged.
²If the PCM receives the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor signals, it energizes
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay.
If the PCM does not receive both signals within
approximately one second, it will not energize the
ASD relay and fuel pump relay. The ASD and fuel
pump relays supply battery voltage to the fuel pump,
fuel injectors, ignition coil, (EGR solenoid and PCV
heater if equipped) and heated oxygen sensors.
²The PCM energizes the injectors (on the 69É
degree falling edge) for a calculated pulse width until
it determines crankshaft position from the camshaft
position sensor and crankshaft position sensor sig-
nals. The PCM determines crankshaft position within
1 engine revolution.
²After determining crankshaft position, the PCM
begins energizing the injectors in sequence. It adjusts
injector pulse width and controls injector synchroni-
zation by turning the individual ground paths to the
injectors On and Off.
²When the engine idles within 64 RPM of its
target RPM, the PCM compares current MAP sensor
value with the atmospheric pressure value received
during the Ignition Switch On (zero RPM) mode.
Once the ASD and fuel pump relays have been
energized, the PCM determines injector pulse width
based on the following:
²MAP
²Engine RPM
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature
²Inlet/Intake air temperature (IAT)
²Throttle position
²The number of engine revolutions since cranking
was initiated
During Start-up the PCM maintains ignition tim-
ing at 9É BTDC.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Engine coolant temperature
²Inlet/Intake air temperature (IAT)²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²A/C switch status
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
²Speed control
²O2 sensors
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle
speed. Engine idle speed is adjusted through the idle
air control motor.
CRUISE OR IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising or idle
the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²Exhaust gas oxygen content (O2 sensors)
²A/C switch status
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed and ignition
timing. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio according
to the oxygen content in the exhaust gas (measured
by the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sen-
sor).
The PCM monitors for engine misfire. During
active misfire and depending on the severity, the
PCM either continuously illuminates or flashes the
malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine light on
instrument panel). Also, the PCM stores an engine
misfire DTC in memory, if 2nd trip with fault.
The PCM performs several diagnostic routines.
They include:
²Oxygen sensor monitor
²Downstream heated oxygen sensor diagnostics
during open loop operation (except for shorted)
²Fuel system monitor
²EGR monitor (if equipped)
²Purge system monitor
²Catalyst efficiency monitor
²All inputs monitored for proper voltage range,
rationality.
RSFUEL INJECTION14-19
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)
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²Deceleration air flow control
²A/C compressor load control (also opens the pas-
sage slightly before the compressor is engaged so
that the engine rpm does not dip down when the
compressor engages)
Target Idle
Target idle is determined by the following inputs:
²Gear position
²ECT Sensor
²Battery voltage
²Ambient/Battery Temperature Sensor
²VSS
²TPS
²MAP Sensor
REMOVAL
When servicing throttle body components, always
reassemble components with new O-rings and seals
where applicable. Never use lubricants on O-rings or
seals, damage may result. If assembly of component
is difficult, use water to aid assembly. Use care when
removing hoses to prevent damage to hose or hose
nipple.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove electrical connector from idle air con-
trol motor (Fig. 17).
(3) Remove idle air control motor mounting screws.
(4) Remove motor from throttle body. Ensure the
O-rings is removed with the motor.
INSTALLATION
When servicing throttle body components, always
reassemble components with new O-rings and seals
where applicable. Never use lubricants on O-rings orseals, damage may result. If assembly of component
is difficult,a light coat of engine oil may be
applied to the O-RINGS ONLY (Fig. 18)to aid
assembly. Use care when removing hoses to prevent
damage to hose or hose nipple.
(1) Carefully place idle air control motor into
throttle body.
(2) Install mounting screw. Tighten screws to 2.5
N´m (22.1 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to idle air control
motor.
(4) Connect negative cable to battery.
INLET AIR TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The IAT Sensor is a Negative Temperature Coeffi-
cient (NTC) Sensor that provides information to the
PCM regarding the temperature of the air entering
the intake manifold (Fig. 19).
OPERATION
Inlet/Intake Air Temperature (NGC)
The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor value is
used by the PCM to determine air density.
The PCM uses this information to calculate:
²Injector pulse width
²Adjustment of ignition timing (to prevent spark
knock at high intake air temperatures)
Battery Temperature (SBEC Vehicles without
Battery Temperature sensor)
The inlet air temperature sensor replaces the
intake air temperature sensor and the battery tem-
perature sensor. The PCM uses the information from
the inlet air temperature sensor to determine values
Fig. 17 IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE LOCATION
Fig. 18 O-RINGS
1 - O-rings
RSFUEL INJECTION14-29
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR (Continued)
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PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT W/O SHIM
(1) Remove the bearing cup from the differential
bearing retainer using Miller special Tool 6062A.
(2) Remove existing shim from under bearing cup.
(3) Reinstall the bearing cup into the retainer
using Miller Special Tool 6061, and C-4171.
NOTE: Oil baffle is not required when making the
shim calculation.
(4) Install the bearing retainer into the case.
Torque bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Position the transaxle assembly vertically on
the support stand and install Miller Special Tool
L-4436-A into the bearing retainer.
(6) Rotate the differential at least one full revolu-
tion to ensure the tapered roller bearings are fully
seated.
(7) Attach a dial indicator to the case and zero the
dial. Place the tip on the end of Special Tool
L-4436-A.
(8) Place a large screwdriver to each side of the
ring gear and lift. Check the dial indicator for the
amount of end play.
CAUTION: Do not damage the transaxle case and/or
differential retainer sealing surface.
(9) Using the end play measurement that was
determined, add 0.18mm (0.007 inch). This should
give you between 5-18 inch pounds of bearing pre-
load. Refer to the Differential Bearing Shim Chart to
determine which shim to use.
(10) Remove the differential bearing retainer.
Remove the bearing cup.
(11) Install the oil baffle. Install the proper shim
combination under the bearing cup.
(12) Install the differential bearing retainer. Seal
the retainer to the housing with MopartSilicone
Rubber Adhesive Sealant. Torque bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.).
(13) Using Miller Special Tool L-4436-A and an
inch-pound torque wrench, check the turning torque
of the differential (Fig. 208). The turning torque
should be between 5-18 inch-pounds.
NOTE: If turning torque is too high install a 0.05mm
(0.002 inch) thicker shim. If the turning torque is too
low, install a 0.05mm (0.002 inch) thinner shim.
Repeat until 5-18 inch-pounds of turning torque is
obtained.
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION CHECK
NOTE: Only transmission fluid of the type labeled
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
should be used in this transaxle.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The transmission sump has a fluid level indicator
(dipstick) to check oil similar to most automatic
transmissions. It is located on the left side of the
engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle
before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park
to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.The
engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground.At normal operating temperature 82É C
(180É F), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT
region on the oil level indicator (Fig. 209). The fluid
level should be within the COLD region of the dip-
stick at 27É C (80É F) fluid temperature.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK USING DRB
NOTE: Engine and Transaxle should be at normal
operating temperature before performing this proce-
dure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Hook up DRB scan tool and select transmis-
sion.
Fig. 209 Fluid Level Indicator
1 - FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 201
FINAL DRIVE (Continued)
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