CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped plugs. 1. Clean plugs and set gap.
2. Contamination in fuel system. 2. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
3. Faulty fuel pump. 3. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
4. Incorrect valve timing. 4. Correct valve timing.
5. Leaking cylinder head gasket. 5. Replace cylinder head gasket.
6. Low compression. 6. Test compression of each
cylinder.
7. Burned, warped, or pitted valves. 7. Replace valves.
8. Plugged or restricted exhaust
system.8. Perform exhaust restriction test.
(Refer to 11 - EXHAUST SYSTEM -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) Install
new parts, as necessary.
9. Faulty ignition coil(s). 9. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
ENGINE MISSES ON
ACCELERATION1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped spark
plugs.1. Clean spark plugs and set gap.
2. Contamination in Fuel System. 2. Clean fuel system and replace
fuel filter.
3. Burned, warped, or pitted valves. 3. Replace valves.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
ENGINE MISSES AT HIGH SPEED 1. Dirty or incorrect spark plug gap. 1. Clean spark plugs and set gap.
2. Faulty ignition coil(s). 2. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
3. Dirty fuel injector(s). 3. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
4. Contamination in fuel system. 4. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-79
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(1) Inspect air cleaner, induction system and
intake manifold to insure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(2) Remove negative battery cable.
(3) Place a shop towel around the spark plugs
when removing them from the engine. This will catch
any fluid that may possibly be in the cylinder under
pressure.
(4) With all spark plugs removed, rotate engine
crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket.
(5) Identify the fluid in the cylinder(s) (i.e., cool-
ant, fuel, oil or other).
(6) Make sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders. Inspect engine for damage (i.e., connecting
rods, pistons, valves, etc.)
(7) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from re-occurring.
CAUTION: Squirt approximately one teaspoon of oil
into the cylinders, rotate engine to lubricate the cyl-
inder walls to prevent damage on restart.
(8) Install new spark plugs.
(9) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(10) Install a new oil filter.
(11) Fill engine with specified amount of approved
oil.
(12) Connect negative battery cable.
(13) Start engine and check for any leaks.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIR OF
DAMAGED OR WORN THREADS
Damaged or worn threads (excluding spark plug
and camshaft bearing cap attaching threads) can be
repaired. Essentially, this repair consists of drilling
out worn or damaged threads, tapping the hole with
a special Heli-Coil Tap, (or equivalent) and installing
an insert into the tapped hole. This brings the hole
back to its original thread size.
CAUTION: Be sure that the tapped holes maintain
the original center line.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from automotive parts jobbers.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE CORE AND
OIL GALLERY PLUGS
Using a blunt tool such as a drift and a hammer,
strike the bottom edge of the cup plug. With the cup
plug rotated, grasp firmly with pliers or other suit-
able tool and remove plug (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Do not drive cup plug into the casting as
restricted cooling can result and cause serious
engine problems.Thoroughly clean inside of cup plug hole in cylin-
der block or head. Be sure to remove old sealer.
Lightly coat inside of cup plug hole with Mopart
Stud and Bearing Mount. Make certain the new plug
is cleaned of all oil or grease. Using proper drive
plug, drive plug into hole so that the sharp edge of
the plug is at least 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) inside the
lead-in chamfer.
It is not necessary to wait for curing of the sealant.
The cooling system can be refilled and the vehicle
placed in service immediately.
REMOVAL - ENGINE ASSEMBLY
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure (Refer
to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(3) Remove air cleaner and hoses.
(4) Disconnect the fuel line from fuel rail (Refer to
14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK
CONNECT FITTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Remove the wiper module (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
REMOVAL).
(6) Block off heater hoses to the rear heater sys-
tem using pinch-off pliers (if equipped).
(7) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Disconnect the heater hoses.
(9) Remove the radiator upper support crossmem-
ber (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPEN-
ING REINFORCEMENT - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the radiator fans (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
Fig. 5 Core Hole Plug Removal
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - REMOVE PLUG WITH PLIERS
3 - STRIKE HERE WITH HAMMER
4 - DRIFT PUNCH
5 - CUP PLUG
9 - 86 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(47) Connect the radiator upper hose.
(48) Connect the heater hoses. Remove pinch-off
pliers from the rear heater hoses (if equipped).
(49) Install the radiator upper support crossmem-
ber (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPEN-
ING REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION).
(50) Install the wiper module (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
INSTALLATION).
(51) Connect the fuel line to fuel rail (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL LINES -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(52) Install the air cleaner and hoses.
(53) Install new oil filter. Fill engine crankcase
with proper oil to correct level.
(54) Connect negative cable to battery.
(55) Fill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(56) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached.
(57) Adjust transmission linkage, if necessary.
SPECIFICATIONS
3.3/3.8L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
General Specification
Type 60É V-6 Engine
Number of Cylinders 6
Displacement
Ð3.3L 3.3 Liters
(201 cu. in.)
Ð3.8L 3.8 Liters
(231 cu. in.)
Bore
Ð3.3L 93.0 mm
(3.66 in.)
Ð3.8L 96.0 mm
(3.779 in.)
Stroke
Ð3.3L 81.0 mm
(3.188 in.)
Ð3.8L 87.0 mm
(3.425 in.)
Compression Ratio
Ð3.3L 9.35:1
Ð3.8L 9.6:1
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Number (Front
to Rear)
ÐFront Bank 2,4,6
ÐRear Bank 1,3,5
Compression PressureÐ
Minimum689.5 kPa
(100 psi)
Max. Variation Between
Cylinders25%
Cylinder Block
Cylinder Bore Diameter
(Standard)
Ð3.3L 92.993±93.007 mm
(3.661±3.6617 in.)
Ð3.8L 95.993±96.007 mm
(3.7792±3.780 in.)
Out-of-Round (Service
Limits)0.076 mm
(0.003 in.)
Taper (Service Limits) 0.051 mm
(0.002 in.)
Lifter Bore Diameter 22.980±23.010 mm
(0.905±0.906 in.)
Deck Surface Flatness
(Max.)0.1 mm
(0.004 in.)
Pistons
Piston Diameter
Ð3.3L ÐMeasured 39.8
mm (1.567 in.) from
piston top92.968±92.998 mm
(3.660±3.661 in.)
Ð3.8L ÐMeasured 33.01
mm (1.30 in.) from piston
top95.968±95.998 mm
(3.778±3.779 in.)
Clearance in Bore @
Size Location (New)-0.005±0.039 mm
(-0.0002±0.0015 in.)
Weight
Ð3.3L 362 5 grams
(12.77 0.1764 oz.)
Ð3.8L 426 5 grams
(15.03 0.1764 oz.)
Piston Pins
Type Press Fit in Rod
(Serviced as an
Assembly)
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-91
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL AND
FILTER CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in the Maintenance Schedule. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTE-
NANCE SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION)
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
Run engine until achieving normal operating tem-
perature.
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn
engine off.
(2) Open hood, remove oil fill cap (Fig. 96).
(3) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
Refer to Hoisting and Jacking Recommendations.
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase
drain (Fig. 95).
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase (Fig. 95)
and allow oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug
threads for stretching or other damage. Replace
drain plug and gasket if damaged.
(6) Remove oil filter. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL FILTER - REMOVAL)
(7) Install and tighten drain plug in crankcase.(8) Install new oil filter. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL FILTER - INSTALLATION)
(9) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified
type and amount of engine oil. (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION)
(10) Install oil fill cap.
(11) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(12) Stop engine and inspect oil level.
NOTE: Care should be exercised when disposing
used engine oil after it has been drained from a
vehicle engine. Refer to the WARNING listed above.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
The best time to check engine oil level is after it
has sat overnight, or if the engine has been running,
allow the engine to be shut off for at least 5 minutes
before checking oil level.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading (Fig. 96). Add only when the level is at or
below the ADD mark.
Fig. 95 Engine Oil Drain Plug and Oil Filter
1 - DRAIN PLUG
2 - OIL FILTER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 137
ProCarManuals.com
FUEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FUEL DELIVERY..........................1FUEL INJECTION........................17
FUEL DELIVERY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FUEL DELIVERY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................2
DESCRIPTION - FFV REPLACEMENT
PARTS...............................2
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL DELIVERY
SYSTEM.............................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE.......2
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAINING
FUEL TANK...........................2
SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE..............3
TORQUE.............................3
SPECIAL TOOLS
FUEL................................3
FUEL FILTER
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT / SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
FUEL LINES
DESCRIPTION - FUEL LINES/HOSES AND
CLAMPS.............................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOSES AND
CLAMP..............................6
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
OPERATION............................7REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
FUEL PUMP
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................7
FUEL PUMP MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
FUEL RAIL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................9
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L....................9
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L..................10
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L................10
FUEL TANK
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
INLET FILTER
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
QUICK CONNECT FITTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - QUICK-CONNECT
FITTINGS...........................13
RSFUEL SYSTEM14-1
ProCarManuals.com
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
ProCarManuals.com
nect rubber fuel fill or vent hoses from tank at this
time.
(7) Place a transmission jack under center of fuel
tank. Apply a slight amount of pressure to fuel tank
with transmission jack.
(8) Remove fuel tank mounting strap nuts from
mounting strap studs.
(9)Lower the tank just enough so that the
filler tube fitting is the highest point of the fuel
tank.
(10) Remove filler tube from fuel tank. Tank will
be drained through this fitting.
WARNING: WRAP SHOP TOWELS AROUND HOSES
TO CATCH ANY GASOLINE SPILLAGE.(11) Drain fuel tank into holding tank or a prop-
erly labeledGasolinesafety container.
CAUTION: GASOLINE OR GASOLINE VAPORS ARE
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. A FIRE COULD OCCUR IF AN
IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT. NEVER DRAIN OR
STORE GASOLINE OR DIESEL FUEL IN AN OPEN
CONTAINER, DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE
OR EXPLOSION.
(12) If fuel pump module removal is necessary,
refer to Fuel Pump Module Removal/Installation in
this section.
SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
400 kpa 34 kpa (58 psi 5 psi)
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Fuel Filler Neck Clamp 3.3 30
Fuel Rail 2.4L 22 200
Fuel Rail 3.3/3.8L 11.8 105
Fuel Tank Strap 54 40
Fuel Tank T Strap 28.2 250
Fuel Filter Bolt 4.5 40
SPECIAL TOOLS
FUEL
Pressure Gauge Assembly C±4799±B
Fuel Pressure Test Adapter 6539
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-3
FUEL DELIVERY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
FUEL FILTER
REMOVAL
(1) Release fuel pressure, refer to the Fuel release
procedure in this section.
(2) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(3) Raise vehicle and support.
(4) Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack.
(5) Remove fuel line from the front of the tank.
(6) Remove ground strap(7) Remove the inboard side of the fuel tank straps
and front T strap fastner.
(8) Lower the tank about 6 inches (Fig. 1).
(9) Remove fuel lines from the fuel pump module.
(10) Remove fuel filter from tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fuel filter to tank. Tighten bolt to 4.5
N´m (40 in. lbs.)
(2) Install fuel lines to the fuel pump module (Fig.
1).
(3) Raise tank into position.
(4) Install the fuel tank straps.Tighten bolt for
main straps to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) and the T strap
bolt to 28.2 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
(5) Install the ground strap
(6) Connect the fuel line at the front of the tank.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Connect the negative battery cable.
(9) Pressurize the fuel system with the DRBIIIt
and check for leaks.
FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT /
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel gauge level sending unit is attached to the
side of fuel pump module. The level sensor is a vari-
able resistor.
Spanner Wrench 6856
Fuel Line Adapter 1/4
O2S (Oxygen Sensor) Remover/InstallerÐC-4907
O2S (Oxygen Sensor) Remover/Installer - 8439
Fig. 1 FUEL FILTER
14 - 4 FUEL DELIVERYRS
FUEL DELIVERY (Continued)
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