ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK
The park interlock cable is part of the brake/shift
lever interlock system. Correct cable adjustment is
important to proper interlock operation. The gear
shift and park lock cables must both be correctly
adjusted in order to shift out of PARK.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
(1) Remove floor console as necessary for access to
the brake transmission shift interlock cable. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Shift the transmission into the PARK position.
(3) Turn ignition switch to LOCK position.Be
sure ignition key cylinder is in the LOCK posi-
tion. Cable will not adjust correctly in any
other position.
(4) Pull cable lock button up to release cable (Fig.
72).
(5) Ensure that the cable is free to self-adjust by
pushing cable rearward and releasing.
(6) Push lock button down until it snaps in place.
BTSI FUNCTION CHECK
(1) Verify removal of ignition key allowed in PARK
position only.
(2) When the shift lever is in PARK, and the shift
handle push-button is in the out position, the igni-
tion key cylinder should rotate freely from off to lock.
When the shifter is in any other position, the ignition
key should not rotate from off to lock.
(3) Shifting out of PARK should be possible when
the ignition key cylinder is in the off position.
(4) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
while applying normal push-button force, and igni-
tion key cylinder is in the run or start positions,
unless the foot brake pedal is depressed approxi-
mately 1/2 inch (12mm).
(5) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the accessory or
lock position.
(6) Shifting between any gear and NEUTRAL, or
PARK, may be done without depressing foot brake
with ignition switch in run or start positions.
(7) The floor shifter lever and gate positions
should be in alignment with all transmission detent
positions.
Fig. 72 Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Cable
1 - SHIFT MECHANISM 4 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
2 - SHIFTER BTSI LEVER 5 - INTERLOCK CABLE
3 - ADJUSTMENT CLIP
21 - 64 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM (Continued)
(8) Install new seals on over drive piston.
(9) Stand transmission case upright on bellhous-
ing.
(10) Position Guide Ring 8114-1 on outer edge of
overdrive piston retainer.
(11) Position Seal Guide 8114-2 on inner edge of
overdrive piston retainer.
(12) Install overdrive piston in overdrive piston
retainer by: aligning locating lugs on overdrive piston
to the two mating holes in retainer.
(a) Aligning locating lugs on overdrive piston to
the two mating holes in retainer.
(b) Lubricate overdrive piston seals with Mopart
Door Ease, or equivalent.
(c) Install piston over Seal Guide 8114-2 and
inside Guide Ring 8114-1.
(d) Push overdrive piston into position in
retainer.
(e) Verify that the locating lugs entered the lug
bores in the retainer.
NOTE: Install the remaining transmission compo-
nents and the overdrive unit.
PARK LOCK CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Place the shifter in the PARK position.
(2) Lower the steering column cover.
(3) With the ignition switch in the ªRUNº position
depress the park lock cable locking tab, located on
top of the cable connector at the steering column and
pull the park lock cable straight out.
(4) Remove the park lock cable from steering col-
umn (Fig. 197).
(5) Remove the floor console and related trim.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(6) Disconnect the park lock cable from the shift
BTSI lever and remove the cable from the shifter
assembly bracket.
(7) Release the park lock cable from any remaining
clips.
(8) Remove park lock cable from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The gearshift cable must be secured into
position and properly adjusted before the installa-
tion of the Park Lock Cable.
(1) Verify that the shifter is in the PARK position.
(2) Push the park lock cable straight into the
square mounting hole in the steering column until
cable snaps in place.
(3) Route park lock cable to the shifter mecha-
nism.
(4) Install the park lock cable end fitting into
shifter BTSI lever.
(5) Pull rearward on the cable housing to snap
park lock cable adjuster ears into floor shifter
bracket.
(6) Place the ignition key cylinder in the ACCES-
SORY position.
(7) Push the cable adjuster lock clamp downward
to lock it.
(8) Test the park lock cable operation.
(9) Install the floor console and related trim.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
INSTALLATION)
Fig. 196 Aligning Overdrive Piston Retainer
1 - PISTON RETAINER
2 - GASKET
3 - RETAINER BOLTS
21 - 108 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER (Continued)
(2) Install new seal on switch and install switch in
case. Tighten switch to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Test continuity of new switch with 12V test
lamp.
(4) Connect switch wires and lower vehicle.
(5) Top off transmission fluid level.
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION
There are several sizes and types of pistons used in
an automatic transmission. Some pistons are used to
apply clutches. They all have in common the fact
that they are round or circular in shape, located
within a smooth walled cylinder, which is closed at
one end and converts fluid pressure into mechanical
movement. The fluid pressure exerted on the piston
is contained within the system through the use of
piston rings or seals.
OPERATION
The principal which makes this operation possible
is known as Pascal's Law. Pascal's Law can be stated
as: ªPressure on a confined fluid is transmitted
equally in all directions and acts with equal force on
equal areas.º
PRESSURE
Pressure (Fig. 199) is nothing more than force
(lbs.) divided by area (in or ft.), or force per unit
area. Given a 100 lb. block and an area of 100 sq. in.
on the floor, the pressure exerted by the block is: 100lbs. 100 in or 1 pound per square inch, or PSI as it is
commonly referred to.
PRESSURE ON A CONFINED FLUID
Pressure is exerted on a confined fluid (Fig. 200)
by applying a force to some given area in contact
with the fluid. A good example of this is a cylinder
filled with fluid and equipped with a piston that is
closely fitted to the cylinder wall. If a force is applied
to the piston, pressure will be developed in the fluid.
Of course, no pressure will be created if the fluid is
not confined. It will simply ªleakº past the piston.
There must be a resistance to flow in order to create
pressure. Piston sealing is extremely important in
hydraulic operation. Several kinds of seals are used
to accomplish this within a transmission. These
include but are not limited to O-rings, D-rings, lip
seals, sealing rings, or extremely close tolerances
between the piston and the cylinder wall. The force
exerted is downward (gravity), however, the principle
remains the same no matter which direction is taken.
The pressure created in the fluid is equal to the force
applied, divided by the piston area. If the force is 100
lbs., and the piston area is 10 sq. in., then the pres-
sure created equals 10 PSI. Another interpretation of
Pascal's Law is that regardless of container shape or
size, the pressure will be maintained throughout, as
long as the fluid is confined. In other words, the
pressure in the fluid is the same everywhere within
the container.
Fig. 198 Park/Neutral Position Switch
1 - NEUTRAL CONTACT
2 - MANUAL LEVER AND SWITCH PLUNGER IN REVERSE
POSITION
3 - PARK CONTACT
4 - SWITCH
Fig. 199 Force and Pressure Relationship
21 - 110 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH (Continued)
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
INTERLOCK MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION
The Brake Transmission Shifter/Ignition Interlock
(BTSI), is a cable and solenoid operated system. It
interconnects the automatic transmission floor
mounted shifter to the steering column ignition
switch (Fig. 57).
OPERATION
The system locks the shifter into the PARK posi-
tion. The interlock system is engaged whenever the
ignition switch is in the LOCK or ACCESSORY posi-
tion. An additional electrically activated feature will
prevent shifting out of the PARK position unless the
brake pedal is depressed approximately one-half an
inch. A magnetic holding device in the shifter assem-
bly is energized when the ignition is in the RUN
position. When the key is in the RUN position and
the brake pedal is depressed, the shifter is unlocked
and will move into any position. The interlock system
also prevents the ignition switch from being turned
to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, unless the
shifter is fully locked into the PARK position.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
(1) Verify that the key can only be removed in the
PARK position
(2) When the shift lever is in PARK And the shift
handle pushbutton is in the ªOUTº position, the igni-
tion key cylinder should rotate freely from OFF to
LOCK. When the shifter is in any other gear or neu-
tral position, the ignition key cylinder should not
rotate to the LOCK position.
(3) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the OFF posi-
tion.
(4) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
while applying normal pushbutton force and ignition
key cylinder is in the RUN or START positions
unless the foot brake pedal is depressed approxi-
mately 1/2 inch (12mm).
(5) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the ACCESSORY
or LOCK positions.
(6) Shifting between any gears, NEUTRAL or into
PARK may be done without depressing foot brake
pedal with ignition switch in RUN or START posi-
tions.
Fig. 57 Ignition Interlock Cable
1 - SHIFT MECHANISM 4 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
2 - SHIFTER BTSI LEVER 5 - INTERLOCK CABLE
3 - ADJUSTMENT CLIP
21 - 226 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK
The park interlock cable is part of the brake/shift
lever interlock system. Correct cable adjustment is
important to proper interlock operation. The gear
shift and park lock cables must both be correctly
adjusted in order to shift out of PARK.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
(1) Remove floor console as necessary for access to
the brake transmission shift interlock cable. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Shift the transmission into the PARK position.
(3) Turn ignition switch to LOCK position.Be
sure ignition key cylinder is in the LOCK posi-
tion. Cable will not adjust correctly in any
other position.
(4) Pull cable lock button up to release cable (Fig.
58).
(5) Ensure that the cable is free to self-adjust by
pushing cable rearward and releasing.
(6) Push lock button down until it snaps in place.
BTSI FUNCTION CHECK
(1) Verify removal of ignition key allowed in PARK
position only.
(2) When the shift lever is in PARK, and the shift
handle push-button is in the out position, the igni-
tion key cylinder should rotate freely from off to lock.
When the shifter is in any other position, the ignition
key should not rotate from off to lock.
(3) Shifting out of PARK should be possible when
the ignition key cylinder is in the off position.
(4) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
while applying normal push-button force, and igni-
tion key cylinder is in the run or start positions,
unless the foot brake pedal is depressed approxi-
mately 1/2 inch (12mm).
(5) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the accessory or
lock position.
(6) Shifting between any gear and NEUTRAL, or
PARK, may be done without depressing foot brake
with ignition switch in run or start positions.
(7) The floor shifter lever and gate positions
should be in alignment with all transmission detent
positions.
Fig. 58 Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Cable
1 - SHIFT MECHANISM 4 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
2 - SHIFTER BTSI LEVER 5 - INTERLOCK CABLE
3 - ADJUSTMENT CLIP
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 227
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM (Continued)
PARK LOCK CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Place the shifter in the PARK position.
(2) Lower the steering column cover.
(3) With the ignition switch in the ªRUNº position
depress the park lock cable locking tab, located on
top of the cable connector at the steering column and
pull the park lock cable straight out.
(4) Remove the park lock cable from steering col-
umn (Fig. 97).
(5) Remove the floor console and related trim.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(6) Disconnect the park lock cable from the shift
BTSI lever and remove the cable from the shifter
assembly bracket.
(7) Release the park lock cable from any remaining
clips.
(8) Remove park lock cable from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The gearshift cable must be secured into
position and properly adjusted before the installa-
tion of the Park Lock Cable.
(1) Verify that the shifter is in the PARK position.
(2) Push the park lock cable straight into the
square mounting hole in the steering column until
cable snaps in place.
(3) Route park lock cable to the shifter mecha-
nism.
(4) Install the park lock cable end fitting into
shifter BTSI lever.
(5) Pull rearward on the cable housing to snap
park lock cable adjuster ears into floor shifter
bracket.
(6) Place the ignition key cylinder in the ACCES-
SORY position.
(7) Push the cable adjuster lock clamp downward
to lock it.
(8) Test the park lock cable operation.
(9) Install the floor console and related trim.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
INSTALLATION)
Fig. 97 Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
1 - SHIFT MECHANISM 4 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
2 - SHIFTER BTSI LEVER 5 - INTERLOCK CABLE
3 - ADJUSTMENT CLIP
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 255
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION
There are several sizes and types of pistons used in
an automatic transmission. Some pistons are used to
apply clutches. They all have in common the fact
that they are round or circular in shape, located
within a smooth walled cylinder, which is closed at
one end and converts fluid pressure into mechanical
movement. The fluid pressure exerted on the piston
is contained within the system through the use of
piston rings or seals.
OPERATION
The principal which makes this operation possible
is known as Pascal's Law. Pascal's Law can be stated
as: ªPressure on a confined fluid is transmitted
equally in all directions and acts with equal force on
equal areas.º
PRESSURE
Pressure (Fig. 98) is nothing more than force (lbs.)
divided by area (in or ft.), or force per unit area.
Given a 100 lb. block and an area of 100 sq. in. on
the floor, the pressure exerted by the block is: 100
lbs. 100 in or 1 pound per square inch, or PSI as it is
commonly referred to.
PRESSURE ON A CONFINED FLUID
Pressure is exerted on a confined fluid (Fig. 99) by
applying a force to some given area in contact with
the fluid. A good example of this is a cylinder filled
with fluid and equipped with a piston that is closely
fitted to the cylinder wall. If a force is applied to the
piston, pressure will be developed in the fluid. Of
course, no pressure will be created if the fluid is not
confined. It will simply ªleakº past the piston. There
must be a resistance to flow in order to create pres-
sure. Piston sealing is extremely important in
hydraulic operation. Several kinds of seals are used
to accomplish this within a transmission. These
include but are not limited to O-rings, D-rings, lip
seals, sealing rings, or extremely close tolerances
between the piston and the cylinder wall. The force
exerted is downward (gravity), however, the principle
remains the same no matter which direction is taken.
The pressure created in the fluid is equal to the force
applied, divided by the piston area. If the force is 100
lbs., and the piston area is 10 sq. in., then the pres-
sure created equals 10 PSI. Another interpretation of
Pascal's Law is that regardless of container shape or
size, the pressure will be maintained throughout, as
long as the fluid is confined. In other words, the
pressure in the fluid is the same everywhere within
the container.
Fig. 98 Force and Pressure Relationship
Fig. 99 Pressure on a Confined Fluid
21 - 256 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
(2) Apply silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe it
on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil pas-
senger's clothing.
(3) Before applying lubricant, the component
should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess
lubricant should be removed.
(4) The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch
striker, and safety latch should be lubricated period-
ically.
(5) The door lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice each year (preferably autumn and spring).
(a) Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubri-
cant directly into the lock cylinder.
(b) Apply a small amount to the key and insert
it into the lock cylinder.
(c) Rotate it to the locked position and then back
to the unlocked position several times.(d) Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it
with a clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRILLING AND
WELDING
When holes must be drilled or punched in an inner
body panel, verify depth of space to the outer body
panel, electrical wiring, or other components. Dam-
age to vehicle can result.
Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use when
welding.
SPECIFICATIONS
BODY LUBRICANTS
COMPONENT SERVICE INTERVAL LUBRICANT
Door Hinges As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB
(Water Resistant) (1)
Door Latches As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB
(Water Resistant) (1)
Hood Latch, Release Mechanism and
Safety LatchAs Required
(When Performing Other
Underhood Service)Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Hood Hinges As Required Engine Oil
Seat Track and Release Mechanism As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Liftgate Hinge As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Liftgate Support Arms As Required Engine Oil
Liftgate Latches As Required White Spray Lubricant (3)
Liftgate Release Handle (Pivot and Slide
Contact Surfaces)As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Window System Components As Required White Spray Lubricant (3)
Lock Cylinders Twice a Year Lock-Cylinder Lubricant (4)
Parking Brake Mechanism As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (1)
1 = Mopar Wheel Bearing Grease (High
Temp)
2 = Mopar Multi-Mileage Lubricant
3 = Mopar Spray White Lube
4 = Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant
WJBODY 23 - 3
BODY (Continued)