(10) Install the coupling onto the intermediate
shaft and install the pinch bolt. Tighten the pinch
bolt to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Install the cable from the bracket on the col-
umn, then install the pinch side clips.
(12) Reconnect the shift cable at the lever.
(13) Reconnect the wiring harness connectors to
the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo lamp,
SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI solenoid.
(14) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the vibration damper weight.
(16) Install the steering wheel retaining nut.
Tighten the nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
(17) Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - INSTALLATION).
(19) Install the parking brake handle link.
(20) Install the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(21) Install the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
INSTALLATION).
(22) Install the upper shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - INSTAL-
LATION).
(23) Install the traction off switch.
(24) Install the lower shroud.
SPECIFICATIONS
COLUMN TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Driver Airbag Attaching Bolts 10 Ð 90
Steering Column Coupling
Pinch Bolt28 Ð 250
Steering Column Mounting
Nuts12 Ð 105
Steering Wheel Retaining
Nut61 45 Ð
IGNITION SWITCH
REMOVAL
The ignition switch attaches to the lock cylinder
housing on the end opposite the lock cylinder (Fig. 7).
For ignition switch terminal and circuit identifica-
tion, refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining screws
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 7 Ignition SwitchÐViewed From Below Column
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
3 - RETAINING TABS
Fig. 8 Steering Column Cover
1 - SCREWS
2 - STEERING COLUMN COVER
19 - 14 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)
(3) Remove parking brake release cable from han-
dle (Fig. 9).
(4) Remove screws holding steering column
shrouds (Fig. 10)and remove lower shroud.(5) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Depress
lock cylinder retaining tab and remove key cylinder
(Fig. 11).
(6) Remove ignition switch mounting screw (Fig.
12) with a #10 Torxttamper proof bit.
(7) Depress retaining tab (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 13) and
gently pry ignition switch from steering column (Fig.
14).
(8) Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition
switch and remove switch (Fig. 15).
Fig. 9 Parking Brake Release Cable
1 - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
2 - PARKING BRAKE HANDLE
Fig. 10 Steering Column Shroud Screws
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SCREWS
3 - LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHROUD
Fig. 11 Lock Cylinder Retaining Tab
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - RETAINING TAB
Fig. 12 Ignition Switch Mounting Screw
1 - MOUNTING SCREW
2 - IGNITION SWITCH
RSCOLUMN19-15
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION INTERLOCK
All vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles
have an interlock system. The system prevents shift-
ing the vehicle out of Park unless the ignition lock
cylinder is in the Unlock, Run or Start position. In
addition, the operator cannot rotate the key to the
lock position unless the shifter is in the park posi-
tion. On vehicles equipped with floor shift refer to
the - Transaxle for Automatic Transmission Shifter/
Ignition Interlock.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all Steering Col-
umn and Airbag Warnings and Cautions. (Refer to
19 - STEERING/COLUMN - WARNING)(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - WARNING)
(1) Remove battery ground cable terminal from
battery negative post and isolate.
(2) Under instrument panel, remove silencer panel
below lower steering column cover.
(3) Remove screws securing lower steering column
cover/knee blocker, then remove it (Fig. 17).
(4) Disconnect parking brake release link at
release handle.
(5) Compress tabs on sides of data link diagnostic
connector and remove it from knee blocker reinforce-
ment plate.(6) Remove screws securing knee blocker reinforce-
ment plate in place, then remove reinforcement plate
(Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the upper and lower column shrouds.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - REMOVAL)
(8) Unsnap the trim bezel on the instrument panel
between the instrument cluster and the steering col-
umn.
(9) Remove the 2 screws securing the steering col-
umn fixed shroud to the steering column (Fig. 18),
then remove the shroud.
(10) Remove the two screws holding the metal
cover in place below the shifter/ignition interlock
linkage (Fig. 19), then remove the cover.
Fig. 17 Lower Steering Column Cover And
Reinforcement
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - REINFORCEMENT PLATE
3 - LOWER STEERING COLUMN COVER/KNEE BLOCKER
Fig. 18 Fixed Shroud Mounting
1 - SCREWS
2 - SHROUD
Fig. 19 Cover Removal/Installation
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - SCREW
3 - COVER
RSCOLUMN19-17
retaining tab on the lever with the ramp on the link
(Fig. 20), then pushing the two together.
(12) Install the metal cover in place below the
shifter/ignition interlock linkage using the two
screws (Fig. 19).
(13) Install the steering column fixed shroud on
the steering column (Fig. 18) using its 2 mounting
screws.
(14) Install the trim bezel on the instrument panel
above the steering column. The trim bezel is
mounted to the instrument panel using 2 screws (one
on each side of the column) and retaining clips.
(15) Install the lower and upper steering column
shrouds. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/
LOWER SHROUD - INSTALLATION)
(16) Install the knee blocker reinforcement plate
(Fig. 17).
(17) Connect the parking brake release link to the
release handle.
(18) Install the data link diagnostic connector to
the mounting hole in the reinforcement plate.
(19) Install the lower steering column cover/knee
blocker (Fig. 17).
(20) Connect the negative (ground) cable to the
battery terminal.
KEY/LOCK CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION
The lock cylinder is inserted in the end of the
housing opposite the ignition switch.
OPERATION
The ignition key rotates the cylinder to 5 different
detents (Fig. 28) :
²Accessory
²Off (lock)
²Unlock
²On/Run
²Start
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining
screws.
(3) Remove screws holding steering column
shrouds and remove lower shroud.
(4) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Depress
lock cylinder retaining tab on the bottom of the lock
housing and remove key cylinder.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install key in lock cylinder. Turn key to run
position (retaining tab on lock cylinder can be
depressed).
(2) The shaft at the end of the lock cylinder aligns
with the socket in the end of the housing. To align
the socket with the lock cylinder, ensure the socket is
in the Run position (Fig. 29) .
(3) Align the lock cylinder with the grooves in the
housing. Slide the lock cylinder into the housing
until the tab sticks through the opening in the hous-
ing.
(4) Turn the key to the Off position. Remove the
key.
(5) Install lower steering column shroud.
(6) Install steering column cover.
(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 28 Ignition Lock Cylinder Detents
Fig. 29 Socket in Lock Cylinder Housing
1 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
2 - SOCKET
19 - 20 COLUMNRS
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING (Continued)
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)
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)
(6) Pour four quarts of MopartATF+4 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) through the dipstick opening.
(7) 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.
(8) 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).
(9) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has
reached normal operating temperature (180ÉF.).
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 41TE/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(10) To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make
certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick
opening.
GEAR SHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery cables.
(2) Remove battery shield.
(3) Remove battery.
(4) Remove speed control servo and position out of
way.
(5) Disconnect gear shift cable at manual valve
lever (Fig. 213).
(6) Disconnect gear shift cable from upper mount
bracket (Fig. 213).(7) Remove instrument panel lower silencer (Fig.
214).
(8) Remove knee bolster (Fig. 215).
(9) Disconnect gear shift cable from gear shift
lever (Fig. 216).
(10) Remove gear shift cable from column bracket
(Fig. 216).
(11) Disengage grommet from dash panel (Fig.
217) and remove gear shift cable from inside vehicle.
Fig. 213 Gearshift Cable at Transaxle - Typical
1 - MANUAL VALVE LEVER
2 - GEAR SHIFT CABLE
3 - UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
Fig. 214 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 215 Knee Bolster
1 - KNEE BOLSTER
21 - 204 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
FLUID (Continued)
(4) Install knee bolster (Fig. 220).
(5) Install instrument panel lower silencer (Fig.
221).
(6) Install gear shift cable to transaxle upper
mount bracket (Fig. 222). An audible ªclickº should
be heard.
(7) Connect gear shift cable end to transaxle man-
ual valve lever (Fig. 222).
(8) Adjust gearshift cable. (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE/GEAR
SHIFT CABLE - ADJUSTMENTS)
(9) Install speed control servo into position.
(10) Install battery.
(11) Install battery shield.
(12) Connect battery cables.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT
VERIFICATION
(1) Place gearshift lever in gated park (P).
(2) Attempt to move vehicle by rocking back and
forth on level ground. If vehicle does not move,
attempt to start engine. If engine starts, the park
position is correct.
(3) Set parking brake.
(4) Turn key to on/run and depress brake pedal.
Place gearshift lever in neutral (N).
(5) Attempt to start engine. If engine starts in
both neutral (N) or park (P), gearshift cable is
adjusted properly. No adjustment is required.
(6) If engine does not start in either park (P) or
neutral (N), perform adjustment procedure.
Fig. 220 Knee Bolster
1 - KNEE BOLSTER
Fig. 221 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 222 Gearshift Cable at Transaxle
1 - MANUAL VALVE LEVER
2 - GEAR SHIFT CABLE
3 - UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
21 - 206 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
GEAR SHIFT CABLE (Continued)