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)
(11) Disconnect the throttle cables from the throt-
tle body.
(12) Disconnect the MAP, IAC, and TPS electrical
connectors.
(13) Disconnect the EGR transducer electrical con-
nector (if equipped).
(14) Disconnect the vacuum hoses from throttle
body.
(15) Disconnect the brake booster and speed con-
trol vacuum hoses.
(16) Disengage wire harness clip from the right
side engine mount.
(17) Remove the power steering reservoir from
mounting position and set aside.Do notdisconnect
hose.
(18) Disconnect ground strap from rear of cylinder
head.
(19) Disconnect engine coolant temperature (ECT)
sensor and ignition coil electrical connectors.
(20) Disconnect the fuel injector electrical harness
connector and disengage clip from support bracket.
(21) Disconnect camshaft and crankshaft position
sensor electrical connectors.
(22) Evacuate air conditioning system. Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING.
(23) Disconnect A/C compressor electrical connec-
tor.
(24) Disconnect the A/C lines from compressor.
Cover and seal all openings of hoses and compressor.
(25) Remove the radiator upper hose.
(26) Disengage electrical harness clip at transaxle
dipstick tube.
(27) Remove transaxle dipstick tube. Seal opening
using a suitable plug.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed
from the rolled-groove type fittings at the transaxle,
damage to the inner wall of the hose will occur. To
prevent prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses
must be cut off flush at the transaxle fitting, and a
service cooler hose splice kit must be installed
upon reassembly.
(28) Using a blade or suitable hose cutter, cut
transaxle oil cooler lines off flush with fittings. Plug
cooler lines and fittings to prevent debris from enter-
ing transaxle or cooler circuit. A service splice kit will
be installed upon reassembly.
(29) Disconnect transaxle shift linkage and electri-
cal connectors.
(30)
Raise vehicle on hoist and drain the engine oil.
(31) Remove the axle shafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(32) Remove crossmember cradle plate (Fig. 6).
(33)AWD equipped:Remove the power transfer
unit (PTU) (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/POWER TRANSFER UNIT - REMOVAL).(34) Disconnect exhaust pipe from the manifold
(Fig. 7).
(35) Remove front engine mount and bracket as an
assembly.
(36) Remove the engine rear mount bracket.
(37) Remove the engine to transaxle struts (Fig. 8).
(38) Remove transaxle case cover (Fig. 8).
(39) Remove flex plate to torque converter bolts.
Mark torque converter to flex plate for orientation for
reassembly.
(40) Remove the power steering pressure hose sup-
port clip attaching bolt.
Fig. 6 Crossmember Cradle Plate
1 - CRADLE PLATE
Fig. 7 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
1 - FLAG NUT
2 - GASKET
3 - BOLT
4 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-87
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
(8) Install the generator and wiring harness (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR -
INSTALLATION).
(9) Raise vehicle.
(10) Attach wiring harness support clip to the
engine oil dipstick tube.
(11) Connect oil pressure switch electrical connec-
tor.
(12) Install the A/C compressor.
(13) Install the water pump pulley.
(14) Connect the radiator lower hose.(15) Install the accessory drive belt and splash
shield (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/
DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLATION).
(16) Connect the engine block heater electrical con-
nector (if equipped).
(17) Connect the knock sensor electrical connector
(3.8L only).
(18) Install the torque converter to flex plate bolts.
(19) Install the transaxle case cover (Fig. 8).
(20) Install the powertrain struts (Fig. 8).
(21) Install the engine rear mount bracket.
(22) Install the engine front mount and bracket
assembly.
(23)AWD equipped;Install the power transfer
unit (PTU) (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/POWER TRANSFER UNIT - INSTALLA-
TION).
(24) Install the axle shafts (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - INSTALLA-
TION).
(25) Connect exhaust pipe to manifold (Fig. 7).
(26) Install crossmember cradle plate (Fig. 6).
(27) Lower vehicle.
(28) Connect transaxle shift linkage.
(29) Connect transaxle electrical connectors.
(30) Remove plugs from transmission cooler hoses
and install transaxle oil cooler line service splice kit.
Refer to instructions included with kit.
(31) Install transaxle dipstick tube and attach
electrical harness clip.
(32) Connect the A/C lines to compressor.
(33) Connect the A/C compressor electrical connec-
tor.
(34) Evacuate and recharge A/C system.
(35) Connect crankshaft and camshaft position
sensors.
(36) Connect the fuel injector electrical harness
connector and engage clip to support bracket.
(37) Connect engine coolant temperature (ECT)
sensor and ignition coil electrical connectors.
(38) Connect the ground strap to rear of cylinder
head.
(39) Install power steering reservoir.
(40) Engage wire harness clip to engine right side
mount.
(41) Connect the brake booster and speed control
vacuum hoses.
(42) Connect the vacuum hoses to the throttle
body.
(43) Connect the EGR transducer electrical connec-
tor (if equipped).
(44) Connect the TPS, IAC, and MAP sensor elec-
trical connectors.
(45) Connect throttle cables to throttle body.
(46) Install the radiator fans (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 13 Right Mount to Engine
1 - BOLT
2 - MOUNT BRACKET
3 - ENGINE RIGHT MOUNT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 14 LEFT MOUNT TO FRAME BRACKET
1 - FRAME BRACKET
2 - FRAME RAIL - LEFT
3 - BOLT
4 - TRANSAXLE MOUNT
9 - 90 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Disconnect the inlet air temperature sensor
(Fig. 16).
(3) Remove the inlet hose to throttle body.
(4) Remove the bolt for air box at upper radiator
cross member.
(5) Pull air box up and off over the single locating
pin.
(6) Remove air box from vehicle
INSTALLATION
(1) Install air box into vehicle and onto the locat-
ing pin.
(2) Install bolt to hold air box to the upper radia-
tor cross member.
(3) Install the inlet hose to the throttle body.
(4) Connect the inlet air temperature sensor (Fig.
16).
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
The aluminum cylinder heads (Fig. 17) are
designed to create high flow combustion chambers to
improve performance, while minimizing the change
to the burn rate in the chamber. The cylinder head
incorporates the combustion chamber. Two valves
per-cylinder are used with inserted valve seats and
guides. A multi-layer steel (MLS) type gasket is used
between the cylinder head and engine block.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
Fig. 16 Inlet Air Temperature Sensor
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-99
FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the transaxle (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove flex plate attaching bolts.
(3) Remove the flex plate (Fig. 85).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position flex plate with backing plate on the
crankshaft (Fig. 85).
(2) Apply MopartLock & Seal Adhesive to the flex
plate bolts.
(3) Install flex plate bolts (Fig. 85). Tighten bolts
to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the transaxle (Refer to 21 - TRANSMIS-
SION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE - INSTAL-
LATION).
ENGINE MOUNTING
DESCRIPTION
The engine mounting system consist of four
mounts; right and a left side support the powertrain,
and a front and a rear mount control powertrain
torque. The right side mount is a hydro-type (Fig.
86), all others are of molded rubber material.
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Support the engine and transmission assembly
with a floor jack so it will not rotate.
(2) Remove the front engine mount through bolt
from the insulator and front crossmember mounting
bracket (Fig. 87).
(3) Remove six screws from air dam to allow
access to the front mount screws.
(4) Remove the front engine mount screws and
remove the insulator assembly (Fig. 87).
(5) Remove the front mounting bracket, if neces-
sary (Fig. 87).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front mounting bracket, if removed
(Fig. 87).
(2) Install the front engine mount through bolt
from the insulator and front crossmember mounting
bracket (Fig. 87).
(3) Install the insulator assembly and mounting
screws (Fig. 87).
Fig. 85 FLEX PLATE
1 - FLEX PLATE
2 - BOLT (QTY. 8)
3 - BACKING PLATE
Fig. 86 Engine Hydro-type Mount - Right Side
1 - BOLT
2 - BOLT
3 - FRAME RAIL
4 - RIGHT MOUNT - 2.4L ENGINE
5 - RIGHT MOUNT - 3.3/3.8L ENGINE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 131
(3) Install cover and tighten screws to 12 N´m (105
in. lbs.).
(4) If removed, install the oil pressure relief valve.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRES-
SURE RELIEF VALVE - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PUMP - ASSEMBLY)
(2) Install timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION) and oil pan (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The intake system is made up of an upper and
lower intake manifold. The upper intake manifold is
made of a composite for both the 3.3L engine and for
the 3.8L engine (Fig. 117). The lower intake manifold
is common between the two engines (Fig. 121). It also
provides coolant crossover between cylinder heads
and houses the coolant thermostat (Fig. 121).
The intake manifold utilizes a compact design with
very low restriction and outstanding flow balance.
This design allows the engine to perform with a wide
torque curve while increasing higher rpm horse-
power.
If, for some reason, the molded-in vacuum ports
break, the composite manifold can be salvaged. The
vacuum ports are designed to break at the shoulder,
if overloaded. Additional material in the shoulder
area provides sufficient stock to repair. For more
information and procedure, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). Also, if the special screws that attach
the MAP sensor, power steering reservoir, throttle
cable bracket, and the EGR tube become stripped, an
oversized screw is available to repair the stripped-out
condition. For more information and procedure,
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 110 Measuring Clearance Between Rotors
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - INNER ROTOR
3 - OUTER ROTOR
Fig. 111 Measuring Clearance Over Rotors
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 112 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
9 - 144 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
OIL PUMP (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS
An intake manifold air leak is characterized by
lower than normal manifold vacuum. Also, one or
more cylinders may not be functioning.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water (Spray Bottle) at
the suspected leak area.
(3) If engine RPM'S change, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD
STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR
The composite upper intake manifold thread
bosses, if stripped out, can be repaired by utilizing a
repair screw available through Mopartparts. Repair
screws are available for the following manifold
attached components:
²MAP sensor
²Power steering reservoir
²EGR tube
²Throttle cable bracket
The repair screws require a unique tightening
torque specification from the original screw. Refer to
the following chart for specification.
DESCRIPTION TORQUE*
STRIP-OUT REPAIR SCREWS ONLY
MAP Sensor Repair
Screw4 N´m (35 in. lbs.)
Power Steering Reservoir
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
EGR Tube Attaching
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
Throttle Cable Bracket
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
*Install Slowly Using Hand Tools Only
STANDARD PROCEDURE - INTAKE MANIFOLD
VACUUM PORT REPAIR
The composite intake manifold vacuum ports can
be repaired. Although, if the manifold plenum cham-
ber is damaged or cracked, the manifold must be
replaced.
To repair a broken or damaged vacuum nipple
(port) on the composite intake manifold, perform the
following procedure:
PARTS REQUIRED TOOLS REQUIRED
´ Brass Nipple ± 1/49
O.D. x 1/89pipe thread
(LDP/Speed Control Port)´ Pipe Tap ± 1/89-18
NPT
´ Drill Bit ± 11/329
´ File/Sandpaper
´ Brass Nipple ± 1/29
O.D. x 1/49pipe thread
(Brake Booster Port)´ Pipe Tap ± 1/49-18
NPT
´ Drill Bit ± 7/169
´ File/Sandpaper
NOTE: While performing this procedure, avoid get-
ting the manifold material residue into the plenum
chamber.
(1) File or sand the remaining port back until a
flat surface is obtained (plane normal to nipple (port)
axis).
(2) Drill out the nipple (port) base using a 7/16º
(brake booster port) or 11/32º (LDP/speed control port
) drill bit (Fig. 113).
(3) Using a 1/4º±18 NPT (brake booster port) or
1/8º±18 NPT (LDP/speed control port ) pipe tap, cut
internal threads (Fig. 113). Use caution to start tap
in a axis same as original nipple.
(4) Apply MopartThread Sealant to threads of
repair nipple(s).
(5) Install repair nipple(s). Do not over torque
repair nipple(s).
REMOVAL - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect inlet air temperature (IAT) sensor
electrical connector.
(3) Remove air inlet resonator to throttle body
hose assembly.
(4) Disconnect throttle and speed control cables
from throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/
FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect make-up air hose support clip from
throttle cable bracket.
(6) Disconnect the automatic idle speed (AIS)
motor and throttle position sensor (TPS) wiring con-
nectors from throttle body.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 145
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)
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)