With engine not running, remove radiator pressure
cap and wipe the radiator filler neck sealing seat
clean. The radiator should be full.
Attach the Cooling System Tester 7700 or equiva-
lent to the radiator, as shown in (Fig. 4) and apply
104 kPa (15 psi) pressure. If the pressure drops more
than 13.8 kPa (2 psi) in 2 minutes, inspect all points
for external leaks.
All radiator and heater hoses should be shaken
while at 104 kPa (15 psi), since some leaks occur only
while driving due to engine movement.
If there are no external leaks, after the gauge dial
shows a drop in pressure, detach the tester. Start
engine and run until the thermostat opens, allowing
the coolant to expand. Reattach the cooling systemtester. If the needle on the dial fluctuates it indicates
a combustion leak, usually a head gasket leak.
WARNING: WITH TOOL IN PLACE, PRESSURE WILL
BUILD UP FAST. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP,
BY CONTINUOUS ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE
RELEASED TO A SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER
PERMIT PRESSURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
If the needle on the dial does not fluctuate, raise
the engine rpm a few times. If an abnormal amount
of coolant or steam emits from the tailpipe, it may
indicate a coolant leak caused by a faulty head gas-
ket, cracked engine block, or cracked cylinder head.
There may be internal leaks that can be deter-
mined by removing the oil dipstick. If water globules
appear intermixed with the oil it will indicate an
internal leak in the engine. If there is an internal
leak, the engine must be disassembled for repair.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
FLOW CHECK
To determine whether coolant is flowing through
the cooling system, use one of the following proce-
dures:
PREFERRED METHOD
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLING SYS-
TEM PRESSURE CAP OR ANY HOSE WITH THE
SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
²Remove pressure cap when engine is cold.
Remove small amount of coolant. Idle engine until
thermostat opens. You should observe coolant flow
while looking down the filler neck. Once flow is
detected install the pressure cap. Replace removed
coolant into coolant recovery container.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
²If engine is cold, idle engine until normal oper-
ating temperature is reached. Feel the upper radiator
hose. If it is hot, coolant is circulating.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
AERATION
Low coolant level in a cross flow radiator will
equalize in both tanks with engine off. With engine
at running and at operating temperature, the high
pressure inlet tank runs full and the low pressure
outlet tank drops, resulting in cooling system aera-
tion. Aeration will draw air into the water pump
resulting in the following:
²High reading shown on the temperature gauge.
²Loss of coolant flow through the heater core.
Fig. 3 Hose Clamp Tool
1 - HOSE CLAMP TOOL 6094
2 - HOSE CLAMP
Fig. 4 Pressure Testing
RSCOOLING7-3
COOLING (Continued)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM
FILLING
Remove radiator pressure cap (Fig. 6) and fill sys-
tem, using a 50/50 mix of MopartAntifreeze/Coolant,
5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula and distilled water.
Continue filling system until full.Be careful not
to spill coolant on drive belts or the generator.
For cooling system capacity, (Refer to LUBRICATION
& MAINTENANCE/FLUID CAPACITIES - SPECIFI-
CATIONS).
Fill coolant recovery/reserve container (Fig. 6) to at
least the MAX mark with 50/50 solution. It may be
necessary to add coolant to the recovery/reserve con-
tainer after three or four warm up/cool down cycles
to maintain coolant level between the MAX and MIN
mark. This will allow trapped air to be removed from
the system.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The radiator cap should not be removed.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain this
level, it should be added to the coolant recovery/re-
serve container (Fig. 6). Use only 50/50 mix of ethyl-
ene glycol type antifreeze and distilled water. For the
recommeded antifreeze/coolant type (Refer to LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
CAUTION: Do not use well water, or suspect water
supply in cooling system. A 50/50 ethylene glycol
and distilled water mix is recommended. For the
recommeded antifreeze/coolant type (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLANT LEVEL
CHECK
NOTE: Do not remove radiator cap for routine cool-
ant level inspections.
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level without
removing the radiator cap.With the engine cold
and not running,simply observe the level of the
coolant in the recovery/reserve container (Fig. 6). The
coolant level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT TENSION
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT TENSION
2.4L ENGINE
Air Conditioning
Compressor/GeneratorDynamic Tensioner
Power
SteeringNew Belt534 - 756 N
(120 - 170 lbs.)
Used Belt*356 - 534 N
(80 - 120 lbs)
*Belt is considered used after 15 minutes of run-in
time
3.3/3.8L ENGINES
Air Conditioning Compressor
Dynamic Tensioner
Generator/Water Pump/
Power Steering
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner
Assembly (3.3/3.8L)ÐBolt28 Ð 250
Engine Coolant Temperature
Sensor
(2.4 & 3.3/3.8L) 7 Ð 60
Generator & A/C Compressor
Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly
(2.4L)ÐBolt54 40 Ð
Coolant Outlet Connector/
Thermostat Housing
(2.4 & 3.3/3.8L)ÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Water Pump
(2.4 & 3.3/3.8L)ÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Water Pump Inlet Tube
(2.4L)ÐBolts12 Ð 105
Water Pump Inlet Tube
(3.3/3.8L)ÐBolts28 Ð 250
Water Pump Pulley (3.3/3.8L)Ð
Bolts28 Ð 250
Radiator to A/C CondenserÐ
Screws5Ð45
Radiator FanÐScrews 5 Ð 45
Radiator Mounting (Upper
Bracket)ÐNuts12 Ð 105
RSCOOLING7-5
COOLING (Continued)
(3) Remove ignition coil and bracket (Fig. 5).
(4) Disconnect coolant sensor electrical connector
(Fig. 6).
(5) Remove coolant sensor (Fig. 6).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install engine coolant temperature sensor (Fig.
6). Tighten sensor to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(2) Connect electrical connector to sensor (Fig. 6).
(3) Install ignition coil bracket (Fig. 5).
(4) Install ignition coil (Fig. 5).
(5) Install power steering reservoir (Fig. 4).
(6) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT
DESCRIPTION
The engine cooling thermostats are a wax pellet
driven, reverse poppet choke type. The thermostat is
mounted in a housing on the coolant outlet of the
engine (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 10).
OPERATION
The engine cooling thermostat is a wax pellet
driven, reverse poppet choke type. The thermostat is
designed to provide the fastest warm up possible by
preventing leakage through it and to guarantee a
minimum engine operating temperature of 88 to
93ÉC (192 to 199ÉF). The thermostat also will auto-
matically reach wide open so it will not restrict flow
to the radiator as temperature of the coolant rises in
hot weather to around 104ÉC (220ÉF). Above this
temperature the coolant temperature is controlled by
the radiator, fan, and ambient temperature, not the
thermostat.
The thermostat is operated by a wax filled con-
tainer (pellet) which is sealed. When heated coolant
reaches a predetermined temperature, the wax
expands enough to overcome the closing spring and
water pump pressure, which forces the valve to open.
Fig. 5 Fuel Rail, Ignition Coil and 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
Fig. 6 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR - ENGINE COOLANT SENSOR
3 - FITTING - HEATER SUPPLY
7 - 22 ENGINERS
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat is operated by a wax filled cham-
ber (pellet) which is sealed. When heated coolant
reaches a predetermined temperature the wax pellet
expands enough to overcome the closing spring and
water pump pressure, which forces the valve to open.
Coolant leakage into the pellet will cause a thermo-
stat to fail open. Do not attempt to free up a thermo-
stat with a screwdriver.
Thermostat diagnostics is included in powertrain
control module's (PCM) programing for on-board
diagnosis. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will
illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will
be set when an ªopen too soonº condition occurs. Do
not change a thermostat for lack of heater perfor-
mance or temperature gauge position, unless a DTC
is present. For other probable causes, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Thermostat failing shut is the normal long term
mode of failure, and normally, only on high mileage
vehicles. The temperature gauge will indicate this
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 2.4L
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system below the thermostat
level. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove radiator upper hose from the coolant
outlet housing (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove coolant outlet housing bolts and hous-
ing (Fig. 8).
(4) Remove thermostat. Discard gasket and clean
both gasket sealing surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place a new gasket (dipped in clean water) on
the coolant outlet connector surface. Position thermo-
stat with air bleed at the 12 o'clock position in ther-
mostat housing (Fig. 8).
(2) Position the coolant outlet connector and gas-
ket over the thermostat, making sure thermostat is
seated in the thermostat housing.
(3) Position outlet connector to thermostat housing
and install bolts (Fig. 8). Tighten bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the radiator upper hose to coolant outlet
housing (Fig. 7).
(5) Refill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system down below the thermo-
stat level. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove radiator upper hose from coolant outlet
connector (Fig. 9).
Fig. 7 RADIATOR HOSES TO ENGINE - 2.4L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
Fig. 8 Thermostat and Outlet Connector - 2.4L
Engine
1 - THERMOSTAT
2 - GASKET
3 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR
4 - BOLT
RSENGINE7-23
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT (Continued)
(3) Remove coolant outlet connector bolts and con-
nector (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove thermostat from outlet connector.
(5) Discard gasket and clean both gasket sealing
surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) To ensure proper seating of replacement ther-
mostat, carefully remove the bulged metal from thewall of the outlet connector recess that was created
during the staking procedure that held the OEM
thermostat in place (Fig. 11). It is not necessary to
restake the replacement thermostat into the connec-
tor.
(2) Position thermostat to coolant outlet connector.
Align the two locating notches on thermostat to the
connector (Fig. 12). This position will ensure proper
location of the thermostat air bleed.
Fig. 9 RADIATOR HOSES TO ENGINE - 3.3/3.8L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
Fig. 10 THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L ENGINE
1 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR
2 - BOLT
3 - THERMOSTAT
4 - GASKET
Fig. 11 Connector Staking Material Removal
1-STAKE
2 - OUTLET CONNECTOR
Fig. 12 Thermostat Position In Outlet Connector
1 - LOCATING NOTCH
2 - THERMOSTAT
3 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR
7 - 24 ENGINERS
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
(3) Position a new gasket over the thermostat and
connector making sure thermostat is in proper posi-
tion and in the recess provided.
(4) Install thermostat and connector assembly to
the intake manifold (Fig. 10). Tighten bolts to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the radiator upper hose to coolant outlet
connector (Fig. 9).
(6) Refill the cooling system to the proper level.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
RADIATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove radiator upper crossmember support.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPENING
REINFORCEMENT - REMOVAL)
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK PLUG OR THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
(3) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Remove the radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
(5) Disconnect coolant reserve/recovery hose.
(6) Remove vapor purge solenoid from mounting
bracket.
(7) Disconnect upper and lower hoses from the
radiator (Fig. 13) or (Fig. 14).(8) Remove the A/C condenser side brackets to
radiator attaching screws (Fig. 15). Separate the con-
denser from the radiator by lifting upward to disen-
gage from lower mounts (Fig. 15). Allow the
condenser to rest in front of radiator.
(9) Radiator can now be lifted free from engine
compartment.Care should be taken not to dam-
age radiator cooling fins or water tubes during
removal.
INSTALLATION
(1)Be sure the air seal is in position before
radiator is installed.Slide radiator down into posi-
tion. Seat the radiator with the rubber isolators into
the mounting holes provided, with a 10 lbs. force.
(2) Position air conditioning condenser onto the
radiator lower mounts and install upper screws (Fig.
15). Tighten fasteners to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the radiator upper and lower hoses (Fig.
13) or (Fig. 14).
(4) Connect the coolant reserve/recovery hose.
(5) Connect the vapor purge solenoid to the mount-
ing bracket.
(6) Install the radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install the radiator upper crossmember sup-
port. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE
OPENING REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(9) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 13 Radiator Hoses to Radiator - 2.4L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
3 - HOSE SUPPORT CLIP
Fig. 14 Radiator Hoses to Radiator - 3.3/3.8L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
RSENGINE7-25
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
(5) Install the radiator upper hose.
(6) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE -
3.3/3.8L
REMOVAL
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist and remove the belt
splash shield.
(3) Remove the radiator lower hose from inlet tube
(Fig. 34).
(4) Remove the oil cooler outlet/heater return hose
from inlet tube (only if equipped with engine oil
cooler) (Fig. 35).
(5) Remove the inlet tube bolts (Fig. 36).
(6) Remove the inlet tube (Fig. 36). Discard the
O-ring seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the inlet tube O-ring sealing surfaces on
the timing cover housing and tube.
(2) Apply MopartDielectric Grease or equivalent
to the O-ring before installation.
(3) Position new O-ring seal on inlet tube (Fig. 36).
(4) Install the inlet tube (Fig. 36). Tighten bolts to
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).(5) Connect radiator lower hose (Fig. 34) and
heater return hose (if equipped with engine oil
cooler) (Fig. 35) to the inlet tube.
(6) Install the drive belt splash shield and lower
vehicle.
(7) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 34 RAD HOSES TO ENGINE - 3.3/3.8L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
Fig. 35 Engine Oil Cooler Hoses (Engine Oil Cooler
Equipped)
1 - OIL COOLER INLET TUBE
2 - INLET HOSE
3 - OIL COOLER OUTLET TUBE
4 - OUTLET HOSE
5 - WATER PUMP INLET TUBE
Fig. 36 WATER PUMP INLET TUBE
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - INLET TUBE
3 - BOLT
4 - BOLT
5 - O-RING
7 - 36 ENGINERS
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE - 2.4L (Continued)
TRANSMISSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
DESCRIPTION.........................37
REMOVAL.............................37
INSPECTION..........................37INSTALLATION.........................37
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
DESCRIPTION
The transmission oil cooler is an oil-to-air type
cooler that is mounted between the front of the radi-
ator and back side of the A/C condenser (Fig. 2). Use
only approved transmission oil cooler hoses that are
molded to fit the space available.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the radiator. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect lines from oil cooler (Fig. 1).
(3) Remove oil cooler attaching screws (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove the oil cooler.
INSPECTION
Inspect all hoses, tubes, clamps and connections for
leaks, cracks, or damage. Replace as necessary. Use
only approved transmission oil cooler hoses that are
molded to fit the space available.
Inspect external coolers for leaks, loose mounts, or
damage. Replace as necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install transaxle oil cooler and mounting
screws (Fig. 2).
NOTE: When replacing the transmission oil cooler,
the cooler hoses must be replaced.
(2) Connect the new cooler hoses and install
clamps (Fig. 1).
(3) Install the radiator. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(4) Start engine. Check and adjust the fluid level
as necessary.
Fig. 1 TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSES
1 - TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSES
2 - FITTING - COOLER OUTLET
3 - FITTING - COOLER INLET
Fig. 2 Transmission Oil Cooler
1 - TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER
2 - SCREWS
3 - A/C CONDENSER (REAR SIDE)
RSTRANSMISSION7-37