
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE TIMING
VERIFICATION
(1) Remove front cylinder head cover and all 6
spark plugs.
(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke.
(3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial indicator
into #2 spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC
on the compression stroke.
(5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole.
(7) Place a 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
effect.
(8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator.
(9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in
serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR
NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the
timing chain cover removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position a scale next to timing chain so that
any movement of chain may be measured (Fig. 132).
(2) Position a torque wrench and socket on the
camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply force in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack to
the following torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
NOTE: With torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Holding a measuring scale along edge of chain
links (Fig. 132).(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 133).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 134) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
136).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 136).
Fig. 132 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 153

(17) Remove the water pump for cover removal
clearance. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/WATER
PUMP - REMOVAL)
(18) Remove the bolt attaching the power steering
pump support strut to the front cover (Fig. 137).
(19) Remove the timing chain cover fasteners.
Remove timing chain cover (Fig. 138).
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of chain case cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
Crankshaft oil seal must be removed to insure cor-
rect oil pump engagement.
NOTE: DO NOT USE SEALER ON COVER GASKET
(2) Position new gasket on timing cover (Fig. 138).
Adhere new gasket to chain case cover, making sure
that the lower edge of the gasket is flush to 0.5 mm
(0.020 in.) passed the lower edge of the cover.
(3) Rotate crankshaft so that the oil pump drive
flats are in the vertical position.
(4) Position oil pump inner rotor so the mating
flats are in the same position as the crankshaft drive
flats (Fig. 138).
CAUTION: Make sure the oil pump is engaged on
the crankshaft correctly or severe damage may
result.
(5) Install timing cover (Fig. 138).
(6) Install timing chain cover bolts. Tighten M8
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) and M10 bolts to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 139).
(7) Install crankshaft front oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - FRONT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install water pump and pulley. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/WATER PUMP - INSTALLA-
TION)(9) Install crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install engine mount bracket (Fig. 136) and
tighten M10 to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.), M8 bolt to 28
N´m (21 ft. lb. lbs.).
(11) Install idler pulley on engine mount bracket
(Fig. 136).
(12) Install right side engine mount. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT -
INSTALLATION)
(13) Install camshaft position sensor (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/CAMSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect the heater return hose at rear of tim-
ing chain cover (Fig. 134) or at water pump inlet
tube (if engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(15) Connect the radiator lower hose.
(16) Install A/C compressor.
(17) Install accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(18) Install oil pump pick-up tube with new
O-ring. Tighten attaching bolt to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.).
(19) Install oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(20) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(21) Fill crankcase with engine oil to proper level.
(22) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(23) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 137 Power Steering Pump Strut
1 - BOLT - LOWER
2 - STRUT - P/S PUMP
3 - BOLT - UPPER
Fig. 138 Timing Chain Cover and Gasket
1 - GASKET
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 155
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)

TIMING CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(3) Rotate engine by turning crankshaft until the
timing marks are aligned as shown in (Fig. 140).
(4) Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt.
(5) Remove the timing chain with camshaft
sprocket.(6) Remove the crankshaft sprocket. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Remove the timing chain. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(2) Using Special Tools 8539, 5048-6, and 5048-1,
remove the crankshaft sprocket while holding the
crankshaft from turning (Fig. 141). Be careful not to
damage the crankshaft surfaces.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Position the sprocket on the crankshaft (timing
mark out) with the timing slot aligned with the tim-
ing pin.
Fig. 139 TIMING CHAIN COVER BOLT LOCATIONS
1 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 95 4 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 80
2 - BOLT - M10 x 1.5 x 100 5 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 45
3 - BOLT - M10 x 1.5 x 85
9 - 156 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)

(2) Install sprocket using Special Tool 8452 (Fig.
142). Install sprocket until it is fully seats on the
crankshaft.(3) Install the timing chain and camshaft sprocket.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - TIMING CHAIN AND
CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Rotate crankshaft so the timing arrow is to the
12 o'clock position (Fig. 140).
NOTE: Lubricate timing chain and sprockets with
clean engine oil before installation.
(2) While holding camshaft sprocket and chain in
hand, place timing chain around the sprocket, align-
ing the plated link with the dot on the sprocket. Posi-
tion the timing arrow to the 6 o'clock position (Fig.
140).
(3) Place timing chain around crankshaft sprocket
with the plated link lined up with the dot on the
sprocket. Install camshaft sprocket into position.
(4) Use a straight edge to check alignment of tim-
ing marks.
(5) Install camshaft sprocket bolt and washer.
Tighten bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Rotate crankshaft 2 revolutions and check tim-
ing mark alignment (Fig. 140). If timing marks do
not line up, remove camshaft sprocket and realign.
(7) Install the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 140 Timing Mark Alignment
1 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET TIMING MARK (DOT)
2 - PLATED LINK
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET TIMING MARK (DOT)
4 - ARROWS
Fig. 141 CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET - REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 5048-6
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 5048-1
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8450
4 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
5 - SPECIAL TOOL 8539
Fig. 142 CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET - INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8452-3
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8452-1
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
4 - THRUST BEARING / WASHER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 157
TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Using Dial Indicator C-3339 and Mounting
Post L-4438, attach to front of engine, locating probe
perpendicular on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 1).
(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. Refer to Engine Specifica-
tions.
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT
NOTE: Crankshaft can not be removed when engine
is in vehicle.
(1) Remove engine assembly from vehicle (Refer to
9 - ENGINE - REMOVAL).
(2) Separate transaxle from engine.
(3) Remove drive plate/flex plate.
(4) Remove crankshaft rear oil seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - REMOVAL).
(5) Mount engine on a suitable repair stand.
(6) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(7) Remove crankshaft vibration damper (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove engine mount support bracket.
(9) Remove front timing belt covers (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COVER(S)
- REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL).(11) Remove the rear timing belt cover (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COV-
ER(S) - REMOVAL).
(12) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(13) Remove oil pump pick-up tube.
(14) Remove the crankshaft sprocket and oil pump
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP -
REMOVAL).
(15) Remove balance shafts and housing assembly
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - REMOVAL).
(16) Remove crankshaft position sensor.
NOTE: If piston/connecting rod replacement is nec-
essary, remove cylinder head (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(17) Using a permanent ink or paint marker, iden-
tify cylinder number on each connecting rod cap (Fig.
2).
CAUTION: DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch
to mark connecting rods. Damage to connecting
rod could occur.
(18) Remove all connecting rod bolts and caps.
Care should be taken not to damage the fracture rod
and cap surfaces.
NOTE: Do not reuse connecting rod bolts.
(19) Remove all bed plate bolts from the engine
block (Fig. 3).
(20) Using a mallet gently tap the bed plate loose
from the engine block dowel pins.
CAUTION: Do not pry up on one side of the bed
plate. Damage may occur to cylinder block to bed
plate alignment and thrust bearing.
(21) Bed plate should be removed evenly from the
cylinder block dowel pins to prevent damage to the
dowel pins and thrust bearing.
Fig. 1 Checking Crankshaft End Play - Typical
Fig. 2 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder-Typical
9s - 6 ENGINE 2.4L SUPPLEMENTRS

(9) Install the main bearing/bed plate into engine
block.
(10) Before installing the bolts the threads should
be oiled with clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(11) Install main bearing bed plate to engine
block bolts 11, 17, and 20 finger tight. Tighten these
bolts down together until the bed plate contacts the
cylinder block.
(12) To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment,
perform the following steps:
²Step 1: Rotate crankshaft until number 4 piston
is at TDC.
²Step 2: Move crankshaft rearward to limits of
travel.
²Step 3: Then, move crankshaft forward to limits
of travel.
²Step 4: Wedge an appropriate tool between the
rear of the cylinder block(NOT BED PLATE)and
the rear crankshaft counterweight. This will hold the
crankshaft in it's furthest forward position.
²Step 5: Install and tighten bolts (1±10) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 9) to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
²Step 6: Remove wedge tool used to hold crank-
shaft.
(13) Tighten bolts (1±10) again to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 9).
CAUTION: Do Not use a torque wrench for the fol-
lowing step.
(14) Turn bolts (1±10) an additional 1/4 turn in
sequence shown in (Fig. 9).(15) Install main bearing bed plate to engine
block bolts (11±20), and torque each bolt to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.) in sequence shown in. (Fig. 9)
(16) Tighten bolts (11±20) again to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 9).
(17) After the main bearing bed plate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(18) Check crankshaft end play (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(19) Install connecting rod bearings and caps.Do
Not Reuse Connecting Rod Bolts.Torque connect-
ing rod bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus 1/4 turn.
(20) Install balance shafts and housing assembly
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - INSTALLATION).
(21) Install the oil pump (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(22) Install oil pump pick-up tube. Torque fastener
to 28 N´m (20 ft.. lbs.).
(23) Install the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(24) Install crankshaft position sensor.
(25) Install cylinder head if it was removed (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLA-
TION).
(26) Install the timing belt rear cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COVER(S)
- INSTALLATION).
(27) Install crankshaft sprocket (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(28) Install the timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION).
(29) Install the timing belt front covers (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COV-
ER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(30) Install engine mount support bracket.
(31) InstallNEWoil filter.
(32) Install crankshaft rear oil seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION).
(33) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(34) Attach transaxle to engine. Tighten attaching
bolts to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(35) Install the engine assembly (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 9 Main Bearing Caps/Bed Plate Bolt Torque
Sequence
RSENGINE 2.4L SUPPLEMENT9s-9
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The 2.4L crankshaft sensor is located on the rear
of the engine near the accessory drive belt (Fig. 4).
The 3.3/3.8L crankshaft sensor is located on the rear
of the transmission housing, above the differential
housing (Fig. 5). The bottom of the sensor is posi-
tioned next to the drive plate.
OPERATION
The crankshaft position sensor detects slots cut
into the transmission driveplate extension (Fig. 6).
There are 3 sets of slots. Each set contains 4 slots,
for a total of 12 slots (Fig. 7). Basic timing is set by
the position of the last slot in each group. Once the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) senses the last
slot, it determines crankshaft position (which piston
will next be at TDC) from the camshaft position sen-
sor input. The 4 pulses generated by the crankshaft
position sensor represent the 69É, 49É, 29É, and 9É
BTDC marks. It may take the PCM one engine rev-
olution to determine crankshaft position.
The PCM uses crankshaft position reference to
determine injector sequence, ignition timing and the
presence of misfire. Once the PCM determines crank-
shaft position, it begins energizing the injectors in
sequence.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) Disconnect the electrical connector (Fig. 8).
(4) Remove crankshaft sensor bolt (Fig. 9).
(5) Remove the crankshaft sensor.
Fig. 4 CRANKSHAFT SENSOR 2.4L
Fig. 5 CRANKSHAFT SENSOR 3.3/3.8L
Fig. 6 Crankshaft Position Sensor
1 - CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
RSFUEL INJECTION14-25

(17) Remove the 3 bolts attaching the front
bracket to the power steering pump and separate the
power steering pump from the front bracket.
(18) If the power steering pump pulley needs to be
transferred, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - DIS-
ASSEMBLY).
REMOVAL - PUMP (3.3L/3.8L ENGINE)
(1) Remove the (-) negative battery cable from the
battery and isolate cable.
(2) Remove the wiper module (unit)(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MOD-
ULE - REMOVAL).
(3) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove the drive belt splash shield.
(5) Remove the pressure hose routing bracket bolt
(Fig. 9).
(6) lower the vehicle.
(7) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(8) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(9) Disconnect the pressure hose from the pump
(Fig. 10).
(10) Disconnect the fluid supply hose from the
pump (Fig. 10).
(11) Remove the three front mounting bolts
through the pulley (Fig. 11)
(12) Remove the pump (with pulley) through the
engine compartment rocking it over the aluminum
bracket.
REMOVAL - PUMP (2.5L DIESEL)
(1) Remove the negative (-) battery cable from the
battery and isolate cable.
(2) Remove the fill cap from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
Fig. 9 Pressure Hose Routing Clamp
1 - PRESSURE HOSE TUBE
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
4 - DRIVESHAFT
5 - ROUTING CLAMP BRACKET
Fig. 10 Supply And Pressure Hoses At Pump
1 - PRESSURE HOSE AND FITTING
2 - SUPPLY HOSE AND CLAMP
3 - POWER STEERING PUMP
Fig. 11 Pump Mounting
1 - PUMP REAR MOUNTING BOLT (2001 ONLY)
2 - PUMP FRONT MOUNTING BOLT (3)
3 - TIMING CHAIN COVER AND PUMP BRACKET THRU BOLT
(2001 ONLY)
4 - PUMP BELT PULLEY
5 - POWER STEERING PUMP
6 - BRACKET (2001 ONLY)
19 - 40 PUMPRS
PUMP (Continued)