FRAME & BUMPERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE...............1
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................1
INSTALLATION..........................1
FRONT BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
REAR FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
REAR FASCIA - SCUFF PAD
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5FRAME
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS . . . 6
SPECIFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS -
FOLD-IN-FLOOR SEATS ONLY...........11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE............14
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER......................14
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR........14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
FRONT CROSSMEMBER MOUNT BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front bumper reinforcement attaching nut 54 40 Ð
Rear bumper reinforcement attaching nut 27 20 Ð
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove the headlamp assemblies (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP - REMOVAL).
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
(4) Remove the five push pin fasteners attaching
bottom of fascia/air dam to radiator closure panel.
(5) Remove front wheels.
(6) Remove front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers as necessary to gain access to bolts attaching
front fascia to fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/ WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).(7) Remove the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2).
(8) Disconnect fog lamp wire connectors, if neces-
sary.
(9) Lower vehicle.
(10) Remove two bolts attaching the upper grille
support to the headlamp mounting panel at each side
of the grille.
(11) Remove bumper fascia from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position front bumper fascia on vehicle (Fig. 1)
and (Fig. 2).
(2) Install the two bolts attaching fascia to head-
lamp mounting panel at each side of grille.
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-1
(4) Install the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders. The fascia should be flush
to fender.
(5) Install front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/ WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install front wheels.(7) Connect fog lamp wire connectors, if necessary.
(8) Install the five push pin fasteners attaching
bottom of fascia to radiator closure panel.
(9) Lower the vehicle.
(10) Install the headlamp assemblies. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 1 FRONT FASCIA
1 - FRONT BUMPER FASCIA
2 - GRILLE
3 - BUMPER REINFORCEMENT4 - RADIATOR ENCLOSURE
5 - AIR DAM
13 - 2 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT FASCIA (Continued)
REMOVAL
The front cradle crossmember must be installed in
the design location to achieve proper front end sus-
pension alignment. If the cradle crossmember is
removed without applying reference marks on the
frame rails, align the cradle crossmember according
to the dimensions provided in this group.
NOTE: If the caged nuts in the frame rails become
damaged and cannot be reused, a replacement nut
can be obtained through MoparT(Fig. 14).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(4) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel after disen-
gaging lower coupling from steering gear, damage
to air bag clock spring can result.
(5) Remove clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft (Fig. 15).
(6) Remove steering column coupling from tele-
scoping steering gear shaft.(7) Hoist vehicle and support on safety stands.
(8) Position a drain pan under power steering
pump and oil return hose coupling.
(9) Using a hose pinch-off pliers (C-4390), pinch
power steering oil return hose off between the cross-
member coupling and the pump.
(10) Loosen hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(11) Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
(12) While holding pressure relief valve nut on
back of power steering pump, Remove flare nut
attaching high pressure hose to back of pump.
(13) Remove high pressure hose from pump.
(14) Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
(15) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(16) Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
(17) Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of
stabilizer bar.
(18) Disconnect lower ball joints from lower steer-
ing knuckles (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
(19) Remove the rear engine mount heat shield
(Fig. 16).
(20) Remove through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 17).
(21) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.
(22) Support cradle crossmember on suitable lift-
ing device (Fig. 19).
(23) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front
frame rails (Fig. 18).
(24) Remove cradle crossmember from vehicle (Fig.
19).
Fig. 14 FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER CAGED
NUT
1 - BRACKET
2 - CAGED NUT
Fig. 15 STEERING COUPLING
1 - STEERING SHAFT BOOT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - CROSSMEMBER
4 - STEERING GEAR
5 - MOUNT
6 - TRANSAXLE
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-15
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension, to transfer suspen-
sion components and Group 19, Steering, to trans-
fer steering components.
(1) Support crossmember on suitable lifting device
(Fig. 19).
(2) Position crossmember to vehicle.
(3) Loosely install bolts attaching cradle cross-
member to front frame rails.(4) Place upper half of bushing on top of cross-
member aligned to receive square tube protruding
upward from lower bushing half.
(5) Align crossmember to previously made marks
on frame rails.
(6) Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to
frame rails.
(7) Install through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 17) and tighten to
68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 16).
(9) Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER BALL
JOINT - INSTALLATION)
(10) Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabi-
lizer bar.
(11) Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(12) Install high pressure hose to pump.
(13) Connect return hose to metal tube.
(14) Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(15) Remove pinch-off pliers.
(16) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
(17) Install steering column coupling to telescoping
steering gear shaft.
(18) Install clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft.
(19) Install steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
INSTALLATION)
Fig. 16 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR ENGINE MOUNT
Fig. 17 REAR MOUNT
1 - BOLT
2 - REAR MOUNT BRACKET
3 - THROUGH BOLT
4 - REAR MOUNT
Fig. 18 CRADLE CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
1 - CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
2 - BRAKE HOSE MOUNT
3 - STEERING TIE ROD
4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
5 - FRAME RAIL
13 - 16 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
FUEL DELIVERY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
The front wheel drive car uses a plastic fuel tank
located rear center of the vehicle.
The Fuel Delivery System consists of: the following
items:
²Electric fuel pump module
²Fuel filter
²Tubes/lines/hoses
²Fuel injectors
The in-tank fuel pump module contains the fuel
pump. The pump is serviced as part of the fuel pump
module. Refer to Fuel Pump Module.
The fuel filter is replaceable only as part of the
fuel pump module.
DESCRIPTION - FFV REPLACEMENT PARTS
Many components in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
are designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always
be sure that the vehicle is serviced with correct etha-
nol compatible parts.
CAUTION: Replacing fuel system components with
non-ethanol compatible components can damage
your vehicle and may void the warranty.
OPERATION
The fuel system provides fuel pressure by an
in-tank pump module. The Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM) controls the operation of the fuel system
by providing battery voltage to the fuel pump
through the fuel pump relay. The PCM requires only
three inputs and a good ground to operate the fuel
pump relay. The three inputs are:
²Ignition voltage
²Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL DELIVERY
SYSTEM
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE
(1) Remove Fuel Pump relay from Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). For location of relay, refer to label
on underside of PDC cover.
(2) Start and run engine until it stalls.(3) Attempt restarting engine until it will no
longer run.
(4) Turn ignition key to OFF position.
(5) Return fuel pump relay to PDC.
(6) One or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
may have been stored in PCM memory due to fuel
pump relay removal. The DRB IIItscan tool must be
used to erase a DTC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAINING FUEL
TANK
Two different procedures may be used to drain fuel
tank (lowering tank or using DRBIIItscan tool).
The quickest draining procedure involves lowering
the fuel tank.
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES. NEVER SMOKE
WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE. THIS MAY
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
As an alternative procedure, the electric fuel pump
may be activated allowing tank to be drained at fuel
rail connection. Refer to DRBIIItscan tool for fuel
pump activation procedures. Before disconnecting
fuel line at fuel rail, release fuel pressure. Refer to
the Fuel System Pressure Release Procedure in this
group for procedures. Disconnect the fuel line at the
fuel rail and remove the plastic retainer from the
fuel rail. Take plastic retainer and install it back into
the fuel line from body. Check the O-ring and make
sure that it is in place and not damaged. Attach end
of special test hose tool number 6539 at fuel line con-
nection from the body line. Position opposite end of
this hose tool to an approved gasoline draining sta-
tion. Activate fuel pump and drain tank until empty.
When done remove the special test hose tool number
6539 from the body line. Remove the plastic retainer
from the special test hose tool number 6539 and rein-
stall it into the fuel line from the body. Check the
O-ring and make sure that it is in place and not
damaged. Install the fuel line to the fuel rail.
If electric fuel pump is not operating, tank must be
lowered for fuel draining. Refer to following proce-
dures.
(1) Remove fuel filler cap.
(2) Perform the Fuel System Pressure Release pro-
cedure.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Raise vehicle and support.
(5) Certain models are equipped with a separate
grounding wire (strap) connecting the fuel fill tube
assembly to the body. Disconnect wire by removing
screw.
14 - 2 FUEL DELIVERYRS
STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . 1
OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING SYSTEM FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST......................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS............3SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING FASTENER TORQUE . . . 9
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING....................9
COLUMN..............................10
GEAR.................................26
PUMP.................................36
STEERING
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
This vehicle comes with power steering as stan-
dard equipment. The power steering system consists
of these major components:
²POWER STEERING PUMP
²POWER STEERING GEAR
²POWER STEERING FLUID
²POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER (If
Equipped)
²POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
²POWER STEERING FLUID SUPPLY HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
For information on the first two components, refer
to their respective sections within this service man-
ual group. Information on all other components can
be found in POWER STEERING PUMP.
OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into lin-
ear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the
helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the
steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the
tie rods to change the direction of the vehicle's front
wheels.
Power assist steering is provided by a belt driven
rotary type pump. It directs fluid through power
steering fluid hoses to the power steering gear where
it is used to assist the driver's turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be main-
tained if power steering assist is lost. However,
under this condition, steering effort is significantly
increased.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
ALL ENGINES
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed to determine if the
power steering pump or power steering gear is not
functioning properly. The following flow and pressure
test is performed using the Power Steering Analyzer
Kit, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 1), hoses, Special Tools
6905 and 6959, and fittings from adapter kit, Special
Tool 6893.
Fig. 1 Power Steering Analyzer With Hoses Installed
1 - OUTLET
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6815
3 - INLET
RSSTEERING19-1
(6) Start engine and let idle just long enough to
circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer
and hoses. Shut off engine.
(7) Check power steering fluid level and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle until the
air is out of the fluid.
(8) Gauge should read below 300 psi (2068 kPa). If
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range
of 100-275 psi (689-1896 kPa) depending on fluid
temperature. The flow meter should read above 1.5
GPM.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than four seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum pressure for
2.4L engines is 1,200 ± 1,350 psi (8,274 ± 9,308
kPa). Power steering pump maximum pressure for
all other engines is 1,400 ± 1,500 psi (9,653 ± 10,342
kPa).
(9) Close analyzer valve fully three times and
record highest pressure indicated each time. All three
readings must be within specifications. If any of the
three power steering pump pressures are above orbelow specifications, replace pump. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Do not force the steering to operate
against the stops for more than 4 seconds at a time
because pump damage can result.
(10) Once the pump has been verified as working
correctly, completely open the valve on the Power
Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to the
extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then release it.
Now turn the steering wheel to the right until the
right stop is met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then
release it. Record the stabilized pressure at each
position. Compare the recorded readings to the spec-
ifications. If the output pressures are not within 100
psi (689 kPa) of one another against either stop or
are below specifications, the steering gear is leaking
internally and must be replaced. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover POWER STEERING NOISE, STEERING
WHEEL FEEL, and POWER STEERING FLUID.
POWER STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE*1. Damaged or mispositioned
steering column shaft/coupling dash
panel seal.1. Reposition or replace steering
column shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
2. Mis-routed power steering hose. 2. Check routing of power steering
hoses. Ensure hoses do not come in
unwanted contact with other
components and objects.
3. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.3. Replace power steering gear.
RATTLE OR EXCESSIVE
CLUNK**1. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.1. Inspect power steering gear
mounting bolts. Replace as necessary.
Tighten to the specified torque.
2. Front suspension crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame.2. Tighten the front suspension
crossmember mounting fasteners to the
specified torque.
3. Loose tie rod (outer or inner). 3. Check tie rod pivot points for wear.
Replace worn/loose parts as required.
RSSTEERING19-3
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
5. Lower control arm pivot bushing
worn.5. Replace lower control arm pivot
bushing.
6. Loose strut assembly mounting
fasteners at tower or knuckle.6. Tighten strut assembly fasteners to
the specified torque.
7. Power steering fluid hose touching
the body of the vehicle.7. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
attachments to specified torque. Do not
bend tubing.
8. Damaged front suspension
crossmember.8. Replace front suspension
crossmember.
9. Stabilizer bar link ball joints worn. 9. Replace stabilizer bar link.
10. Lug nuts loose. 10. Tighten lug nuts to specifications.
11. Excessive Wheel bearing
free-play.11. Verify correct halfshaft hub nut
torque. Replace hub and bearing if
torque is okay.
12. Internal power steering gear
noise.12. Replace power steering gear.
POPPING NOISE 1. Worn outer tie rod. 1. Check ball joint for free-play;
Replace outer tie rod.
2. Loose inner tie rod. 2. Replace power steering gear.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL
(POWER STEERING
PUMP)1. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.1. Check and adjust power steering
pump drive belt to specifications or
replace automatic tensioner where
applicable. Replace belt if worn or
glazed.
2. Malfuctioning belt auto-tensioner 2. Replace belt auto-tensioner.
WHINE, GROWL, MOAN
OR GROAN (POWER
STEERING PUMP)***1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level and check for leaks (make
sure all air is bled from the system
fluid).
2. Power steering hose touching
vehicle body or frame.2. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
fitting to specified torque. Do not bend
tubing. Replace hose if damaged.
3. Extremely low ambient
temperature.3. Some noise can be expected, but will
go away as vehicle warms. Replace
pump if noise is excessive.
4. Extreme wear of power steering
pump internal components.4. Replace power steering pump and
flush system as necessary.
19 - 4 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)