A/T - 31TH, Harsh 2-3 Upshifts/3-2 Gear Kickdown
NO: 21-17-95GROUP: Transmission
DATE: Sep. 29, 1995
SUBJECT:
Transmission Shift Quality
Improvement - 31TH Transaxle
MODELS:
1990 - 1995 (AS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Harsh 2-3 upshifts, harsh 3-2 kickdown, harsh 1-2 upshifts and/or neutral to reverse shifts.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System or the Scan Tool (DRB III) with the appropriate diagnostic procedure manual, verify that all engine systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order for future reference and repair as necessary. If no codes are present and all systems are functioning correctly, proceed with the following repair.
Check transaxle fluid level, throttle pressure linkage and shift linkage for proper function and operation. If the fluid level is correct and the linkages are operating correctly, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 4612923 Spring, Throttle Pressure Linkage Return
1 4612931 Lever, Transmission Throttle Pressure
1 4612843 Rod, Transmission Throttle Pressure
1 6026776 Clip, Linkage To Throttle Body Stud
1 4269649 Filter, Transaxle Oil
1 4773546 Package, Transmission Shift Improvement
Consists Of:
1 4659331 Kickdown Spring
1 4659332 Accumulator Spring
1 4659179 Low/Reverse Servo Assembly
1 3743650 Accumulator Piston
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This repair involves the replacement of the kickdown servo spring, accumulator spring, reverse servo cushion spring, the accumulator piston, throttle pressure linkage rod, transmission lever and return spring with revised parts.
1. Record the radio station presets and disconnect the battery cables.
2. Remove the battery and battery tray assembly.
3. Remove the battery tray support bracket and modify it by increasing the height of the notch in lower rear flange 2-5/8 in. (65 mm) (Figure 1). The increase in the size of the notch is required to provide adequate clearance for the revised throttle pressure lever at wide open throttle.
4. Remove the throttle pressure linkage return spring (Figure 2).
5. Remove the linkage to the throttle body stud clip.
6. Pull the linkage adjustment block off of the throttle pressure lever at the transmission by applying an upward force.
7. Loosen the linkage rod adjusting screw at the transmission end of the linkage.
8. Loosen the throttle pressure lever retaining nut and pull the lever off of the transmission.
9. Remove the throttle rod from the vehicle.
10. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
11. Clean the bottom of the transaxle.
12. Remove the transaxle oil pan and clean the mating surfaces of all sealant.
13. Remove the neutral start/back-up lamp switch.
14. Remove the transaxle oil filter.
15. Remove the "E"-clip holding the parking rod to the valve body and separate the rod from the valve body.
16. Remove the 7 bolts attaching the valve body to the transaxle and separate the valve body and governor tubes from the transaxle.
17. Loosen the Low/Reverse and kickdown band adjustment screws and move the actuator arms out of the way.
18. Remove the Low/Reverse servo snap ring, spring retainer, return spring and servo assembly (Figures 3 and 4). Install revised Low/Reverse servo assembly (P/N 4659179), return spring, spring retainer and snap ring.
19. Remove the accumulator servo snap ring, plate, spring and piston (Figure 5). Install revised accumulator piston (P/N 3743650), revised spring (P/N 4659332), plate and snap ring.
20. Remove the kickdown servo snap ring, piston rod guide and return spring (Figure 6). Install revised kickdown servo return spring (P/N 4659331), piston rod guide and snap ring.
21. Assemble the Low/Reverse band adjuster components, then adjust the band by tightening the adjusting screw to 41 in. lbs. (5 Nm) and then back the screw out 3-1/2 turns. Torque the locknut to 10 ft. lbs. (14 Nm).
22. Assemble the kickdown band adjuster components. Then adjust the band by tightening the adjusting screw to 72 in. lbs. (8 Nm) and then back the screw out 2-1/4 turns. Torque the locknut to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm).
23. Install the valve body and governor tubes to the transaxle, torque the 7 attaching bolts to 105 in. lbs. (12 Nm).
24. Install the parking rod and secure with the "E"-clip previously removed.
25. Install a new transaxle oil filter (P/N 4269649), torque the screws to 40 in. lbs. (5 Nm).
26. Install the neutral start/back-up lamp switch.
27. Apply a 1/8 in. (3 mm) bead of Mopar Silicone Sealant (P/N 4318025) to the transaxle oil pan mounting flange. Attach the transaxle oil pan to the transaxle and torque the attaching bolts to 165 in. lbs. (19 Nm).
28. Install the revised throttle pressure lever (P/N 4612931) to the transmission and torque the attaching nut to 85-125 in. lbs. (10-14 Nm).
29. Install the revised throttle pressure rod (P/N 4612843). Snap the linkage rod adjustment block on to the throttle pressure lever. Install a new linkage to throttle body stud clip (P/N 6026776).
30. Install the revised linkage return spring (P/N 4612923).
31. Adjust the throttle pressure linkage by loosening the linkage rod adjusting screw at the transmission end of the rod. With one hand, push the throttle pressure lever clockwise toward the engine to hold it against its idle stop inside the transmission, then tighten the linkage rod adjusting screw to 85-125 in. lbs. (10 - 14 Nm) making sure the screw butts up against the flat side of the rod.
32. Move the throttle from idle to Wide Open Throttle (WOT). Make sure the transmission throttle pressure lever begins to move as soon as the throttle body leaves the idle position and the lever is within 0.118 in. (3 mm) of its WOT stop within the transmission when the throttle body is at WOT. If these conditions are not met, repeat the adjustment.
33. Install the battery tray assembly and battery.
34. Pour 4 quarts Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 7176 (P/N 4467721) through the dipstick opening.
35. Start the engine and allow to idle for a minimum of one minute. With the parking brake and the service brakes applied, move the gear selector lever momentarily to each gear position. Place the gear selector lever in either park or neutral.
36. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount of transmission fluid to bring the level to 1/8 in. (3 mm) below the ADD mark on dipstick.
37. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at normal operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT range of the dipstick.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No. 21-80-10-91 2.0 Hrs.
Related Operation No. 21-80-10-92 Equipped with Speed Control 0.1 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part