Fluid - A/T: Service and Repair
The content of this article reflects the changes called out by TSB 26-03-99.FLUID AND FILTER SERVICE - TRANSMISSION
NOTE: Refer to Lubrication and Maintenance, or the vehicle owner's manual, for the recommended maintenance (fluid/filter change) intervals for this transaxle.
NOTE: Only fluids of the type labeled MOPAR ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602 should be used. A filter change should be made at the time of the transmission oil change. The magnet (on the inside of the oil pan) should also be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.
NOTE: If the transaxie is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be changed.
FLUID/FILTER SERVICE (RECOMMENDED)
1. Raise vehicle on a hoist (See Lubrication). Place a drain container with a large opening, under transaxle oil pan.
2. Loosen pan bolts and tap the pan at one corner to break it loose allowing fluid to drain, then remove the oil pan.
3. Install a new filter and O-ring on bottom of the valve body and tighten retaining screws to 5 Nm (40 in. lbs.).
4. Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan using new MOPAR Silicone Adhesive sealant. Tighten oil pan bolts to 19 Nm (165 in. lbs.).
5. Pour four quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602 through the dipstick opening.
6. Start engine and allow to idle for at least one minute. Then, with parking and service brakes applied, move selector lever momentarily to each position, ending in the park or neutral position.
Fig. 4A:
7. Check the transaxie fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 in.) below the "ADD" mark on the dipstick (Fig. 4A).
8. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has reached normal operating temperature (180 °F).
9. To prevent dirt from entering transaxie, make certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick opening.
ALTERNATIVE SERVICE METHODS (FLUID ONLY)
TRANSAXLE FLUID EXCHANGER METHOD
1. To perform the transaxle fluid exchange, the transaxie must be at operating temperature. Drive the vehicle until it reaches full operating temperature.
2. Obtain a suitable transaxle fluid exchanger and verify the tank is clean and dry.
3. Fill the tank to the recommended fill capacity with MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602.
4. Connect the machine to the vehicle following the manufacturers instructions. Perform the exchange procedure following the instructions provided with the machine.
5. Once machine has completed the fluid exchange. Check the fluid level and condition and fill to proper level with MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602. Refer to Fluid Level and Condition Check in this group for the proper fluid "top-off" procedure.
NOTE: Verify that the transaxie cooler lines are tightened to proper specifications. Cooler line torque specification is 2 Nm (18 in. lbs.).
DIPSTICK TUBE FLUID SUCTION METHOD
1. When performing the fluid suction method, make sure the transaxle is at flill operating temperature.
2. To perform the dipstick tube fluid suction method, use a suitable fluid suction device (Vacula or equivalent).
3. Insert the fluid suction line into the dipstick tube.
NOTE: Verify that the suction line is inserted to the lowest point of the transaxle oil pan. This will ensure complete evacuation of the fluid in the pan.
4. Follow the manufacturers recommended procedure and evacuate the fluid from the transaxle.
5. Remove the suction line from the dipstick tube.
6. Pour four quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602 through the dipstick opening.
7. Start engine and allow to idle for at least one minute. Then, with parking and service brakes applied, move selector lever momentarily to each position, ending in the park or neutral position.
8. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 in.) below the "ADD" mark on the dipstick (Fig. 4A).
9. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has reached normal operating temperature (180 °F).
10. To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick opening.
SEVERE USAGE SERVICE
If the vehicle exhibits any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that the transaxle oil and filter be replaced.
- Transaxle oil discolored
- Transaxle oil has high mileage
- Oil feels grimy when rubbed between fingertips
- Poor shift quality
- Delayed gear engagement
- Vehicle shudder between shifts
TRANSAXLE OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
This procedure involves changing the transaxle fluid and filter, driving the vehicle for 10 miles and changing the transaxle fluid a second time.
1. Bring the vehicle up to normal operating temperature. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
2. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
3. Loosen the transaxle oil pan and drain the fluid into a suitable container.
4. Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the magnet and the inside of the pan.
5. Separate the filter and O-ring from the valve body. Inspect the O-ring for cuts or improper installation. This could lead to delayed garage shifts.
6. Install a new filter. Replace the O-ring as necessary.
7. Apply a 1/8 inch bead of MOPAR RTV Sealant to the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts. Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts to 19 Nm (165 in. lbs.).
8. Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of MOPAR ATF+4 Type 9602 transaxle fluid.
9. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a minimum of one minute. With the parking brake applied, press your foot on the service brake and cycle the transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in neutral or park.
10. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate araount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dipstick.