Automatic Transmissions: Maintenance Dodge Neon II

FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION CHECK

Note. Only transmission fluid of the type labeled Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-Type 9602) should be used in this transaxle.

FLUID LEVEL CHECK

The transmission sump has a fluid level indicator (dipstick) to check oil similar to most automatic transmissions. It is located on the left side of the engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.

The torque converter fills in both the (P) Park and (N) Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in Park to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle on level ground. At normal operating temperature 82°C (180°F), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region on the oil level indicator. (Scheme 432) The fluid level should be within the COLD region of the dipstick at 27°C (80°F) fluid temperature.

Scheme 432

FLUID LEVEL CHECK USING DRB

Note. Engine and transaxle should be at normal operating temperature before performing this procedure.

Scheme 433

1. Start engine and apply parking brake.
2. Hook up DRB scan tool and select transmission.
3. Select sensors.
4. Read the transmission temperature value.
5. Compare the fluid temperature value with the fluid temperature chart. (Scheme 433)
6. Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the indicator according to the chart.
7. Check transmission for leaks.

Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions because it allows the pump to take in air along with the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be low and build up slowly.

Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions which occur with a low fluid level.

In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak.

FLUID CONDITION

Along with fluid level, it is important to check the condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned, and is contaminated with metal or friction material particles, a complete transaxle recondition is probably required. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely. If there is any doubt about its condition, drain out a sample for a double check.

Mopar® ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-Type 9602) when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. A dark brown/black fluid accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or transmission component failure.

After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick fully to seal out water and dirt.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER SERVICE

Note. Refer to the maintenance schedules in SERVICING - A/T or 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 transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be changed.

Scheme 434

Scheme 435

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. 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. (Scheme 434)
4. Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan using new Mopar Silicone Adhesive sealant. Tighten oil pan bolts to 19 N.m (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.
7. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level to 3 mm (1/8 in.) below the lowest mark on the dipstick. (Scheme 435)
8. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has reached normal operating temperature (180°F.). Refer to «FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION CHECK»(ref-178094-S29064027762005061000000) for the proper fluid fill procedure.
9. To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick opening.

DIPSTICK TUBE FLUID SUCTION METHOD (ALTERNATIVE)

1. When performing the fluid suction method, make sure the transaxle is at full operating temperature.
2. To perform the dipstick tube fluid suction method, use a suitable fluid suction device (Vacula TM 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 lowest mark on the dipstick. (Scheme 435)
9. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle has reached normal operating temperature (180°F.). (Refer to «FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION CHECK»(ref-178094-S29064027762005061000000) ).
10. To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make certain that dipstick is fully seated into the dipstick opening.

Scheme 436

Scheme 437

Scheme 438

Scheme 439

Scheme 440

Scheme 441

Scheme 442

Scheme 443

1. Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter handle. (Scheme 436)
2. Remove the center console assembly as shown in (Scheme 437)
3. Remove shifter bezel. (Scheme 438)
4. Disconnect shift cable from shifter assembly as shown in (Scheme 439)
5. Remove three grommet plate to floor pan nuts as shown in (Scheme 439)
6. Disconnect both battery cables, remove battery hold down clamp and bolt, and remove battery.
7. Remove air cleaner/throttle body assembly as follows: (Scheme 440) Disconnect proportional purge solenoid (PPS) and crankcase vent hose from throttle body. Disconnect the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors. Remove mounting bolt and nut and partially remove air cleaner assembly. Disconnect accelerator and speed control (if equipped) cables after the assembly. is removed from position. Remove air cleaner assembly from vehicle.
8. Remove battery tray from bracket.
9. Disconnect shifter cable from shift lever and remove from bracket. (Scheme 441)
10. Raise vehicle on hoist.
11. Remove catalytic converter heat shield. (Scheme 442)
12. Remove intermediate pipe heat shield front bolts.
13. Remove remaining grommet plate screw and remove cable assembly from vehicle. (Scheme 443)

Scheme 444

1. Install cable assembly through floor pan opening and secure to floor pan with grommet plate and one screw. (Scheme 443) Make sure the three grommet plate studs protrude through cable assembly and floor pan and tighten screw to 7 N.m (60 in. lbs.).
2. Route transaxle end of cable assembly into engine compartment and over transaxle assembly.
3. Install and tighten intermediate pipe heat shield front screws.
4. Install catalytic converter heat shield. (Scheme 442)
5. Install gear shift cable to bracket and connect to shift lever. (Scheme 441)
6. Install and tighten the three grommet plate-to-floor pan nuts. Tighten to 6 N.m (50 in. lbs.).
7. Connect gearshift cable to shifter assembly as shown in (Scheme 439)
8. Install shifter bezel. (Scheme 438)
9. Adjust gearshift cable as follows: Place gearshift lever in the PARK (P) position. Loosen shift cable adjustment screw. (Scheme 444) Verify transaxle is in the PARK (P) position and the shifter lever is in gated PARK. Tighten shift cable adjustment screw to 8 N.m (70 in. lbs.).
10. Install battery tray.
11. Install battery and hold down clamp.
12. Install the air cleaner/throttle body assembly as follows: (Scheme 440) Connect the accelerator and speed control (if equipped) cables to the air cleaner/throttle body assembly. Install assembly into position, making sure the air cleaner locating slot is engaged to the battery bracket tab, and tighten fasteners to 14 N.m (120 in. lbs.). Verify throttle body duct is fully seated to intake manifold and tighten clamp to 5 N.m (40 in. lbs.). Connect the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors. Connect proportional purge solenoid (PPS) and crankcase vent hose from throttle body.
13. Install center console assembly. (Scheme 437)
14. Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to 2 N.m (15 in. lbs.). (Scheme 436)
15. Connect battery cables.
16. Verify that engine starter operates in both PARK (P) and NEUTRAL (N). Starter should not operate in any other gear position.