FLUID COOLER
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to «Hoisting, Standard Procedure»(ref-462458-S12121678172012040500000) .
- Remove the left front tire.
- Remove the left front splash shield.
- Drain the coolant.
- Remove the transmission lines (2) at the cooler (3).
- Remove the coolant lines (1) at the cooler.
- Remove the mounting bolts at the cooler.
- Remove the cooler from the transmission. Remove and discard the O-ring seal.
- Remove the fluid filter (1).
Scheme 174
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to «Hoisting, Standard Procedure»(ref-462458-S12121678172012040500000) .
- Remove the left front tire.
- Remove the belly pan. Refer to «BELLY PAN, Removal»(ref-462495-S24102012082012040500000) .
- Disconnect the transmission lines (1). Refer to «TUBES AND HOSES, Transmission Oil Cooler, Standard Procedure»(ref-462462-S09442581362012040500000) .
- Remove the four mounting bolts (1).
- Remove the bypass valve plate from the transmission.
- Remove and discard the O-ring.
| CAUTION | Apply CVT fluid on the sealing area when installing the CVT fluid filter. |
- Install the CVT fluid filter (1) into the transaxle case (certain models). CAUTION: Do not re-use the O-ring. Apply CVT fluid when installing the O-ring.
- Install the new O-ring (1) onto the CVT fluid filter.
- Install the CVT fluid cooler onto the transaxle case.
- Install and tighten the mounting bolts to 4 N.m (37 in.lbs.).
- Install the coolant lines (1) at the cooler.
- Install the transmission lines (2) at the cooler (3).
- Install the left front splash shield.
- Install the left front tire.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Inspect the coolant level. Refer to «Standard Procedure»(ref-462462-S03285651472012040500000) .
- Inspect the transmission fluid level. Refer to «FLUID, Standard Procedure»(ref-462502-S18080440102012040500000) .
EFFECTS OF INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid pressures to be low and develop slower than normal. If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing the same conditions occurring with a low level. In either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxidation, and varnish buildup which interferes with valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can easily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
CAUSES OF BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating which has three primary causes.
- Internal clutch slippage, usually caused by low line pressure, inadequate clutch apply pressure, or clutch seal failure.
- A result of restricted fluid flow through the main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usually the result of a faulty or damaged oil cooler, or severe restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris or kinked lines.
- Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not properly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer towing or similar high load operation will overheat the transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling system, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to handle heavy loads.
FLUID CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a result of
- adding incorrect fluid
- failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when checking level
- engine coolant entering the fluid
- internal failure that generates debris
- overheat that generates sludge (fluid breakdown)
- failure to replace contaminated converter after repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in transmission failure. The usual results are erratic shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdrawing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is generally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The torque converter should be replaced whenever a failure generates sludge and debris. This is necessary because normal converter flushing procedures will not remove all contaminants.
Scheme 175
- Verify that the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
- Remove the dipstick tube cap. WARNING: There is a risk of accident from vehicle starting off by itself when engine is running. There is a risk of injury from contusions and burns if you insert your hands into the engine when it is started or when it is running. Secure vehicle to prevent it from moving off by itself. Wear properly fastened and close-fitting work clothes. Do not touch hot or rotating parts.
- Actuate the service brake. Start engine and let it run at idle speed in selector lever position "P".
- Shift through the transmission modes several times with the vehicle stationary and the engine idling.
- Warm up the transmission, wait at least 2 minutes and check the oil level with the engine running. Push the Oil Dipstick (special tool #9336A, Dipstick) into transmission fill tube until the dipstick tip contacts the oil pan and pull out again, read off oil level, repeat if necessary. NOTE: The dipstick will protrude from the fill tube when installed.
- Check transmission oil temperature using the appropriate scan tool.
- The transmission Oil Dipstick (special tool #9336A, Dipstick) has indicator marks every 10 mm. Determine the height of the oil level on the dipstick and using the height, the transmission temperature, and the Transmission Fluid Graph, determine if the transmission oil level is correct. see scheme 271
- Add or remove oil as necessary and recheck the oil level.
- Once the oil level is correct, install the dipstick tube cap.
FLUID AND STRAINER SERVICE
- Remove the bolts holding the oil pan (1) to the transaxle case. see scheme 272
- Remove the oil pan from the transaxle case.
- Remove the oil pan gasket (1) from the transaxle case. see scheme 273
- Remove the bolts holding the oil strainer (1) to the valve body. see scheme 274
- Remove the oil strainer.
- Remove and discard the oil strainer o-ring. CAUTION: Do not re-use the O-ring. Apply CVT fluid when installing the O-ring.
- Install the new o-ring (1) onto the new oil strainer. see scheme 275
- Install the new oil strainer (1) onto the control valve assembly. see scheme 276 Install and tighten the mounting bolts to 8 N.m (70 in. lbs.). CAUTION: Do not re-use the oil pan gasket. Remove any moisture, oil, and used gasket material from the surface where the new gasket is to be installed. When installing the oil pan gasket, align the dowel pin with the dowel pin hole in the oil pan gasket.
- Install the oil pan gasket (1) onto the transaxle case. see scheme 277 CAUTION: When installing the oil pan, align the dowel pin of the transaxle case with the dowel pin hole of the oil pan.
- Install the oil pan on the transaxle case (1). see scheme 278 Install and tighten the mounting bolts to 8 N.m (70 in.lbs.). NOTE: Only transmission fluid of the type labeled Mopar® CVTF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) should be used in this transaxle.
- Check the oil level Refer to «FLUID, Standard Procedure»(ref-462502-S18080440102012040500000).
Scheme 176
- Remove halfshaft. Refer to «Removal»(ref-462452-S27729310862012040500000) or «Removal»(ref-462453-S29247143482012040500000) or «Removal»(ref-462454-S18789481292012040500000) .
- Remove left side differential oil seal.
Scheme 177
- Install the left side differential oil seal using Installer (special tool #9871, Installer, Seal) (2) and Handle (special tool #C-4171, Driver Handle, Universal) (3).
- Install halfshaft. Refer to «Installation»(ref-462452-S00718294952012040500000) or «Installation»(ref-462453-S17654893302012040500000) or «Installation»(ref-462454-S38190915942012040500000) .
- Road test vehicle and inspect for leaks.
Scheme 178
- Remove halfshaft. Refer to «Removal»(ref-462452-S27729310862012040500000) or «Removal»(ref-462453-S29247143482012040500000) or «Removal»(ref-462454-S18789481292012040500000) .
- If all wheel drive, remove the PTU Refer to «Removal»(ref-462499-S07134337852012040500000) .
- Remove the seal (2) from the transaxle using a screwdriver (3).
Scheme 179
- Install the seal using Installer (special tool #9877, Installer, Seal) (2) and Handle (special tool #C-4171, Driver Handle, Universal) (3).
- If all wheel drive, install the PTU Refer to «Installation»(ref-462499-S04082701532012040500000) .
- Install Halfshaft. Refer to «Installation»(ref-462452-S00718294952012040500000) or «Installation»(ref-462453-S17654893302012040500000) or «Installation»(ref-462454-S38190915942012040500000) .
- Road test vehicle and inspect for leaks.