Chrysler Le Baron, Dodge Dynasty, Plymouth Acclaim. Manual

FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION

The transmission and differential sump have a

common oil sump with a communicating opening
between the two.

The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N

Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park to
check the fluid level. The engine should be running
at idle speed for at least one minute, with the
vehicle on level ground. This will assure com-
plete oil level stabilization between differential
and transmission. The fluid should be at normal
operating temperature (approximately 82 C. or 180 F.).
The fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region
(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator.

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, the air bubbles can cause over heat-

ing, fluid oxidation, and varnishing, which can inter-
fere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator opera-
tion. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the
transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak.

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 overhaul is needed. 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.

After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick

fully to seal out water and dirt.

SELECTION OF LUBRICANT

It is important that the proper lubricant be used in

the 41TE transaxle. MOPAR

t ATF PLUS (Automatic

Transmission Fluid—type 7176) should be used to aid
in assuring optimum transmission performance. Flu-
ids of the type labeled DEXRON II Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid are not recommended. DEXRON II
can be used only if the recommended fluid is not
available. If more than a small amount of DEXRON II
is used shudder or shift quality problems may result. It
is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluids.

SPECIAL ADDITIVES

Chrysler Corporation does not recommend the addi-

tion of any fluids to the transaxle, other than the
automatic transmission fluid listed above. An excep-

tion to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided, since they may adversely affect
seals.

FLUID AND FILTER CHANGES

When the factory fill fluid is changed, only fluids

labeled MOPAR

t ATF PLUS (Automatic Transmis-

sion fluid) Type 7176 should be used. A filter change
should be made at the time of the oil change. Also
the magnet (on the inside of the oil pan) should be
cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.

If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the

fluid and filter should be changed.

FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL

(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist (See Lubrication,

Group 0). Place a drain container with a large open-
ing, 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.

(4) Clean the oil pan and magnet. Reinstall pan

using new MOPAR

t Adhesive Sealant. Tighten oil

pan bolts to 19 N

Im (165 in. lbs.).

(5) Pour four quarts of MOPAR

t ATF PLUS (Au-

tomatic Transmission Fluid) Type 7176 through the
fill tube.

(6) Start engine and allow to idle for at least one

minute. Then, with parking and service brakes ap-
plied, move selector lever momentarily to each posi-
tion, ending in the park or neutral position.

(7) Add sufficient fluid to bring level to 1/8 inch

below the ADD mark.

Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal op-

erating temperature. The level should be in the HOT
region (Fig. 3).

To prevent dirt from entering transaxle, make cer-

tain that dipstick is seated into the dipstick fill tube
(Fig. 4).

ROAD TEST

Prior to performing a road test, be certain that the

fluid level and condition, and control cable adjust-
ment have been checked and approved.

Fig. 3 Oil Level Indicator

TRANSAXLE

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Chrysler Le Baron, Dodge Dynasty, Plymouth Acclaim. Manual - part 121